Kerry Graves Interviews Monica Mitchell, SVP & Chief of Staff at Wells Fargo Foundation

As part of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s 2nd annual LOUDER event, Executive Director Kerry Graves sat down with Monica Mitchell, Senior Vice President of the Wells Fargo Foundation and LOUDER honoree.

In this interview, Mitchell shares her personal experiences with mental health. She provides insights on how companies and individuals can work together to promote mental wellness and end the stigma in the workplace and the community.

Monica Mitchell

Monica Mitchell is Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for the Wells Fargo Foundation. In her role she leads the management of the Office of the President and strategic project management of cross-functional initiatives of the Foundation.

Monica Mitchell has over 20 years’ experience in banking, community development, and philanthropy. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, Monica led the Wells Fargo’s national Youth and Young Adult portfolio under Financial Health Philanthropy and served as chair of ‘Where We Live’TM, Wells Fargo’s $1.6 Billion lending and philanthropic commitment in Washington D.C. focused on supporting small business, financial health, and housing affordability.

Monica is intentional in her advocacy for community impact programs and policies that advance historically marginalized communities, drive economic growth, and provide educational equity and family stability. Monica is the school Founder and President of the Board of the all-girls Lillie May Carroll Jackson Middle School in Baltimore City. She also serves on the board of the

Eddie and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation, one of the nation’s largest Black Family Foundations, whose goals include advancing racial equity across policy and philanthropy. She was a founding member of the United Way Emerging Leaders United Program to promote the professional development and community involvement of Maryland’s next generation of leaders. Additionally, Monica served on the mayoral transition team for Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott.

Monica has received numerous awards including Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40, National Coalition of 100 Black Women Shes100 Award for championing corporate social responsibility on behalf of black women and girls, Associated Black Charities ‘Icon Award’, Girl Scouts ‘Distinguished Women honors’, is one of the youngest honorees inducted into The

Maryland Top 100 Women Circle of Excellence, and was most recently named a 2021 Influential Marylander.

Kerry Graves

Kerry Graves serves as the Executive Director of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore. In her role, she provides leadership for NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s mission of improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, Graves will serve as the chief liaison with government officials, media, community organizations, and key constituency groups.

NAMI Metro Baltimore is one of the largest and most active local affiliates of NAMI, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. Before coming to NAMI in 2018, Kerry held management roles at several local area health advocacy non-profits, most recently as VP of Development for the DC/MD/VA chapter of the ALS Association.

Connect with Monica and Kerry on LinkedIn

Interview questions:

Q1. You’ve worked in banking and community development for over 20 years, and giving back and supporting organizations like NAMI Metro Baltimore is a really big part of what you do. Can you take us back and tell us about where your passion for this kind of work came from and what led you to become the Senior Vice President of the Wells Fargo Foundation?

Q2. What initially inspired you to get involved with NAMI Metro Baltimore’s LOUDER Event to Elevate the Mental Health Conversation in Baltimore?

Q3. In your prior role, you led the Wells Fargo Youth and Young Adult Portfolio to support small businesses, financial health, and housing affordability. You also have a son who goes to Morgan State University, a school that participates in our #IWillListen Campaign. Can you tell us a little bit about the importance of making sure mental health support is available for youth today?

Q4. When we think back to the conversation around mental health before the pandemic, it was much less often talked about. Now, on social media we see celebrities and influencers speaking up about their experiences with mental health. Why do you think it’s important to be open and share stories?

Q5. Much of your work is focused on community impact programs and providing economic and educational opportunities to help uplift historically underserved populations. From your unique lens, how does a lack of access to such opportunities impact mental health, and what are some ways you would suggest Baltimore build more mentally healthy communities?

Q6. 80% of employees with a mental health condition report shame and stigma keep them from seeking treatment or support. How can people be more supportive of their employees’, friends’, family members’ mental health?

Q7. What are some of the resources that have helped you or people in your life who needed mental health support?

Q8. You’re a big supporter of NAMI Metro Baltimore’s work and we’re so grateful. Which programs resonate with you and why?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with mental health conditions, their families, and communities through education, support, and advocacy. NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore is a NAMI affiliate serving Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Our staff, board, and dedicated volunteers work together to raise awareness and provide essential support programs. For 40 years, we have established ourselves as the local voice on mental illness. NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore piloted many of NAMI’s Signature education programs here in Baltimore. Today, we continue to develop innovative resources and community education tools that improve the lives of people affected by mental illness and their families. We have grown to serve more than 14,000 individuals and family members annually. For more information on NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, visit www.namibaltimore.org.