Comedian | Coach | Catalyst
Mary C. Parker deepens humility and disrupts fragility—one laugh at a time.
Mary C. Parker (she/her) is an international speaker, credentialed coach, independent scholar, and veteran comedian who uses play and humor to advance racial equity. She brings comedic expertise and research-backed executive coaching to help organizations identify and overcome bias, fostering more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
History
Her Foundation
Raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Mary learned early on that dialogue across differences is vital to justice. After earning her Sociology degree from Emory University, she directed leadership programs at the Coro Center and founded Just Collaboration in 2015—a consultancy dedicated to advancing equity through applied theater and organizational development. She then earned a Master’s in Applied Theatre in London and has performed at international improv festivals across Europe and the United States.
Her Impact
Mary has supported over 10,000 education administrators, government workers, theater professionals, executives, and students in communities across four continents. As Executive Producer of the Black Anthology Project, she documents and uplifts Black improvisers’ stories. She authors race and social justice curricula for large municipal workforces and is deeply involved in the Pacific Northwest comedy scene as both Education Lead and ensemble member at Bandit Theater. Mary also coaches, teaches improv, and performs regularly with the Seattle Comedy Theater Ensemble.
I believe that laughter is a powerful tool for honest dialogue, learning, and lasting change. My work is grounded in the conviction that every community and organization can become more equitable through intentional practice and creative collaboration.
Mary Beyond the Stage
Mary’s work has earned her recognition as a Say Hey! Honoree, a Western PA Rising Star, and a Dignity and Respect Campaign Champion.
Offstage, Mary is a reality-TV enthusiast, frequent solo traveler, sunset lover, and devoted mac-and-cheese connoisseur. She’s currently developing her one-woman show, “Masters of My Life,” which weaves together her signature blend of humor, insight, and lived experience. Whether she’s behind the scenes, in the classroom, or on stage, Mary brings curiosity, dedication, and connection to everything she does. Interested in collaborating, booking a workshop, or learning more? Reach out at www.marycparker.com.
Education
Academic
Certifications and Professional Associations
Comedic Training
Master of Arts - Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Bachelor of Arts - Emory University
Primarily trained in improv comedy in Pittbsurgh, PA at Arcade Comedy Theatre and Unplanned Comedy. Mary has taken masterclasses with Becky Drysdale, Cédric Marschal, Devin Bockrath, Susan Harrison, Tamara Blue Cavell-Allette, Chris Condren, Marcy Jarreau, North Coast, AJ McCombs, Ti Coleman, T.J. Mannix, Jimmy Carrane, Laura and Rick Hall.