We have so many big hearts in the Golden Strip. Please meet Mary-Langston!
In her own words…
My name is Mary-Langston and I’m the Executive Director of the Miriam Foundation. I’m a small town girl with a big heart for people. I’m a lifelong learner and my faith is my roadmap – everything stems from it.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family has helped formed who I am today. I’m extremely close to my parents and brothers. I’m married to my best friend, John – who is supportive of everything I do. I also have many friends who are like family, for which I’m grateful.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love my jobs – Currently, I serve as the executive director for the Miriam Foundation in our community. We renew, inspire, support and encourage girls and young women to overcome challenges, excel academically, socially and personally. We serve elementary and high school students. I also work alongside Trey Gowdy and assist with the many projects he is working on. It’s a joy to work with someone I respect greatly and who has offered endless opportunities. My former and first job out of college was a scheduler on Capitol Hill for Mr. Gowdy.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Supporting local is one of our favorite things to do – we love them all! But certainly Bobby’s BBQ, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Sweet Catherine’s restaurant. We tend to eat at Tacos Blah on Tuesday nights to see our friends who work there.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Fountain Inn is the community that raised me. After graduating from Anderson University in South Carolina, I lived in Washington, D.C. for around five years and then came back to my hometown. I love giving back to the community that helped formed who I am.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are many interesting people in our community it’s hard to just choose one but I’d have to say Naomi, Felisha or Melissa Woods. They are all strong, compassionate women, and serve others so well.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Traveling has taught me so much about others. I’d love to travel to Africa, Peru – where my husband’s grandfather is from – or go back to India so my husband can experience the culture.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Life is short, be kind to all – even if it’s a bad day – and develop a spirit of gratitude – even if it’s just being grateful for another day or the sun coming up. There’s always something to be thankful for.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go on a helicopter ride over New York City and positively impact the lives of a thousand people.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Sweet Catherine’s restaurant – so many memories there. Michelle has also been so gracious to the girls of the Miriam Foundation.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Though I would be nervous – I would love to have lunch with Dolly Parton. She overcame much in her life – she’s offered opportunities to those in need, and she is an advocate for many. She’s also a savvy business woman. We’d sit in the rocking chairs outside of the Fountain Inn Activity Center and dream of ways to help encourage girls, especially in schools. If I could have lunch with someone who isn’t alive today, I’d choose Martin Luther King Jr.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Something unique about our community is the number of women who are leaders, own businesses, restaurants and run organizations. I think that’s incredible for our small town and offers great opportunities for girls to see representation.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to cultivate the Miriam Foundation and possibly furthering my education.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am constantly cleaning and my favorite place to think is driving around town.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Positano and Honduras. Positano for the picturesque scenery and the food – Honduras for the beautiful spirit of the people, and the culture is beautiful.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My faith, family, friends, the Miriam girls, and my work. I’m constantly thinking of ways to be better and cross-examining myself.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Neighbor is anyone we come in contact with – I’m a firm believer in loving my neighbor as myself.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace – Joy – Gratitude
