In the heart of every domestic violence victim
is a survivor who deserves to thrive.
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"As a survivor, I know what it is like to have your power taken from you. Channeling those experiences into advocacy has allowed me to gain it back. While my experiences have shaped me, they do not define me, and I want others who have suffered these types of trauma to see that you can become successful, powerful, and known for your credentials (as opposed to your victimization) even when you come forward. ." 
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"We cannot address a problem fully until we expose it. And we still have a lot more exposing to do, especially in communities of color. Domestic violence is a global, social crisis that touches on so many other critical concerns, from homelessness to substance abuse to suicide. By addressing domestic violence, we can tackle the drivers behind a host of social ills. I want to be part of that change in every way possible. With one in four women experiencing domestic violence and one in nine men, we all need to be advocates, because we all know victims firsthand. Collectively, we have the power to create safety nets and structures that allow victims to become survivors and survivors to become thrivers. But by not acting, we are enabling the opposite. When we empower victims and survivors of domestic violence, who are so often caretakers within their family, we are empowering all the people who rely on them. Think about the ripple effects of that impact."
We cannot address a problem fully
until we expose it.
About Mary
Mary is a storyteller and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual trauma. Drawing from experiences of overcomers of trauma and her own journey from victim to survivor, Mary creates powerful narratives and highlights pivotal realities through television and film, legal advocacy, and beyond.
As a United Nations Advisor on Women and Children’s Issues, Mary defended the rights of domestic violence victims and disenfranchised populations before the United Nations General Assembly. She also handled nearly 2,000 criminal cases as a prosecutor in Baltimore City, including numerous cases of assault and sex crimes.
Formerly a television host for the CW Network, Mary regularly delivers commentary on sexual exploitation and domestic violence, for which she has been featured by Teen Vogue, the National Press Club, Dr. Drew Pinsky, the Huffington Post, KTLA, FOX 5 Los Angeles, and WUSA9, among others. As a host, she engages audiences everywhere, from the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts to the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law initiative. She made her acting debut in the short film “IX Hour,” an independent film where she brought to life the story of an American teen trafficked in the Midwest. Most recently, Mary was featured in Public Relations, a pilot series which premiered at the 2020 Pan African Film Festival.
When not creating art, Mary promotes the advancement of women and ending gender-based violence as Communications Director of UN Women’s Los Angeles chapter. She also leads sex trafficking prevention programming for teens in Los Angeles. Her honors include a Leadership Award from the U.S. Department of State, being named one of the Top 99 Foreign Policy Leaders In the World Under Age 33 and receiving the Global Impact Award from Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation, Inc. in recognition of humanitarian service across the US and abroad.
As a United Nations Advisor on Women and Children’s Issues, Mary defended the rights of domestic violence victims and disenfranchised populations before the United Nations General Assembly. She also handled nearly 2,000 criminal cases as a prosecutor in Baltimore City, including numerous cases of assault and sex crimes.
Formerly a television host for the CW Network, Mary regularly delivers commentary on sexual exploitation and domestic violence, for which she has been featured by Teen Vogue, the National Press Club, Dr. Drew Pinsky, the Huffington Post, KTLA, FOX 5 Los Angeles, and WUSA9, among others. As a host, she engages audiences everywhere, from the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts to the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law initiative. She made her acting debut in the short film “IX Hour,” an independent film where she brought to life the story of an American teen trafficked in the Midwest. Most recently, Mary was featured in Public Relations, a pilot series which premiered at the 2020 Pan African Film Festival.
When not creating art, Mary promotes the advancement of women and ending gender-based violence as Communications Director of UN Women’s Los Angeles chapter. She also leads sex trafficking prevention programming for teens in Los Angeles. Her honors include a Leadership Award from the U.S. Department of State, being named one of the Top 99 Foreign Policy Leaders In the World Under Age 33 and receiving the Global Impact Award from Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation, Inc. in recognition of humanitarian service across the US and abroad.
