Freeport McMoran

Education Forward Arizona honors Freeport-McMoRan Foundation President

August 29, 2023
Wickenburg Sun

Education Forward Arizona announced Freeport-McMoRan Foundation’s Tracy Bame as its Luminary Award recipient for 2023. As president of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and director of social responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan, Bame and her team develop strategies and programs that are laser-focused on building sustainable and resilient communities through the power of education.

Bame has led Freeport-McMoRan’s community development activities in Arizona for more than two decades and, through her vision, has turned Freeport into a true education champion for Arizona. “We believe in listening to our communities, stakeholders, and partners to understand how we can help address the most pressing needs of our local communities,” said Bame. “Education is always at the top of the list. By investing in programs that provide education access and opportunity, our efforts not only help individuals and families but also increase the resilience and prosperity of Arizona.”

Through DreamBuilder, Dig Into Mining, the Freeport-McMoRan Native American Scholarship Program, and multiple partnerships with higher education institutions, Bame’s innovative efforts have made lasting impacts on students in the state. “At Education Forward Arizona, we’ve seen Tracy’s exceptional vision, passion, and commitment to education firsthand,” said Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “We are thrilled to be able to honor her statewide work that has positively impacted Arizona students. Our state has everything to gain by increasing the number of students attaining degrees and certificates, and Tracy’s work is a testament to that.”

Bame is also a longtime board member and active volunteer for community organizations focused on education, including Education Forward Arizona, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, and The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute. “Education is the strongest lever we have for increasing socio-economic opportunity and mobility for everyone,” said Bame. “Investing in education and training beyond high school is critical for Arizona’s economy. I’m honored to receive the Luminary Award to shine a light on the importance of education attainment in our state.”

Education Forward Arizona was created to change the way people think about and support education as the key driver to improving the economy and quality of life in Arizona. The organization’s work includes providing scholarships and innovative programs to students and advocating for policies and funding that move the Achieve60AZ postsecondary attainment goal and other Arizona Education Progress Meter goals forward. Learn more at EducationForwardArizona.org

Freeport McMoRan owns the Bagdad Mine, located 68 miles northwest of Wickenburg.

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