Mary was born and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, and studied anthropology and sociology at Knox College. After graduating she joined the Peace Corps in 2008, becoming a community development volunteer in rural Tanzania. Mary has been living in Tanzania ever since, working in the field of international development. Her career has focused on private sector development and sustainable livelihoods. Prior to WWS, Mary served as the Tanzania county manager for the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund, which invests in medium-sized agribusinesses and renewable energy companies in 22 African countries, including 70 investments in Tanzania. The fund provides matching grants and loans to the businesses, as well as technical assistance, investment advisory and social impact assessment. Upon graduation, Mary plans to continue working in international development with a focus on private sector and agriculture policy development.