News

ARCS National has strengthened its focus on fund development with the hiring of Monica Mizzi. National leadership, including the Philanthropy Committee, created the Development Director position “to play a significant critical part in achieving annual fundraising goals and advancing the ARCS mission,” according to the job description. 

Mizzi brings relevant experience and skills to ARCS. Her professional resume includes positions with Latinas in Tech, Women Business Collaborative, and Society of Women Engineers. She has also been in the volunteer role, giving time to Chicago Cares and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. 

“I’m most proud of my work supporting underrepresented groups in technology. There is a real need to create spaces where people can learn, grow, and contribute to the technologies shaping our everyday world,” Mizzi says. “More broadly, my work has focused on helping organizations clearly articulate their value. Often important work is happening, but the story is not being told in a way that drives engagement. I find it especially meaningful to connect complex ideas to clear, compelling narratives that inspire action.”

She shares that work experiences with Latinas in Tech, Society for Women Engineers, and Women Business Collaborative “shaped how I think about community, access, and visibility. They reinforced that opportunity alone is not enough. People also need to feel confident stepping into it. That perspective carries into my approach to collaboration and fund development. It is not just about resources, but about giving people the clarity and confidence to engage.”

As for her focus with ARCS, she says, “A key priority for me is diversifying revenue streams while making fundraising more accessible and strategic. ARCS has a strong foundation, and I see a real opportunity to better connect and expand resources. Over the next year, I’m excited to explore new approaches, engage more deeply with supporters, and help the organization provide financial awards that support the next generation of STEM scholars.”

As Mizzi explained in a letter to the ARCS Search Committee, “My values deeply align with ARCS Foundation’s mission: equity, excellence, and impact. I know firsthand that cultivating strong, lasting donor relationships requires listening deeply, honoring unique motivations, and demonstrating results with clarity.”

Joan Foley, Co-Chair of the Philanthropy Committee, says that “Monica’s writing skills, experience with women-led, chapter model, science-focused organizations, and her poised interviews made her an outstanding choice for this position. With an eye to expanding our presence and impact in funding future scientists, ARCS is ready to elevate our fundraising to foundations and corporations. Monica has that experience.” 

Initial funding for the Development Director role for ARCS National is provided by a grant from the Burton Family Foundation/Christy Burton, Phoenix Chapter member.

Monica’s email is developmentdirector@arcsfoundation.org. She will be introduced at the upcoming ARCS National Executive Committee meeting on April 16. All are invited to attend virtually, but you must register.

April 16, 2026

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET

Register by April 16, 2026, 12:00 a.m.

https://arcsfoundation.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=2579