As a child Mary has always had a humanitarian heart, she often dreamed of working in health-related services, and with children. Early in her career she volunteered across the country, worked with children in residential, social service, Juvenile Justice, academic, behavioral health, and addiction settings. Utilizing her BA in Psychology from LaSalle University, and her professional experience. Mary was afforded the opportunity to work with children and families for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, Faith and Spiritual Affairs, where she worked as a Program Analyst for over two decades until she retired in 2019.

Once Ms. Harper retired, she continued her humanitarian efforts by volunteering for the Southeastern Region of American Red Cross as the Lead Volunteer, of Services to Armed Services, Resiliency program, Disasters Services and on the local national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.

Mary is also on the Board of Directors for Foundation for Health Equity, was on the Board of Trustee’s for Missio Seminary and UR Storytellers. Ms. Harper has a long history of advocating for children, and families. She continues to work tirelessly to abolish food insecurity and increase equity for marginalized communities.

Mary was invited to the “White House” and was recognized for her work in educating communities of faith on the healthcare law, known as the “Affordable Care Act. In 2012 she implemented and sustained “Mental Health First Aid.” Over 1000K people have been trained.

Mary’s greatest accomplishment is her ability to work in the community provide, a safe space and find common ground to develop trust. She is a proud mom of two daughters and three wonderful grandchildren.

She also volunteered to work as a” Pit Crew” for a national bike race.