We are excited to re-introduce Abby, who has rejoined MAR as our new Fundraising and Events Coordinator! With a background rooted in environmental science and hands-on nonprofit experience, Abby is passionate about building community around conservation. Get to know her story, what drew her to MAR, and what keeps her inspired outside of work.
Abby’s Path to Conservation
Abby, a Columbus, Ohio native, discovered her love for the ocean and natural world during family vacations to Sanibel Island. That early connection to Southwest Florida led her to Florida Gulf Coast University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Education.
During her time at FGCU, she researched eastern oyster populations and contributed to long-term reef monitoring efforts in Estero Bay. Driven by a belief that lasting conservation starts with community, Abby has since built a career helping environmental nonprofits grow through organizational development, program design, volunteer engagement, and fundraising. She holds a Master of Nonprofit Management and a Fundraising Certificate, and is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations build strong foundations for long-term impact.
Abby’s Role as MAR’s Fundraising and Events Coordinator
Now serving as Fundraising and Events Coordinator at Mindful Action for Regeneration (MAR), Abby works to connect people with nature through environmental programs and fundraising events. She believes that getting people outside and in touch with their environment is one of the most powerful ways to inspire lasting change.
Life Outside of Work
Abby’s love for the natural world doesn’t stop when the workday ends. In her free time, she can be found birding, practicing yoga, exploring local parks, or capturing the world around her through photography. Staying curious about the outdoors is what keeps her grounded and connected to the work she cares about most.
Get to Know Abby: Q&A
What draws you to fundraising and events work, and what excites you about bringing that to MAR?
I am so excited to be rejoining MAR and in this different capacity! I have always had a passion for connecting people with nature, and now I get to extend that into creating experiences that bring our community closer to MAR’s mission. Fundraising is a fundamental part of what helps nonprofits, like MAR, achieve their mission, and through exciting and engaging events we are able to increase our reach into the community.
What’s the impression you want someone to walk away with after attending a MAR event?
After a MAR event, I want participants to walk away feeling more connected to their community and empowered to drive positive change. I am a huge fan of incorporating some kind of educational component into an event because there is always an opportunity for people to learn more about our environment and how to protect it. At the end of the day, most people will forget the facts they learned, but they will remember how they felt. My goal is for our event participants to leave the event feeling curious about our environment and motivated to protect it.
What role do you think storytelling plays in raising support for environmental conservation?
Telling a compelling story means everything to gaining support for environmental conservation. The story should evoke a feeling in the audience that moves them to support a cause. The use of effective storytelling in conservation should communicate the importance of the work being done, along with how people can support the mission. With MAR, the emphasis on regeneration strategically places humans within the ecosystem, and gives them a role to participate in conservation from a unique perspective.
What’s a goal you’re working toward right now, big or small?
Right now, I am in the process of planning MAR’s end of year assembly and major fundraiser. In this process, I’m being intentional about the event design and making sure there’s space for memorable moments for our community and for our team too. After these events, I want participants to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves (because they are) and be inspired to continue working together towards protecting our environments.
What’s the most beautiful natural landscape you’ve ever seen in person and why?
The most beautiful natural landscape I have ever seen in person has been the cypress swamps in southwest Florida. In college, I had the opportunity to go on swamp walks to explore cypress domes and their surrounding habitats. What amazed me most was that even a few inches in elevation change totally transformed the ecosystem. One minute, you are standing in ankle-deep water in a cypress dome, and the next you are walking through a pine flatwood on dry ground. This subtle elevation change influences the ecosystem and shows us the importance of noticing the beauty and life around us.
What does regeneration mean to you personally?
Coming from my environmental background, regeneration means managing resources in a sustainable way. Whether it’s with fisheries, forests, or agriculture, these resources should be consumed in a way that allows them to grow back stronger and keep supporting life. That idea shapes how we interact with our environment, both the natural side and the human side. The work being done by MAR is incredibly unique because it connects these concepts and encourages the community to take care of the planet because it takes care of us. When we pour into what pours into us, there will be mutual fulfillment.
What’s a small act of care for the environment that you think matters more than people realize?
A small act of care for the planet that I think matters most is going for a walk in nature with the goal of going slow and noticing. Most of the time, we walk through our environment with the purpose of getting somewhere else. I encourage everyone to slow down (stop every five steps if you’re like me) and look around. Try to find something you’ve never seen before and observe it. Taking a moment for gratitude and connection with nature is key in understanding how we need it and how we can protect it.
Get Involved with MAR
Abby’s passion for community-driven conservation is already helping MAR grow its impact, and you can be part of it too! Keep an eye out for upcoming fundraiser events, and in the meantime, consider making a donation to support our ongoing environmental projects.
