Of her more than 25 years in fundraising, Astrid has spent 10 years working as a frontline fundraiser in the US educational sector, working initially for a private school and later as senior development director for the University of California. After returning to her native Germany, she worked as chief development officer for a large research organisation. For many years, she has specialised in major donor fundraising, organisational development, and strategy development. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and also trained as a somatic coach, supporting leaders in the commercial and nonprofit sectors.
Currently, Astrid is a partner at Brakeley Fundraising Consultants GmbH in Munich, Germany. She has supported a large variety of organisations, including NGOS, universities, cultural, educational, and human rights organisations.
Prior to her role at the Resource Alliance, she served as a board member of the Deutscher Fundraising Verband (DFRV) and the European Fundraising Association (EFA). She is a current member of the CFRE International Board of Directors and chairs its exam committee.
Her education includes a master’s in Chinese studies from Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität Munich as well as a certificate in modern and classical literature and Chinese studies from Fudan University in Shanghai. She also holds a 4th degree black belt in the Japanese martial art Aikido.