Portland , OR
Mary Finn is the Founder and CEO of Premise Institute, a growing national network of guided conversation groups that help adults connect more deeply through meaningful dialogue. Each Premise session centers on a big life question—such as “Are we our work?” or “What does democracy demand of us?”—and uses a short story, film, or work of art to spark shared reflection. Since founding Premise in 2013, Mary has facilitated hundreds of conversations and trained local leaders to host sessions in over 10 U.S. cities. Her work is grounded in the belief that a joyful, unpretentious life of the mind can foster genuine connection and strong community ties. At the heart of Premise is the idea that intellectual fellowship doesn’t need to be elite or academic—it can be accessible, nourishing, and a vital part of civic life. Mary’s thinking is deeply influenced by the political philosophy of Hannah Arendt, especially her writing on the importance of public spaces and shared action in a strong democracy. With a background in education, curriculum design, and ed-tech leadership, Mary brings a unique blend of philosophical curiosity and practical know-how to her work. She is currently leading Premise into its next phase—scaling a unique model that builds connection and community through structured and guided conversation to more even people in more places.
Ambassador story coming soon!