Bold Strategy for a Better World.
Uncover
the Story.
I’m a brand and communications strategist with over a decade of experience helping mission-driven organizations turn big ideas into clear, credible, and compelling narratives.
My work lives at the intersection of marketing, sustainability, and strategy—from leading CRM and retention programs at luxury fashion brands, to advising NYC agencies on customer engagement, to helping global corporations strengthen their ESG storytelling and digital reputation.
I bring a unique combination of creative insight and systems thinking, backed by a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Business Adminstration in Marketing from LIM College in New York City. My career spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including fashion, hospitality, government, and impact consulting—giving me an adaptive, cross-disciplinary lens.
Whether you’re building your first ESG report, redesigning customer journeys, or navigating reputation in a complex media environment—I help you say the right thing, in the right way, to the right audience.
Because doing good isn’t enough. You also have to say it well.
Where Vision Meets Action.
A strategic services toolkit for organizations ready to align purpose with message.
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Craft honest, data-driven messaging that aligns with evolving regulations and builds long-term value.
Service offering:
Stakeholder engagement strategy + facilitation
ESG & sustainability report writing + editing
Materiality, double materiality + regulatory alignment (CDP, CSRD, GRI, SASB, etc.)
Disclosure strategy + impact communications
Community outreach strategy + campaigns
Messaging frameworks for boards, customers, and donors
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Translate vision into full-funnel strategies that engage, retain, and inspire.
Service offering:
Full-funnel content strategy + campaign planning
CRM journey mapping + retention marketing
Email strategy for donor + customer engagement
Event planning + operations management
Thought leadership + brand storytelling
Cross-channel campaign execution (commercial + digital)
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Build internal capacity and align teams with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
Service offering:
Stakeholder storytelling + values alignment workshops
ESG communications training + capacity-building programs
Customer-centric change management training
Executive coaching for sustainability leaders
Public sector and nonprofit upskilling
Reiki-infused facilitation for clarity, burnout recovery + resilience
The Work Behind The Words.
Selected Projects Across Industries and Impact Areas
Heard it here first.
What clients, collaborators, & co-creators have to say.
Employee at NYC Department of Environmental Protection
“This workshop helped me understand where the process breaks down, where we lose the customer, and what we can do to fix it.”
Sara Goddard, City Council Member for Rye, NY and Chair of Sustainable Westshester
“What truly sets Mary Austin apart is her ability to combine strategic thinking with action, both academically and professionally. She anticipates needs before they arise, navigates complex environments with ease, and consistently raises the bar.”
Brooke Monahan, Senior Stylist Director at Vêtir, Inc.
“She is an extremely dedicated worker who takes pride in her work and ensures from the beginning to the end point of execution that all details are thoughtfully considered.”
Hyma Menath, Director of Fellow Support for FUSE
“Mary Austin Harrelson did a fantastic job as a FUSE Fellow with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, where she led the development of a system to enhance customer communication. I had the pleasure of working with her throughout the year of her Fellowship and witnessed her dedication, strategic thinking, and impact firsthand. I’m confident she’ll bring the same excellence to every opportunity ahead.”
Connect.
Ready to collaborate? Whether you have a project in mind, want to explore partnership opportunities, or just start a conversation, I’d love to hear from you.
Drop your details in the form, and I’ll be in touch soon!
