Originally a theatre student when she first arrived at VCU, Kiffy Werkheiser (B.A.’07, M.S.’08)  currently serves as the director of development for Virginia Repertory Theatre whose main location, the November Theatre, is located less than a mile from the Monroe Park campus. Prior to joining the theater, the Hopewell native worked in development and donor relations at nonprofits in the Tri-Cities Area, serving as the director of donor relations at The James House, the director of development for Friends of the Lower Appamattox River, and the director of community engagement at the John Randolph Foundation.

Werkheiser earned a bachelor’s degree in gender, sexuality and women’s studies, a master’s degree in sociology, and a certificate in gender violence prevention during her time on campus, all while solidifying her passion for service. She led SAVES at VCU which promotes a survivor-centered, inclusive, healthy, and safe(r) campus community, and she helped promote Sex Talk Live events which were forums to discuss a range of topics including personal safety and communication.

What drew you to VCU to pursue your undergraduate studies in women’s studies?

Initially, I was drawn to VCU’s acclaimed theatre program. When I received a full-ride scholarship, that sealed the deal. I was lucky to perform in Mad Forest with Professor Janet Rodgers where we travelled to Romania to perform it at the International Theatre Festival. That experience made me realize the expanse of talent and passion for theatre in the world, and that my passions were elsewhere. So I changed majors after my freshmen year and found my passion in social justice and violence prevention.

Was there a faculty member that made a particular impact on your education and/or career journey? How so?

Linda Hancock, Ph.D., introduced me to Professor D. Gay Cutchin. They gave me the opportunity to work for the Office of Health Promotion and to lead the student organization SAVES - Sexual Assault and Dating Violence Education Services. They changed the course of my life and became mentors to me. When I became a gender, sexuality and women’s studies major, I got to know the formidable chair, the late Diana Scully, Ph.D.. She was an intellectual powerhouse who commanded respect from her students. We ended up becoming friends over the years. Recently, I had the pleasure of contributing a story about her for a memorial article in the Violence Against Women journal. 

What is your favorite memory from attending VCU?

Dressing up as “Kiffy the Condom” in the Commons to promote safe sex and encourage people to attend “Sex Talk Live.” It was an educational event with Daphne Rankin, Ph.D., and medical professionals where students could ask questions about sex and relationships. We packed the auditorium for those things.

What inspired you to continue your education and pursue a masters in sociology?

There was a new post-graduate certificate for gender violence intervention through the Department of Sociology. The program brought in practitioners as educators and incorporated internships, and that was really appealing to me in exploring career paths. I interned with the late Bob Franklin at Virginia Department of Health, and with attorney Diane Abato. 

How did the curriculum in the Department of Sociology and the internships you participated in prepare you for your professional work? Which lessons from those experiences do you still use?

Sociology teaches you how to see communities from a 30,000-foot view to look for the patterns, inequities, and structures that shape our lives. It has shaped how I approach philanthropy and grantmaking, because there are inequities to address at every level of the funding world, from the donors to the nonprofit leaders, to the causes and people who suffer from oppression. Sociology gave me a lens to understand intersectionality, my place in the world, and the power that I have to make change.

What inspired you to work in the nonprofit space in the Tri-Cities?

I grew up in Hopewell and felt like, if you want to change the world, you have to start in your own backyard. I started out in the nonprofit world working in my field of study, but quickly found that I was good at relationship building, community building, and connecting with donors. My work at The James House, especially, put me on the path of development. I didn’t even realize it was a career when I started out, and now it’s my profession. 

Tell me about your current role as the Virginia Repertory Theatre’s director of development. What does your day-to-day look like? What’s your favorite aspect of working in development?

I am writing this as I sit in on the Marjorie Arenstein Stage for the first rehearsal for “A Christmas Carol.” There are 50 people on stage — performers, designers, technicians. It is a beautiful and inspiring team to be part of because theatre is absolutely a team effort. I oversee all of our fundraising efforts which includes grants, individual giving, estate gifts, corporate sponsorships, and our gala. Our income is split about 50/50 between ticket sales and charitable gifts, and I’m responsible for raising $2.5 million annually. 

I joined the theatre last summer, a month before we faced an existential financial crisis. It was overwhelming to experience the outpouring of support from our donors and community. We ended up raising the funds needed to keep our doors open in just 11 days  — an incredible feat and team effort. I hope it is a once-in-a-career experience. 

By far the best part of development is working with donors to make amazing things happen. Philanthropy literally means for the love of people. It is a truly noble profession, to power the good in the world.

Reflecting on your time at VCU, how do you feel your time on campus helped prepare you to accomplish the work you’ve done so far in your career?

VCU’s diversity on campus expanded my world view, forged new relationships, and opened new doors. VCU took me to Romania, England, Wales, and the United Arab Emirates. It showed me news of ways of being and thinking. 

What’s your why?

Now that I am a mom, my purpose is to shape my two daughters into good humans. They are naturally drawn to justice, beauty, and joy. It’s a gift to experience life through their eyes.