June Webb-Vignery

June Webb-Vignery is not afraid to instigate change. In fact, she’s been at the forefront of educational advancement since the start of her career.

As executive director of the Metropolitan Education Commission, Webb-Vignery’s job is a little different every day, as she helps to oversee the education activities and programs in Tucson. Webb-Vignery is one of 34 MEC commissioners who work with businesses and governmental agencies to promote high school graduation and higher education.

This education enthusiast began her career in 1968 working with diverse populations in the Houston School District. “We were trained and plopped down in schools that hadn’t yet been integrated,” she says.

This early experience sparked a passion in Webb-Vignery for working in education and with different cultures, as well as with women.

“When I first started working with African-American students, I could see the connection between what was happening to them and what was happening to me in my life,” she says.

Throughout the early years of her career in the 1960’s and 70’s, Webb-Vignery was frequently singled out as one of the few women in her workplaces. Her work with the City of Tucson’s affirmative-action team and her role as professor were just a few such instances.

Instead of feeling discouraged, though, Webb-Vignery created exciting opportunities for women. She developed the first Women in Management college course in the United States, and she then taught it. She also co-established the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 1981.

Today, Webb-Vignery’s objective at the MEC is to promote education for teachers, students and families in Pima County through various programs and government initiatives. Teen Town Hall, Summer Leadership Conference, Outstanding Teen Citizen Awards, Career Fair and Academy Without Walls are just a few of these. One program that Webb-Vignery is particularly passionate about is the Regional College Access Center, which promotes higher education for first-generation students or those from low-income households.

Some of Webb-Vignery’s many honors over the years include the Arizona Political Caucus Woman Making History Award, the League of United Latin American Citizens Community Service Award and the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission Community Award.

Some of Webb-Vignery’s many honors over the years include the Arizona Political Caucus Woman Making History Award, the League of United Latin American Citizens Community Service Award and the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission Community Award.

Despite her many public recognitions, Webb-Vignery’s chief professional rewards stem from simple but meaningful everyday acts. “Working with the youth and especially having contact with young people [is my favorite part of my job],” she says. Undoubtedly, this enthusiasm is what makes Webb-Vignery so influential here in the Old Pueblo.