Mercedes Janet Hurst developed strong talents for the journalistic arts as a student at Indiana University, becoming a front-page personality in the influential fields of advertising and public relations in the Midwest. As a representative of Commonwealth Edison, she produces exhibits, radio programs, and promotional publications for home appliances which literally "electrified" mid-America.

Mercedes was the first person called upon to formulate a program to carry the meaning of America from a billion-dollar corporation to its women stockholders, employees and consumers. She was a key executive of International Harvest Company, known as "the traveling saleslady", speaking from coast to coast, stressing the importance of the individual.

Her career included free-lance promotion for musical personalities, publication of booklets on the use of electricity, and volunteer work for her church, her political party and numerous social agencies; she has been honored and recognized by the prestigious organizations of her profession.