In addition to her work as a senior proposal writer for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Mary is also a branded contributor to The Chris Salcedo Show via TheBlaze Radio Network. Mary is a 2010 Bethany graduate.
WHAT YOU DO • • • In my role at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, I am tasked with managing the proposal trajectory of multinational and global bid projects. I work directly with the global sales team, collaborating on strategy, execution and delivery of complex, multifaceted projects. These strategies must be clear, unique, and powerful—effectively communicating the right message at the right time on a global platform. As part of this process, I am also responsible for creating executive summaries, journey maps, and other pertinent proposal collateral. As a bilingual employee (Spanish-100% fluency; Portuguese-working knowledge), I work with our teams in Latin America on various projects spanning from proposals to database translations.
In my freelance role, I write political opinion pieces under the banner of The Chris Salcedo Show on The Blaze Radio.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU • • • Nothing helps us map out our futures like understanding how it is that we human beings tick, and where exactly we’ve been. I loved the diversity my major offered. For a person fascinated by politics, history, world religions, and cultures, broad field social studies fit like a glove. A degree in this discipline doesn’t limit you to a few scant career options as some might assume; on the contrary, it sheds light on a wealth of opportunities and opens your eyes to an understanding of how our world’s actions—past and present—shape the very life you live today.
HOW YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE • • • I come from a family history of serving our nation through the armed forces—and I am especially proud of my younger brother’s brave service in Iraq. Quite simply, I don’t have what it takes to defend and protect our nation as my brother and other family members have—but I do have a pen, and a love of history and of politics. I believe that I can have just as much of an impact by putting pen to paper and helping those around me understand the complexities of a increasingly dangerous world—and that’s my life’s goal.
HOW BETHANY HAS PREPARED YOU • • • It was such a treasure to be able to study what would prepare me for my life ahead, while simultaneously being strengthened spiritually. My work causes me to be in difficult situations from time to time—where my views and especially my faith is challenged greatly. What a wonderful gift to have been surrounded and strengthened by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ during those precious preparation years.
Bethany may not have Trinity College’s library, or an Ivy League “prestige” to brag about, but the school is incredibly prepared to impart knowledge on our young people today. I never lacked for an outlet at Bethany; I never lacked for a source of knowledge while at Bethany. If you wanted to learn it—it was there for you to discover.
WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT BETHANY • • • A few professors in particular stand out to me—I’ll never forget the feeling I got when I realized that a couple of professors far more intelligent than I believed wholeheartedly in me and the plans/dreams I was still solidifying. To have earned their respect and their support was something I’ll treasure throughout my life.
ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS • • • Don’t be afraid of a challenge—even it makes your gut wrench. (I’m still learning to do that myself!) Nothing worthwhile or great ever came easily.