Mary is thrilled to be supporting the CRE-CP Program because of how, as a teenager with a Catholic upbringing, youth ministers helped her to understand the fullness of God’s love and grace through Scripture. When she was a little girl, she decided that she wanted to be “a missionary”. Throughout college, this idea took the shape of opening doors for people to develop into wholeness of life, providing for themselves and their families. Her earliest ministry started in college and lasted for 24 years at Harbor House Ministries.
From there Mary went on to plan and direct other economic and community development programs GRID Alternatives, and supported International Rescue Committee, Richmond Main Street, San Pablo Economic Development Corporation, STEAM the Streets, and Students Rising Above. Besides coordinating the CRE-CP Program, Mary co-leads the NorCal Congregational Land Initiative.
Moreover, Mary and her husband Joel Mackey are launching the nonprofit called Root ‘n Renew to facilitate mental health healing through activities in nature to nurture individual and community wellness. Mary serves as a Ruling Elder Coordinator for Missions and Peacemaking at Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church. She and Joel have raised three children and have one grandchild. She is passionate about hiking and spending time outdoors.
