She has served as the board president of the International Charter School, vice president of New Urban Arts, and chair of the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island. She received both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Brown University. A writer, Arnold spent several years teaching creative writing and literature at Brown, the Rhode Island School of Design and at Wheaton College.

Arnold, the executive director of the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, works diligently to promote the public humanities so that all Rhode Islanders can explore and discuss respectfully how the past impacts current times in an effort to influence the future.

"Mary-Kim is not afraid to be bold and innovative in her efforts to better the lives of others and pursue equality and equity for all. She is committed to diversity and social change and extremely involved in community activities that promote freedom, justice and cultural understanding,” Kristin C. Sawyer, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities communications and development director says.

Arnold looks at her work and volunteer involvement through the lens of recognizing the inherent strengths and resources in every group, community, culture or population - and that when we overlook them (or try to squelch them) it is at our own peril. She believes that everyone has gifts to share; everyone has value.