Mary Maker is a South Sudanese refugee, education activist, renowned speaker, and philanthropist. She currently serves as a Goodwill Ambassador with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).

For over eight years, Mary has shared her story and advocacy on some of the world’s most influential stages. She has delivered two TED Talks and addressed global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, the UN High-Level Political Forum, the Sustainable Development Goal on Education, and the World Bank Fragility Forum. She is also a regular keynote speaker at Duolingo’s We Rise Together Award Ceremony, a contributor to Forbes Education, and was featured on Al Jazeera’s podcast The Stream, where she emphasized the urgent need for action on refugee education.

A graduate of St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater, International Relations, and Race and Ethnic Studies, Mary combines creativity and critical insight in her work. She is also an actor, writer, and fashion enthusiast. In 2021, she co-founded Elimisha Kakuma, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to higher education for high school graduates in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya.

Having fled conflict in South Sudan as a child, Mary found hope and stability through education in Kakuma. She later became a teacher in the camp, determined to empower other young refugees especially girls who are too often denied the chance to learn.

Mary often reflects: “For the child of war, an education can turn their tears of loss into a passion for peace.”