Meet Mary Lou Akai-Ferguson, an organizer, trainer, and strategist. Born in Tokyo, raised by Atlanta, weathered by New Orleans, Boston, and DC, she is now based in Atlanta and serving nationwide.

Currently, Mary Lou is deeply invested in supporting first-time progressive candidates as they launch their campaigns, guiding startups and advocacy organizations in getting their projects and processes off the ground, offering mentorship to emerging organizers, and conducting transformative trainings for both candidates and staff. 

Notable highlights from Mary Lou’s career include her work as a senior advisor to the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) on the largest active single unit organizing campaign in the country, supporting Delta Flight Attendants in their union organizing drive and building organizing and communications strategy to organize a 28,000 person workgroup. Mary Lou led Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s historical 2021 mayoral election as campaign manager, guiding Boston’s first elected woman and first elected mayor of color to a resounding victory, then served as Chief of Staff in City Hall. As Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Mary Lou led the team through a two-week transition period, including restructuring and hiring for the Mayor’s cabinet and departments and managed the daily operations for a city workforce of 18,000 employees across the City of Boston. She served as Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Midwest Organizing Director and AAPI Outreach Director during Warren’s 2020 presidential campaign. Prior to organizing, Mary Lou taught high school algebra. 

Mary Lou is honored to have been recognized as a Forbes 30 under 30 Local Leader for Atlanta. She received a National Powerful IDEA award as Best Campaign Manager of 2021. 

Mary Lou is a proud alumna of Wellesley College, where she earned a degree in Economics and English. She is an avid pickup soccer player, a groover to underground techno, a mom to her pit bull Mia, wife to the love of her life Igor, and YouTube University student for her various craft hobbies.