Mary Brown

Manager | Wholesale Loan Operations | Prism Member

Mary Brown joined the Prism ERG because of her granddaughter, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. “I wanted to join this group to understand the community and get some knowledge,” she says. “Sometimes, you think you’re by yourself when something is new to you.”

But in Prism, she’s found acceptance, guidance, and empathy. It’s also been an educational and emotional experience. “I have gotten so much out of the group and learned so much. I love hearing the stories from people who have family members in the community,” she says. “It’s enlightened me and helped me have a better relationship with my granddaughter.”

Like most Prism members, one of Mary’s favorite parts of the meetings is the storytelling. One member is encouraged per meeting to share with the group either their coming out story or how the community has touched their family’s life. “It’s all very touching and informative,” she says. “It’s almost like having a living testimony of someone who has gone through what they have, and we embrace them.”

To Mary, being an ally means being supportive, a good listener, an advocate, and a teacher, all things she does in honor of her granddaughter, including participating in Pride Month. “The only way we can learn and educate ourselves is by getting engaged,” she says.

For her, it’s simply about being open and ready to accept those in your life as they are. “You never know who is going to come into your life, maybe a family member who wants to come out. Getting involved and being aware can help you understand what they’re going through so you can help and handle the situation if it comes to you personally,” she says.