Meet The Founder

Mary Owens

My name is Mary Owens and I am honored to welcome you to The Resilience Project: Facing, Inspiring, Recovering, Enduring (FIRE). This organization is deeply personal to me—not just a mission, but a reflection of my own journey as a burn survivor.

Life has a way of testing us in ways we could never imagine. For me, the flames that changed my body also sparked a transformation within me. At first, I struggled to accept the scars, both visible and unseen. The pain and loss felt overwhelming, and I wondered if I would ever find the strength to move forward. But as time passed, I discovered something extraordinary: resilience.

My recovery was not just about healing my body; it was about learning to embrace my story, to find beauty in my scars, and to rise stronger than I ever thought possible. Along this journey, I’ve encountered incredible individuals—other survivors and warriors—whose courage and determination inspired me to create a space where we could all find support, strength, and solidarity.

That’s how The Resilience Project was born. This is more than an organization; it is a community where survivors can share their stories, inspire each other, and remind the world that we are so much more than our scars. With the lotus flower and flames in our logo, we symbolize the beauty of growth and healing that emerges from even the most challenging circumstances.

To every survivor reading this, know that you are not alone. Your story matters. Your journey, with all its pain and triumphs, has meaning. My hope is that through this project, you’ll find a place where you can feel empowered, celebrated, and understood.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. Together, let’s redefine what it means to be a survivor. Together, let’s rise.

With Love and Resilience,

Mary Owens

Founder, The Resilience Project