25 Women for 2024: Mary Stafford pays it forward with kindness, solutions
Mary Stafford remembers riding her horse and pulling a wagon down Bannerman Road, back when Thomasville Road was two lanes and she and her twin sister Heather were young girls. Since then, she has grown up with Tallahassee, watching the roads widen as the opportunities for leadership, philanthropy, and connection expand. To Stafford, Tallahassee means family. And to Tallahassee, Stafford is one of this year’s 25 Women You Need to Know.
“We have a big family here; I tell my boys to watch out because wherever they go, someone knows them,” she laughs. In her role as Business Development Officer for Prime Meridian Bank, it’s her business to know people. “I have an internal drive to help others, by connecting people and services to leave them more informed, more connected with others and with solutions for what they may need going forward.”
Although banking ran in the family with her father as the founder of Florida State Bank, Stafford initially attended Auburn University with a goal of becoming a veterinarian. “The problem was my husband,” she says. “We were dating at the time, and I kept coming back to see him and my sister!”
She’s glad she did, as she devotes her time to community organizations that help children and families at home. At least once a month, you’ll find Stafford at a community build for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, assembling and installing beds for children who otherwise wouldn’t have one.
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“They visited my church, and I realized it was something I can bring my kids to,” she said. “My sister and I were adopted at the age of 8, after spending time in several foster care homes. I grew up in a situation my kids wouldn’t understand,” she explains. “It’s so simple to give that time and know that you’re making a difference.”
She freely gives her time to Riley Elementary, partnering with a kindergarten class as a mentor, installing a food pantry in partnership with Second Harvest of the Big Bend, and even helping to create a game room designed to encourage children to have good attendance at school. “It’s fun, fun, fun to see their little faces light up,” she beams.
She is inspired by people who have strived to leave the world better than they found it, and thankful to the families that cared for her and her sister. She recalls the Big Sister that she had when living in Jacksonville. “My sister and I each had a Big Sister, and they came from Jacksonville to make sure we were taken care of.”
Now, she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, because she knows the impact it can have. “People with genuine kindness inspire me to do more.”
You might see some of Stafford’s impact on Tallahassee in the smile of someone who has met with the Joy Squad, a volunteer group of Tallahasseeans with one mission: to spread joy. “Little things like sharing compliments to showing appreciation to first responders to mentorship, it’s all about bringing joy to the community!”
Stafford’s definition of family extends beyond people you’re related to, but to people you choose to be with, people you want to make Tallahassee safe for. “I try to stay in tune with all areas of the community so we know what is going on and look for opportunities for Tallahassee to be a safe place for everyone.”
From her seat as a leader in business, community volunteer, mother of three, and proud Tallahasseean, Stafford sees potential in the growing technology and manufacturing centers, conversations about overlapping priorities, and shared visions for the community. “Let’s collaborate and make it better,” she says with enthusiasm. “We’re growing fast, but I’m not afraid, because I trust the people I’m walking with.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women for 2024: Mary Stafford has 'drive to help others'
