From her first expedition to years of service, Diana Peterson’s involvement reflects a belief in community-led development and shared progress.
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Those who know Diana Peterson often describe her in these terms: thoughtful, generous, and deeply committed to people.
“She treats everyone as if they are the most important person in the room,” Dr. James B. Mayfield, co-founder of CHOICE Humanitarian, shared. “We’re all equal, and I’ve always admired that about her.”
Over the years, Diana has supported numerous organizations and causes, but her involvement with CHOICE Humanitarian has been especially meaningful. Her contributions have gone far beyond philanthropy. As a leader within the organization when she served on the board from January 2007 to May 2014, Diana helped guide conversations with openness and collaboration, encouraging new ideas and fostering a spirit of collaboration.
Her approach reflects CHOICE’s philosophy—that meaningful change happens through partnership, with communities identifying priorities and leading the way forward.
“She understood something very unique about CHOICE,” said Teresa Larsen, a fellow former board chair and current board vice chair. “We’re not just about aid. We’re about building communities and developing leaders, and that’s what makes the impact last.”
Throughout her years of support to CHOICE as well as many causes across the state of Utah, Diana has been known for championing people who have had fewer opportunities and advocating for those whose voices are often overlooked.
A Personal Connection to the Mission
Diana first understood the power of CHOICE's approach on an expedition.
Her journey began in 2006 during a trip to Nepal, where she and several members of her family visited communities where CHOICE was working. Seeing the projects underway left a strong impression. After returning home, she recalled asking CHOICE leaders an urgent question about a school that had been built but still lacked a roof.
“You’re going to help that village put a roof on the adobe school they’ve just built before the monsoon rains wash it away, right?” she asked.
Their answer was simple: “Of course we will—if you write the check.”
With a laugh, Diana said she realized that projects like this needed both local leadership and committed supporters, and CHOICE’s approach worked by bringing together both groups to move priorities forward.
“That’s when I understood,” she said. “And I enlisted in the army of CHOICE volunteers.”
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Recognizing a Legacy of Service
At the 2025 CHOICE Humanitarian Gala, Diana Peterson was honored with the James B. Mayfield Humanitarian Award, recognizing her commitment to service, compassion, and long-term impact in communities globally.
The James B. Mayfield Humanitarian Award honors individuals whose generosity, leadership, and compassion help strengthen communities around the world.
Named for CHOICE co-founder Dr. Mayfield, the award celebrates individuals whose actions reflect his vision: empowering communities to overcome poverty through dignity, leadership, and sustainable development.
Dr. Mayfield has spent his life championing the idea that lasting change happens when communities have the tools and opportunity to shape their own futures. The award created in his honor acknowledges individuals who carry that vision forward.
CHOICE Humanitarian recognizes Diana’s dedication to this work. Her approach reflects a simple but powerful truth: lasting change happens through partnership, grounded in humility, vision, and a shared belief in the potential of every community.
That belief has guided Diana’s involvement and her ongoing commitment to communities facing rural poverty.
“Humanitarian work is not about arriving with short-term gifts,” she expressed at the gala in her acceptance remarks. “It’s about equipping people with the vision, principles, tools, and experience they need to shape their own futures with dignity and skill.”
