Mary Ellbogen Garland
As President of the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, Mary Ellbogen Garland is working diligently to build relationships and collaborate with organizations and individuals in order to benefit the people of Wyoming.
Born and raised in Casper and now a resident of Laramie, Garland has long supported the communities she has lived in by volunteering. But about ten years ago, she took the lead for the newly established Ellbogen Foundation. This has allowed her a more intentional role in philanthropy - perhaps most notably in the support of education. Through the Wyoming National Board Certification Initiative (WNBCI), a program that supports professional development for teachers and other developments, Mary and the Ellbogen Foundation have helped change the face of education in Wyoming.
Garland, with the assistance of many others, has been instrumental in growing WNBCI from a program that had 45 Wyoming National Board Certified teachers in 2004 to a program that has 350 today. “Our significant growth can be attributed to the collaborations we have been able to build.” Not only have teachers played an integral role in making the program successful, but partnerships with individuals, organizations and the State of Wyoming have also been key in making the Ellbogen Foundation a leader in educational initiatives.
For Mary, leadership means engaging others to work for a similar cause and honoring the contributions of all. “Leadership cannot be done in isolation,” she says. Leadership has also meant taking risks, and getting out of her comfort zone. Doing so has allowed her to grow and prepare for the next challenge. She has realized that her passion for the issues is more important than her fears. “As long as you share your passion, no one will focus on the short comings.”
And Mary is passionate. She is passionate about Wyoming. She believes our biggest asset is “our people and the culture that we proudly nurture.” “Wyoming has the opportunity to be the best in whatever areas we choose to excel. We can be an example for the rest of the country. We can be exceedingly successful because of our demographics and our connectedness.” She also believes we are lucky in that our policy makers are accessible and “will listen if we thoughtfully articulate our cause.” Garland truly believes Wyoming is a supreme place to live and work and feels fortunate to call this place home.
Mary’s dedication and accomplishments were recognized by the University of Wyoming in 2009 when she was awarded an Honorary PhD, something she is proud of. But upon talking to Mary you realize such recognition is not why she chooses to work so hard. She is in it because she loves children. “The ultimate inspiration is our children.” Not only is she “exceedingly proud” of her own kids, but she believes, “Every child is born as pure potential. We must be diligent in providing the supports they need to fully realize their gifts.”
With Mary and the Ellbogen Foundation working to provide such support, the future for Wyoming’s children is looking bright.
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