Phoenix Greg Stanton honored Emmermann as the recipient of the city of Phoenix Global Citizen Award at the second annual Mayor’s International Gala hosted by Phoenix Sister Cities, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and enhancing global connections.

Emmermann was recognized as an individual who embraces the qualities of a global citizen and who exemplifies global citizenship though her leadership and vision.  In addition to advancing the city of Phoenix’s global position, Emmermann was honored for her efforts to open doors and facilitate economic development between Phoenix and Mexico.

“I am deeply honored to be receiving an award that celebrates global awareness and active engagement with the international community. I thank the Mayor and the City of Phoenix for creating an environment that fosters global citizenship.  Their vision has certainly helped me do what I am passionate about, advancing Arizona’s relationship with Mexico,” said Margie Emmermann, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Molera Alvarez.

Mayor Stanton lauded Emmerman as a highly deserving choice and called the Global Citizen Award — now in its second year — a “truly special award that is sure to become an honor role of Phoenix’s most respected residents.”

“I cannot think of anyone who has done more to foster global relations for Phoenix than Margie Emmermann,” Stanton said. “Margie is a visionary leader, a strategic thinker and a consensus builder whose many contributions have cemented and expanded Arizona’s relationship with Mexico.”

GLOBAL CITIZEN AWARD 

Emmermann is currently the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Molera Alvarez, a Phoenix-based government and public affairs firm.  Prior to joining Molera Alvarez, Margie had an impressive career in state government, having been appointed by four Arizona Governors to head key state agencies. As Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Policy Advisor for Mexico and Latin America, and Executive Director of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, Margie was instrumental in shaping and implementing Arizona’s domestic and international policy initiatives over a span of 20 years.

This signature event was once again an overwhelming success – reinforcing the importance of global relations in the City of Phoenix and highlighting Phoenix Sister Cities’ role in fostering international relations in Arizona,” said Paula West, president and CEO, Phoenix Sister Cities, Inc. “We are proud to honor globally minded citizens, like Margie Emmermann, who are leading the way and inspiring relationships that not only cross physical borders, but also removing cultural barriers.

In addition to Title Sponsor, ASU, gala supporters include Presidential Sponsors: Copperpoint Mutual Insurance Company and Sky Harbor International Airport; Ambassador Sponsor: Transdev; and Consul General sponsors: CityScape, Lebanese Advisory Council of Greater Phoenix, Seidberg Law Offices, SRP, U-Haul and US Airways Center and Rhino Tempe LLC. Proceeds from the event benefited Phoenix Sister Cities’ programs, which include international business relations and youth exchanges with the city’s 10 sister cities.