2009 Woman of Excellence

And the Winner is ... Mary Peterson!

by Jessica Parsons

Our Valley is brimming with some of the most interesting, innovative and philanthropic women you could ever hope to meet. These women are often in the background or on the sidelines making a difference and impacting one life at a time. Since we at PhoenixWoman have a front row seat, so to speak, to the business and philanthropic community, we had to shine a light on some of these remarkable women.

We accomplished this goal on Nov. 13, 2009 at our first Woman of Excellence Award Luncheon, which was held at the Silverleaf Country Club in Scottsdale. Of the 10 outstanding women who were honored in front of a sold out audience for their commitment to improving the lives of others, their focus on worthy goals, their personal and professional growth and their positive outlook, one winner was chosen-and her name is Mary Peterson.

"As I made my way to the podium, looking for a break in the chairs to squeeze through, I had the chance to look at the faces of many of the women there," Peterson recalls. "I was struck by the genuine expressions of joy and encouragement!"

Reliving the moment her name was called, followed by an explosion of applause and heart-felt standing ovation still brings tears to Peterson's eyes. "Everyone's heart stretched to celebrate with me!" she says. "I was stunned to be selected and stunned to have the room rejoice with me."

Peterson's legacy started as a daydream in 1999, while sitting on her couch. Her roommate at the time worked at a pregnancy help center called Aid to Women and often came home with stories of pregnant women who didn't have a place to go. These stories inspired Peterson to tackle what she feels are the root causes of our social problems-extreme individualism, materialism and lack of love and dignity.

She would counter these issues with love, respect and community through a special organization she called Maggie's Place. "My heart wanted to share a life in common with people," Peterson explains. "I wanted my life to reflect my most deeply held values and I wanted my home to be a place of welcome. Maggie's Place started when those two things collided!"

Maggie's Place provides houses of hospitality for expectant mothers who are alone or living on the streets. A 1926 bungalowindowntown Phoenix, which was in complete disrepair, became the first home. After a nine-month renovation, Maggie's Place welcomed its first mothers on Mother's Day, May 13, 2000. With the help of friends, Peterson has seen Maggie's Place grow from a daydream into a reality that has expanded to five homes currently serving, sheltering and assisting expectant mothers and their babies.

"Pregnancy is meant to be experienced in the context of family. To be abandoned, alone, or afraid during this vulnerable time is a cause for great suffering," she says. "Maggie's Place attempts to take away this suffering by providing a loving family and a home to prepare for the birth of a child."

Currently serving as the executive director, Peterson provides oversight and inspiration for the operations of all the Maggie's Place homes. She continues to be transformed by the stories of the brave women who join the homes, and the changes they bring about in their lives when surrounded by a supportive community.

"My 'excellence' is simply a reflection of the love and generosity of the many incredible people who have rallied behind our mission and the moms we serve," says Peterson. "My role as the leader of Maggie's Place is simply to direct traffic and create opportunities for people to do the 'messy' work of loving one another."

[www.maggiesplace.org|www.maggiesplace.org]