Mary has served as the Public Information Officer at Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) for the past 10 years. With over 45 years of experience in marketing communication for corporations and nonprofits, has left a lasting mark and impression in the field of public relations. Mary has led incredible marketing campaigns in all of her positions and was named Business Woman of the Year by the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce in 2014.
Mary's career in communications, marketing, and advertising began in Massachusetts. Her journey took her across the country, and eventually settled with her family in the Coachella Valley. Mary’s career roles include the Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, and culminated in Desert Sands. It's also noteworthy to include that Mary has been a lifelong Girl Scout.
Mary is known for dreaming big, wanting to make changes for the better, as well as her ability to think creatively and her strategies to solve complicated communications concerns. Over the years, Mary has helped Desert Sands build a positive image and branding, below are notable achievements:
- being honored with multiple awards from the California Schools Public Relations Association (CALSPRA) for outstanding public relations work, including the Desert Sands rebranding.
- annually coaching school principals on best communication practices with the media and school community.
- presenting sessions on public relations/marketing at the California Schools Public Relations Association (CALSPRA) and National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) seminars.
- establishing the district’s first-ever communications internship, mentoring between one and three interns annually with RCOE (Riverside County Office of Education) and CSUSB (Cal State University San Bernardino).
- being a mentor, coach, and ally to all public information officers throughout Riverside County and California, especially those new to their positions.
- mentoring and advising students throughout the Coachella Valley through various committees and programs on their path toward college, life, and the marketing communications industry.
- inaugurating and participating in mentor programs at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands for high school students and Desert Arc clients.
- being named Desert Sands Classified Employee of the Year in 2016-2017.
- receiving the Champion for Youth Award by Safe Schools Desert Cities in 2021 for supporting LGBTQIA youth in the desert.
- was named an industry leader and influencer by Desert Charities Women in Philanthropy.
- is lovingly known as “Grandma Mary” by our Early Childhood Education students, she’s been a hero and Santa’s friend for the children.
Mary has positively impacted many lives - friends, colleagues, community members, and even strangers. Mary is known as someone who has demonstrated expertise and added value to Desert Sands. We are grateful for Mary’s service, she will be missed.
Co-authored by Jan Diaz, Miriam Silva, and Adriana Fernandez Perez