Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk
Philanthropist
Biography
Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk, D.D. (h.c.), FRSA, is a distinguished recipient of the 2018 Civic Pioneer Award, one of the highest honors given by Congress to a female U.S. citizen. She co-founded The Memnosyne Institute with her husband, Joshua Raymond Frenk, which includes numerous impactful programs such as FoodSourceDFW, a leading initiative combating food waste and feeding 5,000 families daily in Dallas. The Institute has international chapters in Japan, Israel/Palestine, and Mexico, supporting cultural centers for the Maya and Tolteca people, with plans to launch a UK chapter in 2023.
Thompson-Frenk is an accomplished writer, sculptor, human rights and environmental activist, socially responsible investor, and international speaker, having spoken at prestigious venues including the UN and the White House. She notably led negotiations for the first treaty in 300 years between the Hopi and Navajo nations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson-Frenk spearheaded The Memnosyne Institute’s “Masks For Life” initiative, providing $246,400 worth of KN95 masks to indigenous communities across various states. She also facilitated essential water donations to the Comecrudo Carrizo Tribe of Texas during the 2021 Texas freeze. Her humanitarian efforts were recognized with Texas Bill HR1472.
Thompson-Frenk is a proponent of socially responsible investing and conscious capitalism, co-founding UTF Holdings to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and empower minority communities. She has collaborated on numerous projects, including establishing Eco-Eco with Tania Arrayales Rodriguez and publishing significant autobiographies through Thompson Fine Arts, Inc. Recently, she has been involved in writing projects with Dr. Ervin Laszlo and Mirela Sula.
Thompson-Frenk received the 2021 ICON Award and has been a keynote speaker and panelist at various international conferences, showcasing her dedication to leveraging business for social and environmental impact.
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