Mary Waters is a past president of the Sisters Network Greater Metropolitan Detroit, an organization dedicated to supporting Black breast cancer survivors. She continues to volunteer with the network, assisting women of all ages in navigating the healthcare disparities associated with this disease.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Waters made history as the first Black woman to serve as Democratic Floor Leader in the Michigan House of Representatives. During her tenure, she maintained a perfect attendance record and secured millions of dollars for Detroit and Wayne County. All three of her terms in the Michigan House were served alongside current Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, with Waters serving as Whitmer’s Floor Leader.
As a breast cancer survivor who has completed 10-mile races, Waters is also an active member of the National Action Network, where she has engaged in direct action, including blocking trucks delivering toxic pet coke on the Detroit River.
In her professional career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Waters was a founding organizer of UAW Local 2500. She has also served as an educator and a member of both the American Federation of Teachers and the Detroit Federation of Teachers unions.
As a Councilwoman, Waters has focused on addressing issues affecting seniors, veterans, single mothers, and families. Her priorities include enhancing public safety, expanding affordable housing, combating water shutoffs, alleviating poverty, improving literacy, preventing foreclosures, and addressing inadequacies in the healthcare system. She is also dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial opportunities through fair contracting that reflects Detroit’s demographics.