Today we’d like to introduce you to Madilyn Gutowski.
Hi Madilyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After graduating from TCU, I found myself missing the sense of community and connection that had been such a big part of my college experience. As many of my friends moved away, I realized I wasn’t alone. So many women were navigating post-grad life, moving to a new city, or simply looking to make new friends.
That’s what inspired me to start Meet Me in 817. What began as a small idea to help women connect has grown into a community of more than 1,000 members. Through events and meetups, we’ve created a space where women can step outside their comfort zones, explore Fort Worth, and build meaningful friendships.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges in the beginning was getting people to show up and trust a brand-new community. Attending an event where you don’t know anyone can be intimidating, so building credibility took time. There were events with smaller turnouts than I had hoped for, but I stayed consistent and focused on creating a welcoming experience. Once we got past that initial hurdle, the community really started to grow, and it’s been incredible to see the turnout and connections that have come from it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I’m most proud of is seeing friendships form beyond the events themselves. During my events, I often see women creating group chats on the spot and taking that first step to say, “I’d love to hang out again.” Afterward, those connections continue in real life, whether it’s grabbing coffee, dinner, a walk by the Trinity, or just hanging out. It’s really special to see those friendships take shape and grow outside of the events. Knowing that something I created helps spark those initial connections and turn strangers into friends is incredibly fulfilling.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories was making family dinner and eating it outside on the patio when the weather was perfect. As soon as we were done eating, my siblings and I would either run around and play in the backyard or put on a show for our parents. It wasn’t anything super elaborate, but it was something so fun and special to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetmein817?igsh=MWhucXlmdzllaDNpaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: TikTok: meet.me.in.817
