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Mary Austin Speaker has a diverse work experience in the publishing industry. Mary Austin started their career as an Editorial Assistant at Vernon Press, where they worked closely with authors and editors in producing art books. Mary Austin then joined HarperCollins as a Designer, where they focused on designing b/w and 4/c books for various imprints. Mary later became a Senior Designer at Simon & Schuster, working on projects such as cookbooks, exercise books, and books illustrated by renowned artists.

In 2006, Mary co-founded Triptych Readings, an organization that curated monthly poetry readings in New York City, featuring both emerging and established writers. Mary Austin also worked as a Poetry Editor at Indiana Review and taught as an Associate Instructor at Indiana University.

Moving forward, Mary became a Design Manager at HarperCollins Publishers, managing the interior design of trade books and overseeing a team of designers and freelancers. Mary Austin then transitioned to a role as a Professor at Kirkwood Community College for a year, before pursuing freelance work as a Writer & Designer. In this capacity, Mary specialized in poetry, book reviews, and essays, and also offered manuscript consultation and editing services.

Most recently, Mary Austin Speaker has been working at Milkweed Editions. Mary Austin initially joined as an Art Director, overseeing the design and production of all titles. Currently, they hold the position of Creative Director, where they manage all design work for books and outward-facing communication. Additionally, they spearhead Milkweed's Fellowship program and connects with creatives passionate about bringing sustainability and meaningful change to the publishing industry.

Mary Austin Speaker has a diverse education history. Mary Austin began their studies at Emerson College from 1996 to 1999, where they earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Writing, Literature & Publishing. Subsequently, Mary attended Indiana University Bloomington from 2003 to 2006, where they pursued a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Creative Writing. Additionally, they have had some association with Charles University, although specific details regarding their enrollment, degree, and field of study at this institution are not provided.