34 | Education: Texas Christian University, Texas Woman’s University | Company: Highland Park ISD, All Things Mahj
Mary Sutherland is passionate about giving others a place to belong, whether that means curating a school library where students embrace reading or opening a mahjong table where neighbors form friendships.
The University Park Elementary librarian and co-founder of the mahjong-centric small business All Things Mahj has created community through both endeavors.
“Seeing connection happen in real time is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Sutherland has also enjoyed giving back through All Things Mahj, which she co-founded in 2024 as a weekly mahjong gathering. Today, the business hosts leagues, tournaments, private lessons, and children’s programs.
Sutherland has served as an emcee for the Mahjong for a Mission event supporting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and helped organize the Hugs from Hadley Galentine’s Mahjong event, a fundraiser in memory of 8-year-old Hadley Hanna, a University Park Elementary student who tragically died in the devastating July floods in Central Texas.
“I was blessed to grow up in a family where reading and community involvement were priorities. My mom read to us nightly, and my parents were actively engaged in our church, school, and other philanthropic organizations,” Sutherland said. “Watching that model made a lasting impact, and it’s something I’ve tried to carry forward in my own life.”
Sutherland began serving Park Cities families as a second-and third-grade teacher at Hyer Elementary before moving to University Park Elementary as the librarian.
“I teach multiple weekly library lessons, collaborate with teachers on lessons and projects, and support schoolwide literacy initiatives like One School, One Book and Read UP,” Sutherland said.
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
The relationships. I love recommending a book that makes a child light up or watching
adults form friendships at one of our mahjong tables. Seeing connection happen in real
time is incredibly rewarding.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
In some ways, yes. I always knew I wanted to be in education. However, the
entrepreneurial side of my life has been an unexpected and exciting chapter.
What do you have in mind for after 40?
I hope to continue expanding my impact and mentoring others, especially women
stepping into education or entrepreneurship. I want to build spaces rooted in faith,
encouragement, and connection, at home, in business, and in my community, and to
lead in a way that reflects my values.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was babysitting, which taught me responsibility and patience. I also worked
at the Fort Worth Museum School, where I saw the power of hands-on, curiosity-driven
learning. Both experiences reinforced my love for working with children.
Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?
It was more of a gradual realization. After years in the classroom, I wanted to broaden
my impact while still working closely with students. Librarianship allows me to support
our entire campus while staying rooted in literacy and relationships.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
I’m proud of building spaces centered around connection, both in our school library and
through All Things Mahj. Seeing our students embrace reading and watching our
mahjong community grow beyond weekly events has been incredibly fulfilling. Both
reflect something I care deeply about; helping people feel a sense of belonging.
Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?
Balancing two careers has stretched me the most. Learning to manage my time, protect
my energy, and create sustainable systems has required growth and intentionality. It’s
still a work in progress, but it’s made me a stronger leader in both spaces.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would
play you?
Maybe something like The Power of Connection starring Reese Witherspoon. I
admire how she blends a love of reading with entrepreneurship and community impact.
What is your favorite local restaurant or shop?
The Charleston Club on Lovers Lane. It’s a new, beautifully designed mahjong studio
that has quickly become a special gathering place. I love both attending and hosting
events there.
What’s on your bucket list?
Travel more, continue growing All Things Mahj, build a faith-centered family, and keep
serving my community in meaningful ways. I hope to use whatever gifts I’ve been given
to make a positive impact, and to keep learning and growing, both personally and
professionally.
What do you see is the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
I think many people, both children and adults, are craving connection. In a busy, high-achieving city like Dallas, it’s easy to feel isolated. If I had the resources, I would continue investing in literacy programs and community spaces that intentionally bring people together. When people feel connected, everything else improves.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you?
I got married in October 2025, so most of my former students know me as Miss Valuck.
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