Mary Onama is a strategic and inclusive leader and has been the Executive Director of Victim Services Center of Montgomery County Inc, in Norristown, PA since September 1998. Under her leadership VSC’s revenue and programs grew to expand it’s service delivery  to reach the diverse communities of Montgomery County and increased access to services for underserved communities. Mary has held numerous leadership positions in the nonprofit social services field in Pennsylvania and New York and serves on a number of nonprofit boards. A graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mary earned a BA in Social Work and English and then went on to earn her Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She has an extensive background in social services administration and clinical services in New York and Pennsylvania. Mary is an active member of Civic and professional organizations where she provides input on issues that impact organizations, vulnerable communities and work force. She is an advocate in Public Policy platforms, identifies legislative priorities, analyzes the impact of legislation on the lives of survivors of crime and at risk communities and provides testimonies to legislators to inform them, provide input and influence amendments where needed.

What has inspired you to pursue your current career and/or passion?

I was inspired to pursue my career in human services by my grandmother, my mother and my Auntie. Their compassion, courage, perseverance and dedication to remaining resilient in times of crisis and commitment to helping and supporting women and children suffering from societal injustices fuels my passion to this day.

Can you share a defining moment in your career or life that shaped your path?

In my first job when I was a direct services social worker, a colleague, who was a single mother was about to lose her job due to a mistake that she took accountability for. She told me that the agency plans to terminate her employment. I felt compelled to engage other co-workers to join me in advocating on behalf of my colleague who needed support because she was in trouble and about to lose her job. She granted us permission to advocacy. We were successful in saving our colleagues job by speaking to the Agency executive director about her hard work. This experience was a defining moment in my career and passion for advocacy and kindness. It taught me about the importance of taking a risk, speaking up and engaging others to join in to support another person in need which is a positive reflection of our collective sense of humanity.

How do you define success?

Success is having inner fulfillment, living a balanced life that promotes emotional and physical well-being, and achieving my desired goals and purpose in life .

What values guide your personal and professional decisions? 

Kindness, appreciation, humility, faith, spiritually and belief in the goodness of humanity guide my personal and professional decisions.

What are you most proud of today?

I am proud of the people I work with in victim services, social and mental health organizations for their perseverance, advocacy and commitment to serving many vulnerable people in our community, especially those who are impacted by violence, injustice, mental health issues and lack of basic needs.

What does leadership mean to you and how do you embody it in your work?

 Leadership means to inspire guide and influence others to achieve a common goal. I believe, everyone is a leader in their life and in their position. This belief of leadership has facilitated and strengthened team work at my organization and passion to achieve our agency mission. 

What are you grateful for?

I am grateful for my family and friends and their unwavering and consistent support which encourages and motivates me personally and professionally.

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