Emily Benedetto
Emily Benedetto is the Founder and Business Owner of Silver Lining Marketing, a New Orleans–based firm specializing in fundraising and marketing initiatives for nonprofit organizations. A graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Emily has built a purpose-driven business that bridges strategic marketing with meaningful community impact. Her work focuses on helping local and national charities expand their reach, strengthen donor engagement, and secure sustainable funding to support causes such as cancer advocacy and food insecurity relief.
Since launching Silver Lining Marketing in 2022, Emily has distinguished herself as a people-first leader who prioritizes both results and relationships. In addition to driving measurable outcomes for nonprofit partners, she is deeply committed to developing her team—providing mentorship, leadership training, and professional growth opportunities that empower individuals to succeed beyond their current roles. Her leadership philosophy centers on the belief that strong organizations are built by investing in people as much as performance.
Emily’s professional background spans healthcare, operations, and team supervision, including roles as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Room Technician, and operations supervisor. These experiences have shaped her disciplined, empathetic, and solutions-oriented approach to business. Known for her strengths in people development, sales and marketing, public speaking, and event management, Emily continues to lead Silver Lining Marketing with the conviction that lasting impact begins with putting people first.
• Louisiana State University - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities and follow a path that truly aligned with my passions. Although I originally planned to attend medical school, my career trajectory shifted almost overnight when I discovered a different field that inspired me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. That pivot led me to build my own business focused on fundraising for nonprofit organizations, including work in overseas initiatives and the New Orleans market.
Through this journey, I developed a deep appreciation for marketing and community-driven growth. I now train others in the marketing strategies I’ve mastered, empowering them to take that knowledge into cities across the country to help businesses and organizations expand their impact. Falling in love with this work gave me a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
Equally important to my success have been the mentors who believed in me and guided me along the way. Their support, insight, and encouragement made it possible for me to grow both personally and professionally, and to build a business that continues to thrive and create meaningful change.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: if you have an idea, just do it. Don’t wait for the perfect timing or overthink the risks—take action, learn as you go, and trust that clarity and growth will come through doing.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center on love, balance, and personal growth. I deeply value my relationship with my husband and the joy and companionship I share with our golden retriever, as they keep me grounded and fulfilled outside of work.
I also place a strong emphasis on health and self-discipline, which I nurture through working out and staying fit. Reading is another core value for me, as it fuels continuous learning, reflection, and personal development—principles that guide how I show up in both my professional and personal life.