Fellows Spotlight
Mary Venezia
2015 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Chief of Staff, Enrollment Management, University of Arizona
To Oregon-born Mary Venezia, Arizona is home. After spending much of her childhood in Phoenix and graduating from Saint Mary’s High School, she escaped the heat by heading north to Northern Arizona University for her bachelor’s degree. Her time among the pine trees of Flagstaff broadened her perspective on Arizona’s diversity, and she was hesitant when the time came to move south for graduate school at the University of Arizona.
“I came kicking and screaming to Tucson for graduate school. And then I woke up 15 years later,” she said, laughing.
Now, Venezia chuckles at the idea that Flagstaff represents the pinnacle of Arizona’s offerings.
“I thought Northern Arizona was special. Then I moved to Southern Arizona, and that is the real gem of the state,” she said.
Her deep connection to Tucson is rooted in her career at the University of Arizona, where she has spent the past 15 years in higher education and student success. Currently serving as Chief of Staff, Enrollment Management at the University of Arizona, Venezia has built an extensive resume. She has been recognized as an Emerging Leader by Arizona Women in Higher Education and received the University of Arizona Staff Excellence Award—honors she does not take lightly.
“Being able to use the knowledge I have gained—from my experience, my education, and programs like Flinn-Brown—to help students in the most targeted ways to create opportunity is really important to me,” she said.
As a first-generation college student, Venezia initially knew little about higher education and felt uncertain about its impact on her future. Now, with a master’s degree in higher education administration, she is committed to ensuring students receive the support they need to not just enter college but to thrive once they are there. She believes Arizona is the perfect place for this kind of work because of the state’s rapid growth and evolving opportunities.
“Arizona is a state with so much opportunity. In many ways, we’re still really young. We’re still figuring things out. And as someone growing in her career, Arizona gave me a lot of opportunity,” she said.
Despite Arizona’s stunning mountain views and exceptional food, the state is not without its challenges. However, for Venezia, solving those challenges is part of the excitement. While college enrollment is declining nationwide, Arizona is experiencing an upward trend—an encouraging development that energizes her.
“We have so many families and students who need access to post-secondary education, and they need support not just to get there, but to stay there, graduate, and become contributing members of our economy and state. I’m really dedicated to figuring that out,” she said. “The cool thing about Arizona is that we have people willing to solve these challenges and make things happen.”
Collaboration is at the heart of Venezia’s work, as she partners with students, educators, and community members to drive meaningful change. Her connection to what would become the Flinn-Brown Network began during her tenure as a student regent (2006-2008) and ultimately led her to join the Flinn-Brown Fellowship in 2015. Flinn-Brown Fellow and former student regent Christine Thompson actively encouraged former student regents to apply, inspiring several—including Venezia—to become part of the program. (There are six Flinn-Brown Fellows who were student regents.)
“I remember sitting with a group of friends and talking about Flinn-Brown, about how it wasn’t like any other leadership program. It was a solution-oriented group—no matter whether your political party or career track. If you were dedicated to helping Arizona, you could be part of it,” she said.
Venezia became a Flinn-Brown Fellow in 2015. Just as her moves across the state expanded her perspective, meeting people from different areas and industries deepened her understanding of Arizona’s government and society. Whether discussing law enforcement, water resources, or economic development, each session left her with a renewed sense of purpose and a broader perspective on policy and leadership.
“Flinn-Brown gave me the opportunity to sit at tables with people I have nothing in common with except for wanting Arizona to be a great place,” she said. “I’m willing to look at things through a lens that I wish more people had because it’s not about what’s red or blue. There’s so much that sits in the middle that we can figure out together, beyond political interests.”
Now approaching her 10th anniversary as a Flinn-Brown Fellow, Venezia remains just as connected to the Network as she was in 2015.
“I feel like I can literally pick up the phone and call anyone from that directory, introduce myself as a Flinn-Brown Fellow, and immediately have a connection,” she said.
When she’s not working, Venezia finds joy in walking her 120-pound rescued Mastiff, Bash, or spending time exploring a new food spot or eclectic vintage store. She is deeply passionate about Southern Arizona and all it brings to her life and many others. “The talent that’s here, the economic impact that’s here, and the people who are here … it’s weaved into everything in southern Arizona, like our own type of culture. And I think it’s really special and unique.”
Book Recommendation
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
“In Let Them, Mel Robbins encourages readers to focus on only what they can control and to let go of anything they can’t.”
If you missed a Fellows Spotlight, you can find them here. View all Flinn-Brown Fellow profiles here.