Mary Lundy Semela is IWMF’s Director of Development, responsible for raising operating and programmatic support. A nonprofit professional for many years, Mary has raised significant funding for organizations across the country in the areas of education, social services, and advocacy. Most recently she worked with the YWCA USA office in Washington, DC.
Prior to Nelson Mandela’s historic rise to power in South Africa, Mary was active in the anti-apartheid movement, helping to convince U.S. based entities to divest their South African holdings. She also played an active role in the anti-racism movement in the U.S., working with individuals and groups to identify ways to actively “undo” racism. Mary has an undergraduate degree in English from Loyola University in New Orleans.