Her Story
About Rev. Mary (Scott)
Mary Woo has been in ministry since 2007. She studied journalism with a minor in theology and worked in business news in the Bay Area before pursuing seminary at Fuller Theological Seminary. After interning and working in Chinese churches, she became ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterian Churches in 2020 and was named Lead Pastor in 2023. Her expertise centers on youth ministry and youth culture for grades 6 through 12 and beyond, though she now leads over all ages while maintaining a focus on young people and families. She is a member of ECO, participates in Lead Bold to support women clergy, and serves on the Ministry Partnership Team. Mary attributes her success to spiritual practices such as time in silence, meditation, prayer, and biblical study, which helped her navigate years of being overlooked in favor of male peers.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rev. Mary (Scott)
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would really have to say spiritual practices, given my role, especially. Spending that time in silence, meditation, prayer, and biblical study is key. I spent quite a few years overlooked where I saw my male peers step into positions that I was qualified to do, and I think those years helped me to continually look inward, continually find strength in God and without those years I don't think I would be able to lead through difficult times like I am able to.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice was recently, and it was really to be yourself. And of course, you know, before that, the best career advice is to know yourself, to know yourself, know how to lead yourself, know how to know what you're looking for and what it means. And if you're leading yourself well, then being yourself will be great leadership.
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