Mary C. Parker

About Mary C. Parker

Are you feeling out of the loop about how to approach DEI?Do you feel alone and unsupported in creating a long-term DEI approach within your institution?Do you want to reduce toxicity in the workplace around DEI?Does this sound like you? 🤦‍I’ve been collaborating with educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits before it was trendy to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I’ve learned that DEI is sustainable when we can begin to see our colleagues, students, and communities as humans. Using a play praxis coupled with an anti-oppressive approach makes it possible to create more accountability in higher education institutions (HEIs).Using policies, learning, action, and yes and.(P.L.A.Y.), the P.L.A.Y. system helps you move beyond your current DEI strategies to establish methods of action and accountability that support dismantling oppression in your institution.The 3 elements of P.L.A.Y. are:🥇Prioritize and focus your efforts on creating anti-oppressive policies that are measurable🥈Prepare your team to lead sustained accountability efforts that are collaborative and long-lasting🥉Infuse creative problem-solving through a play praxis based on applied theatre methods like applied improvisation, playback theatre, and theatre of the oppressedWe collaborate as partners through each element with as much (or as little) support you need. If you’re ready to say yes, and to accountability, connect with me to set up a discovery call. I only work with institutions ready to disrupt their fragility and deepen their humility.One of our clients was able to create a roadmap that led to a committee to oversee their DEI efforts moving forwardAnother was able to use the exercises learned in a meeting the next day to generate more play into topics of DEIAnother was able to increase their awareness of their unconscious bias that led to shifts from ally to accomplice in their workplaceWill you be next? 🤔I want to collaborate with you to have a plan of accountability AND position your organization as the go-to for inclusive spaces for students.Connect with me and let’s chat about how.

Experience

1. Education Lead

   Bandit Theater

   Jun 2025 — Present

   At Bandit Theater, I lead initiatives to enhance our curriculum and support our diverse teaching community. By implementing regular feedback mechanisms and one-on-one mentorship, I foster an inclusive environment that empowers educators. My contributions to policy development ensure clarity and equity in guidelines, aligning with our mission to provide exceptional improv education.

Education

• Emory University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Sociology

• The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

  Master of Arts - MA, Applied Theatre

• Duquesne University Palumbo Donahue School of Business

  Professional Coaching Certificate Program, Professional Coaching

Skills

• Diversity Training
• Recruiting
• Workshop Facilitation
• Volunteer Management
• Training
• Organizational Development
• Program Management
• Social Inclusion
• Facilitation
• Event Management
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Program Evaluation
• Leadership Development
• Public Speaking
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Community Outreach
• Leadership