Mary Cowen Bantle

Life House

What do you do professionally?

I am a program director at Life House. We serve homeless and street engaged youth with a wide variety of wrap-around services including a youth drop in center, therapy and chemical dependency support, education and employment, a teen emergency shelter and about 50 units of supportive housing for young people.

How are you involved in the community? Do you volunteer with any organizations?

During my time in Duluth, I have volunteered at several organizations including the HOTDISH (Hand Over The Decision It’S Healthcare) Militia, the Duluth Branch of the NAACP, The Twin Ports Mask Brigade, and as a board member for DanSan Creatives. One of my most favorite volunteer experiences has been as a mentor with Mentor Duluth (now Mentor North). I became a mentor right after college and after eight years being formally matched in the program we aged out and my mentee and I are now life-long friends.

What is important to you?

Creating a world where all people are valued, supported, loved and given real opportunity to succeed and thrive.

How do you spend your free time?

What advice would you give to up and coming professionals?

Remember that every day is a day of your life. It is easy to get caught up in the stress of a deadline or a crisis at work. It is so important to find small (or big) moments each day for joy, silliness, awe, laughter, slowness and gratitude. We get better at the things we practice, so practice the way you want your life to feel.

Favorite moment in life?

I have so many moments in my life to be grateful for! But if I had to choose one, I would say my wedding. We got married on a beautiful August day in our backyard. It was such a gift to be able to celebrate the love of the person I have chosen to build my life with surrounded by people who love and support us.

Who has inspired you or your favorite motivational quote?

From the nominator

“Mary is an exceptional leader who takes the time to build relationships and connect with her team members. She has a willingness to consistently learn as a leader to grow professionally and personally. She is extremely committed to working closely with Life House youth who are struggling in our community. She makes our young people feel welcome, safe, and most importantly heard. Mary also does not hesitate to bring forward ideas and concerns to expand our organizational awareness and enhance our capacity to benefit the work we do with youth in our community. I also appreciate her level of engagement in the community at-large around racial, environmental, and social justice matters. She is making a difference for generations to come.”

— Jordon Johnson

My wife, Elena, and I tend a large garden and a whole mess of creatures — we currently have two dogs, a cat, four goats and about 20 chickens. I enjoy moving my body and being in nature doing things like cross-country skiing, hiking and spending time by and in the big lake. I also love to create things. Most recently I learned to make block prints at the Duluth Folk School and have been making pottery at the Duluth Art Institute.

Favorite things about living and working in the Northland?

I love Lake Superior and all of the outdoor spaces and trails. I am also grateful to have met so many of my mentors while working and studying in Duluth. These incredible people have given me inspiration and guidance as great youth workers and advocates for social justice.

I am so inspired by the youth I have the privilege to work with at Life House and in all of my time working in youth programs. I work with young people who far too often have been failed by our community and face immense challenges — be it homelessness, addiction, racism, homophobia or transphobia, or overcoming past trauma. These young people are smart, strong, funny, resilient and courageous. I am moved by the immense amount of love they show for their community and their ability to stay true to themselves and their dreams, even with so many obstacles in their way. When young people are given the opportunity to land in a safe place and share their voices, amazing things happen.

Two of my favorite quotes: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

— Alice Walker

“We all do better when we all do better.”

— Paul Wellstone

Anything else you want to add?

Thank you for this opportunity!