Mary Seawell

President at Lyra Colorado

Mary Seawell is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Lyra Colorado, a nonprofit organization based in Denver that focuses on enhancing public education through innovative initiatives. She has held this position since July 2019, leading efforts to address significant challenges in the education sector by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including educators, community leaders, and philanthropic organizations.1 2

Professional Background

Before her role at Lyra Colorado, Mary Seawell served as the Senior Vice President for Education at the Gates Family Foundation from 2012 until June 2023. In this capacity, she was instrumental in shaping public education policies and initiatives in Colorado, including the creation of Denver's first autonomous innovation zone and other educational programs aimed at improving governance and equity in education.2 3

Mary has also been actively involved in local education governance. She was elected to the Denver Public Schools Board of Education in 2009 and served as its President from December 2011 to November 2013. Her contributions during this period included advocating for innovative educational strategies and policies that respond to community needs.1 2

Education

Mary Seawell holds a Doctor of Law (JD) from the University of Denver, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from American University, and has studied medical anthropology at the University of Colorado at Denver. Additionally, she has a background in literature from Cambridge University.1 2

Contributions and Recognition

In her career, Mary has received recognition for her work, including a regional Emmy Award for her role as Executive Producer of a documentary that explored integration efforts within Denver Public Schools. She is also noted for her commitment to advancing equity in education, often serving as a bridge-builder across various educational initiatives and communities.2 3

Mary Seawell's extensive experience and leadership in education make her a significant figure in the efforts to improve educational outcomes for students across Colorado.