Mary South
Austin
Summary
Dynamic programming and events professional with 5+ years of experience creating inclusive, community centered public programs in urban park settings. Background in environmental education, public engagement, and creative design with a strategic and people focused approach aligned with Waterloo Greenway’s mission to connect nature, culture, and community.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Small Business Owner | Textile Designer
Self-employeed
Austin
08.2024 - Current
- Founded and operate a creative textile business delivering custom designed pieces, apparel embellishment, and chainstitch embroidery for individual clients and small brands.
- Manage all business operations including client consultations, pricing, contracts, production timelines, invoicing, and fulfillment.
Park Ranger
City Of Austin Parks And Recreation Department
Austin
06.2022 - Current
- Plan, coordinate, and lead diverse public programs designed to increase community engagement in urban park spaces.
- Manage program logistics including scheduling, site preparation, safety protocols, materials, and participant communication.
- Lead signature initiatives such as GNAC (special needs program), Leave No Trace education, Coffee With a Ranger, and Bark Ranger, serving participants of varying ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Partner with local organizations, community groups, and internal departments to expand program reach and accessibility.
- Support largescale park events by coordinating vendors, assisting with setup and breakdown, and ensuring smooth operations.
Program Specialist
City Of Austin Parks And Recreation Department
Austin
05.2022 - 06.2022
- Facilitated daily programs for adults with special needs at McBeth Rec Center, ensuring meaningful participation in recreational and outdoor activities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design inclusive programming tailored to a wide range of abilities.
- Contributed to a workplace culture centered on dignity, respect, and cross cultural inclusion.
Sales Specialist
REI
Austin
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Coordinated store inventory fulfillment, ensuring proper stock of packaging materials and timely outgoing shipments.
- Maintained schedules for package distribution and received deliveries, directing them to the appropriate departments.
- Assisted with organizing community outreach projects including park cleanups, coordinating volunteers and resources.
FOH Manager
Righteous Foods
Austin
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Collaborated with kitchen leadership, vendors, and external partners to align menus, timelines, staffing, and logistics.Managed daily restaurant operations in a high volume, service environment, supervising staff and ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Planned and coordinated private events, large party reservations, and catering services from initial inquiry through execution.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Geography Resources And Environmental Studies
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX05-2021
Skills
- Event planning
- Public Programming Development
- Community Outreach & Partnership Building
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Practices
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Environmental Education
Timeline
Small Business Owner | Textile Designer
Self-employeed
08.2024 - Current
Park Ranger
City Of Austin Parks And Recreation Department
06.2022 - Current
Program Specialist
City Of Austin Parks And Recreation Department
05.2022 - 06.2022
Sales Specialist
REI
08.2020 - 05.2022
FOH Manager
Righteous Foods
08.2017 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Geography Resources And Environmental Studies
Texas State University