Kaylynn Suarez, 35, of Fayetteville, is the executive director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.
She was nominated for 40 Under 40 because “Kaylynn is a selfless, hardworking leader who brings heart and determination to everything she does,” nominator Ignacio Suarez writes. “From organizing one of Fayetteville’s largest community events to supporting military families and fostering stray animals, she does it all with humility and grace. Her impact on the community is both powerful and deeply personal, and she inspires everyone around her — especially our daughters.”
Here’s what else you should know about this member of Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
Who are your immediate family members?
Ignacio Suarez and our daughters (Maria & Eileen Suarez)
What does your job entail?
The executive Director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival leads the planning, execution, and growth of one of Fayetteville’s largest and most cherished community events. This role involves managing budgets, securing sponsorships, coordinating logistics, overseeing marketing and public relations, and building partnerships with local businesses, city officials, sponsors, and volunteers. The Executive Director ensures the festival remains safe, inclusive, and impactful … showcasing local culture, entertainment, and community pride while driving economic and social engagement for Fayetteville as well as the surrounding area.
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with?
Networth
What is one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your profession?
I wish more people understood that being the Executive Director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival isn’t about a paycheck or a title, it’s about heart. It’s about pouring everything you have into something bigger than yourself, because you believe in your community and the power of shared moments.
This role may come with a formal title, but behind the scenes … it’s long, exhausting days, countless pivots, and work that often goes unnoticed. It can feel thankless. But then I look out at the park and see my own children laughing, dancing, and making memories they’ll never forget. I see families coming together, neighbors reconnecting, and small businesses thriving … that’s when I remember why I do this.
It’s not for recognition. It’s for the people. It’s for the moments. It’s for the soul of Fayetteville. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and/or the worst advice you’ve ever followed?
The best piece of advice I have ever received is “if it’s outside your control, let it go”. Don’t let it steal your peace. And if it is within your control, take a breath, sit with it, pray on it, and trust yourself to find the way through.
Life is a beautiful, chaotic mess. It won’t always be easy, but it’s worth it. You just have to decide what’s worth fighting for. And when you move with purpose, with heart, and with the right intentions… like a dear friend once told me, ” if you do it for the right reasons, you’ll rarely need to apologize for your moves”. Keep going. You’ve got this.
What goal have you already achieved, and how did you make it happen?
I’ve been honored to receive several recognitions throughout my career, including volunteer service awards, a Paul Harris Award, a Telly Award as part of a production team, and rewarding promotions across various roles. Each of these milestones has played a meaningful part in my journey.
However, my greatest accomplishment, without question, is seeing the individuals I’ve mentored go on to achieve their goals. Watching them grow, lead, and step confidently into their own potential is an incredibly fulfilling experience. My passion has always been rooted in supporting others. I genuinely believe there are enough seats at the table for everyone, and nothing brings me more pride than helping others find theirs.
If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be?
I’d probably be pouring even more of my energy into helping others adjust to their “new normal” and embrace this beautifully unpredictable military life. There’s something really special about turning a transition into a fresh beginning.
What are five things (not people or pets) you can’t live without?
Five things I absolutely can’t live without? Since family and friends are off the table … here we go:
- Giving it to God: Because grace and guidance are the only things keeping me from flipping tables some days.
- Diet Coke: My fuel, my comfort, my carbonated soulmate.
- Truffle Cheddar Cheese: It’s bougie, it’s bold, and it brings me unreasonable joy.
- Fresh Flowers: Especially lilies. They make life feel a little softer, a little brighter, and way more Instagram-worthy.
- Cowboy Boots: Tough enough for the mess, cute enough for the moment. If I’m wearing these, you know I mean business.
What’s something you do outside of work to enrich yourself?
Outside of work, I’m all about traveling and gardening … two things that couldn’t be more different, but both fill my cup in the best ways.
Travel lets me step outside my bubble and see the world through someone else’s eyes when I visit a place outside of my day to day normal. There’s nothing like landing in a new place, trying new food, or getting wonderfully lost in a culture that makes you rethink everything (in a good way).
Then there’s gardening, my peaceful chaos. It’s where I get to dig in the dirt and pretend I’m the main character in a cottagecore dream. It’s messy, grounding, and wildly therapeutic.
Basically … I wander the world for perspective and play in the mud for peace. Balanced, right?
What’s a song that always makes you happy or that motivates you?
Listen to the Man — George Ezra
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer:
Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025: Meet Kaylynn Suarez
