Mary Kathryn spent three and a half years on the Hill before stepping into her current role as Director for Student and Early Career Engagement at the Center for Public Justice (CPJ). Today, she leads the Civitas Program, a two-month, dinner-and-discussion series that brings Hill staffers together for conversations, regardless of party or boss. Topics range from family and caregiving policy to juvenile justice and religious freedom—with the overall goal of creating a space for honest, cross-aisle connection.

From Pittsburgh to People’s Work

🏛️ Mary Kathryn’s journey to the Hill was fueled by a deep-seated "why" for public service. After interning in the Pittsburgh Mayor’s office on a project getting Narcan in the hands of first responders to reduce opioid overdose deaths, she saw firsthand how government could partner with local institutions to bring healing to communities. Since then, she's been hooked on the humble, people-to-people work of public service.

From there, she worked her way onto the Hill, eventually landing in communications, where she sharpened her writing and got a front-row seat to both DC and district-level work—something she still points to as one of the most meaningful parts of her time in Congress.