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Mary Shields

2025 Beyond Competition Judge

Mary Shields is thrilled and honored to serve on the judges panel for the first time this year. She is a healthcare professional who bridges healthcare and humanities with a unique blend of expertise in English Literature and Nursing, having graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a BA in English and a BS in Nursing. Mary started her career in a trauma ICU in downtown Chicago, where she honed her skills in assessment and emergency response while caring for a diverse patient population. She later transitioned to the Perianesthesia Care Unit, obtained her CPAN certification, and now works at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL, caring for members of her community.

Mary is a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary and is on staff of the ALA Girls Nation leadership program. This program educates high school senior girls about state and federal government and encourages them to be active, invested citizens. Mary advocates for a new form of non-partisan patriotism that unites people under shared values of social justice and a common love for their country, regardless of political affiliation.

Outside of work, Mary loves spending time with her family both at home and at their lake cottage and is busy with the activities of her two children, aged 7 and 10. She enjoys her book club (Books and Banter), taking long walks outside while listening to podcasts that make her laugh out loud, and learning new things about the world around her. Mary cherishes coffee chats with friends, where she airs grievances and shares her latest conspiracy theories about motherhood and elementary PTO involvement. She loves music of any kind, especially 70s light rock and early 90s rap, using it daily to brighten her outlook. Inspired by the hard work and dedication behind the films, Mary looks forward to viewing them all and sharing her insights.

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