Mary Bowman runs Transitions for Women at SMMC.

Mary Bowman is a former labor and delivery nurse, who now heads up Transitions for Women at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, a group that helps women who have cancer.

A Registered Nurse, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Administration, Bowman says it was always her dream to become a nurse even while growing up.

She has worked at SMMC since 1988, but these days, she serves as the manager of Transitions for Women, a role she took on 3 years ago.

“Women journey through different transitions in their life, such as pregnancy, motherhood and for some, breast cancer. We implemented a program that provides education, support, reassurance and quality products to help women through the different transitions of their life and health,” she explains.

Bowman is also a member of the Orange County Breast Cancer Coalition, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Orange County Perinatal Coalition and Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition. She has participated in various fundraising events such as March of Dimes Walk, Race for the Cure, Juvenile Arthritis Walk and OC Walk to Remember.

“Outside of my community, my daughter and I are involved in a non-profit organization, Hope through Opportunity. It is a California non-profit that work with the people of the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania, East Africa, to help them create and sustain a better future. It is a grassroots organization, and we are currently raising funds for a well to provide water for the people in Huruma, Tanzania,” she says.

Volunteering, at least for Bowman, is important because: “It brings me much happiness to help the most vulnerable people in our communities and in Africa. I have been blessed with so much that it is important for me to give back to others less fortunate then me.

“I have met so many wonderful people along the way, which has given me a meaningful life,” she continues. “It has given me a purpose in life to help others either through my professional life or personal endeavors.”

For those who might be thinking about a career in nursing, Bowman says, “The nursing profession is a great career. If you have a passion to care for people and want to make a difference in someone’s life, become a nurse.”