Mary Tidlund

Mary A. Tidlund was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and adopted at the age of 7 by a loving Calgary family. Along with 3 other adopted children, Mary shared her childhood with at least 45 foster children that her parents nurtured and loved. Later in her life she reunited with her birth families.

After completing a science degree in geography, Mary began a 15-year career in the oil industry; later becoming President and CEO of a publicly traded oil exploration and service company. She located the head office for the company in rural Arcola, Saskatchewan where she was committed to the community through her entrepreneurial work. Her activities expanded to include drilling and trucking companies, clothing store, art gallery and a restaurant, together employing more than 250 people. Mary’s commitment was recognized nationally in 1993 when she was a finalist in the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. In addition, Mary received an In Award for having the most impact on a local community.

An industry downturn led Mary from the oil business to international travel and her roots of charitable service. On October 14, 1998 she founded the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation, a public foundation that has grown to work in 26 countries with over 80 programs. The foundation financially supports and participates in programs in Canada and overseas. Key initiatives include delivering medical clinics and workshops, constructing schools, medical facilities and playgrounds, educational sponsorship, water and micro finance projects. Focusing on women and children, Mary’s long-term goal is to empower individuals to provide for themselves and create self-sustaining programs that have broad community impact. In October of 2000, she received the Black Achievement Award for Humanitarianism; in May 2010 the Woman of Vision Award with Global TV and in 2013 was a Nominee for the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur award.

Mary is a Director with Women Moving Millions, a New York based NGO with a mission to mobilize unprecedented resources for women and girls; and Tostan, a NGO based in Dakar, Senegal and Washington, DC that empowers African communities to bring about sustainable development and positive social transformation based on respect for human rights. She is also a Director of Valhi Inc., a US based corporation.