(Director of Sales - West Coast)
As an infant, Mary Zendejas was stricken by polio. In high school she started to use a wheelchair. Whenever challenges or barriers present themselves, Mary tackles them, motivated by her tenacity for life and her role models, her parents. Mary is a proud California State University, Long Beach Alumni, where she obtained her B.A. in Communication Studies. The first in her family to become a college graduate, she serves as role model for her family and community.
In 2012, Mary was crowned Ms. Wheelchair California. She used her platform to promote personal independence for people with disabilities. She advocated for self-advocacy, higher education, and quality employment opportunities for the people living with disabilities throughout the state of California.
Mary’s passion for developing a stronger and more integrated disability community led her to becoming the founder of Professional Abilities Association of America, an organization created for working professionals with disabilities by working professionals with disabilities, focusing on inclusion in the workforce.
Mary continuously elevates herself through a series of leadership opportunities like Leadership Long Beach Institute and other leadership roles.
She, servers as a Board Director for Long Beach Transit, a leading company in the transportation industry and a multimillion-dollar company. She is also Ms. Wheelchair America’s Vice President and their National Independent Delegate Coordinator; whose mission is to provide an opportunity of achievement for women who happen to be wheelchair users to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 54 mission American living with disabilities. In addition, she was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Disabled Resources Center, an independent living centers that strives to empower people with disabilities to live independently in their community.
Mary has developed and implemented MAPS 2 College, a mentoring program in partnership with California State University, Long Beach / Disabled Student Services, The Long Beach Unified School District, and the Murphy Family Foundation. This program is designed to assist and guide students with special needs, in the transition from high school to colleges with the hopes of transforming them into successful college students and ultimately college graduates. The program aims to provide self-empowerment through life fulfillment activities while promoting independence and a quality lifestyle. In addition, Mary is a powerful and inspirational Speaker and has presented for well over 7000 people in various private and public sectors throughout the state of California.
Mary has been honored with the following awards: The American Business Women’s Association, 2017 Diamond in the Sky Award. The California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) 2016 Gene Lentzner, Human Relations Award, Disabled Resource Center 2015 Civic Leadership Award, Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB) 2015 Human Rights Award, The Robert Schlesinger “Making A Difference 2015 Award, The Patrick O’Donnell 2015 “Women of Distinction” Award and The Long Beach Post “40 under 40” 2013 Award.
Mary is currently working for GNS Medical Supplies, as the Director of Regional Accounts. She manages the California location and is providing direct services to people living with disabilities and building strong relationships state wide in that capacity.
Mary is an extraordinary woman who immerses herself in her passion for empowering people with disabilities by highlighting their ABILITIES. Her joyous love for life is contagious. Mary Zendejas is truly a Long Beach Pillar and an iconic person not only for the disABILITY community but rather throughout the entire community.