Originally from Toronto, Canada, Mary Filice owned and operated a retail business. When Mary and her family moved to Columbus, she chose to stay home and raise her children. After 9/11, Mary decided to go back to school and study theology. Her studies led Mary to the specialization of human development and she began volunteering with The Women’s Respite Program. Based on Mary’s research into the various factors that affect the quality of life of marginalized women, she founded Women Affirming Women.
Women Affirming Women is a nonprofit that caters to low-income and disadvantaged women in Columbus and surrounding areas. Mary has developed a program that aims to help women break through the barriers that are holding them back from living truly human lives. Her role as President and CEO of WAW is a 100% volunteer position. “I have given up my career to focus on this for the past 9 years. We are an all-volunteer organization that now has up to 63 people that are committed to making life a better place for our women.”
Mary has a wonderful support system within the inner circle of WAW. “They are passionate and compassionate women that are committed to ensuring that our participants are taken care of. Our success is a result of the love, energy, and time they have contributed over the years.” Mary also finds support in her husband Bert, and their three children, Eliscia, Francesco, and Alexander.
Mary feels that the moment in her life that best defines her is when she became a mom. She realized that she had the responsibility to nurture, shape, and affect the lives of others. “As parents, we have a huge role in helping to develop good and loving individuals that will grow up to make positive contributions to society.” Mary also gets inspiration from the women that come to WAW. “They inspire me in two ways. When I see all they have to deal with on a daily basis, most of the time on their own, it puts my problems into perspective and makes me realize to never take our blessings for granted. The second way they inspire me is that as long as I know I can help their lives, if even in small measures, I will be there for them.”
Mary and The Women’s Respite Program just launched an “After Respite Program” for their participants that will include the opportunity to build community along with education and service support. They are also kicking off a second chapter in Toronto, Canada of their four-day respite program. “Our long term goal is to own our own retreat center in a serene location.”
For more details about WAW, visit www.womenaffirmingwomen.org.