PHOENIX (STN) – For Mary Noor, senior vice president and local market executive for Bank of America in Phoenix, leadership is rooted in values instilled early in life. Growing up in a hardworking, middle-class immigrant family, Noor learned responsibility as the oldest of three siblings, and learned it fast.
“I started working when I was 12 years old to help my family,” she recalled. “My parents taught us the value of family, the value of giving back, and how to make a difference, no matter how small our community felt.”
Those lessons remain at the heart of her leadership philosophy today.
“Family is the center of everything we do,” Noor said.
That sense of responsibility now extends beyond her immediate circle, driving her work to create opportunities and equity in the community.
Landing in her current role was, in her words, “a surprise.” She didn’t initially envision a leadership path focused on social transformation, but today she sees it as a natural continuation of her upbringing.
“I grew up seeing how your zip code, what side of the tracks you’re on, can determine opportunities,” she said. “Now I get to open doors for people who can’t open doors for themselves. I couldn’t be more proud to work for a company that understands the power of community and making change happen together.”
Mary Noor champions community impact with empathy and connection:
Noor’s leadership style is grounded in empathy and trust. Reflecting on a pivotal moment early in her management career, she shared, “I had the choice to lead with authority or lead with empathy. I chose empathy. It wasn’t about the title; it was about building trust. When your team feels empowered, seen and supported, trust follows, and performance follows trust.”
It is the same philosophy she brings to building partnerships.
“I’m all about relationships,” Noor emphasized. “It’s not about writing a check and walking away. It’s about having conversations, building trust and finding alignment.”
She encourages nonprofit leaders seeking corporate partnerships to do their homework.
“Understand the corporation’s goals,” she advised. “Show how your mission aligns with theirs. Be clear and simple. Respect each other’s time, values and missions, and you’ll find people willing to listen.”
For fellow leaders, Noor’s message is simple but powerful: “Let’s move from transactions to transformation. Let’s partner in a way that drives real, lasting change. One day at a time, one person at a time.”
