Mitzi Clayton

Mitzi Clayton first became involved with Heart of Missouri United Way (HMUW) when then-MU Athletic Director Mike Alden asked her to serve on the campus United Way campaign committee. Later, she became more involved with the nonprofit in 2009 when she served as Mizzou’s HMUW campaign chair.

“What initially seemed like one more thing on my to-do list — and a rather daunting one at that—would grow into such a personal passion. It serves as a reminder of how God is always at work in and through us, if we’re willing to just say ‘Yes,’” Clayton noted.

Clayton has held the positions of community campaign chair, president, vice president, and Community Impact Committee chair throughout her time with United Way. Along with the rest of the board, she provides oversight, trustworthiness, and credibility for the community members, ensuring their confidence in how contributions are being invested to meet big needs in Columbia.

She has a deep appreciation for HMUW’s allocation process and how funding requests are reviewed and considered.

“It truly is special and should give HMUW supporters great confidence that their donations are being strategically allocated to create the greatest impact,” Clayton added.

Clayton also joined the Board of Directors for Women’s Intersport Network (WIN) for Columbia in 2018 and has served as the board president for the last two years. The primary focus for the organization has been hosting an awards luncheon to celebrate and recognize the achievements of girls and women in sports and physical fitness.

Recently, WIN for Columbia worked to expand by reimagining its mission and making a greater impact on women and girls in the community. That was done by organizing a National Girls and Women in Sport Day celebration each February, hosting a WIN Every Day Girls in Sport Leadership Seminar free for all high school females to attend each July, and establishing a Together We Win fund for girls with demonstrated financial need in eighth grade and below to participate in sport activities.

Clayton credits her drive for giving back to the community to her parents.

“My parents both gave of their time, talents, and treasures to various organizations ranging from making braille bibles for the blind to delivering Meals on Wheels,” she explained. “They set the standard for which I strive to achieve. I was raised to believe ‘if you can, do.’”