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Profession: Philanthropy manager

Nonprofit: Friends Life Community

When Caroline Swenson moved to Nashville five years ago, she struggled to find her people. But her search quickly came to an end after getting involved with Friends Life Community. The Friends — adults with disabilities who participate in social, community and art programs — made her feel seen, valued and welcomed into the organization, where she now serves as philanthropy manager.

FLC’s key initiatives — life skills instruction, service learning and employment courses, and advocacy through the arts — help the Friends develop socially, find community and flourish. To increase accessibility, nearly 60% of care costs are subsidized. This tangible impact initially drew in Caroline, who has several family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

The Friends remain at the heart of all Caroline does, whether it’s planning fundraisers, hosting community events, highlighting FLC’s mission on social media or fostering genuine relationships among participants, staff and supporters. “The Friends and their families often describe FLC as their utopia — a place where they feel safe, seen and valued,” she says. “That sense of belonging shines through in everything we do.”

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Philanthropy has always been integral to Caroline’s life. Her great-grandfather was the last living member of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His legacy, carried forward by her grandparents and parents, inspired her to give back at an early age and organize St. Jude fundraisers from childhood through high school. While attending the University of Mississippi, she strengthened her commitment to fundraising when the work became even more personal. After her boyfriend passed away from brain cancer, she organized a campus 5K in his honor alongside his best friend, bringing together hundreds of students and raising $25,000 for pediatric brain cancer research. 

In her time with Friends Life, Caroline has created out-of-the-box outreach programs and led record-breaking fundraisers, like last year’s Backyard BBQ and Bluegrass Bash, which exceeded its goal by 123%. “Her work doesn’t just support the mission — it makes people feel it and understand it,” says Lauren Zook, FLC’s vice president of philanthropy. “Simply put, Caroline embodies the very best of what philanthropy can be.”