SPOTLIGHT RACE: Mary Shea for ID-HD29A
My journey began with an early lesson in resilience. At 8 years old, I learned change is not something to fear, as my family moved from Chicago to Virginia. Moving can be challenging, especially so when it means leaving your support systems behind. At the age of 15, my life was upended by my parents’ divorce. Suddenly, I took on responsibilities far beyond my years, such as helping my father raise my siblings while he worked to support us. This period of transition taught me a crucial lesson: balance is not handed to us; it’s forged through adversity. My mother’s financial struggles post-divorce instilled in me a determination to carve my own path where I could be self-sufficient and free from societal constraints that typically expect women to depend on others for support.
My path through the University of Richmond School of Law was a balancing act of academia, family responsibilities, and part-time jobs fueled by a determination to graduate debt-free. I worked in the school library as an audio visual technician, and a local health club, as well as various restaurants, to pursue a self-sufficient future.
During law school, amidst the proliferating movement of modern conservation activism, I was drawn to the environmental law program. My passion was ignited further by the plight of the Chesapeake Bay, threatened by urban pollution despite its significance as the second-largest inland bay worldwide. I joined the movement to protect sensitive wetland areas, which act as essential filters for the bay, contributing through canvassing, petitioning, and fundraising for clean water initiatives. This early work in conservation shaped my understanding of the power of grassroots activism and community organizing.
After graduating from law school, the unexpected passing of my father during my clerkship at the Virginia Supreme Court tested my resolve. At the age of 25, and with younger siblings still in college, and with my father leaving no will, I had to learn how to probate his estate. I had to track down all of his accounts, pay all of his outstanding debts, and file an accounting with the probate clerk so that my siblings could receive their inheritance and be secure financially to finish their degrees. It was a period of profound challenge, teaching me to navigate the complexities of grief while managing my burgeoning legal career.
Joining the Virginia Attorney General’s office marked the start of a significant chapter in my career. Eager to gain experience quickly, I embraced my work with unwavering courage, quickly advancing and taking on challenging roles, including leading high-stakes litigation. Moving to Idaho for love, I encountered a new set of challenges, from navigating pregnancy while managing a demanding case back in Virginia to starting a practice of my own. Each step was a testament to my readiness to embrace change, balance personal happiness with professional ambition, and serve those in need.
During my time with the Virginia state government, I encountered the recurring theme of childhood trauma and abuse while reading thousands of Virginia prisoners’ social histories. This revelation was a turning point, as I was able to connect the experience of childhood trauma with the far-reaching negative societal consequences. To this day, this drives me to dedicate myself to working with and for children in need. My involvement with CASA and my role as a Child Welfare Law specialist are reflections of this commitment. I’ve been privileged to choose passion over profit, focusing on providing essential services for children and families in need.
My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of service, and the impact of leadership grounded in personal values. Through every challenge and choice, I’ve remained committed to advocating for justice, equality, and opportunity. My vision for Idaho is one where these principles guide our collective efforts to build a community that uplifts every resident. It’s a vision shaped by my life’s story—a story of overcoming adversity, embracing change, and dedicating oneself to the service of others. If you made it this far, please consider supporting my campaign by donating, volunteering your time, or asking your friends and family to vote for me in November.
https://maryforidaho.com/
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