Her Story
About Mary
Mary Cortani is the Founder and Executive Director of Operation Freedom Paws, a nonprofit organization based in Gilroy, California, dedicated to empowering veterans, first responders, children, and individuals with disabilities through service dog training. She brings more than five decades of canine training experience, including extensive expertise in service dog development and a particular commitment to supporting veterans and first responders affected by trauma and post-traumatic stress. Cortani began her professional journey with nine years of service in the U.S. Army, where she became one of the early female canine handlers and instructors. Her military experience provided the foundation for a career spanning canine training, leadership, technology, and nonprofit management.
Following her military service, Cortani transitioned into information technology, progressing from manufacturing operations into leadership positions overseeing IT departments and business functions. She earned an associate degree in Computer Engineering from the Franklin Institute of Boston and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Almeda University. After years in technology, she returned to her passion for canine training, establishing a professional dog-training business that ultimately evolved into Operation Freedom Paws. Through the organization, she teaches individuals to train their own dogs and develop certified service dog teams, combining her expertise in canine behavior, leadership, strategic planning, organizational development, and community partnerships.
Cortani’s professional credentials and affiliations include serving as a diplomat and member of the American Institute of Stress, an American Kennel Club evaluator, and a Master Canine Instructor from her military service. She is also a candidate for Assistance Dogs International and participates in the Veteran Service Dog Coalition, while partnering with organizations such as Dream Power Horsemanship. Her work has earned numerous honors and recognitions for her contributions to veterans, service animals, and the broader community. Guided by values of respect, empathy, community, integrity, perseverance, and excellence, Cortani continues to use her leadership and lifelong experience to create meaningful opportunities for people and the dogs that serve alongside them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and grit. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to my goals, embraced challenges as opportunities to grow, and persevered through obstacles with resilience and purpose. My willingness to stay focused, keep moving forward, and learn from every experience has enabled me to build a meaningful career and make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never let fear stop me from pursuing an opportunity or moving forward. I have learned to make the most of the skills, resources, and experience I already have, while remaining confident enough to ask questions when I do not know the answer. Even when I am unsure of what the right question is, I believe there is value in speaking up, seeking guidance, and continuing to learn. Most importantly, I have learned to believe in myself, trust my abilities, and approach challenges with confidence and determination.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to build a strong support system and surround yourself with people who encourage, challenge, and believe in you. Make self-care a priority, because sustaining a meaningful career requires taking care of yourself along the way. Dare to believe in your abilities, identify your unique strengths and “superpower,” and use them with confidence. Most importantly, strive to be the best version of yourself, remain authentic, and never underestimate the impact you can make.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is being a woman in an industry that has historically been male dominated. I have learned that being a woman can present unique challenges, but it also provides an opportunity to bring a different perspective, demonstrate strong leadership, and inspire others. I believe the key is to remain confident, recognize my value, and use my experiences to create opportunities for myself and for other women entering the field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are respect, empathy, community, integrity, perseverance, and excellence. I believe in treating others with dignity and compassion, building strong and supportive communities, and maintaining honesty and integrity in everything I do. Perseverance helps me navigate challenges with resilience, while excellence inspires me to continually grow, give my best, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
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