Emerging Leaders Fireside Chat Event with Mary Petersen (Event Recap)
Posted by [email protected] on May. 27, 2026 / Events / Subscribe 0
Author: Ayana Curtis | AFP-GPC Emerging Leaders Committee Member | Donor Services Specialist at Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
On February 17, the AFP Greater Philadelphia Chapter and its Emerging Leaders Committee hosted a networking happy hour and fireside chat at the Arden Theatre Company. The event brought together nonprofit professionals from across the region—some traveling from as far as Delaware—for an evening of peer connection followed by a discussion featuring Mary Petersen, Tylar Benedetto, and Orelí Uzdavinis.
A veteran with over 25 years of experience in major gifts, Mary has helped raise millions for diverse missions. As the founder of Databasey and Hey Fundraiser!, she visited Philly to share her new book, What to Say:12 Major Gift Asks to Get a Yes! I’m excited to dive into its pages and put her strategies into practice as I advance in my career.
During the fireside chat, Mary spoke candidly about her career path and shared practical advice on overcoming fear, building authentic donor relationships, and successfully closing transformational gifts. Her insights encouraged both new and seasoned fundraising professionals to find the words and the courage to make the ask.
I left the Arden with a renewed sense of the value our work brings to the community. For those of us earlier in our careers, Mary instilled a sense of boldness, reminding us: “Donors need YOU to fulfill the work… be bold.” She emphasized that one of the best things you can do in this field is be your authentic self. Her encouragement affirmed that we have a duty to advocate for our organizations.
Special thanks to the Arden Theatre, The Association and Conference Group, Kelly Grattan, Michael Litchman, and the Emerging Leaders Committee for helping make this event possible.
Reach out to [email protected] to learn more about the Emerging Leaders Committee.
Fireside Chat Event with Mary Petersen Tylar Benedetto, Mary Petersen, Orelí Uzdavinis AFP-GPC Emerging Leaders
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