Meet Mary Elizabeth
 

I’ve been creating experiences for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I wasn’t just playing—I was building worlds. I ran my own “bank” (with actual customers!), set up museums in my basement, and found endless joy in turning ideas into reality.

 

But did I think I’d end up as a CEO? Nope. Growing up, I thought my path was to be a stay-at-home mom. And for a while, that’s exactly what I did. But when life took a different turn, I had to start fresh.

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A friend gave me a shot as a part-time administrative assistant at her event planning company, and I dove in headfirst. Over the years, I worked every job in the company, learning the ins and outs of event production, fundraising, and strategy. Turns out, I had a knack for systems and organization, and I eventually became Director of Operations, overseeing teams, training new hires, and keeping everything running smoothly.

 

After 10 years at Swaim Strategies, I was given the chance to lead The Fundraising Event Co., a company dedicated to helping nonprofits create powerful, mission-driven events. It was a leap, but the right one. Now, I get to do what I love every day: help amazing organizations tell their stories, connect with donors, and raise the funds they need to change the world.

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I thrive on bringing order to chaos, making sure events run like clockwork while keeping things fun and stress-free for our clients. We don’t just plan events; we help turn them into movements that inspire real change.

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At the heart of it all, I believe in leading with kindness, collaboration, and authenticity. The event world can be intense, but I prioritize balance and well-being because when our team is at its best, we create incredible experiences for our clients.

As the fundraising world keeps evolving—whether in-person, hybrid, or virtual—I’m always looking for new ways to help nonprofits raise more, engage more, and make a bigger impact.

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Let’s chat about the amazing event you want to create—I’d love to help make it happen!