Get To Know Mary

Growing up without a natural father was a struggle for her. Mary lost her father at the age of 5 due to natural causes. Through her life journey, it has brought great painful experiences, failures, wisdom and purpose. She is a believer in Christ, wife, mom, and one of seven children by the late Arthur Rodwell and Gladys Rodwell. Mary is also a survivor of bullying and domestic violence. As a result of her transformation, God blessed her with the establishment of her organization, "Motivational Mary" in 2014.

This Christian organization helps educate youth organizations, young adults, women's groups, parents, and middle and high school students about producing positive results from past experiences. The services offered allow them to cultivate healthy relationships at home and in the community to prevent bullying and domestic violence through writing and speaking.

Mary has been recognized as a nominee for the 2019 Top Female Author Award by TheAuthorShow.com and is a finalist for the IALA 2018 Indie Author of the Year for Education. She was a nominee for ACHI Magazine's 2019 Woman of Inspiration award, ACHI Magazine's 2018 Public Service and Author of the Year awards, and the 2017 ACHI Magazine Author of the Year Award. Mary was one of six semi-finalists for the 2016 NAACP Image Hometown Champion Award for RVA, and she was a nominee for the ACHI Magazine 2019 Woman of Inspiration award, the ACHI Magazine 2018 Public Service and Author of the Year Award, and the 2017 ACHI Magazine Author of the Year Award. Mary was one of six semi-finalists for the 2016 NAACP Image Hometown Champion Award for RVA, and she was named RPS Elkhardt Thompson Middle School Title 1 Outstanding Parent for the 2015-2016 school year. Mary has appeared on WWBT Channel 12 News, WRIC Channel 8 News, and 105.7 Kiss FM radio station since her establishment. RPS Elkhardt Thompson Middle School's Title 1 Outstanding Parent for the 2015-2016 school year. Mary has appeared on WWBT Channel 12 News, WRIC Channel 8 News, and 105.7 Kiss FM radio station since her establishment.

Today, Mary has published six self help books since 2014. Her books are titled “It Can Stop With You Johnnie, Motivation Serenity Gratitude, The Girl Who Lived Behind The Fence, The Great I AM, Love Is Not Black or White, and The Girl Who Lived Behind The Fence 2." She also became an Amazon best selling author in 2016 for her book series, "The Girl Who Lived Behind The Fence." Mary also is the host of "Live, Laugh & Learn Podcast w/ Mary”, which streams on all major podcast stations.

Mary’s Philosophy

GOD did not create you to fit in, He created you to “Stand Out!”