MTUL President:

Marla Mayberry is a native Tulsan who was taught to always believe in the old African Proverb that says “it takes a village to raise a child.” She was also taught that God has given each person a destined purpose upon the Earth, which has always helped her to understand her purpose: to serve and provide services of opportunity for her community.

Marla received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the historical Langston University. Upon completing her Bachelors degree, she later decided the importance of obtaining her Masters Degree and pursued her research studies at the University of Oklahoma and achieved her Masters of Human Relations with a concentration in Organizational Development and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary.

Marla became employed with Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League (MTUL) from 1999 thru 2002 and served in the capacities of Employment Counselor, Program Director for the Education and Youth Development Department, and Vice-President of Operations. In 2002, she accepted the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director at the Hutcherson YMCA. As the Executive Director, her highlights include her involvement with the Capital Campaign where she assisted in raising 6.1 million dollars, the Facility and Staff Restructuring Project and the Designing and Implementation of the New Building. Recently Marla decided to reunite with the Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League (MTUL) team as captain. Her objective is to rebuild the resilience, the financial strength and the bridge between MTUL and Tulsa community with the support of her wonderful staff and board members.

While working at MTUL and fulfilling the roles of mother and wife, Marla finds time to participate in the PTA at her daughters’ schools. Additionally, she serves on the Carver Middle School Foundation Board, Human Rights Commission City of Tulsa Board, Leadership Tulsa Class 34, North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative, North Tulsa Development Council, and the 2025 Vision Commission. She is also a member in the Tulsa Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Antioch Baptist Church.