Her Story
About Maryfrances
Maryfrances Bodensteiner is a seasoned professional with more than 15 years of experience spanning education, marketing, sales, communications, and community leadership. She currently applies her expertise to marketing and sales, where she oversees brand strategy, advertising, customer engagement, partnerships, public relations, and promotional initiatives. Her career began in education, where she taught English and rhetoric and developed a strong foundation in communication, leadership, and program development. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an M.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education from Western Washington University.
Following her graduate studies, Maryfrances broadened her professional perspective through a fellowship with the U.S. Department of State, contributing to international educational and workforce-readiness initiatives in Southeast Asia. Through her work with USAID and the Lower Mekong Initiative, she collaborated on transnational projects and helped develop a 500-page professional communication skills curriculum as part of a six-member American team. These experiences strengthened her ability to lead complex projects, collaborate across cultures, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Maryfrances is deeply committed to education, leadership, and community development. She serves as President of the Red Wing Public Schools Foundation, supporting initiatives that provide teacher grants, experiential learning opportunities, and scholarships, and she serves on the board of the Minnesota State Outdoor Business Alliance. She has also earned professional certifications in project management and continues to develop her leadership expertise. Guided by a strong Midwest work ethic, lifelong learning, and a passion for connecting people and creating opportunities, Maryfrances brings a collaborative and results-oriented approach to every organization and community she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maryfrances
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to learning, meaningful relationships, strong communication, and a willingness to continually challenge myself. Over the past 15 years in education, I’ve embraced opportunities to grow as a teacher, leader, and community advocate, from teaching rhetoric at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to contributing to transnational projects in Southeast Asia as a U.S. Department of State fellow. I’m proud of helping lead a five-year project that produced a 500-page professional communication skills curriculum, and today I continue to apply my skills in marketing, sales, education, and nonprofit leadership. I believe success is also about finding joy in what I do, surrounding myself with supportive mentors and colleagues, and using my experience to create meaningful opportunities for others through community involvement and service.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my swimming coach, who would remind us that “it’s only as hard as you make it” whenever we asked whether practice would be difficult. I’ve carried that mindset with me throughout life, recognizing that challenges are an essential part of growth, but my perspective and attitude can shape how I approach them. I believe in continually challenging myself, embracing new opportunities, finding joy in the journey, and focusing on the positive while remaining committed to personal and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to find joy in what you do, continually challenge yourself, and embrace the value of mentorship and strong communication. I believe that challenges are often only as difficult as we allow them to become, so it is important to reframe stress in a positive way, remain adaptable, and approach obstacles as opportunities for growth. Most importantly, remember why you chose this path, stay committed to your goals, and take pride in the work you do.
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