Mary E. Gilder was born and reared in the beautiful city of San Diego, Ca. A graduate of Samuel Morse High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Masters Degree from San Diego State University.

Mary E. Gilder’s vast repertoire of accomplishments include: Two award winning novels, a medal of honor by the Board of Library Commissioners, and recognition by the Northern African American Museum and Library for her literary contributions in American Culture and recognition from the National Association of Women for her scholarly achievements. Furthermore, she served as the past host of Inspirational Conversations Radio Show and past Columnist of Conversations Magazine. Along with being nominated for two Christian Literary Awards, she has a featured Interview in Redbook Magazine and served as a guest on numerous Radio Shows and Newspaper Publications. Most importantly, Mary spent eight years as the Juvenile Justice Commissioner for Alameda County, Inspecting assigned Police Departments and ensuring policies and mandates pertaining to the Rights of our Youth were upheld. Currently, her most recent book, Even a man can Have a Broken Heart, is being filmed as a Documentary.

In 2016 Deepak Chopra and HARPO Honored Mary for being Inspirational
In addition, in June of 2018 TIRR Memorial Herman Brain Injury & Rehabilitation presented Mary with their 2018-2019 Medal of Courage Award and honed her with a featured interview on their hospital website.
Mary often states that LOVE is the foundation and is best expressed by GIFTING yourself away so that others may be encouraged to set aside FEAR and elevate to the best version of themselves. As she lives, Mary intentionally strives to create this legacy and ignite others to do the same.