The Frances McClelland Vision Award is given to honor a community leader who has made a lifelong commitment and significant contributions to the well-being of children, youth, and families. The community leader embodies the strength, dedication, vision and passion that Frances McClelland exhibited throughout her life. This award is for a community leader who has dedicated their life and work to helping Frances McClelland’s legacy and vision come to fruition for the people of Southern Arizona and the world.
Dr. Laura Banks-Reed Ed.D. is a native of Tucson, Arizona. She earned four degrees from the University of Arizona: Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, Education Specialist and Doctorate of Education.
For 39 years, she served as an educator in Tucson. During that time she served as a teacher, Peace Corps Lecturer, Principal, District Reading Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent. Presently, she is President/Owner of LNB Enterprises, an educational consulting firm.
Dr. Banks-Reed is an avid community worker and volunteer. She has served on numerous local, state, and national boards and YWCA, NAACP, Urban League, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Women at the Top. She was a member of the YWCA National Board for 11 years, a member of the International Advisory Board for the University of Arizona/College of Education, and a member of the Advisory Council for the UTSA College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Banks-Reed was named a Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary International). She served as National Secretary, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and National Recording Secretary of the Links, Inc. Dr. Banks-Reed was a Charter Member, San Antonio Chapter, National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
She has received many outstanding awards and commendations. They include the University of Arizona Black Alumni Phenomenal Woman Award, University of Arizona Distinguished Citizen Award, YWCA's Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, YWCA's Change Maker Award, Shriner's Award for Excellence in Education, and the University of Arizona, College of Education Distinguished Service Award. She is a NAACP Diamond Lifetime Member and the Robert L. Horn Award recipient. Additionally, Dr. Banks-Reed is listed in seven different editions of 'Who's Who' and is featured in the 1997 Edition of the Southern Arizona Women's Fund book.
An elementary school in Tucson, Arizona was named in her honor in April 2002 and dedicated in February 2003. The Barrio Anita Association of Tucson honored Dr. Banks-Reed's achievements and community service by including a 15-foot portrait of her in glass mosaic tile in a 400-square foot mural. In November 2015, Dr. Banks-Reed published her biography "From Barrio to Boardroom."
She and her late husband, Jack Banks, were owners of Jack's Original Barbecue for 42 years. The business was inducted into the Arizona Restaurant Hall of Fame in 1994. Her life is personified through Luke 12:48, 'To whom much is give, much is required; And from one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.'
In 2006, Dr. Banks-Reed married her wartime sweetheart, Mr. Eugene Reed (now deceased). She is a member of Second Baptist Church and resides in Helotes, Texas.
