Name: Mary Gallivan
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 30
Title/Company: Nonprofit and Small Business Consultant
Hometown: Denver, CO
Education: BA in Psychology from Duke, MBA from Queens
Current personal or leadership goals:
Learn Spanish, continue sharing my passion for AI and technology, help others work smarter-not harder, and actively re-engage with Charlotte’s nonprofit and entrepreneurial sectors. I’ve just taken on a few new consulting projects with organizations looking to grow their impact and improve how they work.
What’s your best advice for Leadership Charlotte participants about making the most of the experience?
Be present. There’s always something competing for your time, but when you show up, choose to really show up.
What’s one lesson or moment from your Leadership Charlotte experience that still sticks with you today, and why?
Balancing a city budget is hard. During our class simulation, we had to make tough choices. I’ll never forget voting to cut funding for incredible services like the library. It gave me a lasting appreciation for the complexity of civic leadership.
In what ways do you stay engaged in the Charlotte community, and how could fellow alumni join you?
I’m passionate about civic engagement and showing up for democracy-especially in times like these. Now that we’re back in Charlotte, I’m eager to deepen my involvement and would love to connect with others who share that commitment.
What’s your favorite way to recharge or connect with Charlotte on the weekend?
After seven years away, we’re thrilled to be back in Charlotte. I’m blown away by the expanded greenway system. You’ll find me walking or biking the trails-it’s the best way to reconnect with the City and friends. My husband and I also love taking our dog Quinn to the Off Leash dog park at the Whitewater Center.
Shout out a local nonprofit or initiative making a difference — what do they do, and why does their mission speak to you?
I’ve been involved with the Women’s Impact Fund for years, thanks to wise advice from Dianne Bailey, who once told me to do two things: apply to Leadership Charlotte and join WIF. She was right-both have been incredibly meaningful. I’m especially excited about WIF’s Spark grant, which provides $5,000 in unrestricted funding to inspiring women leaders working directly in the community to drive transformational change in Mecklenburg County.
I support Leadership Charlotte …
I met some of my favorite professional colleagues and closest friends, and it gave me a deeper understanding of, and connection to, my own city.
What’s one book, quote, or podcast that’s inspired your leadership lately?
The Acquired podcast- especially the Costco episode. It’s a masterclass in mission-driven leadership, long-term thinking, and staying true to your values even when it’s hard. I’ve found myself coming back to it often in both work and life.