Continuing in our "20 Questions" series, our next feature is of Apra Indiana's Vice President, Andrea Freund, Advancement Researcher at Butler University!

Q: What is the superpower that you often use at work? 

A: Tenacity - I keep at it and dig deep whenever possible.

Q: What is one thing Apra Indiana has done for you? 

A: Apra Indiana has given me a sense of professional kinship and has been a wonderful resource helping me grow in the profession.

Q: If the annual Apra International conference could be anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? 

A: London. I haven't been in 25 years and I miss it.

Q: How do you explain your role to people outside of Development? 

A: "I'm just a lil' internet sleuth." I'm kidding. I explain that I help our fundraisers with their portfolios, work on our donor pipeline, and ensure leadership has pertinent information for meetings with donors and stakeholders.

Q: If you were not in Prospect Research, what career would you have? 

A: I think I might have ended up a therapist or mediator.

Q: If you could tell your 15-year-old self about your job, what would you say? 

A: You'd love this! You get to solve puzzles, work independently, and help make the world a better place.

Q: Why did you join the Apra-Indiana board? 

A: I strongly believe in the power of a professional community that advocates for recognition and is a vibrant exchange for knowledge. I am hoping that my service on the board is contributing to this.

Q: Why do you think Apra-Indiana and the local Apra chapters matter? 

A: The local chapters are closely in touch with the members. When I first ventured into prospect research, Apra-Indiana was a great resource to learn and grow. 

Q: What is your #1 productivity tip? 

A: Headphones in and go!

Q: Best advice ever received? 

A: Pick your battles.

Q: If you wrote a book about prospect development, what would it be called? 

A: Dig deep. Know when to stop.

Q: If you wrote a memoir on your life, what would it be called? 

A: "Can you believe it?"

Q: What book are you reading right now? 

A: The Testaments and Middle School Superpowers

Q: Currently, what is your favorite restaurant? 

A: Delicia in Broad Ripple

Q: What is your favorite social platform to connect with people? 

A: My unhealthy favorite is Twitter/X.

Q: What is the last movie or TV show series you watched? 

A: The Residence. Delightful.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why? 

A: My mom. She passed away in March and I miss her.

Q: What is your hobby? 

A: Baking, houseplants, board games. (It's GenCon week!)

Q: Are you a texter or a caller? A: Caller. I text, but I prefer to talk.

Q: Who or what inspires you? 

A: My daughter and my mother. Their kindness and belief in the good in people fill my heart.