Rashida Petersen’s 20- year career began as the East Africa Trade Officer with the Department of Commerce. Her expertise was expanded by securing government grants and implementing programs at 4-H and OIC International in Africa and the Caribbean using USAID and USDA funding. Working within the development departments of these international nonprofits, she was responsible for annual funding goals of $18+ million dollars in institutional funding and corporate sponsorships. She founded two companies: 1847 Philanthropic, a fundraising consulting firm specializing in creating lasting impact in Africa by bringing the essentials of fundraising to grassroots non-governmental organizations, and the DIA Fund, a diaspora crowdfunding platform. This experience provided her with insights into international fundraising and executing small campaigns.