Alumni Spotlight: Mary Denise Grady

Class of 1989

Degree:

Current Role:

On-Air Talent at QVC

Hometown:

Springfield, Pa.

Where are you from, and what brought you to Marymount?

I was born and raised in Springfield, Pa., just outside of Philadelphia, and it was always my dream to be a news broadcaster. Back then, we didn’t have apps or endless streaming options —just a handful of television channels, and I was fascinated by the people delivering the news.

I chose Marymount because I wanted a smaller, more intimate environment. My high school was very large, and I was looking for one-on-one attention and a closeknit community. Marymount provided that, and it was a wonderful experience.

What was your overall experience like at Marymount?

Marymount had a tremendous impact on me, both personally and professionally. From the first day of my freshman year, I worked in the Alumni Office and later in audiovisual services, which allowed me to stay deeply connected to campus life.

Academically, my professors shaped my writing and presentation skills in profound ways. My ability to write clearly and present confidently, especially on live television, comes directly from their mentorship. I also appreciated that the Communication program emphasized business acumen. Television is filled with highs and lows, and having that business foundation has been invaluable throughout my career.

I also benefited from my internship placement. During the summer of 1988, I interned at WPBI Channel Six in Philadelphia, earning six credits. I wrote scripts, worked behind the assignment desk, troubleshot communication between reporters and anchors and distributed scripts for live broadcasts. It was incredible on-the-job training. All these things made me a confident and well-rounded professional, and I’m so grateful to Marymount for that.

What did your career path look like after graduation?

Breaking into on-air television in a major market like Philadelphia was difficult. I also lost my father during my senior year at Marymount, so I needed to stay close to home after graduation. My first role was as a television producer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s televised Mass. I wasn’t on air, but I was gaining experience in television.

A few years later, I decided to try a different approach. I went to a modeling agency to get into television through what I call “the side door.” That decision changed everything.

I’m considered a commercial talent—more of a relatable “girl next door.” Over the past 30 years, I’ve appeared in television commercials for countless products, often portraying a mom, wife or daughter. I also do voiceover work, industrials and infomercials, and I’ve worked extensively with QVC and the Home Shopping Network (HSN) in live selling. I was just at a late shoot, modeling and selling some beauty products last night. I’m a natural salesperson, so that space has been a great fit for me and it’s something I truly enjoy.

What is it like working on live television and live selling?

It’s incredibly exciting. When you’re live on QVC, you’re entering people’s homes. You have to be gracious, calm and confident. Behind the scenes, it’s fast-paced—you’re wearing an earpiece, producers are giving you real-time updates on sales and you’re moving around the set demonstrating products during a 10-20 minute segment.

Sometimes you’re tasked with selling 10,000 units in one appearance, and you might sell 1,000 units a minute. It’s a rush. It takes flexibility, quick thinking and strong teamwork. Every set becomes a temporary family for a few days, and then you move on to the next project.

I’ve had some unique experiences selling and modeling on QVC. In the early 2000s, I even served as a Christmas host for QVC. I sold everything from music boxes to 10-foot Christmas trees. There was even a moment I was singing and dancing on live TV to sell a six-foot-four dancing Santa Claus. You must be willing to embrace the unexpected and bring personality to everything you do.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy getting to come to work and be my authentic self. Right now, I am helping showcase lots of skincare and hair products. At 58, I’m proud to represent natural beauty, even when that means showing before-and-after transformations without makeup or perfect lighting. That authenticity matters.

But I also enjoy that with media and live selling, things are always changing. Traditional live television is evolving, and platforms like TikTok and social media are reshaping how products are marketed and sold. I’m already anticipating my next move and exploring opportunities to represent products on newer platforms. In this business, you must stay flexible and adapt with technology, and I plan to stay ahead of the curve.

What advice would you give current students and young professionals?

Keep an open mind and explore many industries. You may enter a company in one role and discover entirely different opportunities within that organization. Don’t close doors too quickly. Also, pursue internships after graduation, not just while in school. That window of time is valuable, even if it doesn’t pay much. Gaining experience can make all the difference.

For anyone pursuing a career in broadcasting or the arts, you need a strong constitution and unshakeable self-confidence. When you don’t get a role, for example, it’s important to remember it’s not personal — it’s business. Clients are looking for a specific type. I’ve had longevity in this industry because I understand that distinction, and I strive to be a dedicated team member wherever I work.

My journey didn’t look exactly the way I imagined on graduation day, but life unfolds the way it’s meant to. I want to share that for anyone with big dreams—the end result may look different from what you planned, but you can still build a meaningful, fulfilling career.

All of that said, I’m incredibly grateful to Marymount, which helped shape me into the woman I am personally and professionally. In every office and on every set, people comment on how kind and joyful I am to work with. I credit my parents and my education for that. I’ve never forgotten where I came from, and I’m proud to represent Marymount.