Tinkerer: A Conversation with Ryan Zapolski

In this episode, we speak with Ryan Zapolski, one of four individuals honored with the Outstanding Young Professional Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2024. Ryan serves as Senior Manager of Development at Smile Train, a nonprofit dedicated to comprehensive cleft care now celebrating its 25th anniversary. There, he oversees the mid-level giving and stewardship team and his expertise in donor research has led to numerous major gifts, including a million-dollar donation. We caught up with Ryan in Toronto at AFP ICON, the fundraising association’s annual international gathering.