Mary Lindsay Elmendorf became an anthropologist over the course of a life that includes many diverse employment experiences, active engagement in international affairs and development, and a passionate desire to be actively involved in making the world a better place for all people. These concerns eventually led her at age 55 to a Ph. D. in anthropology, a discipline in which her interests in the human condition merged with her desire to do something about improving women's opportunities in societies, poverty and development, and world peace. Many of her applied interests were formed during her long involvement with such issues in Mexico and with colleagues there as well as in similar activities in many other countries as a consultant. Mary Lindsay Elmendorf, women in society, international development, peace in societies, poverty and development, and world peace. Many of her applied interests were formed during her long involvement with such issues in Mexico and with colleagues there as well as in similar activities in many other countries as a consultant.