Meet Mary McCrary

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary McCrary a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mary, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

There have been many times when I’ve walked into rooms where no one shared my story — rooms filled with people of wealth, influence, education, and clean records. In those moments, I could easily feel like I don’t belong. But what grounds me is knowing who I am and whose I am. I remind myself that I’ve been through things most people in those rooms will never face — trauma, addiction, incarceration — and yet, by God’s grace, I’m still standing.

I’ve learned to trust that God placed me in those spaces on purpose, not by accident. When doubt tries to creep in, I remember what I’ve overcome and how hard I’ve worked to turn pain into purpose. My strength comes from knowing that my presence represents possibility — that someone like me, with a past like mine, can not only be in the room but also bring value to it. I speak and lead from a place of gratitude, courage, and faith, hoping others will see that redemption and success are both possible. Every time I sit at those tables, I carry not just my own story but the hope of everyone still fighting to change theirs.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I currently serve with Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry (TPOM) as the Development and Recruitment Specialist, and one of the most meaningful parts of my work is going back inside prisons and jails to show others that hope is real. I once sat on the other side of those walls, and now I get to return as proof that transformation is possible. I share my story and help people see that their lives don’t have to end in the place they are — that God can redeem, rebuild, and restore what was once broken.

Beyond TPOM, I serve as the Vice Chair of the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative Advisory Council, where we work to build bridges between faith-based organizations and state agencies to better serve justice-impacted individuals. I’m also a Justice Ambassador with Prison Fellowship and recently joined the State Education and Workforce Advisory Collaborative (SeWac), which focuses on expanding education and employment opportunities for people impacted by incarceration.

At the heart of everything I do is my faith. I love Jesus, and I want my life to be a reflection of His grace and glory. Every opportunity I’ve been given is a reminder that God can take what the world counts out and turn it into something powerful — a story that inspires others to believe that change is possible.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are resilience, being teachable, and learning to ask for help.

Resilience and determination kept me going when life tried to break me. I’ve faced things that could have stopped me completely, but I held on to faith and refused to give up. My advice for others is simple — when it feels impossible, keep moving anyway. God can use even your hardest moments to prepare you for what’s next.

Being teachable has also been huge for me. I’ve learned that growth comes from listening, being open to correction, and allowing others to pour into you. You don’t have to know everything — just be willing to learn.

And finally, I had to learn that asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. None of us are meant to do life alone. When you humble yourself enough to reach out, you create space for community, healing, and support. Those three qualities together — resilience, humility, and connection — are what helped me rebuild my life and find purpose in the very places I once felt lost.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes — absolutely. I’m always looking to partner with people who believe in second chances and want to help others rebuild their lives after incarceration. It takes all of us — employers, mentors, volunteers, donors, and policymakers — working together to open doors for people who are ready to change. There is so much untapped potential behind those walls, and when someone finally gets the chance to succeed, it changes entire families and communities.

Whether it’s through providing job opportunities, mentoring, financial support, or helping shape fair and effective reentry policies, everyone can play a part in restoring hope. If you’re reading this and feel led to get involved, I’d love to connect. You can reach me at [email protected]
or call our office at 615-870-1126.

Together, we can show the world what grace, opportunity, and community can do when we truly believe in redemption.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tpom.org
• Facebook: Mary McCrary
• Linkedin: Mary McCrary