Mary Watson

Activist, Artist, Athlete, Brainstormer, Business leader, Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Connector, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Global soul, Idea generator, Project manager, Public servant, Social entrepreneur, World traveler

She started her community service life with the Peace Corps where she served for three years in Benin, West Africa. During this time she was an educator and assisted Beninese with community projects such as small business start-ups, cisterns/latrines constructions at maternity centers and secondary schools. She is a world traveler who appreciates learning about other cultures, and is dedicated/actively involved in fostering a partnership with Tanzania hospice through HopeWest traveling and visiting Tanzania and helping to organize annual fundraisers. She is a leader in The Grand Valley (Colorado) when it comes to event promotion. This has been demonstrated by her bringing diverse groups, speakers, concerts to rural Grand Junction via City of Grand Junction and other community events/activities. Adept at collaborating with various organizations, companies and non-profits in bringing diverse and world class education opportunities, community events to our rural community such current programs on Advance Directives through HopeWest and National Hospice Foundation of America webinar series in partnership with St. Mary’s Hospital and Community Hospital. Highly self-motivated, always aware of entrepreneur opportunities for work and self. Setting up business plans, organizing workloads, and seeing projects from start to finish. Successfully coordinating and leading a team to accomplish tasks. Mary and her team hosted two inaugural TEDx events (TEDxGrand Junction / TEDxYouth@Grand Junction) in 2018. Mary helps the individual focus on discovering his/her power within. Mentor and protégé for a wide variety / diverse people in our community including adults and youth. She is active and involved community leader. Volunteering frequently and growing leaders through projects like Toastmasters and helping organizations reach new horizons. Mary plays an integral role with Youth Leadership Program to help young people learn to speak publicly. Through partnerships with Mesa County Public Library, Enstrom Candies, Visiting Angles and individual support the Youth Leadership Program has thrived for the past 5 years. Passionate about creating space and coaching (through Toastmasters programs) for children, teens and adults to share ideas with our community. Mary appreciates the power of the spoken word and continues to lead the charge to help others find their voice and speak up. Mary has embraced Toastmasters and have achieved many communicator and leadership designations. Not only does she strive for success for herself but the success of all others is very important to her. Mary is the Area Director for six Toastmasters Clubs in western Colorado area, and she uses her voice to invite others to find theirs. Good communicator using networking and mentoring to assist all ages see their potential and achieve their goals. She has established the Communication & Leadership and Entrepreneurial Workshop Series with several community partners including Mesa County Library and The Factory, a co-working space. Mary is first to lend a hand and is caring, compassionate and demonstrates her love of learning by listening, coaching and encourage others. Mary is dedicated, inspiring and helps people in all walks of life to the best they can be. Charismatic outgoing personality with a positive attitude and an open mind. Mentor and board member for social services agencies and non-profits in Grand Junction – Habitat for Humanity, Western Colorado Gardening Foundation, Brownson Fund, Mesa County Partners. Trustworthy and dedicated to a mission. Appreciates and practices continuous learning opportunities in all ARTS through life – visual (photography, painting), performing – acting, music, dance, creative arts with regularity. Hard working, creative, innovative and lots of fun. Zest for life and all it brings. A good hugger and a good friend. Mary strongly believes in making a positive change/difference which is evident in the projects she is involved with. Through perseverance will follow though and complete the difficult/challenging projects. Passionate, caring and selfless and always willing to go beyond expectations to help others reach his/her goals. Adventurous person with a flair for creativity, never afraid to try something new and continue personal improvement. Mary attended Columbia University (New York City) where she earned post-graduate degree and frequently takes on-line continuing educational courses from Stanford.

Life

Very good artist and an excellent dancer!