Mary Gordon is an educator and the founder of 'Roots of Empathy' and 'Seeds of Empathy', two revolutionary educational programs based on the development of empathy and in nurturing emotional literacy from early childhood. According to Mary Gordon, "many of the problems afflicting society, like violence and poverty, are rooted in a lack of empathy."

Mary Gordon Murray has worked with numerous educational institutions and international bodies such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. government, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Twice she has met with the Dalai Lama who ultimately affirmed that programs like "Roots of Empathy" serve to build world peace. In 2009, the Canadian Teacher's Federation awarded her the "Public Education Advocacy Award." Currently, Mary Gordon is on the board of directors for the Ashoka Foundation, an international organization that supports social entrepreneurs around the world.