As part of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s second annual LOUDER event, Executive Director Kerry Graves met with Monica Mitchell, Senior Vice President of the Wells Fargo Foundation and LOUDER honoree.
In this interview, Mitchell shares her personal experiences with mental health. She provides insights into how companies and individuals can work together to promote mental health and de-stigmatize the workplace and community.
Monica Mitchell
Monica Mitchell is senior vice president and chief of staff for the Wells Fargo Foundation. In her role, she leads the administration of the President’s office and strategic project management of the foundation’s cross-functional initiatives.
Monica Mitchell has over 20 years of experience in banking, community development and philanthropy. Prior to serving as chief of staff, Monica led Wells Fargo’s national youth and young adult portfolio within financial health philanthropy and served as chair of “Where We Live”TM, Wells Fargo’s 1-value lending and philanthropic commitment. $6 billion in Washington, D.C., focused on supporting small businesses, financial health and housing affordability.
Monica is single-minded in her advocacy for community impact programs and policies that advance historically marginalized communities, drive economic growth, and ensure educational equity and family stability. Monica is the school founder and board president of Lillie May Carroll Jackson Middle School for Girls in Baltimore City. She also serves on the board of
Eddie and Sylvia Brown Family Foundation, one of the largest black family foundations in the country, whose goals include promoting racial equality in politics and philanthropy. She was a founding member of the United Way Emerging Leaders United Program to promote the professional development and community involvement of Maryland’s next generation of leaders. Additionally, Monica served on Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s mayoral transition team.
Monica has received numerous awards, including the Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40, the Shes100 Award by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women for Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility on behalf of Black Women and Girls, the Associated Black Charities Icon Award, Girl Scout Honors ” Distinguished Women,” is one of the youngest honorees inducted into The
Maryland Top 100 Women Circle of Excellence and was recently named a 2021 Influential Marylander.
Kerry Graves
Kerry Graves is the executive director of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore. In her role, she leads NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, Graves will serve as the primary liaison with government officials, the media, community organizations and key constituencies.
NAMI Metro Baltimore is one of the largest and most active local affiliates of NAMI, the nation’s largest local mental health organization. Prior to coming to NAMI in 2018, Kerry held leadership roles at several local health advocacy nonprofits, most recently as Vice President of Development for the DC/MD/VA Division of the ALS Association.
Connect with Monica and Kerry on LinkedIn
Interview questions:
Q1. You’ve worked in banking and community development for over 20 years, and giving back and supporting organizations like NAMI Metro Baltimore is a really big part of what you do. Can you take us back and tell us where your passion for this kind of work came from and what led you to become the senior vice president of the Wells Fargo Foundation?
Q2. What originally inspired you to get involved with NAMI Metro Baltimore’s LOUDER event to raise the conversation about mental health in Baltimore?
Q3. In your previous role, you led Wells Fargo’s youth and senior portfolio in support of small business, financial health and housing affordability. You also have a son who attends Morgan State University, a school that participates in our #IWillListen campaign. Can you tell us a bit about the importance of ensuring that mental health support is available to young people today?
Q4. When we think back to the conversation about mental health before the pandemic, it’s much less talked about. Now on social media, we see celebrities and influencers talking about their experiences with mental health. Why do you think it’s important to be open and share stories?
Q5. Much of your work has focused on community impact programs and providing economic and educational opportunities to help uplift historically underserved populations. From your unique lens, how does a lack of access to such opportunities affect mental health, and what are some ways you would suggest Baltimore can build more mentally healthy communities?
Q6. 80% of employees with mental health problems report that shame and stigma prevent them from seeking treatment or support. How can people be more supportive of the mental health of their employees, friends, family members?
Q7. What are some resources that have helped you or people in your life who have needed mental health support?
Q8. You are a great supporter of the work of NAMI Metro Baltimore and we are so grateful. Which programs resonate with you and why?
The latest news: https://namibaltimore.org/category/news/
Edwin Warfield, CEO of citybiz.co, interviews CEOs.
If you are interested in interviewing a citybiz executive, please contact
Edwin Warfield – edwin.warfield@citybizlist.com