Not only is Emily S. Fisher a consultant, a fundraising executive and creator of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, she also shares lovely thoughts on her Facebook page. She shares such quotable treasures as “The most precious gift you can give someone is the gift of your time and attention.” Or this one, “5X5 Rule: If it’s not gonna matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes upset by it.” Or, “I can and I will. Watch me!”
Back in April, she revived her practice of offering inspirational quotes such as these because her Facebook friends were disappointed with their absence.
I have had lots of people tell me they miss the inspirational quotes I was posting. Here you go. “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” — Charles Darwin
Emily certainly has changed throughout her career, and helps others change and grow, as well.
She is the founder and president of Grow Wings Consulting, LLC, a full service-consulting agency for nonprofits and foundations. She is a certified fundraising executive (the sixth in the state of W.Va.) and has been certified by the School of Philanthropy and Indiana University School of Business in nonprofit executive leadership. She has been the executive director of the James B Chambers Foundation since 1998. In her time with the foundation, it has granted around $10,000,000 to nonprofits in Ohio County and the West Alexander area of Pennsylvania to aid indigent children. She has consulted with numerous nonprofit organizations. Among them are hospitals, educational institutions, religious, healthcare, philanthropic and social service organizations.
She began her career auditing and performing accounting functions for various nonprofits then moved into the roles of executive director for a public charity and private foundation before founding her company.
Fisher has re-energized board of directors, designed and implemented development programs, capital campaigns and statewide transfer of wealth programs, conducted workshops on grant writing, board member roles and responsibilities, organizational plans and nonprofit financial statements. She has presented at many conferences including CASE and Emerging Philanthropy. Fisher has been published in several magazines focused on nonprofits.
And along with all the consulting and leadership roles, Emily founded a second business, Em’s Gems, LLC, in 2012. She creates one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings from semi-precious beads, and sells her creations in locations across West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The Governor of West Virginia has appointed Fisher to the Commission for National and Community Service. She is a member of the board of directors for Youth Services System, WVU Children’s Leadership Council, ex-officio member for Leadership WV and is on the committee for the WVU Children’s Hospital Gala in Wheeling. Fisher has served as president of the Wheeling Lions Club, as secretary of Philanthropy WV and is on the board of the Western Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Emily is married; has two daughters and three grandchildren.
Here is what Emily answered when WEEasked:
What’s your favorite view in the Ohio Valley?
I love the view in my own backyard. It is a respite from life’s stressors for me. My backyard is filled with beautiful plants, trees, bushes and shrubs my husband and children have given me over the years. My husband feeds the birds so we have quite a variety of species of birds in and out of our yard along with squirrels and chipmunks stealing seed from the feeders.
What is the best part of your job?
I love the fact that I can control my own schedule. I learned early in my journey of owning and managing my own businesses that I needed to schedule time off (my time). Organizing my schedule has been challenging at times but very rewarding. I also learned to schedule time with friends since I work from a home office.
Tell us something that would surprise Weelunk readers about you.
I am four years older than my husband.
What book is on your nightstand or e-reader right now?
I enjoy reading sci-fi and silly romance books. I am presently reading The Reckoning: Book Two of the Taker Trilogy
What is your favorite Wheeling neighborhood and why?
My favorite Wheeling neighborhood is Centre Market. I enjoy the eclectic restaurants and shops in this area. I also like to go there in the evenings to listen to live music and enjoy a few drinks.
What is your wish for Wheeling?
I wish Wheeling a healthy sustainable future while maintaining its history. I enjoy and support change. Change is growth and Wheeling is going through growing pains. The downtown living spaces being created along with the younger generation working toward rejuvenating Wheeling is refreshing and gives me hope for Wheeling’s future.
