I have had many noteworthy moments in my career, but the most consequential was the result of managing a health care partnership for the Chester County Economic Development Council for four years (including during the Pandemic). This highlighted my clarity of mission and how to truly serve a workforce inundated with unforeseen consequences related to patient protocols and personal safety. It was a privilege and an honor to collaborate with such resolute men and women from Philadelphia regional healthcare systems and at all levels of seniority.
Additionally, with more than a decade of experience in retail marketing and property management, I achieved extensive community and governmental organization engagement on behalf of PREIT (Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust) and previously, The Rouse Company which included:
• United Way of Chester County Community Partner of the Year Award
• Chester County Workforce Development Board, Member by Appointment of County Commissioners
• Chester County Economic Development Council, Marketing Committee Member
• Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Partnership Award
• Transportation Management Association of Chester County Businessperson of the Year.
I had also been selected as a representative for the County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Evaluation Team.
As a substitute teacher, I have gained perspective about how fortunate I have been. This has come from witnessing students succeed despite challenging and difficult environments.
And as we are all aware, our teachers through life possessed countless transferable skills such as problem solving, adaptability, leadership, active listening and critical thinking.
I am a meticulous, purposeful, passionate and authentic advocate. I also possess a wonderful sense of humor.I have had many noteworthy moments in my career, but the most consequential was the result of managing a health care partnership for the Chester County Economic Development Council for four years (including during the Pandemic). This highlighted my clarity of mission and how to truly serve a workforce inundated with unforeseen consequences related to patient protocols and personal safety. It was a privilege and an honor to collaborate with such resolute men and women from Philadelphia regional healthcare systems and at all levels of seniority. Additionally, with more than a decade of experience in retail marketing and property management, I achieved extensive community and governmental organization engagement on behalf of PREIT (Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust) and previously, The Rouse Company which included: • United Way of Chester County Community Partner of the Year Award • Chester County Workforce Development Board, Member by Appointment of County Commissioners • Chester County Economic Development Council, Marketing Committee Member • Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Partnership Award • Transportation Management Association of Chester County Businessperson of the Year. I had also been selected as a representative for the County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Evaluation Team. As a substitute teacher, I have gained perspective about how fortunate I have been. This has come from witnessing students succeed despite challenging and difficult environments. And as we are all aware, our teachers through life possessed countless transferable skills such as problem solving, adaptability, leadership, active listening and critical thinking. I am a meticulous, purposeful, passionate and authentic advocate. I also possess a wonderful sense of humor.
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Mary Kay Owen has been a guest on 1 episode.
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Episode 230: Resilience, Reinvention & Real Impact: Mary Kay Owen on Pivoting with Purpose
November 30th, 2025 | Season 2 | 23 mins 12 secs
career pivoting, executive inspiration, leadership, professional reinvention, purpose-driven work, resilience, women in business
What does it take to reinvent your career — and your life — when the world says "play it safe"? In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula speaks with Mary Kay Owen, a marketing executive turned healthcare leader, educator, and advocate for purposeful reinvention. Mary Kay shares her non-linear journey through industries — from high fashion to healthcare, from event strategy to substitute teaching — all while staying anchored in humor, grit, and a deep sense of mission.