As the former Director of The LGBT Center of Hampton Roads she was able to support and advocate for equality and provide resources to the community. Prior to that she was the Regional Director for Virginia Supportive Housing where she ran housing programs that served those experiencing homelessness. She has also worked for the Virginia Office of Protection and Advocacy where she was an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Mary has been an advocate for Human Rights through most of her career. She has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Vermont College of Norwich University and she currently resides in Norfolk Virginia.