Mary Thomas is a communication professional with nearly 22 years in journalism She served as Communications and Events Coordinator with MacEwan University, Associate Editor for Asian Tribune newspaper, TV talk show host on ShawTV, and consultant for NPOs. She has served on various boards including the City Salute to Excellence Council, Canadians for Civil Society, and as Executive Director, Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo, and grew the organization from 2 to 9 staff and 650,000 turnovers in 3 years. She was recognized by Girls Inc of Northern AB as Woman of Inspiration 2013 and at the Mayor and Council Toast of Champions 2014 for her efforts in developing Alberta Culture Days in the city. She moved to Edmonton after the fire and went on to take up the leadership of the Clareview Multicultural Centre. With an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, she has lived in many countries around the globe, speaks 6 languages, is passionate about community development and building diversity in the arts, and was one of the 150 accomplished immigrant women featured by GROW in 2017.