Mara has spent her career in international development and fundraising. She has worked for several NGOs, including Seeds of Africa, EastWest Institute, Population Council, Women’s Refugee Commission, the International Center for Transitional Justice, and most recently, at HALO Trust. She has also worked as a consultant in the international field for many years.

Mara graduated from Bard College with a BA in Political Studies with her thesis focusing on climate change and conflict, using Syria as a case study. She also has a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from the New School University, and is an avid photographer who travels frequently, pursuing her passion for photography.