Mary Johnston
Community Pillars
Mary Johnston is a passionate educator, public health professional, and lifelong volunteer whose leadership has improved the lives of women and girls locally, nationally, and internationally. With a Bachelor of Household Science from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, Mary began her career as a high school teacher in Hamilton, Ontario. During this time, she became actively involved in the Hamilton, Ottawa, and Ontario Home Economics Associations, serving in various executive and leadership positions, including five years as Secretary/Treasurer of the Ontario Home Economics Association.
After moving to Ottawa, Mary began a distinguished career with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. There, she helped develop public health education programs with a focus on substance use prevention and adolescent health. Her career was driven by the same commitment to well-being and empowerment that has defined her volunteer work.
Mary’s entry into community volunteering began with her children—first through Scouts and then Girl Guides. After supporting a winter camp, she realized the potential of applying her organizational and leadership skills to youth development. This marked the beginning of her three-decade journey with Girl Guides of Canada.
Over the years, Mary has supported girls at every level, from Sparks and Brownies (now Embers) to Guides, Pathfinders, and Rangers. Her experience and dedication led to her role as District Commissioner in Ottawa, where she oversaw 15 units and mentored more than 200 girls and leaders. Her work helped shape young lives and instilled values of leadership, confidence, and community service.
In 2016, Mary co-founded the Nepean Days for Girls Team, a chapter of Days for Girls Canada Society (DfGCS), part of the global Days for Girls International movement. This organization works to eliminate the stigma and limitations associated with menstruation by providing sustainable menstrual health kits and education. Under Mary’s leadership, the Nepean team has distributed more than 5,800 kits both locally and internationally to Indigenous communities, refugee groups, food banks, youth programs, and health organizations.
In 2018, Mary became Canada’s Distribution Coordinator, and in 2019, she joined the Board of Directors of DfGCS. Since 2020, she has served as Treasurer, leading the organization through regulatory compliance and strengthening its financial governance. Her diligence and leadership have helped ensure the sustainability and growth of the organization in Canada.
Mary Johnston’s dedication to service, education, and advocacy spans decades and disciplines. Whether mentoring young girls through Guiding, advancing menstrual health equity, or shaping national health education programs, her impact is profound and far-reaching. Her tireless work reflects not only skill and compassion, but also an unwavering belief in the power of empowered women and girls to transform communities.
Mary Johnston’s legacy is one of action, vision, and care.
