Mary Jung
Director of Government Affairs, San Francisco Association of Realtors & Executive Director, San Francisco Association of Realtors Foundation
“We can help women learn the skills they need to get ahead in the job market, but in the end, first impressions count and Dress for Success gives women the extra boost they need to feel confident and exude professionalism.” - Mary
Q & A With Mary
How Have Other Women Played A Role In Your Professional Success? I've had wonderful women mentors who cared about me as a person and helped me with their advice. My first true mentor pretty much saved my life. She didn't know it at the time, and I was able to reconnect with her a few years ago and thank her. She had no idea. Natalie Berg, former President of City College and Chair of the SF Democratic Party, provided me with advice and career opportunities in politics in SF. Caryl Ito, a former Airport Commissioner and founder of PAAWBAC and the Commission on the Status of Women is the great connector and introduced me to many leaders in SF and always watched my back.
What Is Something You Would Tell Anyone Who Is Starting Off In Their Career?
If you are able to, try to vertically integrate some of the different facets of your life. It's a more seamless way of living and a more efficient way to get things done. It frees up time to allow for better work/life balance.
Why Is It Important For You To Give Back?
It is better to give than receive and pay it forward. We should all strive to make the world a better place, even if it's just a little bit.
About Mary
Mary Jung is a seasoned political strategist and community advocate with a five-decade career advancing workers' rights, social justice, and public safety. As Executive Director of the San Francisco Association of Realtors Foundation, she co-founded and oversees The Welcome Home Project to support the formerly unhoused in their transition to stable housing. Over the past decade, this initiative has provided essential home goods to more than 15,000 individuals, offering dignity and stability as they rebuild their lives.
Mary began her political career 50 years ago, organizing women office workers in a movement that laid the groundwork for labor protections, pay equity, and workplace rights. This fight for justice was chronicled in the documentary 9to5: The Story of a Movement—showcasing what inspired Dolly Parton’s anthem 9 to 5, a rallying cry for fair pay, advancement opportunities, and an end to workplace harassment.
In 2021-22, Mary played a key role in leading the successful recall of the San Francisco District Attorney amid rising crime and public concern regarding the attacks on Asian elders. The campaign’s success marked a turning point for San Francisco, reinforcing the power of civic engagement in shaping public policy and community safety.
A dedicated civic leader, Mary has served on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee for 20 years, including four as Chair, as well as on the City's Civil Service Commission, Arts Commission, and the Commission on the Status of Women. She currently sits on the Board of the Edwin M. Lee Democratic Club, continuing her commitment to common sense policy and community engagement.
With a lifelong dedication to advocacy, public service, and grassroots organizing, Mary remains a driving force for meaningful change, ensuring that policy and action serve the people.
CELEBRATE & DONATE
This Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we you to honor the Bay Area women who inspire us — and take action to uplift those working toward a better future.
A donation of just one hour of your pay provides a local woman in our community with the tools, support, and confidence to achieve financial independence. When we invest in women, we create stronger families, thriving communities, and lasting change.
Your contribution will help ensure Dress for Success San Francisco/ San Jose can continue empowering Bay Area Women with career wardrobe, core skills, coaching and community.
