The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Agora Institute, a multi-disciplinary academic and public forum at Johns Hopkins University dedicated to strengthening global democracy, is excited to welcome Mary Bruce as its Assistant Director of Public Programming. In this role, Mary will be leading the institute’s public programming efforts, including the and signature events like the Elijah E. Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival. Collaborating with faculty, fellows, students, and external partners, she will design innovative initiatives that advance SNF Agora’s mission by offering opportunities for informed, inclusive dialogue and robust civic engagement.
By blending rigorous academic research with practical, on-the-ground efforts, the institute bridges theory and action, equipping individuals and communities with the tools needed to participate meaningfully in democratic life.
“Democracy works better for everyone when we combine thoughtful scholarship with practical action, which is why I’m honored to join this exceptional team. I look forward to developing programming that sparks meaningful dialogue across difference and empowers individuals to participate more fully in civic life,” said Mary Bruce.
Since beginning her role on December 16, Mary has been developing institute offerings for 2025, focusing on creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue and debate that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Her strategic vision and passion for building bridges across difference promise to broaden SNF Agora’s reach and deepen its impact.
Before her role at SNF Agora, Mary actively helped to grow civic engagement legacy initiatives of the 41st, 42nd, 43rd, and 44th Presidents of the United States: George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. She also served as an appointee for the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, where she held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Peace Corps and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
“We are so excited to have Mary on the SNF Agora team,” said Stephen Ruckman, managing director of the institute. “In this period of political division, when so many feel their perspectives are not being heard or that democracy is not working for them, the need to create spaces for open, reasoned dialogue is critical. Mary has succeeded in creating such spaces time and again, inviting in diverse voices and sparking the pluralistic engagement that fuels healthy democracy.”
To learn more about SNF Agora’s public programs, visit our events page and sign up for our newsletter. We look forward to your active participation in our upcoming programming.