Our beloved program director has announced her retirement from LPGM effective December 31, 2024. While this news brings mixed emotions, we are first and foremost filled with gratitude for her 12 years of outstanding service to LPGM!

First hired as "project administrator" in 2012, Mary grew the position in the intervening years to full program director. Throughout her time at LPGM, Mary dove deep into international travel, and built strong, loving and trusted relationships with program partners.

She continues to nurture those relationships on behalf of LPGM, which has been key to understanding the reality of what happens "on the ground" in our programs. She led many travel groups to India, Guatemala and Tanzania, and travelers could consistently see her passion for the women and girls they'd meet during their travel. Her dedication, expertise, and warmth have helped shape our organization into what it is today. Mary is a true embodiment of our mission.

At LPGM's recent "Thankful Thursday" event, we celebrated Mary's retirement, and Pastor Dan Ruth, LPGM's executive director, expressed his heartfelt thanks to Mary in front of LPGM staff, board members, volunteers, and friends. 

"Mary has been the relational heart of our programs for many years. It is the relationships that Mary has built and sustained and maintained in her time here that have allowed us to cross boundaries. That's how we transform the world."

He added that Mary "lives and breathes" relationships, and he admitted, "it's going to be hard to replace that."

To Mary's delight, Dan surprised her by officially announcing that Esuvat Lukumay, founder of Eripoto for Girls & Women in Tanzania, is planning on dedicating a room at Eripoto's safe house to Mary. Mary and Esuvat have worked closely together for years, and Mary is a tireless champion of Esuvat's work. Since Esuvat couldn't be at the event, she shared the following written message to Mary:

Mary then talked about the impact of LPGM on her life and discussed the catalyst that brought her to this organization 12 years ago. She had enrolled in a class in her mid-50s to help her intentionally and thoughtfully enter the final third of her life. From the class, she discerned that she wanted to do "work that mattered." This revelation led her to LPGM, and after many meaningful years here, it has been hard for her to make the decision to retire. Ultimately, the bittersweet decision was cemented by her desire to spend as much time as possible with her young grandchildren before they start school. 

While Mary is officially retiring from her role, the friendships she has made with partners, supporters, volunteers, and staff will continue to be a treasured part of her life. Her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

On behalf of all of us at LPGM, thank you, Mary!