The Arizona Diversity Council (AZDC) announces Mary Mitchell, Co-CEO of Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) as its 2024 Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year awardee. Mitchell, who officially stepped in to the co-CEO role in 2022 after serving as interim CEO since 2021, was honored with the award during the 2024
Arizona Women in Leadership Symposium, which took place March 7 at the University of Phoenix.

“We are pleased to announce Mary Mitchell as our 2024 Woman of the Year Awardee,” said Onjalai Brown, Senior Partnership Development & Event Programmer for the Arizona Diversity Council. “She embodies the values of service, advocacy for women’s equity and leadership. Mary’s expertise in community building, collaborative practices and team-oriented design showcases how women can lead with heart, empathy and excellence.”

Before becoming Interim Co-CEO, Mitchell served three years as Deputy Director and co-lead of the council's senior leadership team. Over her 25-plus years at GSACPC, she has held various roles in fund development, finance, volunteer services, membership, and community engagement. Mary is the senior advisor and co-lead for the organization's work on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice (DEIRJ) and holds expertise in community-building, engagement, collaborative practices, and team-oriented design.

Mitchell is a 2017 Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Fellow. She is also a member of International Women's Forum-AZ; a member of the AZ Community Foundation, African American Women's Giving and Empowerment Circle; a 2020 Phoenix Mercury Believe in Women Honoree; a 2020 recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Leadership Award; and a graduate of Valley Leadership, Class 26.

“She values the power of honest and authentic conversation and has an unquenchable thirst for collective dialogue spaces that can bear the weight of what such dialogue and connection can mean for discerning the future of communities and organizations,” said Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC. “You will often find her sitting with leaders from a wide spectrum of disciplines, engaging in conversations centered around deep questions that matter and that create action and systemic change.”

Mitchell has served on several nonprofit boards and community coalitions. She is the current vice president of the board for Arizona Legal and Women Youth Services. In addition, she serves as a member of the Communities for Philanthropic Justice and on the board of directors for the South Mountain Community College President's Community Advisory Council. Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from Governors State University (GSU) in Chicago and an AA in Interdisciplinary Studies from South Mountain Community College. She completed extensive coursework in public relations at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism before transferring to GSU. Additionally, Mary has completed expansive coursework at Grand Canyon University for an Executive MBA.

About Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,500 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves over 12,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. For more information, visit http://www.girlscoutsaz.org.

About the National Diversity Council
The National Diversity Council (NDC) is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to being both a resource and an advocate for the value of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Through our nationwide affiliates, events and learning and consulting, the NDC helps organizations create pathways that develop a more inclusive workplace, community and environment. For more information about the National Diversity Council, please visit http://www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org.

About the Arizona Diversity Council
The Arizona Diversity Council (AZDC), a state affiliate of the National Diversity Council, is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Through various events and programs, the AZDC serves as a resource for DEIB best practices and leadership development in the Arizona region. For more information about the Arizona Diversity Council, please visit http://www.arizonadiversitycouncil.org.