With over 20 years of experience in project and operations management, Mary has worked across Africa, the Middle East, and the UK, engaging with government bodies, suppliers, network agencies, entrepreneurs, and funders. As Head of Operations in entrepreneurial development, she ran incubation and business development programmes in FinTech, BioTech, HealthTech, and AgriTech. She also led a women-in-business programme focused on tech enablement for previously disadvantaged female entrepreneurs in the greater Cape Town area and Khayelitsha. Additionally, Mary has supported entrepreneurs across nine African countries in developing go-to-market strategies in water and food sustainability, biotechnology, and waste management. She also contributed to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize, helping African engineers bring their innovative solutions to market.  Most recently, Mary led the SA Climate Change Champions project, advocating for youth participation in climate action and promoting just transition initiatives in South Africa. A proud Capetonian with a passion for nature, she volunteers as a firefighter with the Volunteer Wildfire Services, and enjoys stand-up paddleboarding and visiting the many beautiful tidal pools along the coast.