Mary Grawe has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit advancement and development, with a focus on building philanthropic partnerships that advance educational equity and family well-being.

Before joining Brightpoint, Mary was Managing Director of Development at City Year Chicago, where she led a $3+ million annual private fundraising portfolio and partnered closely with the executive director and site board to grow major gifts, steward institutional funders, and execute large-scale fundraising events. Prior to City Year, she spent a decade at Chicago Jesuit Academy, serving most recently as Vice President of Development. There, she led a $40+ million capital campaign, increased annual fundraising to $10 million, and built and managed a high-performing development team while personally securing multiple principal gifts.

Mary began her career as a fourth-grade teacher in the Mississippi Delta through Teach For America, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to equity, access, and long-term outcomes for children and families.

Mary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton.