Marquam Magic = Equal Parts Heart, Hustle + Innovation
Our team of Mavens pull back the curtain on what makes Marquam Agency unique—from our data-driven approach to our unwavering passion for fueling the change we wish to see in the world. Join us as we dive into the heart, hustle and innovative practices fueling the Marquam Magic!
Today, we feature Sara McMahon, our longtime Director of Ops + Marketing Maven. She organizes us and keeps our systems running smoothly behind the scenes all while elevating our impact in the world and our clients’ experiences partnering with us. What inspires Sara and what makes working at Marquam truly life-changing? Read on. Find out!
Says Sara, “I’ve been an active volunteer in the community for over 20 years—serving on boards and rolling up my sleeves to help wherever I can. I’ve always known that this work is so much bigger than me. In fact, it was my role at Marquam Agency that first introduced me to the organization I now proudly serve on the Board of—Dress for Success Oregon.
My passion for lending a hand and making an impact in the lives of others eventually pulled me away from my corporate job to Marquam Agency—a new world where I feel like I’m doing good and making a difference each and every day!
This same passion is shared by every single member of Marquam’s team. We’re not just fundraising professionals—we’re ALL IN, deeply invested in our nonprofit partners’ success and ready to not just talk about it—but to BE about it.
Fundraising isn’t just about data and logistics (though that is super important)—it’s about heart for the work, intuition guiding us to innovate the game and showing up in real ways for the communities we love and care about. It’s about connecting, making people feel seen, understood and inspiring people to take ACTION. For me, it’s not just raising the money—but championing change and missions that matter.
We talk a lot about the ‘Marquam Magic’ around here. But what is it? Let me explain.
We don’t just show up on event day, grab the mic and hope for the best. We are all in from the start, consulting on every detail, elevating your (and your donors’) experience, leveraging what we know and putting best practice to great use. We live and breathe fundraising, campaigns and events. We truly want the very best for each of our partners and we strive to represent them authentically, honestly and with a flair for FUN! We innovate to inspire the utmost generosity while never regurgitating precisely what has already been done. We are proud to stand with our nonprofit clients, side by side, driven by our passion to create meaningful change.
And let’s talk about our benefit auctioneers for a hot sec—because every amazing one of them has a sixth sense for reading a room. That kind of intuition isn’t learned in a book; it comes from standing onstage hundreds…thousands of times, feeling the energy shift, knowing when to push, when to pause and when to let a moment breathe. The best fundraisers lean into those moments, even when they may be uncomfortable, because that’s where the magic happens.
Our team comes from diverse backgrounds. We are ‘other’: women, people of color, of different faiths, orientations and perspectives, immigrants, bilingual speakers and those who recognize and leverage the privilege we enjoy. Many of us have lived through the same systemic struggles as the orgs we represent—economic hardship, systemic barriers, and always, the fight for equality. We are empathetic and do our very best to put ourselves in the shoes of the communities we represent. And yet, no matter where we come from, we all rally around a shared vision: to champion the communities we serve.
But what really sets us apart? We don’t just work with clients—we build longterm relationships. Our clients become our extended family. We have them on speed dial on our cells. We guide them every step of the way, making sure our partners feel supported, heard and empowered. We listen, collaborate and welcome innovative new ideas. We’re nimble, we adapt, and above all, we strive to make fundraising FUN. Because if we’re not enjoying the process, how can we expect you and your donors to?
This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. We show up because we care. Because we believe in the work our nonprofit partners are doing. And because we know that together, we are making a real difference.
We’re humbled to amplify missions that change lives. And we’re beyond proud of the impact we get to be a part of—not just in dollars raised but in stories told, lives touched and communities strengthened. We love what we do. And we are so grateful that you allow us to continue doing it year in and year out.
At the end of the day, we’re not just fundraisers. We’re advocates, champions and partners in your success. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Curious how we can help you amplify your mission and fundraising results? Reach out!