Mary Travis-Allen

Mary Travis- Allen (Mayagna, Chortega, Seneca) volunteers for Indian Ed and sits on the SFUSD School Names Advisory Committee. Mary was born, raised and educated in San Francisco. She has roots with Alcatraz, Wounded Knee occupation, and the American Indian Movement. In the 70's she frequently spoke at rallies and networked with many other emerging political activist groups in the San Francisco Bay Area that advocated for racial equality, freedom of political prisoners and more. Mary retired after thirty-two years of employment with the City & County of San Francisco, SFMTA, as a Senior Operations Manager. During her employment she stayed focused on the needs of the people we served and the employees that worked hard to provide service to the City.

Mary is privileged to know and stand with many leaders that fought against the racial and political oppression that was prevalent in this Country (and still exists). “I have learned that every step you take and experience in your life takes you on your path and knowledge in this existence. We learn from those that have come before us, traditions and knowledge, to give us strength and value to live and survive this life. We learn, we cultivate and we continue to plant these ways for those that will follow.”

“It is an Honor and Privilege to be a part of the work to establish the American Indian Cultural District here in San Francisco, to give recognition to our people, culture and contribution to San Francisco. But most importantly, to reclaim the land and give respect and recognition to the Ramaytush Ohlone people whose unceded land this City has been built. Blessings and love to all my relatives.”