Astrid von Soosten Astrid has led major gift fundraising teams on both sides of the Atlantic and has specialized in major gift fundraising for the majority of her career. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she holds a 4th-degree black belt in Aikido and has developed a leadership program based on the principles of Aikido. Astrid has authored a book on this subject and is also trained as a somatic coach, providing coaching services to leaders in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.