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 Salesforce systems, manages 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 her students, which was recorded and released with a former veteran student, accompanied by a music video.
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 135 Alive, Mercy Mall, and Tunnel to Towers, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service. 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
• Wayne State University- B.A.
• Berklee College of Music
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.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to 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.