Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Janell Harvey

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Janell Harvey.

Hi Dr. Harvey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. I was actually introverted as a child. My mother would purchase me notebooks from the grocery store and encourage me to go to my room and write. From her guidance, I attained a knack for writing. As an adult, I pursued a degree in marketing. My initial endeavor was to become a broadcast journalist. An accident that slightly disfigured my skin put a standstill on that pursuit and greatly impacted my self-esteem.

At the age of 22, I was blessed with the position of Executive Director for an organization called Communities in Schools. It was still grassroots when I took on the position. As its first director, I obtained the agency’s articles of incorporation and completed Form 1023.

My passion for nonprofits grew from there, and I eventually pursued a Master of Arts in English, a Master of Science in Education, and a doctoral degree in marketing. I taught for seven years as a marketing professor and obtained tenure. I’ve presented at a number of conferences, including the Conference on Islamic Finance at Harvard. I am a published author, nonprofit consultant, and host of the podcast Faith and Fundraising.

My partnership with Rumph and Harvey Business Consulting is a collaboration with my childhood friend Kimberly Rumph. We offer a number of courses in fund development; we help agencies obtain their nonprofit status and assist with fund development, and we are CFRE and HUBZone-approved.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The greatest obstacle was overcoming issues with self-esteem. As I mentioned, my skin was burned severely at a younger age.

I had to deal with ridicule and taunting from so many. Words are things, and they hurt. I’ve been blessed along the way to meet so many powerful and dynamic women who reinforce the fact that as Christian women, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I had to continue reiterating this fact to myself.

We’ve been impressed with Dr. Harvey Writes and Rumph and Harvey Business Consultants, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Since 2002 I have worked in the field of philanthropy. As a nonprofit consultant, I help agencies secure grant funds, I lead workshops on fund and board development, and I complete Form 1023 so that agencies can become tax-exempt. I am dedicated to my clients, and I work with them from beginning to end so that they understand each step taken to complete their projects.

My courses are offered in person and virtually. The course entitled The Calculated CEO is for new executive directors and provides attendees with nine points towards their CFRE. I am most proud of the book that I wrote on how to start and sustain a faith-based organization as well as the podcast that I facilitate on Kingdom Purpose Radio called Faith and Fundraising.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is going to Atlanta to visit my aunt Margaret and Uncle Kenny with my grandmother. I took my first plane ride with her. She was my best friend. She always looked out for me and we spent so much time together. I remember when we visited my aunt one summer, and her apartment caught on fire.

My grandmother managed to rescue me from harm. Although we lost most of the items we brought with us, we still had each other. I vividly remember my grandmother rescuing me. She is my angel.

Contact Info:

• Website: rumphandharvery.com and drharveywrites.com
• Facebook: @rumph&harvey
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjanellharvey/