Stephanie Berger is a veteran of three presidential campaigns and an expert, teacher and trainer in the field of fundraising and non-profit development. Stephanie laid the groundwork for starting Berger Hirschberg Strategies by working for 16 years as a political fundraiser and in the non-profit development arena. She served as the California Finance Director for Al Gore’s presidential campaign, Finance Director for the Democratic National Convention, Co-Finance Director for John Kerry for President and Vice President of Development for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Throughout her career, she has launched successful strategies for high-profile political candidates, advocacy organizations and capital campaigns, helping to elect public officials nationwide, and elevate public awareness on critical issues, such as education, and the environment. Stephanie not only designs and executes powerful fundraising and non-profit strategies, but she leaves her clients with the know-how and the permanent infrastructure required for them to fundraise over the long-term. Berger Hirschberg Strategies has raised over $300 million for their clients.
Recently, Stephanie realized that worldwide, there was a lack of resources needed to fund many of the critical organizations that are engaged in helping those that need it most. As a result, she formed RISE, a partnership developed with Kristina Wilfore, an international development expert. RISE focuses on bringing the tools of fundraising and resource development to the Middle East, Europe and Eurasia and works with individuals on missions that give strength and empowerment to people and projects focused on range of issues — women’s empowerment, human rights, trauma therapy, Syrian refugees, business entrepreneurship, economic development and other critical topics.
Stephanie is an adjunct professor at George Washington University for the Semester in Washington Program, serves as the President of the Board of the Woman’s Campaign School at Yale, Treasurer of Vote Run Lead, Board Member of Harlem’s IMPACT Repertory Theatre and the Board of Advisors for the Athena Leadership Center at Barnard College. Stephanie lives in New York, NY.
