Mary Lou Quinlan
Author. Actor. Playwright. Dancer.
Women’s Advocate. Force for Good.
Meet Mary Lou
Mary Lou Quinlan has evolved from NYC advertising agency CEO to award-winning women’s marketer to New York Times bestselling author, columnist and speaker on women’s issues to Off-Broadway actor and playwright, competitive ballroom dancer and force for good.
More than a career, a journey of the heart.
What’s next? Stay tuned!
Inaugural Director for the SJU Alumnae Center for Leadership. “Built by women, Designed for all.”
As an advocate for young women - both their well-being and their career readiness - Mary Lou has developed a groundbreaking plan for her alma mater Saint Joseph’s University - launching Fall 2025: The SJU Alumnae Center for Leadership. “Built by women, Designed for all,” the center will harness the talents and experience of the university’s 62,000 alumnae as speakers, mentors and investors to support current students.
Her agenda: building the confidence, resilience and grit to live lives of purpose in a rapidly changing world. To get the initiative on its feet, Mary Lou volunteered to serve as its Inaugural Director for the ‘25/’26 academic year.
For more information, reach out to Mary Lou at mquinlan@sju.edu
What keeps Mary Lou busy…
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Performer
Mary Lou has staged over 100 live solo performances of her one-woman show, "The God Box," including a sold-out Off-Broadway run, 24 shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, and a nine-city Ireland tour.
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Writer
Mary Lou has authored four books: two groundbreakers on consumer behavior, a gamechanger on women’s overworked lives and a bestseller about her mom. She’s also written dozens of articles including features for leading magazines.
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For Good
Mary Lou doesn’t just listen to women, she gives voice to what’s on their minds. Whether keynoting onstage, hosting an executive forum or appearing on national news and lifestyle programming,
Media Requests
Mary Lou is a savvy guest on national broadcast news and talk TV and radio, and readily gives a crisp, quotable newspaper and online interview about how women think and buy, why they do what they do.
In addition to her appearances as a guest, she was also a contributor on women’s issues to the CBS Early Show
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Taking Philanthropy Personally: How women can shift from consumers to investors in what matters.
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Creating a non-linear career that makes sense…for YOU.
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Five reasons women aren’t buying what you’re selling.
