Mary Munekata grew up in Aurora, Colo. and graduated from CU Denver with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies – interning with the City & County of Denver’s Housing & Referral Services and the Colorado Civil Right Commission’s Fair Housing Division. After graduating, Mary spent the next two decades as a residential real estate broker (inspired by the housing internships) and built her home in Parker in 1998. Mary later volunteered in the Community Development Department, and was eventually hired as a Planning Technician – where career no. 2 began in 2006! As a Senior Planner today in the Comprehensive Planning Division, Mary performs a wide range of technical work including development and implementation of plans and programs to guide the vision and future of Parker. Mary also received her American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation in 2018. When not at work, Mary enjoys hiking, Air Force football games & tailgating at the Air Force Academy, gardening and traveling.