Mary founded Premise with the belief that all adults, no matter how busy, should have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations about life’s big questions. She believes grounding each discussion in a piece of art—whether literature, nonfiction, or film—creates a shared foundation for rich dialogue and diverse perspectives. For Mary, real connection doesn’t come through small talk but by exploring thoughtful questions that get to the heart of the human experience. She is passionate about making intellectual exploration accessible, fitting into even the busiest schedules. Through Premise, Mary offers adults the chance to step away from daily routines and engage in deep, structured conversations that prioritize curiosity and joy over competition. Listening and questioning are just as important as sharing ideas, creating a welcoming space for all voices. With two decades of experience leading conversation-style courses with Symposium Great Books Institute, Gather Learning, Portland Literary Arts Foundation, and in high school classrooms, Mary’s work has always centered on the power of conversation. She holds a BA in History from American University, and master’s degrees from Brown University, St. John’s College, and San Jose State University. Mary is also a two-time National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow. Her thinking is deeply inspired by philosopher Hannah Arendt, and she has presented at Bard College’s Conference on Arendt. Premise, which began in 2012 as an in-person program in San Francisco, is relaunching in Fall 2024 after a brief hiatus. With hundreds of past participants, Mary is excited to expand Premise nationwide and bring its conversations to more communities. Mary lives in Portland, Oregon.