Peg Powers Andrae
Margaret “Peg” Powers Andrae is a dedicated nonprofit leader, musician, and songwriter whose career blends creativity with service. As Regional Chapter Coordinator and longtime volunteer with Guitars For Vets, Peg has spent over a decade supporting veterans by harnessing the healing power of music. She trains and mentors chapter coordinators nationwide in managing their chapters, Salesforce systems, coordinates guitar orders and logistics, and teaches personalized guitar lessons to veterans, fostering confidence, connection, and hope through music. In 2024, she wrote "Freeing My Heart Strings", a song inspired by a student, which was recorded with a former veteran student and released on Veterans Day 2024, accompanied by a music video.
Every Veteran lost to suicide leaves behind a ripple of 135 lives forever changed. Peg proud to support #135Alive, a campaign by GuitarsForVets to bring healing through music and help prevent Veteran suicide. Music saves lives — and Peg is a part of that change.
Before her work in guitar instruction and nonprofit leadership, Peg built a successful career as a graphic designer and marketing professional, earning multiple awards for excellence in design. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and Art Education from Saint Mary’s College, pursued advanced studies in advertising design at Wayne State University, and later expanded her artistic talents with a songwriting certificate from Berklee College of Music. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Peg is a performing musician with the Harken Back String Band, where she sings and plays rhythm guitar, and also enjoys playing piano.
Passionate about giving back, Peg supports a variety of charities, including Mercy Mall and Tunnel to Towers, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping those in need. Whether mentoring veterans, creating music, or spending time with her family, she brings positivity, compassion, and artistry to everything she does. For Peg, success has never been about financial reward but about making a difference—helping others discover their strengths, heal, and smile again.
• Saint Mary's College- Bachelor's
• Inhouse Design Award 2015, AAMGA Invitation 2014
• Guitars For Vets
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my husband, who has always been my biggest cheerleader, and to my parents, who consistently encouraged me to follow my passions and believe in myself. I also appreciate and thank my high school English teacher, Mrs. Patricia Jordan, whose thoughtful and honest critiques of my writing made me try harder. I will always remember my first "A" from her.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Make time for myself. A former boss once told me - "You have a busy, hectic job, and yes, a lot of people here depend on you and your skills, BUT - it's a job. It's not your life. Make time for yourself, go for a walk, make time for family and friends. Be kind to yourself!"
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the non-profit industry is to understand the "why". YOUR why. You should know going in that you're not there for the money. You are there to serve and do good things. Learn everything you can about your organization. Ask questions. Offer solutions. Be giving and generous in heart. Be the one that others can count on.
Hold on tightly to your dreams, surround yourself with a supportive tribe that lifts you up, and trust that with persistence and patience, you can achieve everything you set out to do.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Finding balance between work and personal/family life. Learning to set achievable boundaries in order to be able to maintain my calm and have quality time for family and friends. Being open and honest, non-judgemental, and being a good listener are also important to me.