Episode 1

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Published on:

18th Feb 2025

AI in Philanthropy: Closing the Gap Between Impact and Innovation with Rachel M. Kimber

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with Rachel M. Kimber, a leader at the intersection of philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and AI. With two decades of experience in grantmaking and impact-driven initiatives, Rachel shares how AI is transforming nonprofit operations, funding strategies, and stakeholder engagement.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction

  • Michelle introduces the episode and today’s guest, Rachel M. Kimber.
  • Rachel’s background in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and AI.

[03:15] AI’s Role in the Nonprofit Sector

  • Why nonprofits need to embrace AI to stay efficient and impactful.
  • The biggest misconceptions about AI in philanthropy.

[08:45] Practical AI Applications for Grantmaking & Fundraising

  • How AI streamlines grant applications and funding research.
  • The power of AI in donor engagement and relationship management.

[14:20] Ethical AI & Compliance Considerations

  • Why responsible AI policies matter for nonprofits.
  • How organizations can ensure ethical AI use while mitigating risks.

[20:35] AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

  • Why human expertise is still essential in AI-powered workflows.
  • Encouraging nonprofits to experiment with AI without fear.

[26:50] Challenges & Opportunities in AI Adoption for Nonprofits

  • Overcoming budget constraints and AI skepticism.
  • The role of education and upskilling in nonprofit digital transformation.

[32:10] Rachel’s Advice for Nonprofits Looking to Start with AI

  • Where to begin if you’re new to AI.
  • Simple, practical steps for incorporating AI into nonprofit operations.

[38:00] Final Thoughts & Where to Connect

  • Rachel’s vision for the future of AI in philanthropy.
  • Where listeners can connect with Rachel and continue the conversation.

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About the Podcast

Empowered by AI
Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way
Welcome to Empowered by AI, where women entrepreneurs harness the power of AI to transform their businesses, break new ground, and lead confidently. Hosted by Michelle Muncy-Silva, founder of Innovation AI Studios, this podcast is your go-to resource for stories, strategies, and tools that help women combine creativity with cutting-edge technology to build the brands of tomorrow.
In each episode, we sit down with trailblazing women who are not just embracing AI—they’re unapologetically ensuring a place at the table in leveraging AI to redefine their industries, spark innovation, and elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Empowered by AI delivers real talk and actionable insights from women who have been where you are, tackled the challenges, and demanded that AI be a tool for women’s progress.
This isn’t just a tech podcast—it’s a platform for women looking for like-minded collaboration and support to build standout brands, gain clarity on how AI serves their strategy, and discover the tools to take their businesses to the next level. We dive deep into topics like AI-enhanced storytelling, using AI to streamline and scale, and the future of creativity in a world where technology is rewriting the rules.
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Conversations with women leaders at the forefront of AI and entrepreneurship.
Practical advice on how to integrate AI into your business, even if you’re not a tech expert.
The latest AI tools and resources you can use to build a brand that stands out.
Empowering stories from women who are balancing the demands of running a business with navigating the world of AI.
Each episode is packed with actionable takeaways that you can put into practice right away, whether you’re automating your workflows, enhancing your visual branding, or discovering the next big AI tool that will give your business a competitive edge.
We’ll talk about:
How AI and creativity collide to drive innovation.
The real-life stories of women paving the way in AI, who prove that you don’t need a tech background to master the future.
How AI can help you build a strong, memorable brand.
The AI tools every entrepreneur should have in their toolkit.
The power of mentorship, community, and women supporting women in the AI space.
Our goal? To empower you with the knowledge and tools to embrace AI confidently—no tech degree required—and inspire you with the voices of women who are actively participating in shaping the future of AI - all so we can collaboratively create AI-driven solutions that empower you to transform your business into something that not only thrives but leads the way in your industry.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to use AI to amplify your creativity, streamline your processes, and build a brand that’s not just innovative, but unstoppable.
And every episode ends with the same question to our amazing guests: What’s next?
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About your host

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Michelle Muncy-Silva