I had the privilege of learning the art of grant writing under Yvette Murray, whose training and mentorship were pivotal in my career transformation. Coming from a background as a pharmacist with experience in retail and clinical practice, I had little exposure to grant writing.

However, Yvette provided me with a strong foundation in the field, teaching me how to navigate complex grant portals, thoroughly understand the requirements of requests for proposals (RFPs), and differentiate between the nuances of grants from various organizations. Her structured approach to training made even the most complicated aspects of grant writing accessible and manageable.

Under her guidance, I gained hands-on experience in developing grant proposals for a wide range of organizations. These spanned federal and state agencies, private foundations, and non-profits addressing diverse causes, including veterans’ welfare, STEM initiatives, healthcare, children in impoverished communities, and religious organizations. Yvette’s ability to tailor her teaching to cover such a broad spectrum of topics ensured I was well-prepared to adapt to different funding requirements and organizational goals. She not only explained the technical elements of grant writing but also shared invaluable strategies for aligning proposals with the mission and priorities of funding bodies.

Yvette’s mentorship went far beyond technical skills—she instilled in me the confidence to step into a completely new professional domain. During my time under her mentorship, we successfully secured funding for various organizations, demonstrating the effectiveness of her guidance. Her emphasis on detail, clarity, and strategic thinking in grant development shaped my understanding of what it takes to create compelling and effective proposals. Thanks to her guidance, I was able to transition into a career in grant writing, a field I am deeply passionate about, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.