You may know Mary Royers as Habitat Omaha’s education coordinator. But did you know she has had photos published in Oprah Winfrey’s magazine? Read on to learn more.

What’s your job title?

Education Coordinator

Where are you originally from?

Born in Chicago, raised in Omaha.

Where do you live now?

Lucky to live in the North Omaha area.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

An introvert masquerading as an extrovert.

Who inspires you?

It sounds like a cop-out but honestly everyone around me, especially the students I have been fortunate enough to meet in my lifetime. I am constantly in awe of the incredible people who do inspiring things every day- both seen and unseen.

What kind of music do you like?

Everything from Natalia Lafourcade to A Tribe Called Quest.

What’s the best concert you’ve been to?

My buddy’s band Lagartijacarlo takes the cake.

What’s your favorite vacation spot?

Visiting my host family in Bilbao.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue.

What’s your favorite thing to do on weekends?

Finding fun civic engagement events with friends.

What’s your favorite food?

Donburi

What’s your favorite movie?

“Perfect Days”

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

I’ve been a photographer since 2010- I shot an event for a local nonprofit a few years ago that used my photos across an Oprah Magazine spread.

Do you have any pets?

Way too many- 2 dogs and 2 cats.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

I’m an Artemis Tea fan for life.

What show are you currently binge-watching?

Currently mourning the end of this year’s “Great British Bake-Off.”

How would your friends describe you?

Passionate about everything from the silly little things to the big stuff.

Which historical figure would you most like to meet?

Fred Hampton.

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?

Fully charged satellite phone, snacks, and more snacks.

Why do you like working at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha?

I love that at Habitat we’re constantly looking for better ways to address systemic inequalities in housing. As a high school teacher, it was hard to watch my students who first arrived in the country experience a lot of abuse from their landlords without any autonomy or alternatives. Today I get to see people who look and sound like those students secure safe and affordable homes for their family for generations- and that will always leave me feeling passionate about the work that we do.