Translating complexity into clarity.
Building trust through human-centered strategy.
Uncover
the Story.
I turn strategy into impact—and ideas into action—by making communication clearer, more human, and more honest.
I believe systems should work for people, not the other way around. That’s why I’ve built a career helping organizations engage their audiences with empathy, clarity, and trust. Because at the heart of every complex message is a person simply trying to understand. I help organizations break through noise and confusion to build trust and connection where it matters most.
With a background in sustainability, strategic communications, and audience engagement, I work at the intersection of people, policy, and digital transformation. Whether I’m helping a global company navigate regulation, designing tools that make public services more accessible, or building messaging frameworks that actually resonate, my approach is always the same: listen first, translate complexity, and tell stories that connect.
Because at the end of the day, I don’t just want people to understand what an organization does—I want them to believe in why it matters.
Where Vision Meets Action.
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From policymakers to grassroots partners, I specialize in aligning cross-sector voices to design solutions that hold up to real-world complexity.
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Whether you're speaking to customers, constituents, or internal teams, I help translate your message into something that resonates—and sticks.
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Messaging isn’t just what you say—it’s how you build trust. I work with organizations to clarify their voice and communicate with purpose, especially when the stakes are high.
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Bringing sustainability into your strategy shouldn't feel performative. I offer honest, impact-focused guidance on ESG storytelling and alignment—from ambition to execution.
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Part teacher, part facilitator, part coach—I build spaces where professionals can strengthen their voice, sharpen their impact, and feel more confident showing up as themselves.
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As a certified Reiki Level II practitioner, I offer restorative energy work for individuals and teams seeking clarity, calm, and reconnection—with themselves and their work.
Strategy, storytelling, and systems thinking—this portfolio highlights the work that brings them all together.
Well-being in conservation
The Well-Being in Conservation report explores how conservation initiatives can better integrate community well-being. Through case studies and expert interviews, it highlights the need for flexible, community-driven approaches and offers recommendations to align conservation efforts with social and cultural priorities.
Building a system to improve customer communication
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is enhancing its customer communication systems to better serve over 835,000 accounts and improve public trust. This project focuses on developing a CRM system, streamlining digital engagement, and integrating best practices to improve service delivery, transparency, and operational efficiency.
Scaling the mountains of textile waste in NYC
The article "Scaling the Mountains of Textile Waste in New York City" explores the city's growing textile waste crisis and the challenges of recycling and reuse. It highlights policy gaps, industry roadblocks, and potential solutions, emphasizing the need for systemic change to reduce waste and promote circular fashion.
Reimagining Lower Manhattan
The Science of Urban Ecology coursework project utilized VisionMaker to reimagine Lower Manhattan’s ecological resilience through nature-based infrastructure. The study explored solutions which aimed to balance urban development, environmental restoration and economic feasibility.
Meet the woman pioneering sustainable change in fashion
The article "Meet the Women Pioneering Sustainable Change in Fashion" explores the future of ethical fashion through the lens of innovation, policy, and industry accountability. In an interview with Maxine Bédat, the piece highlights legislative efforts, circular economy solutions, and the urgent need for systemic reform to protect consumers and reduce fashion’s environmental impact.
Preparing boards to lead the ESG transition
The ESG Corporate governance coursework proposed an ESG Board Member certification to standardize corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. The project analyzed corporate ESG structures, disclosure frameworks, and regulatory trends, recommending a credentialing system to equip board directors with expertise in sustainability governance and improve accountability.
New York City is rewriting the rules of customer experience
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): New Balance
The Sample GRI ESG Report was developed as part of coursework to demonstrate corporate sustainability reporting using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. This project analyzed key ESG performance indicators, disclosure best practices, and materiality assessments, applying them to a hypothetical case study. New Balance is not associated with this report.
The UFLPA policy analysis & proposed amendments
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act coursework analyzed policy in the U.S. legislative response to forced labor in China's Xinjiang region’s fashion supply chain.It proposed amendments to strengthen international diplomatic partnerships with the EU, stronger enforcement, and supply chain transparency to prevent unethical imports.
“What truly sets Mary Austin apart is her ability to combine strategic thinking with action, both academically and professionally. She anticipates needs before they arise, navigates complex environments with ease, and consistently raises the bar..” - Sara Goddard
“What truly sets Mary Austin apart is her ability to combine strategic thinking with action, both academically and professionally. She anticipates needs before they arise, navigates complex environments with ease, and consistently raises the bar..” - Sara Goddard
“This workshop helped me understand where the process breaks down, where we lose the customer, and what we can do to fix it.” - Participant
“This workshop helped me understand where the process breaks down, where we lose the customer, and what we can do to fix it.” - Participant
“She is an extremely dedicated worker who takes pride in her work and ensures from the beginning to the end point of execution that all details are thoughtfully considered.” - Brooke Monahan
“She is an extremely dedicated worker who takes pride in her work and ensures from the beginning to the end point of execution that all details are thoughtfully considered.” - Brooke Monahan
Connect.
Ready to collaborate? Whether you have a project in mind, want to explore partnership opportunities, or just start a conversation, I’d love to hear from you.
Drop your details in the form, and I’ll be in touch soon!
