Originally from San Diego, Mary moved to Portland and fell in love with the seasonal weather. She competed on her college’s debate team, eventually ranking as the second-place speaker in the nation. Focused on issues of equity and inclusion in the debate community, she worked to elevate speakers from underrepresented backgrounds and make the extracurricular a more welcoming activity.

Upon graduating and while attending law school, Mary worked as a collegiate debate coach where she taught students public speaking skills as well as research and argumentation. She continues to volunteer on the weekends to judge high school and college debate competitions, providing support to aspiring public speakers. In addition to coaching, Mary continued to develop her own advocacy and legal writing skills by competing on the school’s mock trial team and working as a Lead Article Editor for Lewis & Clark Law Review.

When she is not in the office, Mary also enjoys reading and painting in oil and acrylics.