Staff Spotlight: Brigette Yates

Brigette Yates has 20 years of fundraising experience from the University of Washington and the Bainbridge Community Foundation. Her passion for fundraising was ignited after returning from Zambia, Africa, as a Peace Corps volunteer, where she recognized the potential to connect people with meaningful causes through philanthropy. She began her fundraising career at UW, spending 13 years in various roles and earning her MPA from the Evans School of Public Affairs. After moving to Bainbridge Island with her husband and three daughters, she led the fundraising program at the Bainbridge Community Foundation. As an alumna of Gonzaga University, Brigette is excited to return to her Jesuit education roots at Seattle University. She and her husband, who met at Gonzaga, married after returning from different overseas volunteer experiences. In her free time, Brigette swims with the Bainbridge Aquatics Masters (BAM) team, participates in summer triathlons, and bakes cakes and tarts during the winter.

Q&A with Brigette Yates

What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education and development, and what excites you most about joining our college community?

I started my career in fundraising at the University of Washington in 2003, shortly after returning from the Peace Corps in Zambia. At the time, it was just a job, as I had been a student caller at the phone bank while in college at Gonzaga University. My degree is in Biology, and I was "trying it out." In hindsight, I feel like this career found me! I love being back on a college campus, particularly at a Jesuit university, and to having the opportunity to fundraise for the College of Nursing. I love all aspects of it!

How do you plan to engage with alumni and encourage their continued support and involvement with the college?

My approach is all about connection. I plan to engage with alumni both in groups and individually, to learn more about their personal ties to Seattle University—whether it’s their classmates, favorite faculty, or special memories from different parts of campus. For those alumni who are already donors, stewardship of their gifts will be a great way to connect with them!

What are some key goals or initiatives you’re looking forward to leading in your role as Director of Development?

I’m excited to lead initiatives focused on major gifts and building a stronger planned giving program. Major gifts often correlate to broader campaign goals, and donors enjoy collaborating on these larger, impactful initiatives. Planned giving is especially important at this moment, as we’re seeing a significant generational transfer of wealth, with many individuals looking to support visionary nonprofit organizations.

Can you share an experience from your past work that has shaped your approach to fundraising and relationship-building with donors?

I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who emphasized a donor-centered approach to fundraising. Over the years, I’ve found that donors are deeply motivated by the desire to be part of something impactful. When a donor makes a significant gift, they trust the organization—faculty, staff, students and programs—and they love being in a position to make a difference as part of that community.

Outside of your professional role, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies that help you stay balanced and energized?

I’m a proud parent to three daughters, aged 14, 12 and 9. My husband and I love supporting them in their activities and schools. As a family, we have fun camping and skiing. I love baking for friends, swimming, and occasionally running half marathons or training for a triathlon.