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

• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:20) - Introducing Christie Godowski and Autism Speaks
• (03:50) - The First Walk
• (06:40) - Breaking Down Barriers
• (11:10) - Front Line Fundraisers
• (14:34) - Adults & Children in Diagnosis
• (22:44) - Making Change toward Building Trust
• (24:25) - Get Involved