Believe In Women: Mary Rose Garrido Wilcox

Mary Rose Garrido Wilcox was born in Superior, Arizona, and is a fourth generation Arizona native from a pioneer Mexican-American family. Mary Rose was re-elected to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2000 for a third four-year term. She previously served on the Phoenix City Council for nine years. Mary Rose was honored as being the first Hispanic woman ever to serve on the Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Mary Rose has devoted her career to public service. She coordinates a Gun Buy-Back Program, which has taken 850 guns off the streets in three years of the program. Late Night Basketball is another signature program that Mary Rose runs with help from her husband, Earl V. Wilcox, and other community activists.

Some of the highlights of Mary Rose’s career include revitalizing downtown Phoenix through both county work and efforts as a member of the City Council. Mary Rose cast the deciding vote in favor of funding for the America West Arena and Bank One Ballpark. She was one of the originating members of the “fight back movement” for neighborhoods and the founder of the City of Phoenix Kool Kids program allowing children to swim free in several Phoenix public pools.

Mary Rose has been involved in numerous boards and commissions, including her membership on the boards of the Phoenix Economic Growth Corporation, Phoenix Symphony, Genesis Program, Friendly House, Downtown Phoenix Partnership and the Arizona Hispanic Women's Corporation (founding member in 1983 and executive director 1988-89). Mary Rose is very involved with the local and national Hispanic community and has served as a past or current member of such organizations as MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund), NCLR (National Council of La Raza) and NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials).

Honors and recognition include: Maricopa County Continuum of Care Regional Committee on Homelessness “Community Leader of the Year” (2001), Maricopa Integrated Health System Dedication Award (1999), Maricopa County Democrats Service Award (1999), Downtown Phoenix Partnership Board of Directors Service Award (1997), Mesa United Way Leadership and Service Award (1994), Guadalupe Family Health Center Award of Appreciation (1996).

She and her husband, Earl, former state legislature and justice of the peace, reside in downtown Phoenix and continue to stay involved in the community. They are co-owners of the New El Sol, a weekly newspaper serving the Hispanic community. The Wilcox’s opened El Portal, a Mexican restaurant located downtown near Grant Park. Earl and Mary Rose have a daughter and five grandsons.