Lifetime Achievement: Mary Gloria is Queen Creek Hometown Hero for June

Mary Gloria is an institution in Queen Creek. Throughout her long life, Gloria, 80, has devoted herself to helping the less fortunate.

She learned to help others from her parents, both migrant workers who spent harvesting seasons in California before returning to their home in Tempe, where Gloria was born.

Gloria is particularly keen to help families in need get basic supplies and  learn ways to stay healthy. That was the main impetus for founding the Pan de Vida Foundation, now known as the Mary Gloria Foundation.

Gloria said that although she stepped down as head of her foundation earlier this year, “I remain actively involved offering insight, mentoring, and sharing my vision to ensure that the community's needs continue to be met.”

Business Name: Founder of Pan De Vida Foundation, now known as Mary Gloria Foundation.

When and why I moved here: In 1960, I moved to Higley, Arizona, which is now known as Gilbert, Arizona, and started a family. I wanted a safe and organic upbringing for my children in the rural community. As my children attended Higley School and became involved in various activities, I also engaged in the school community by volunteering my time for fundraising and school events.

What I like most about living here: My journey in servant leadership began with volunteering at Higley School, where I participated in fundraising and school events. This experience sparked a deeper desire to contribute to my community. I became actively involved with both St. Anne’s Church in Gilbert and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Queen Creek, which was then a mission church of St. Anne's. I assisted with church fundraisers and events, and recognizing a need for Sunday School in Queen Creek, I initiated Sunday school classes at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Over the years, my commitment to serving the community grew, leading to the establishment of Pan De Vida Foundation in 2003. The mission of PDVF, now known as Mary Gloria Foundation, is to meet the basic needs of members in the community, while promoting inclusion and self-sufficiency. The nonprofit organization serves families in Queen Creek and San Tan Valley. What started as providing food and clothing to those in need has since expanded to offer a variety of programs, including a backpack program, youth career exploration, special needs information and resources, women’s services and mental wellness and health awareness initiatives aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles for children, seniors and families.

What I do: Earlier this year, at 80 years old, I stepped down from my role as director. However, I remain actively involved offering insight, mentoring, and sharing my vision to ensure that the community's needs continue to be met. I spend time caring for my health, taking family trips and enjoying my children and grandchildren.

Personal background highlights: I was born in Tempe, Arizona, to parents who were migrant workers on farms in California. We traveled to California for work and returned home to Tempe once the crops were picked. My parents were always helping other families, offering food and a place to stay. Inspired by their example, I felt a strong desire to carry on their legacy of serving others.

Professional background highlights: I founded Pan De Vida Foundation in 2003. I devoted my life to community service. In 2005, I was honored for my work by receiving the prestigious Hon Kachina Award, along with being recognized as the 2003 Town of Queen Creek Woman Volunteer of the Year. Other honors include the nomination for the 2005 Queen Creek Woman of the Year Award, 2004 Cardinals Community Quarterback Finalist Award, KEZ Beth and Friends, Woman of the Year runner-up, and the 2008 Valle de Sol, HLI Alumni Excellence Award.

What I like most about what I do: What I enjoy most about what I do is meeting people and helping those in need. I love being a mentor and connecting families to vital information and resources.

What does being nominated for this category mean to you? I am grateful for the consideration of being nominated for this category. I enjoy giving back to the community, it’s my passion.

What does it mean to be a Queen Creek resident? I have witnessed the growth of Queen Creek. Despite its expansion, the town's leadership remains committed to meeting the needs of families, providing jobs and services through local businesses, and offering enrichment events and services through churches and nonprofits.

What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better? Health and wellness events. Providing health and wellness care helps families. Guidance and programs for youth enhancement gives families information to make informed decisions on their student’s education.

What would you tell people about why it's important to make a difference in Queen Creek? Making a difference in Queen Creek builds positive impact and community bond. By working together and supporting one another, communities can better withstand and recover from difficulties such as economic downturns, natural disasters and social issues.

Changes I'd like to see in this area: To have more nonprofit organizations provide services to our community in the area of health and wellness, resources for family togetherness and financial resources for student education.

Favorite community cause & why: Health and wellness events are my top priorities and favorite causes. A healthier lifestyle enables families to function better, with healthy parents being able to focus more on their children. Healthy seniors can enjoy their favorite activities, volunteer and share their wisdom with our growing community.

My family: My family consists of my amazing 10 sons, seven daughters and 86 grandchildren.

My interests and hobbies: I enjoy reading. I like to share time with my family and relatives. I enjoy traveling with my children and spending time at church activities.

The trait(s) I admire in others: Each of us possesses a uniqueness, and it’s a joy to learn that of others. Each of us can offer our talent and create a positive difference in our community.

People who inspired me (and how): Mother Teresa is my inspiration. Her saying of “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

My guiding philosophy: “We can all do small things with great love,” Mother Teresa. This meaning is so powerful, and I relate to it when I started my nonprofit to feed people in the community with my own money. The little money I gave helped feed many. The little bit of what I gave did not leave me without, it developed into a great amount of giving. God always provides.

My advice to today’s youth: Learn, educate yourselves and help your neighbor get ahead. ”Do for yourselves, but don’t forget your neighbors.”

The Queen Creek Independent is pleased to announce Mary Gloria as the June 2024 Hometown Hero bestowed in the category of Lifetime Achievement.  The Queen Creek Independent, along with East Valley Institute of Technology and the Queen Creek Olive Mill salute Mary Gloria as this month's Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipient.