BOISE — On April 16, a gala was held in Boise by the Idaho Women Lawyers. At that gala, local attorney Mary Shea received the first-ever Catalyst for Change Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the IWL’s mission and has broken barriers, championed innovative change, or advanced diversity in the law and legal system in Idaho.

During her decades-long career as an attorney in Idaho, Mary has broken barriers and supported women in the field of law. One of those fortunate women who learned under her tutelage wrote in her recommendation letter to IWL, “Not only have I been mentored by Mary, but I have observed a lawyer whose professional excellence is matched by integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.”

Mary’s focus in her Idaho practice has been on family and child protection law, including the civil rights of those individuals. Child safety has always been paramount in her life. She has spent decades serving on multiple committees and boards, as well as working with the Idaho Bar to promote and uplift other women.

Mary was instrumental in creating the ballot initiative to protect the rights of women, families, and doctors in making private and difficult health care decisions. She has remained a strong supporter of this initiative, leading efforts to collect signatures in Southeastern Idaho.

Mary accepts this award in honor of the women and allies who came before her, who fought for the rights that allowed her to get her education, have a career and family, and claim space in the law and in public life.

“Change can sound like something disruptive, risky or something to fear. I don’t believe that. The kind of change we work for is for fairness, dignity, equality and real freedom — values we all honor and a world we all want to live in. I accept this award not as a conclusion, but as a reminder for all of us to protect the rights we inherited, to expand them for others still left out and to refuse to accept a smaller version of our lives than the one we know is possible.”