Born and raised in North Carolina, Mariah Hayes has always been drawn to the ways food and community bring people together. She moved to Washington, DC to attend American University and has now called the city home for over a decade. Along the way, she discovered her calling in events — using them as a platform to spark connection, celebrate culture, and support impactful causes.

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Mariah began her career at DC Central Kitchen, where she spent eight years producing a wide variety of events and building lasting partnerships across the city’s culinary and nonprofit communities. Her work included managing intimate fundraising dinners, large-scale tasting events like Capital Food Fight, and citywide initiatives such as Sips & Suppers. Since then, she has expanded her portfolio through collaborations with organizations including World Central Kitchen, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Good Shepherd Housing, and Food Rescue USA, as well as through consulting projects with chefs, restaurants, corporate partners, and private clients.

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Today, Mariah’s experience spans events of every scale — from a 10-person dinner party to a 2,000-person tasting event or international conference. Whether it’s a wedding reception, a chef-driven fundraiser, or a week-long summit for diplomatic corps, she brings the same creativity, care, and strategic vision to each project.

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Grounded in her nonprofit roots but fueled by a love of storytelling and community, Mariah continues to design experiences that are as impactful as they are memorable.