Mary Bergstrom

Director

Mary Bergstrom is an attorney with experience working in the criminal justice, public safety, and nonprofit arenas. Mary has a broad range of experience throughout her career, including two years as a Paralegal working with high-profile clients involved in large-scale litigations at one of Washington D.C.’s top law firms. Furthermore, Mary spent her second and third year in law school assisting supervising attorneys in developing legal strategies for underserved and low-income clients as a law clerk with the Office of the Public Defender in both Maryland and Virginia. Mary spent three years supporting a Federal government agency in the development and implementation of national public safety guidelines for first responders and emergency communications personnel. 

Mary is passionate about advocating for the development and implementation of community-based programming for underserved neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. and recognizes the importance of providing restorative and rehabilitative programs and services for at-risk youth and young adults. Accomplishments include establishing a youth-based nonprofit organization in 2019 that serves at-risk students by successfully implementing a no-cost learn to swim program in two independent, tuition-free schools in Washington D.C.'s Ward 8. 

Mary grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia but has called the Washington, D.C. area home for over ten years. She is a graduate of George Washington University and subsequently earned her J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law with a concentration in juvenile law. She enjoys spending time outside with her family, watching her son Adrian play baseball, and visiting family in Philadelphia.

Education

CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
J.D. Law

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
B.A. Psychology

Expertise

  • Research

  • Writing

  • Legal Research and Analysis

  • Nonprofit Development

  • Juvenile Justice and Youth Advocacy

    Activities & Affiliations

  • Founder and Board President, SWIM UP, Inc.

  • Potomac Valley Swimming Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee Member