Season 6 Epsiode 3: Connecting Families to Community from Day One Through P2P with Autism Speaks' Christie Godowski

Autism Speaks’ Christie Godowski explores how peer-to-peer can serve as a meaningful bridge from diagnosis to community.

For many families, a peer-to-peer event is more than a fundraiser, it’s their first step into a community that understands and supports them. When organizations show up with care in those early moments, they create a foundation for trust, connection, and long-term engagement.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Christie Godowski, Vice President of Community Engagement at Autism Speaks. Christie shares how her team connects with individuals and families right after diagnosis, offering support while inviting them into a broader community experience through peer-to-peer.

Christie reflects on what it takes to create a seamless journey across program and fundraising teams, so families feel supported rather than segmented. She also shares how Autism Speaks equips frontline fundraisers to approach sensitive conversations with confidence, along with the nuances of engaging adults newly diagnosed with autism alongside parents navigating a child’s diagnosis.

Learn how early outreach shapes long-term connection and what small, intentional actions can help teams build trust from the very first interaction.

Together, we’ll explore:
– Connecting families to support and community from the earliest moments after diagnosis
– Strengthening collaboration between program and fundraising teams to create one cohesive experience
– Equipping fundraisers to lead thoughtful conversations that build trust and lasting engagement

Mentioned Links
Autism Speaks
On social – Instagram, YouTube & Facebook

Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Connect with Christie
Connect with Marcie
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Podcast Guest

Christie Godowski serves as Vice President of Community Engagement for Autism Speaks, where she leads the organization’s national community engagement strategy and field team. With nearly two decades of experience, Christie has driven growth in fundraising, partnerships, and community outreach to advance inclusion and improve outcomes for individuals with autism and their families.

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Christie enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring the mountains with her two rescue dogs when she’s not traveling.

Podcast Host

Marcie Maxwell is the CEO of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. Marcie joined the P2PPF team in 2021 after 15+ years as a front-line fundraiser, national events & campaign director and fundraising consultant. In her role, Marcie serves as a primary thought leader and community builder for the peer-to-peer fundraising industry. She started her career in fundraising with 10+ years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she ran local fundraising events, managed national volunteer partnerships and launched their national walk program. She then spent 5+ years as the Director of Chapter Fundraising Events with Make-A-Wish America, where she provided strategy, support & training to 60 chapters on the full event portfolio – walks, school fundraising, an endurance hiking program and galas & social events. In her most recent role at Charity Dynamics, she partnered with clients to provide strategic guidance and analysis to help them optimize and grow their peer-to-peer fundraising events & campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership from Christian Brothers University. She resides in Memphis, TN.