Mary Jane Matthews is originally from Harnett County and moved to Lee County in 1987 making Sanford, NC her place of residence. She is a state employee, employed with the Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solution in the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program; providing re-employment assistance to workers who have been negatively impacted by foreign trade. She is looking forward to retirement and plans to become more active in her community. Mary is also a lay leader in her church where she served as International President for the past eight years providing excellent leadership to the laity in the AME Zion Church. Additionally, she serves as the First Vice President of the local NAACP. She applied to the Fellowship program in order to learn how to serve and effectively utilize her voice on the boards and commissions as a representative of the minority in Lee County. Mary loves to travel, spend time with her family, serve in different roles in her church and take walks in the park.