For 13 years, Mary Blanca Villa y Battenberg has proudly called Burnaby home. It is where she raised her three children and dedicated herself to serving families and residents in Burnaby's Edmonds community.
Born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, Mary came to Canada determined to build a better future for her family. As a single mother of three, a survivor of domestic violence, and someone who has experienced living in BC Housing, she understands firsthand the challenges many families face - from housing affordability and financial insecurity to the need for stability, belonging, and safety.
Safety is deeply personal to Mary. Her experiences have strengthened her belief that every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, neighbourhood, and community.
Through her work with United Way British Columbia, Mary has partnered with community organizations, volunteers, and local leaders to support residents and strengthen communities. In Edmonds, she helped organize more than 200 community events reaching over 7,000 neighbours and helped create the Edmonds Community Resource Guide, connecting residents with vital programs and services.
Mary is running for Burnaby City Council with Burnaby First because she believes Burnaby needs leadership that listens, understands the realities facing families, and puts residents at the heart of every decision.
She is ready to bring her lived experience, community leadership, and commitment to service to City Hall - and help build a Burnaby where everyone feels safe, heard, respected, and confident in the future.