Uncrowned Community Builders

Marie Mullen is a former millinery and dress designer. She owned the company Just Ree II whose trademark was "Timeless Elegance". She participated in local fund raisers exhibiting her "Exclusive Limited Line" and her "Signature Collection". She has lectured in such places as Buffalo State College Fashion Department, Briarwood Country Club and Brookfield Country Club in addition to others. She has hosted guests at workshops with standing room only in and around Western New York, including the Asa Ransom House and the Adam's Mark Hotel.

In 1996 her work was featured at the Arnold Palmer PGA Golf Classic Tournament Fashion Show. Prior to that show, her exclusive collection of hats traveled to the West Coast where her work was acknowledged by the renowned business of Fred Hayman of Beverly Hills, California and Rodeo Drive.

Marie is an accomplished speaker and she was a member of "Speak for Success", a division of Toastmasters International, for almost 20 years. She has won several awards for her speaking ability including "Toastmaster of the Year" in 1997, 1998 and 2004. She was a member of the Board of Directors acting as Vice president of Public Relations.

After spending time as a Literacy Volunteer, Marie accepted the position as assistant coordinator for the Toastmaster Leadership Program at Highgate Heights Elementary School. She became a high school debate judge for several years and because of her credentials, was bestowed the honor of participating as a Richmond Speaking Contest judge. Marie has organized and hosted several debates involving the Buffalo Public Schools High School debate teams. She was employed at Calspan Corporation for 24 years in Public Relations. Calspan awarded Marie "Director of First Impression" in 1997.

Marie has written, directed and produced four other plays for the Mount Olive Theater Workshop Ministry. The last three productions which consisted of two sequels, received standing ovations from a packed house. The playwright's goal is to someday see her work performed in other venues by professional performers.

Marie is a graduate of Brunetta C. Hill Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama and A.H. Parker High School where she was a member of the Parker High School choir, the Future Teachers of America and she held an office in the Student Council. Marie attended Buffalo State College, the University at Buffalo and Bryant and Stratton Business College. She is a graduate of Warcheza School of Design.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Marie has been a member of Mount Olive for over ten years. She is the proud mother of two children, Monica and Robert and two grandchildren, Robert IV and Little Michelle.