Sign In
Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
Aqua Y. Porter
Aqua Y. Porter
Aqua Y. Porter
Aqua Y. Porter
Listen to this articleExecutive Director, Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI)
Years in current role: 4
What trends or innovations in your industry do you anticipate having the biggest impact in 2025?
In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) could significantly enhance nonprofit operations. AI can streamline administrative tasks, allowing a small staff like ours to focus more on the most critical activities. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots can improve funder engagement by helping us tailor engagement and providing targeted reporting. I’m most excited that AI can assist in optimizing our work by analyzing data to identify trends and areas for prioritization and action to increase overall impact.
What role do you see Rochester playing in your organization’s growth over the next few years?
The Greater Rochester community is key to our success, as RMAPI unites stakeholders to drive systemic change. We depend on the community aligning with and accepting responsibility for transforming systems. By working across public, private, nonprofit, government, and education sectors, we can dismantle barriers so an individual’s ZIP codes don’t dictate success. Addressing disparities in housing, education, jobs, and health care is critical. Together, we must confront structural racism and ensure upward mobility, making equity not just a goal, but a shared responsibility.
How do you balance fostering innovation while managing day-to-day business operations?
Balancing innovation with daily operations comes naturally to me because I rarely create from scratch — instead, I seek out proven ideas, best practices, and emerging trends. By continuously researching and adapting innovative approaches, I integrate fresh thinking without disrupting essential operations. Innovation isn’t a separate function; it’s woven into how I approach challenges, ensuring we stay forward-thinking while effectively managing daily operations. The key is staying curious and adaptable!
 |
This profile is part of our Power 100 list for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net. |
