Mary Wingo, Ph.D., is an accomplished bilingual professional with a diverse range of expertise spanning international business development, public relations, project management, and scientific research. Holding dual citizenship in Ecuador and the United States, Mary has navigated both cultures, enabling her to foster connections and collaborations across borders.
As the founder and director of Project Minga, Mary focuses on economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Project Minga is a social enterprise that modernizes international trade with small producers in Ecuador, connecting suppliers directly with buyers, bypassing intermediaries, and providing support services such as trade financing, cargo shipping, and education. This helps small producers in Ecuador, many of whom are indigenous or ethnic mestizo communities, to access new markets and improve their livelihoods.
Through her leadership, Project Minga has developed an innovative enterprise economic platform that creates sovereign digital money based on community service. This system incentivizes and rewards individuals for their contributions to their communities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable economic model. The platform also facilitates sophisticated bartering, enabling transactions between producers and buyers. Mary’s work has led to her presentation at the Ecuadorian National Assembly and collaborations with the Commission of Decentralized Autonomous Governments. In her presentation to the Ecuadorian National Assembly, Mary showcased the potential of Project Minga to change the country’s economic landscape and empower marginalized communities nationwide.
Mary’s expertise and dedication to social welfare led to her co-authoring the Organic Law of Housing and Social Interest with the Ecuadorian National Assembly. This groundbreaking legislation legalized the use of Project Minga’s digital money and bartering system, allowing citizens to establish infrastructure and housing using these alternative economic tools. The law aims to ensure access to adequate housing and improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations in Ecuador. Mary has also completed a pilot program in Pastaza province, Ecuador, focusing on indigenous women leaders.
Mary is a skilled communicator with experience in business development, project management, and media relations. She is fluent in Spanish and English and has worked with diverse communities in Ecuador. As an advocate for economic justice, Mary is committed to making a positive impact on the world.
In addition to her work with Project Minga, Mary owns Roxwell Waterhouse Import-Export, a textile engineering and commodity business that serves clients and suppliers worldwide. Under her guidance, Roxwell Waterhouse has become a provider of custom high-end textile products in the US and Europe.
As a scientific consultant, editor, and author, Mary has contributed to the understanding of human stress. Her book, “Impact of the Human Stress Response,” offers an analysis of the biological, psychological, sociological, political, and economic aspects of human stress. The book has received recognition, with Mary participating in media placements and interviews, including features on BBC, ABC, Men’s Health, and Fast Company.
Mary’s artistic talents have also been recognized. As a co-owner and manager of a custom art department store in Rigmar Mall, Dallas Fort Worth, she commissioned works of art for Stone Art™. Her works have been featured on television, won awards, and have been displayed in museums throughout the Dallas Fort Worth region and West Texas.
Mary holds a Doctor of Biological Sciences degree with a focus on Human Physiology and Molecular Biology from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. She also earned a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, with a major in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry from the same institution.
In her free time, Mary enjoys backpacking through the Andes and the Amazon, visiting and celebrating fiestas with the Pueblos, painting murals, and studying quantum mechanics, economic systems, history, and philosophy.
Publications
Dissertation
The Adolescent Stress Response to a Naturalistic Driving Stressor.
Wingo M, McCoy P, Crawford R, Kelly K (1999) Gender difference in anxiety to a driving task. J Neuroimmunomodulation 6(3):201-260. (abstract)
Wingo M, Ennis M, Lambert P, Kelly K (2000) Quantification of urinary catecholamines using low pressure liquid chromatography. Psychology: A Journal of Human Behavior 37(1):22-26.
Abstract presented at the El Proyecto Zapotlan (4th International Working Conference, 1997).
Ennis M, Kelly K, Wingo M, Lambert P (2001) Cognitive appraisal mediates SAM activation to a psychological stressor. Stress and Health 17(1):3-8.
Collaboration
Hamilton M (2009) Sunsets. C Town Publishing; First edition.
http://www.amazon.com/Sunsets-Michael-B-Hamilton/dp/061525697X
The Red Papers: Insights for the textile and craft product industries. 2013.
50 experts share insights of marketing, business, and product development
http://roxwellwaterhouse.com/insights-into-the-fabric-product-industries
MAJOR AWARDS AND HONORS
-Recipient of 9 scholarships throughout undergraduate study
-Dean’s List and Distinguished Student continually
-Who’s Who among Colleges and Universities
-Member of Phi Theta Kappa and Golden Key National Honor Society
-2nd place West Texas Art Festival-2nd place Scurry County Art festivals