ILHIGH Welcomes Erin Ajayi as Senior Director of Development

We are thrilled to announce that Erin Ajayi has joined the I Live Here I Give Here team as our new Senior Director of Development! 

Erin brings 11 years of experience in higher education advancement and fundraising, most recently as a major gift officer for The University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business, to ILHIGH. Prior to her time at U-M, she held roles at The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, building fundraising programs, leading annual fund campaigns, engaging corporate partners and developing constituent groups. Erin is excited to use her dynamic range of skills as she works to increase generosity in the Central Texas community. Read Erin’s full bio here, and learn more about her goals and what she believes makes the Austin philanthropic community so special in the Q+A below. 

What are you most excited about in your new role?

Erin Ajayi (EA): I’m joining the team at a time when the need for community and grassroots engagement is at a fever pitch. I think that the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the movement to fight racism and achieve racial equity are inspiring more people to take action within their local communities. To do this work in a community that has given me so much — from great career opportunities and lifelong friendships, to the chance encounter of meeting my husband on San Jacinto street several years ago — is even more meaningful to me.  

What are one or two initial goals you have for advancing I Live Here I Give Here’s development efforts?

EA: I want to inspire individuals — from every corner of our region — to be ambassadors for our mission of generosity. This will require more intentional outreach on the neighborhood and grassroots levels, which I believe our team can achieve. 

Second, I am excited to help local businesses figure out what it means to be good corporate citizens in Central Texas through our Annual Business Membership program. Strong workplace culture is often a result of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. I believe ILHIGH offers great outlets for businesses to plug into the community.

From your perspective, what sets Austin apart from other cities in terms of philanthropy? 

EA: For all the growth that Austin and Central Texas has experienced over the last decade, I feel its residents are well within six degrees of separation from one another. I credit our signature events, unique landmarks, recreation leagues, civic groups, and even our happy hour culture for bringing Central Texans together around common experiences and passion projects. Within all of those experiences, we find connection, our people, a sense of belonging, and ultimately home. To me, that’s the magic of this region. And it’s that magic that not only attracts people to move here, but to invest in that community they call home by giving back with their time (volunteering), talent (work), and treasure (charitable giving).

How do you interpret “generosity”?

EA: Years ago, in my hometown of Detroit, I met with a Jewish small business owner and philanthropist over coffee, and she shared with me the concept of tzedakah, which really resonated with my own definition of philanthropy or generosity. Tzedakah is first a moral (or religious) obligation toward achieving social justice. Second, everyone has the ability to (and should) participate in this kind of generosity because it applies to not only giving money, but also goods, or performing acts of service. Finally, there are benefits to both the giver and receiver.  

What are some of the causes closest to your heart?

EA: Education is a value long-held by generations in my family, as well as my husband’s. I think it’s not only the key to economic mobility, but an experience that opens the door to the world. It’s a cause very personal to me because earning a full-tuition scholarship to attend college actually led to my career as a fundraiser.  

During graduate school, I interned in the UK, which was my first experience abroad. I’ve been traveling extensively ever since, with Thailand, Morocco, and Nigeria being among the most transformative destinations. I donate to study abroad programs at every university I’ve either attended or worked, and I served on the Scholarship Committee at Hostelling International - Austin, which provided travel scholarships to adults under 30.

My sister and I grew up reenacting scenes from The West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music, which is to say that the performing arts have long been a source of joy in my life. I like to say that I grew up in Motown and I found home in the Live Musical Capital of the World. Even when I’m travelling, I always look up the listings for performances or concerts to attend during my visits. Beyond supporting the arts as a patron, a couple years ago I served as the Development Director for Austin Civic Orchestra, which provides low-cost or free concerts at venues around Austin.

Where are we most likely to find you outside of the office?

EA: As a native of Michigan, also known as the Great Lakes State, you can usually find me outdoors near a body of water. I love that Central Texas offers year-round access to beautiful parks, trails, and lakes. On Sundays, you can find me at Town Lake or eating a slice of Quack’s Bakery peanut butter and chocolate cake on the deck at Mozart’s.

When I’m not exploring the outdoors, I’ve been known to frequent Salty Sow during happy hour, host competitive (but friendly) game nights, and teach restorative yoga classes.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Erin!