Dec. 27, 2007
Contacts:
Don Logan, Community Celebrating Diversity, MLK Planning Committee
Chair, (480) 705-8151
Diversity Champions to be honored at Scottsdale’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Community Celebrating Diversity will recognize Marion Kelly and Graciela Candia as Diversity Champions at the 14th annual Scottsdale Community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration on Jan. 14.
NBC 12 News Today co-anchor Lynn Sue Cooney will host the evening’s event at 6 p.m. at the Chaparral Suites ballroom, 5100 N. Scottsdale Road.
Marion Kelly and Graciela Candia will be honored for their efforts to promote civil and human rights. Each individual has worked to bring diverse groups together, overcoming obstacles and criticism for the betterment of their community.
Marion Kelly, community affairs director for the Mayo Clinic, relocated to Scottsdale seven years ago with his family. He is responsible for ensuring that diversity was institutionalized as a corporate objective within the Mayo Clinic’s strategic plan. His work on diversity issues, both personally and professionally, has empowered many individuals.
He has engaged the community by volunteering on several organization boards, including chair of the Diversity Leadership Alliance; past chair of Community Celebrating Diversity, and member of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Board, Wallace Foundation Board and the Maricopa Community Workforce Investment Board.
Mr. Kelly demonstrates through his work at Mayo Clinic and through the many boards that he volunteers on the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership.
Graciela Candia, is responsible for coordination of the Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) programs at Coronado and Arcadia high schools within the Scottsdale Unified School District.
Ms. Candia was recently recognized for 25 years of service to the JAG program, which works with at-risk students to achieve academic success. In addition to her role as president of Jobs for Arizona Graduates, Ms. Candia serves on the Maricopa County Youth Development Board and the Valle Del Sol Board of Directors. She is fluent in four languages: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English.
Under Ms. Candia’s leadership, the JAG program has been nationally recognized for its service to Arizona students. Ms. Candia will be recognized at the Jan. 14 MLK celebration for her passion for diversity and the special attention she provides our students.
For more information on the celebration and the awards, contact the city of Scottsdale’s Office of Diversity & Dialogue at (480) 312-7772. Event reservations are $60 per person and can be made by calling (480) 312-3030.
CCD is a 501c3 organization providing programs and services that support increasing the awareness and appreciation of the Scottsdale community’s growing diversity, thereby enhancing the community’s ability to honor and benefit from all of its citizens.
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