Marcela de la Mar is a senior executive and civic and cultural leader with extensive experience serving as a board chair, directing a leading nonprofit organization, and working in government, cultural, political, and community affairs. Her leadership encompasses board governance, nonprofit and civic organizations, international business, and community engagement. She currently serves on the boards of the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Denver Art Museum, Denver Foundation, Biennial of the Americas, Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mexican Cultural Center, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross.

Earlier in her career, Marcela worked at the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver and served as Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Center. Her previous board service includes the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), World Trade Center Denver, Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Children’s Museum of Denver, Emily Griffith Foundation, and the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter. She was also a founding member of Latina SafeHouse.

Marcela’s leadership and longstanding commitment to community service have earned her numerous honors, including the Ohtli Award from Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one of the Government of Mexico’s highest distinctions, recognizing individuals abroad for their contributions to Mexican communities. Other honors include the Women of Distinction Award from Girl Scouts of Colorado, the Legacy Award from the Mexican Cultural Center, and the Monarch Award from Butterfly Pavilion, recognizing her partnership and commitment to advancing the organization’s mission in conservation, education, and community impact. She has also been recognized as a Community Service in the Arts Honoree by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. She has also been named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and has received the Unsung Heroine Award from the Latinas First Foundation.

Throughout her career, Marcela has brought together leaders across the business, government, nonprofit, cultural, and civic sectors to strengthen organizations and advance meaningful initiatives. Her work is grounded in a commitment to thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and lasting, positive impact across the communities and organizations she serves.

Outside her professional and civic commitments, Marcela and her husband divide their time among Denver, Mexico, and Turks and Caicos, accompanied by their beloved dog, Stella-Bella.