Why I Am Running for the Board of Directors

I am seeking a position on the Sister Cities International Board of Directors to advocate for the transformative power of cultural exchange in promoting global peace. As the Executive Director of the Hot Springs Sister City Program and Arkansas State Representative for SCI, I have seen firsthand the profound impact of cross-cultural understanding. Growing up in a small town in Arkansas, I understand the value of exposure to different cultures and the role it plays in fostering mutual respect and peace.

Through my leadership in international delegations and cultural exchanges, I have worked to support and strengthen the connections between communities. Serving on the Board would allow me to extend these efforts on a global scale, advocating for the accessibility and growth of Sister Cities exchanges. I am particularly passionate about leveraging my experience in nonprofit management and community development to help SCI strengthen its mission and outreach. I am also committed to emphasizing the importance of international collaborations, such as those I’ve facilitated, to demonstrate the long-lasting positive effects these relationships have on both local and global communities.

Bio

Mary Zunick has served as the Executive Director of the Hot Springs Sister City Program since 2008 and is the Arkansas State Representative for Sister Cities International. Appointed as the Honorary Consul of Japan for Arkansas by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2019, she works to foster international relationships between the two countries, particularly between Hot Springs, Arkansas, and its sister city, Hanamaki, Japan. Through her leadership in delegations and coordination of educational and cultural exchanges, Mary helps build bridges between communities and foster greater understanding.

In addition to her role with the Sister City Program, Mary was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Board of Visitors for the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts and the Governor’s Council on Volunteerism, where she contributes to strategic oversight and policy discussions for these important statewide initiatives. She is also a founding board member and co-chair of the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance, an organization focused on empowering women through networking, education, and leadership development. Furthermore, Mary is a leader on the board of the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance, where she supports arts and cultural initiatives in the region. With extensive experience in non-profit management, strategic planning, and community outreach, Mary has made significant contributions to community development.

Mary is especially proud of the role the Hot Springs Sister City Program played in the success of Origami Sake, a collaborative product developed through a partnership between Arkansas and Japan, exemplifying the value of cross-cultural collaboration.