Tribute to Legacy Leadership Honorees
Deborah Bateman
Class of 2010
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am 69 years old and am Vice Chairman at National Bank of Arizona. I epitomize achievement, determination and kindness, professionally and personally. My career has seen me rise from bank teller to executive while never losing the grounded perspective and touch that makes me a valued friend and mentor. I am committed to developing others and helping them reach their personal and professional goals, and speak from the heart when relating my own life experiences to those who value my counsel. My diverse career has spanned 49 years, and includes both entrepreneurial and corporate leadership roles. In addition to serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for National Bank of Arizona, I am a professional and certified Executive and Personal Branding Coach, a best-selling author, and a frequent speaker at seminars, meetings, and conferences. I have always been actively engaged in our community, where I have served on more than thirty nonprofit and advisory boards. Currently, I serve on boards for the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, The American Heart Association, The Arizona Historical Society, Mesa Community College, and The Foundation for Living Medicine. My professional commitment and involvement in the community has garnered numerous recognition and awards, such as; Stevie Award – Best Financial Services Executive, YWCA Corporate Business Leader Award, National Association Of Women Business Owners – Visionary Award, Girl Scouts Of America – Women Of Distinction and Leadership Award, Mesa Community College Hall of Fame, Cancer Support Community Arizona – Hope Award, AzBusiness Magazine – 50 Most Influential Women In Arizona Business, The Phoenix Chamber of Commerce – Athena Award Finalist, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Bronze Sierra Award. I am a Hall of Fame Alumni and Graduate of Mesa Community College, and a graduate of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: So many lessons have been learned on my journey. However, if I was to recap the most meaningful they would be; first is understand the power of silence, second is to practice the art of listening, third would be to honor the art of practice, and fourth would be to take the opportunities to teach and mentor others.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: My Calling/Purpose is to help others discover their personal potential, passion, and purpose.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Do not look to others to validate your worth. Recognize your value and carry it with you always.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: The ONE leadership lesson that I have learned is to listen to understand, and to ask clarifying questions.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: Working with others and witnessing their personal growth.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: My daughter inspires me. She embraces her true authentic self and lives a life that allows her to be true to her core values.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: The pivotal moment in my career occurred when I realized that I was relying on others to validate my worth, and I pivoted to live a life based on my own dreams and goals.
Joan Brainard
Class of 1995
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I was raised in Illinois, and moved with family to San Francisco area in 1962. I graduated college, got married, went to Hawaii, and then back to San Francisco. My husband was transferred to Phoenix in 1969. He worked in commercial insurance. He passed away in 1994 after a bad motorcycle accident in 1977 and many complications. We have two very successful daughters. I have 6 grandchildren, 4 in college now. I grew up in Girl Scouts, Tri-Hi-Y in high school, and King’s Daughters.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Treating people with kindness goes a long way. Empowering staff to become successful is rewarding.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I’m retired now but I definitely found my calling in Social Work and working with the elderly, especially minorities and low income elderly. They appreciate every little thing you do for them. It’s very rewarding. I have no tolerance for racism or discrimination.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: In spite of it all, you can do it! Thanks to my parents, Girl Scouts and YWCA.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Providing support and training at all levels as well as treating people equally and providing encouragement to move forward!
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I loved most of it except when it had to be a negative experience. I’ve been accused of giving “too many chances.” I loved seeing staff move forward upward in their careers!
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Some of the CEO’s at YWCA, Dorothy Willey was a great mentor, Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger of MWU who awarded me the Shooting Star award, Mayor Elaine Scruggs was a great supporter and inspiration for me as well as Mary Ann Lavine, a YWCA volunteer and volunteer in the community. The YWCA mission has always inspired me and continues to. It’s been my life and made me who I am today.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: There were many but I think in 1990 when a senior left her estate to the YWCA. We sold her house and changed our kitchen from a catering kitchen to commercial so we could cook our own meals for the home delivered and seniors. It has provided continual growth.
Tina Brown
Class of 2012
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I have more than twenty years of experience in outreach, focusing on access to preventative health programs and working with diverse populations in both rural and urban communities.
The foundation of my career began after graduating from Scottsdale Leadership, 2001. This experience gave me a cornerstone for volunteerism, helped me find my purpose, passion and prepared me to be a community leader and advocate through my work. My first position was the African American Outreach Manager at Planned Parenthood AZ. My task was to raise awareness and educate about reproductive and sexual health within the Black community. It was challenging, yet rewarding and it made me into the leader I am today.
Later, I would become a tireless breast cancer advocate, after a close friend was diagnosed with the disease. It was and still is my highest priority to educate about self – exams and promote the importance of annual mammograms specifically women of color.
Today, I work for Arizona Complete Health as a Community Advocate. In my role, I build and maintain relationships with stakeholders; partner with health center and organizations to create health initiatives around diabetes, heart and mental health. In addition, to coordinating and managing the mobile health screening program.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Serve with Integrity, be consistent, and resourceful. Listen to learn about other cultures and how to communicate with them. Effective leadership is about relationships because they are important for collaborations and partnerships when you want to make the greatest impact.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I believe wholeheartedly that I am living a purposeful life, and if I can help somebody by being a mentor, volunteering my time, sharing resources, than my life shall not be in vain.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: When I was ten years old, I was singing in a hair brush, it was my dream to use my voice as an instrument to entertain others. I would say, Tina you can also you use your voice as an advocate to create change in policy, access to care, connections to resources, support and protect rights, bring people together, motivate involvement and help improve the lives of others and the communities we serve.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Attitude Is Everything…
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: That I have the freedom to be my authentic self. I absolutely love helping others. I love that I am valued and respected as an employee and leader. I love traveling across the state to provide resources that help eliminate barriers to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I also love the challenge with coordinating events and that every day is different.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Everyone has a story. Sharing stories is the most innovative way to connect and understand someone’s life about who they are. Everyone is struggling with something, what’s inspiring is how they made it through and they share to help others.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) ten years ago. It’s is a devastating disease that affects the central nervous system. Numb with fear of the unknown of losing my ability to continue to work, I thought my life was over including my career. I struggled and suffered alone in silence for three years. After that, I discovered that sharing my story is powerful and helpful to others that are also affected by this disease. Self-advocacy, my personal mission in the fight against MS as a warrior, and disability advocate.
It’s a beautiful thing when God uses you to make a difference in the lives of others.
Jo Ellen Caldwell
Class of 2019
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am a fire captain with 20 years of service with the Phoenix Fire Department and have been a practicing Physical Therapist for 25 years. Since the age of 18 I have had a strong commitment to participating in community outreach programs such as coaching youth in kickboxing and boxing, and mentoring young women with a career interest in public safety as fire fighters or police officers.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: The most impactful life lesson I have learned is that the more time you give to others the more you grow as an individual and ultimately as a professional. Everyone, no matter what their age or where they are from, has something to share providing opportunities to learn and grow from every interaction into which you invest your time, energy, and effort.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I believe in life equality and that every individual has the right to have the opportunities to evolve into their best self. Many times the people with whom I share my time and experience may not have the resources or money that others have. It’s a unique and wonderful opportunity to be able to share and work with others knowing that through time and mentoring I may help others get to where they want to be professionally, physically, or personally.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Never be afraid of failure. Do not fear challenges and obstacles; these things are opportunities to learn and be successful. Never allow yourself to get comfortable being comfortable. To grow and really experience all that life offers, you have to live outside your comfort zone.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Take the time to be present with the folks you are leading. When engaging in conversation or working with a team member, give that individual your undivided attention. It shows respect, you learn about the people you work with, and it builds a positive relationship.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I love the diversity it offers and all the different people I get to meet. As a fire captain, a physical therapist, and a trainer, I get to help people from all different types of circumstances and conditions. For a moment or a set amount of time I get to be a part of people’s lives. I love that.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: I have had a lot of great people in my life that have influenced me. The one thing they have in common is living fearlessly. They don’t get caught up in what others think or how hard they may have to work to reach their goals. They don’t fear stepping outside of stereotypes. They just embrace life, experiences, life-long learning, and the growth that comes with that.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: I lost my mom in 2008. Her loss led me to do an inventory of my life, both personally and professionally. I considered how much energy and effort I invested in people who loved me or had my best interest in mind versus the investment I made in those who were not interested in being connected with others and were representing self-interest above all else. I cleaned up where I spent my time, and that has benefited me personally and professionally.
January Contreras
Class of 2020
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am a fourth-generation Arizonan who has some of the strongest DNA from my parents and grandparents. I’m a former Maricopa Deputy County Attorney, Assistant Attorney General in Arizona, and Advisor to Governor Janet Napolitano. In 2009, I joined the Obama Administration where I was a designee to the White House Council on Women and Girls, and I led creation of the Council on Combating Violence Against Women to strengthen protections for immigrant victims of crime. Inspired to represent people left behind in the justice system, I launched Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services (ALWAYS) here in my home state. I’m grateful to be a lawyer to kids and young adults facing abuse, human trafficking, homelessness, and the foster care system. My clients inspire me every day. I’m a proud UA Wildcat, and have the privilege of raising two teenagers who grew up way too fast.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: I learned the most watching my mother and nana be joyous in celebrating the good times and be stubborn in making it through the tough times.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I became a lawyer because I never wanted to be powerless for myself or for others.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: I would tell my ten-year-old self that the cute engineering student she meets her sophomore year in college is a keeper.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Greet everyone with respect and an open ear because there is something to learn from each person who enters your life.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: What I love about being an attorney is using the law to achieve justice and right wrongs.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Young people, and especially young parents, moving mountains to live a life free of violence.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: The most pivotal moment in my career was working for Governor Janet Napolitano and realizing that, as women, sometimes we have to write our own set of rules to guide our careers – not just abide by the rules that others try to impose.
Paula Cullison
Class of 2019
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am the daughter of immigrants from Italy. Neither of my parents completed elementary school. They were both union members: Dad was a member the International Pressmen’s Union at the NYTimes where he worked for over 40 years; and Mom was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union; she worked with numerous designers in NYC. They taught us that hard work, determination, and studying was the formula for success.
Since graduating from college, I have had several careers. Each one has been a learning experience; be it in social work, education, corporate marketing, public retaliations, entrepreneurship, non-profit management, or as a freelance international travel writer.
I believe peace is possible when we interact with other cultures. For this reason I developed a number of my international travel photography exhibits (and talks) which I present at college and universities.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Always lend a helping hand – whether it is for charitable purposes or to provide business referrals and guidance. Be generous with your finances, as well as with your knowledge and talents. Share your ‘wealth.’ Go the extra mile for those who come your way or cross your path. Helping others is one of life’s joys. The process always magnifies itself in an upward spiral in untold ways. Express appreciation for kindnesses shown you. Don’t take anyone for granted.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: Working for social justice, women’s rights, and environmental issues has always been central to my being.
The creation of the Arizona Women’s Partnership, an all volunteer philanthropic non-profit to award grants to grassroots charities, is a manifestation of this. I believe that we are here to help others, as best we can. I had the know how to make this happen…and I did. To quote Dr. Martin Luther King, “Life’s most persistent question is: What are you doing for others?”
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Don’t be afraid to try. If you don’t succeed – try and try again. Most successful people have been unsuccessful along the way. Keep your eye on your goal and Go For It.
To quote cultural anthropologist, Dr. Margaret Mead:, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Select a good team, empower them to do their respective jobs, and don’t micro-manage. People rise to the occasion and exceed expectations when they are respected for their abilities. When you work for the good of others, incredible things happen.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I continue to see all the wonderful things that happen when people come together to do what they can for the good of others – be it donating money or volunteering their time and expertise. In establishing the Arizona Women’s Partnership, as an all volunteer nonprofit in 2002, I set out to fundraise for small grassroots nonprofits that help underserved women and children at risk here in AZ. My concern was that since these smaller charities do not have the visibility of the larger nonprofits, they would have trouble realizing their important missions dealing with issues of domestic violence, child abuse, literacy, homelessness, hunger, refugees, youth at risk, etc. To date, we have awarded over $500,000 to over 70 non-profits who affect the lives of over 130,000 culturally and racially diverse women and children on an annual basis. Many are multi-year grant recipients. To this end, I created two fundraisers which showcased female chefs in our local culinary industry.
Realizing that female artists need their due, I created the In Celebration of Women art exhibition to celebrate the Centennial of the 19th amendment. To that end, I selected a jury of ethnically and racial diverse professional women. Together we selected 30 women artists. The exhibit was the first of its kind – hosted at the Herberger (opened March 6, 2020 to a reception of over 500) and it was set for the AZ Capitol Museum (postponed because of COVID).
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: I am self-motivated. I feel driven to help others; it’s my life’s purpose.
I want to inspire others to do likewise. Getting recognition is not important. My immigrant parents taught me to always help those in need. That sharing was one of the greatest joys in life. The philosopher Gibran said, “It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” We are all part of the human family – Aho! Mitakue Oyasin – Native (Lakota) saying.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Although I have had several careers (like many others), gaining support and cooperation from the Fortune 500 corporation, for which I worked and for which I was President of Women in Management, enabled me to create the 1985-Year for All Arizona Women project. This was a defining moment for me. It showed me that with the right attitude, self-confidence, and a win/win project for all involved, amazing things can (did) happen. The project attracted over 300 volunteers; attendance at the events amounted to over 10,000. The state-wide project gained gubernatorial support, as well as that from 65 mayors, tribal leaders and county officials. The ripple effect gave birth to the YWCA-AZ Tribute to Leadership and to many other recognitions for the achievements of women throughout this state.
Dr. Regina Edwards
Class of 2012
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: Growing up in central Nebraska, I had the incredible good fortune to have parents who valued education and hard work. In 1987, I moved to Honolulu to work for the University of Hawai`i where I learned the importance of listening and taking in the wisdom of others. New opportunities brought my family to Arizona in 1993 where we have built careers and a life that has given us much to celebrate.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Listening is a skill that each of us must hone and build. The best leaders are those who listen and learn each moment of each day.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Stop worrying so much.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: I once had a boss who said, “we all move tables, we all make coffee, we all do what needs to be done.” She truly walked that talk and was a role model of hard work, consensus building, and character. I only hope that I have been a small bit of the leader she is.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: As a community volunteer and Board member for several nonprofits, I have the opportunity to make an impact at both the client service and governance levels. Having had so many mentors and leaders share their wisdom with me; I am committed to giving back in any way that I can.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: People who rise each day and do their work; those who face challenges we have no idea about to those who have overcome so much difficulty we cannot begin to imagine how they continue to show up.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Moving to Hawai`i as a young, naive midwesterner who should have been far more uncertain than I was. I learned more in those years than in all my higher ed classes. In many ways, I grew up there and I will remain grateful for my friends and mentors who believed in me and helped me in ways many of them will never know.
Sharon Harper
Class of 1995
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: Beginning as a journalist, I am now 40 years as a real estate professional-CEO of Plaza Companies.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Always respect and accountability.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I am passionate and focused on superseding expectations with every project.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Love what you do, always value relationships, and do what you say you will do.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Never, never, never give up. There is always a way and sometimes even a better way.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: My job is creative, innovative, high profile, and meaningful.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Being successful is inspirational and impacting future lifestyle and work force opportunities.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Being faced with challenges and overcoming obstacles- very empowering.
Diana Gregory
Class of 2017
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. I grew up in the Pruitt-Igoe housing projects, “a project that was plagued with drugs, crime and much more.” I graduated as valedictorian of my high school class and received a full scholarship to and graduated from Boston University. Being the oldest of 6 children, (4 sisters and 1 brother) I was a role model for my siblings. My parents were married for 40 years until my mother passed at age 59 due to breast cancer. My mother’s death was the biggest tragedy I have encountered in my life. My work with seniors is how I continue to honor my mother.
Several people have been influencers in my life. First, my parents taught me to walk in love and have faith in God. Their beliefs helped shape my character. As a child, my parents made sure the family had what they needed, not always what they wanted.
My second influencer was my high school counselor, Mr. Richardson, who influenced me to attend Boston University. He stated that choosing and attending the right college or university and doing well would open many doors. Third, my uncle, the late Dick Gregory, also had a big influence on my life. He spoke at my high school graduation and provided support and guidance throughout my life – high school, college and up until his passing.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Be authentic (Be your best self). Focus on the now so you set yourself up for success later. Work hard, do well in school. Decisions you make now will impact you for the rest of your life. Always give your best effort. When completing a project, ask the question, “Is this my best effort?” If not, put in more time or ask for help to make it better. Be grateful. Remember the source of your blessings. Seek out a mentor. It will make traveling the journey easier. In a world where you can be whatever you want to be, Be Kind.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: Throughout my life, my biggest joy came from helping others. I tutored students in math when I was in the 8th grade. But my real passion for wanting to work with seniors began when I was 8 years old. I recall the hot July afternoon when I was playing outside and noticed my 85-year-old neighbor, Ms. Fannie, struggling with groceries. When none of my playmates so much as flinched, I leapt to Ms. Fannie’s assistance, helping her carry her shopping bags up eight flights of stairs to her apartment. The elevator was broken. In that moment I realized how marginalized seniors felt and vowed to continue helping them.
Decades later, in 2009, I made good on my promise. After retiring from a career as a 30-year successful sales and marketing executive, I established Diana Gregory Outreach Services, a nonprofit that helps seniors eat healthy with cooking classes and a mobile farmers market, Gregory’s Fresh Market, which brings produce directly to residents at senior-living facilities. Today, the organization delivers fresh fruits and vegetables to more than 8,000 seniors and veterans each year.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Be confident. Develop a tough skin so your feelings are not easily hurt. Do not take things personally. Learn how to play an instrument. It strengthens your memory power.
Do not worry as much. Everything will work out. Aim for the stars and if you fail, you can still land on the moon. (Set high goals).
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack
Class of 1995
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am ASU’s Vice President of Cultural Affairs and Executive Director for ASU Gammage. Our mission is Connecting Communities. I have been in Arizona since 1992. I am a presenter, former choreographer and dancer, wife and mother. I am Arizona’s only Tony voter. I have lived around the world as an Air Force brat. In my spare time, I am a USA Swim official. I was a Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts. I am the 2019 Valley Leadership Woman of the Year. I have countless awards for my work in art and culture. I am a national speaker and advisor to countries on cultural policy.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: I learned to listen. I learned it is important to make everyone feel included. I learned no matter how large the task at hand is, working as a team doing it bit by bit, you can get it done piece by piece.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: Being in the theater is my passion. Connecting artists and communities is my passion. Going on a journey collectively is my passion. That’s why I am committed to arts and culture, it is my religion.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: That it’s going to be okay.
Karen Johnson
Class of 2014
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am a higher education executive focusing on communications, marketing, admissions, alumni relations, and development with a strong background in community service.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Appreciate and value all of the people who help you along your path. And then work to give back to others in the same way.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: My mother taught me that the most valuable thing in life is to give back to others. In every endeavor, I try to find ways to make the world a better place.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Make friends with every person you meet. Be true to yourself. And don’t forget to moisturize.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: You can never overcommunicate with your team. And you can never thank them enough for all their great work.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I am lucky to work with amazing colleagues who are committed to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: I am inspired by the many people I have met at nonprofit organizations who are committed to make our community a better place.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: I cherish the moments when I understood that I was a leader — that I could use my platform to support others and to make a difference.
Marlene Klotz Collins
Class of 2004
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I launched my career two days after graduation from Mesa High School when I began working at The Arizona Republic/The Phoenix Gazette, taking classified ads over the telephone. I was 17. Eight months later, I was promoted into Bill Shover’s Community and Corporate Services department; a defining moment of my life and my career. The newspapers were extraordinary corporate citizens. For the next 14 years, I had the good fortune to learn from a legend and experience opportunities I never could have imagined.
I ventured into broadcast in 1982 when I started the community relations department at KTSP-TV Channel 10 (then, CBS), a dominant ratings leader. Going from print to broadcast was fun, challenging, exhilarating, rewarding. I did everything from host a weekly public affairs show to help coordinate “Celebrate Arizona!” … a month-long tour of the state broadcasting nightly newscasts from a different community every day. I worked with an amazing team at Channel 10 for 3 ½ great years.
When several left the station to work at KTVK 3TV (then, ABC, with lowest ratings in the market), they asked me to start their community relations department. I said yes. Another defining moment as we worked together to build a dynamic station. Locally owned by Del and Jewell Lewis, we became “Arizona’s Family.” Blessed, once again, with management that genuinely believed in giving back. I was there for nearly 20 years.
When the same friends I followed to Channel 3 started their own TV production company,
I followed them and helped produce a weekly reality-based TV show for NASCAR. For four years I traveled to NASCAR markets across America to find stories and then help produce, yet another exciting experience.
Today, I do some consulting and lots of volunteering for The Salvation Army and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I am passionate about our community and giving back, connecting people with causes or paths to solutions. When I worked in the media, it was a blessing to be able to help direct our resources to specific needs.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: God has something really special in store for you. Trust Him.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Be engaged and communicate.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: The ability to make a positive difference. I loved having the resources of the newspapers and television stations to address critical needs in the Valley and make a difference. I was so fortunate to have very smart, creative bosses who always believed in giving back, supporting causes we all felt worthy.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: First, my mother; my husband and my two brothers. My bosses: Bill Shover, Pat Poulson, Jack Sander, Bill Miller, Del & Jewell Lewis (and other management at the stations). Pastors Richard Jackson and Dan Yeary were very influential. Many friends.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: I had three: the promotion to Bill Shover’s department, the switch to Channel 10 and starting their community relations department, and moving to Chanel 3 to start their CR department.
Jodi Liggett
Class of 2012
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: As an Arizona native, I am passionate about making our state a better place for women and girls. Public policy is where I choose to make my difference. After law school I was privileged to work in the AZ House of Representatives on Welfare Reform, which impacted thousands of single mothers struggling to raise young children. Soon I advanced to the Governor’s Office in the administration of Jane Dee Hull. For six years I expanded my scope to all human services issues, from disabilities to homelessness, to hunger and everything in between. After six years, I spent time in the private sector and then was thrilled to put my knowledge to use in the nonprofit sector. At the Arizona Foundation for Women I directed policy and later moved up into the CEO role. I am most proud of the Status of Women reports I authored while at the Foundation. The data and best practices highlighted in these reports was used by students, reporters, policymakers and advocates to advance women’s issues. Later experience working under two mayors, Greg Stanton and Kate Gallego, brought local issues into sharper focus and my time running the political arm of Planned Parenthood of Arizona was a true test of my skills and fortitude as an advocate. Now, I am incubating a women’s issues think tank, the Arizona Center for Women’s Advancement (ACWA). ACWA also includes an advocacy arm, which is a lobbying practice dedicated to serving women-led and women-serving organizations. ACWA is the culmination of my 25 year dream to help women and girls in Arizona, and I hope to make it the capstone of my career.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Most of the lessons I have learned over the course of my career involve, paradoxically, both anxiety and hubris. I learned that most often my instincts are correct and not to second-guess them. Later I found that I did not need to worry about getting credit for my work. Take ownership of your ideas, yes, but if they are good, they will persist and bring you more accolades than you expect. Mentoring is also something I initially did not think I had the bandwidth for, but have found deeply satisfying. The older I get, the more I want to do a good job of “passing the baton” to the incredible generation of women behind us.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I was raised as a social justice Catholic, educated as a political scientist, and trained as a lawyer. I have always been drawn to work that overcomes oppression, and my own experiences with sexism and discrimination during my education and early career inspired me to focus especially on leveling the playing field for women.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Your dreams are attainable, your ideas are fantastic, and you are an incredible and dynamic person – just the way you are.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Leadership by inspiration is the most effective. Rather than engage in power struggles, focus on ideas and your mission – people will be drawn to your vision.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I am thrilled to now be in a space where I can call the shots. Providing unique facts and perspective that help frame issues so that average people can understand and support positive solutions to them. Additionally, I love the way that my advocacy organization is creating a strong coalition of women’s organizations who are confident and impactful at our legislature – creating positive change for our Arizona.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Jane Hull and her Chief of Staff Rick Collins are my leadership role models. They were old-fashioned moderates, comfortable and confident in their roles. Working both sides of the aisle was nothing special in the Hull administration, it was the norm. Additionally – my daughter Natalie has been a constant source of inspiration – her admiration for my work has made me feel a special responsibility to be worthy of her respect and high regard.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Right out of law school I had career ambitions that weren’t all that altruistic…I thought I would put my public policy and legal education to work at our legislature for a few years, and then parlay that experience into a lucrative lobbying career. In my first week on the job, however, I was assigned to the committee dealing with welfare reform. I was devastated – working on poverty issues was never going to give me the subject matter expertise and contacts I needed! However the first committee meeting was life-changing. We took testimony from dozens of women who would be affected by the new welfare law. Women who took two buses to work, with children in tow. Victims of domestic violence who were trapped in abusive marriages, without the means to leave. Other women balanced two or three jobs and still couldn’t make ends meet. I was so moved and inspired by their courageous stories that I never looked back- I have been focused on women’s well-being since that day.
Bruce Liggett
Class of 2015
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am so fortunate to have had a long career in human services, administering a wide variety of critical programs to meet the array of needs of children, youth, vulnerable adults, families, and communities. Coming out of college as the Viet Nam War was finally ending, I was committed to social justice and understood the difference that advocacy and activism could make to address racial and gender discrimination, and economic barriers and disparities. Over the past several decades, I have witnessed the beginning of so many important social movements: alternatives to incarceration, the rights of people with mental health challenges, deinstitutionalization of persons with developmental disabilities and importance of community based services, home and community based services for seniors rather than nursing homes, the need for opportunities for those on public assistance, and the importance of quality early care and education. Unfortunately, none of these critical movements resulted in a sustained effort; services and systems were never developed to the scale needed. I continue to advocate for more resources and administer programs in a manner that seeks to achieve our goal – Equal access to opportunities for people to develop their full potential.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: The social, emotional and economic needs of so very many people in our community are so great that no one person or entity can do it alone. The only way to make true and lasting progress is to collaborate with those with a shared vision and values. Partnerships, formal and informal, combine ideas and innovation with resource coordination that helps ensure a responsive system with maximum impact of limited resources.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I found little interest in traditional businesses, lacked the knowledge necessary for science, and had no artistic talent. I recognized that I did have empathy and skills understanding people and a passion for doing the right thing to make a more equitable society. Frustrated by seeing individual people in need every day, I quickly moved into human services management, wanting to change the system(s) – i.e change the world, at least at the highest level that I could achieve.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Don’t grow up too soon! Enjoy the innocence and openness that so many children lose too early. Take time to learn about yourself – what drives and inspires you. Make life’s choices based on your passion. And enjoy life!
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Everyone wants to be valued and given opportunities to succeed. Finding what motivates people and what skills they can contribute allows us build on their strengths and be able to recognize their contributions creates future leaders.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I am lucky to have the opportunity to make a difference by designing and implementing public policy solutions affecting large groups of people. Leading large numbers of committed people is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: My wife, Jodi Liggett, inspires me to be the best I can. So many people I have worked with over the years have mentored me, without always knowing it. Everything I do is influenced by all of the brilliant people I have worked with, and have learned much seeing the negative consequences of ineffective “leaders.”
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: A simple college Interest Inventory confirmed that I was destined for human services Each person who gave me a chance positioned me for that next critical step in my career.
Paul Luna
Class of 2013
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. I am a native of Arizona having grown up in a small copper mining town called Miami and I graduated from Stanford University as a first-generation college student. I am an education and community advocate and am proud to lead Helios Education Foundation where we work to create opportunities for individuals to succeed in postsecondary education. It is our goal to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students in Arizona and increase the number of students, in particular, Latino students who earn a postsecondary degree.
I am grateful to the YWCA for their commitment to community and promoting peace, justice, and freedom. These issues are of utmost importance in our community and I am proud to support an organization, such as the YWCA, who is leading efforts to promote them in our community.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: I have learned so many lessons and continue to learn every day. I have been lucky enough to have had mentors throughout my life who have taught me invaluable lessons about the value of education and commitment to community. I have learned the importance of hard work and dedication. I have learned that we are better when we work together and I have learned that ensuring equitable access to opportunities is what ultimately will move our society forward.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I was blessed to have so many people in my life believe in me and encourage me throughout my educational journey. I want every student in Arizona to have that same type of encouragement and opportunity and that’s why I am grateful to work for an organization that prioritizes students and creates opportunities for them to succeed.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: I would tell my 10-year old self that my dad is the wisest man I know and will ever know so listen to him and take his guidance on everything.
MaryLynn Mack
Class of 2014
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am currenting the Chief Operating Officer at South Coast Botanic Garden, located in Los Angeles, CA. South Coast is a 75-acre botanic garden that promotes a message of beauty, open green space and nature for all and a mission to support sustainability and restoration. Prior to this position, I was the Director of Operations at Desert Botanical Garden. I am also a U.S. Navy Veteran and founding director of the San Diego Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Center.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: My wisdom comes from women I have served and women who have come before me. Lead with grace, be open to learning something in every encounter you have and make sure you build your OWN room and table and fill it with women smarter than you are!
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I have a calling to build spaces in nature that promote the stories of the ENTIRE community. People of color have a rich and robust story to tell about land, green space, and nature. From plant biodiversity to medical plants, our people can heal and public gardens can save us. I want to be a part of that legacy.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Give yourself room to make mistakes and celebrate the lesson in them. My 10-year-old self was brave and fearless so she is who I can channel for the hard stuff.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Leave your ego at the door. A diversity of thought will always produce a better result.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: Building. Spaces, program, and career opportunities for emerging professionals.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Past: My grandmother, Wilma Mankiller, Mary McLeod Bethune.
Present: My Directors, Garden emerging professionals, Viola Davis, Tatana Burke, Rue Mapp, Teresa Baker.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Leaving museums to go to public gardens. The space was ripe for innovation and there was space to try new things.
Dr. Joel Martin
Class of 2014
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I was born in New York City and grew up in Toledo, Ohio. I was raised by an exceptionally loving Mother, Anne Kenney McLaurin, who was assisted in raising me by my Godmother Ida Burks. There wasn’t a lot of money early on but there was plenty of love, inspiration and affirmation. I was told repeatedly, “Joel you can be anything you want, even the President.” And also, “You are going to go to college.” And I did The Ohio State University, and have earned several advanced degrees. Education was very important to me because of my family – a very large one in the family home of Geneva, New York, Seneca Lake region, who believed in education and welcoming others into the home.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: When observing someone that I am inspired by, know that if they can do it I can too. No one can take your power away unless you give it to them. The ability to chose is one of the greatest powers we have.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I am dedicated to changing lives and businesses for the better globally.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Congratulations! You made it through.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: Making a transformational difference.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Vice President Kamala Harris and her strength, brilliance, dedication to the USA and because when she see something that must be done she is fearless in taking it on.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: When I chose to be an international transformational leadership trainer, consultant, and developer. This is the context of all of my work, Positively Powerful Programs, Leaders’ Alignment, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that goes beyond compliance.
Denise Meridith
Class of 2001
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I was born in Brooklyn, and raised in Queens. I graduated with an Animal Degree (BS in Wildlife biology from Cornell) and a People Degree (MPA in Organizational Behavior from the University of Southern California). I spent 29 years working in the federal government, and 20 years as a private CEO. I have lived in six states and DC (twice!), but have been happy as an AZ resident for 25 years.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: If you live by the Ten Commandments, you will be ok. I do what God asks me to do and He/She takes care of me.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I have always felt compelled to fight for those (e.g., children, animals, diverse populations) who are persecuted.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: When I was 10, a teacher accused me of plagiarizing a book I had written and illustrated. I would tell my 10 year old self. “Forget about her. You are on the right track. Though people will continue to tell you what you can and cannot achieve, ignore them, you will win in the end.”
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: That successful leaders are those that worked to develop others rather than just promote themselves.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: Every day is different.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: So many people. But, of course, my parents (who also did and achieved what people said was impossible for Black people), were my first mentors.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: It had to be accepting my first job as a wildlife biologist with the Federal government. Turns out I was the first female field professional hired by the Bureau of Land Management. The rest is history.
Kathleen Pechman
Class of 2018
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I have been in banking since 1971. I started in a small bank in New Hampshire, then relocated to Las Vegas where I went to work for a local bank that was eventually purchased by Bank of America. I spent 29 years at BofA and the last 15 years at Zions Bancorp/National Bank of AZ. I was introduced to CRA totally by accident and loved it right away!
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Pay attention to what’s going on around you. Learn whatever you have the opportunity to learn – even if it’s not directly related to what you are doing. You never know when it will come in handy.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: Because it has a purpose and can be so rewarding!
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Don’t worry about being perfect all the time. Be open to new ideas and make sure to get all the education you can.
Catherine Scrivano
Class of 2017
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I was raised by a single mom who was only 31 when my dad died unexpectedly. Her expectation was to be a wife and mother; she had no career path at the time; she was left to simply figure it out. She went on to own her own business and raise two daughters alone at a time when either of these were uncommon activities for a woman. But I was very aware of her struggle, coping financially and in being different from other women in the 1960’s.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: “Your reach should exceed your grasp,” (R. Browning, adapted). Surround yourself with people and experiences that will force you to stretch.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: Watching mom’s challenges instilled in me a desire to learn about the freedom of choice that comes with financial knowledge, and a passion to teach women and do what I can to empower them when it comes to business, leadership, and finance.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Things change, this moment and the next are temporary, but you get to keep the lessons.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Collaborate! You don’t have to do everything yourself, find others who share your values and join with them to do the next right thing.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: We get to know families and see the influence and impact of our work.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: All people who have the courage to be willing to take a stand when needed make a difference.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: One of my favorites was in 2008 I met with 2 representatives of the YWCA who were looking for input in developing and delivering a financial education program as one way of fulfilling the mission to empower women.
Sharon Shore
Class of 1998
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I have spent the majority of my working life involved in the low income assisted housing industry with a focus on ending homelessness.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Let the little stuff slide, none of it matters. You are rarely 100% right and only in certain context are you right. To love fiercely and make sure the ones you love know it!
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I have always been a champion for those who have less than us due to systemic racism and poverty. Homelessness can be solved with the right political will.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Listen more, get a formal education – it will make the journey easier, hone your critical thinking skills early in life.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: To be aware of the impact I have on others just by being in a leadership position. By being mindful of that and what I want to pass onto other woman who I live and work with.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: Making a difference in the lives of those we serve and our team that make it happen every day.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: I been fortunate to have several women mentors who helped me on my journey.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Starting my first business, HOM, Inc. I sold it in 2005 to my son and returned in 2011. I now serve as the CPO at HOM, Inc. and have stewarded the company through tremendous growth.
Leon Silver
Class of 2014
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: Being the eldest son of an upper middle-class New York, Jewish family, I had three career choices: Doctor, Lawyer, or complete and utter failure. I vigorously pursued the third trying to make it as a rock-star and painter while teaching high school art, all before I decided that Lawyer wasn’t such a bad idea either. (Dad was a world-renown cancer surgeon and mom a nurse, so I never considered the medical field as anything I would seriously pursue.) After college in blistering cold, upstate New York, I moved to southern Arizona.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: I was trained to be a leader the old-fashioned way: I was a quarterback on my high school football team. It was there that I was trained to LEAD MEN! (and marginalize and objectify women). I was fortunate because I wasn’t a very good quarterback. So life for me after high school meant something other than playing college football. I spent my college years and, come to think of it, all my life since, pursuing anything that interested me: art, music, law, crossword puzzles, a whole variety of things.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: My professional life started as a high school teacher in small town Arizona. There I witnessed the life changing effects of teen pregnancy and of a culture that did not value higher education. When I decided to go to law school, I also decided that no matter my area of practice, I was going to be somehow involved in promoting education for teens about reproductive health, making smart, responsible choices and doing whatever you could as a person to realize and fulfill your potential. I’ve tried to remain focused on this “mission” as a parent, a mentor to younger lawyers, a community volunteer, and, most recently as a board member of Take The Lead.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Everything they’re going to tell you about how to be a “Man” is BS.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Never ask someone else to do a job you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself. Also, I am big believer in hiring people who are smarter than me and making sure I listen to them.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: The long standing personal relationships I’ve developed with so many of the people I’ve worked with over the years.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: I have very sadly lost two great mentors this year in Larry Hammond and Mark Harrison, both of whom taught me the importance of giving back to the community. Gloria Feldt has also long been a great influence and inspiration and has provided me many opportunities to do just that.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: When I decided to open my own firm, and later when I decided to merge it into a larger firm.
Sue Sisley, MD
Class of 2002
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I have been based in Scottsdale, Arizona for the past 30+ years. I see patients in my Internal medicine/psychiatry practice but I am also principal investigator on FDA clinical trials: evaluating Cannabis/Mushrooms for veterans/first responders with Pain/PTSD. I just finished a safety study on cannabis EDIBLES with Humboldt State University where I’m on faculty. I received a grant from Colorado State University to launch a cannabis patient registry. I spent the last three years helping stand up their institute of cannabis research ICR. We just had our big annual conference last week & issued another $2 million by the state legislature.
We are now building a tech platform to serve as a national patient registry to collect data on how patients are responding to various varieties of cannabis for different illnesses. Patients will also include dogs! I’m currently a co-investigator on a study under the University of Michigan IRB looking at cannabis for chronic pain. The longitudinal study will continue for another nine months. And we are still enrolling in the cross-sectional study as well. SRI Scottsdale research institute site is applying to MAPS to become an expanded access clinic for MDMA assisted psychotherapy.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Be you. Being fun-loving, eccentric, lively, and joyful should not be suppressed. It’s an integral part of my personality and character and I try to just let it fly. I don’t let so-called professional settings dampen my enthusiasm for life.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I am striving to put crucial medically-active plants/fungi through entire FDA drug development process to eventually be available in the market as a safer alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals.
That’s why I founded 501(c)(3) Field to Healed Foundation to collect objective data which may help urge health insurance companies to pay for whole plant botanical medicines similar to conventional pharmaceuticals.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Don’t be daunted when your own government refuses to allow you the freedom to do your research. Just know that your defense of scientific freedom may occasionally lead you into federal court to battle these agencies. And you will win eventually so you just have to persevere. If you stick it out, you will be allowed to conduct research on schedule 1 botanicals that are showing so much promise in early human trials.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Make everyone on your team feel valued every day. This is difficult work and inspiring people to keep going means that you are finding creative ways to express your appreciation and incentivizing them with small and large gestures throughout the year.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I love seeing young people enter the lab and develop a sense of AWE around the research we are doing. Gives me a lot of hope for the future nurturing young scientist to enter the arena of clinical inquiry and innovation. We now have many University of Arizona medical students who rotate through my laboratory despite the University of Arizona terminating our study in 2014.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: My main influence was my mom and dad. I always wanted to do better and be better because of their unrelenting efforts to bring us to the US and give us the opportunities to thrive here.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Being terminated so publicly from the University of Arizona was a huge victory. Sure it could’ve been professionally devastating for most physicians but in my case it actually catapulted me to the forefront of some of the most important clinical research in the world.
Honorable Roxanne Song Ong
Class of 2014
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am a native of Phoenix and grew up in a diverse and lower economic neighborhood in the southern and western part of town. My family was the only Asian family that attended our elementary school. My grandmother owned a small “mom and pop” grocery store where my four sisters and I grew up working every day after school until we graduated from college.
I received a B.A. degree from ASU in Education and a J.D. degree from the University of Arizona College of Law. After law school, I began a private practice handling immigration law, personal injury law, and commercial transactions. I then became a prosecutor and later a defense attorney before being appointed as a judge.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Tenets to live by: (1) Don’t forget common sense, (2) Maintain the highest level of ethics, (3) Work hard, play hard – strive for balance, (4) Always be kind and helpful, (5) Quote Maya Angelou often.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: Justice and fairness are two of the highest principals any of us could ever hope to attain. Becoming a judge in our system of justice is not only challenging and sometimes daunting, but can be extremely rewarding. Being a judge has been a very fulfilling career, especially when we see lives in our community changed for the better. To quote Socrates – “Four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.”
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Always remember to listen first, then respond.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: You must learn to serve others before you can lead others.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I love dealing with people from all walks of life and circumstances, including our employees to the public we serve.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: My family, especially my maternal grandmother and my parents.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: When I transitioned from a lawyer to becoming a judge.
Margaret Tyndall
Class of 2020
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I spent 25 years as YWCA CEO, 23 in Pittsburgh, and 2 at YWCA USA. Prior to YWCA, I spent 14 years in various administrative positions in higher education.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Perseverance conquers many obstacles.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: In part I responded to opportunities that were presented, then passion for the work of social justice took over.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Be brave. Don’t listen to that little voice that says you can’t.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Direct, clear, honest communication is a great motivator.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I’m retired.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Those who are committed to excellence.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Each job presented new challenges and learnings.
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo
Class of 2010
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: Currently, I serve as the Director of Community Engagement for Maricopa Community Colleges, working to enhance the profile and visibility of the colleges throughout Maricopa County. A native of Mesa, Arizona, I graduated with BA in Psychology and a Masters in Public Administration from Arizona State University. Prior to working with Maricopa Community Colleges, I worked for nearly a decade on community and Latino outreach for both Mesa Community College and Mesa Public Schools. Before my work in education, I was employed by the City of Mesa as a Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator, working with predominantly Latino neighborhood groups in Central Mesa. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for A New Leaf, Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, East Valley Partnership, and Arizona Town Hall. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and my home zoo of 4 dogs, 1 parrot, 2 tortoises, 1 potbelly pig, and 5 chickens.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Our time here on earth is short. I would much rather use the time I have to try and make a positive impact for my community.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: My parents were tremendous role models and instilled in me a love of education and services. Also, a sense of responsibility to use the skills I have learned, the voice I have, to help others who may feel disenfranchised and unheard.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Have more fun along the way!
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: The power of collaboration and partnerships, especially if one is committed to improving the quality of life in our community. This includes collaborating with those of different backgrounds and ideologies. I have learned that extending my hand to get things done for others is much more effective than raising my fist in the air alone.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: Our students, they never fail to inspire and amaze me! Even when facing a global pandemic, economic disparities, life challenges…their resilience and determination are powerful.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: I have been blessed with parents that have always been supportive and encouraging while being tremendous role models. My mom returned to school as a working adult, caring for family and elderly in-laws, eventually becoming a special education teacher impacting countless lives. My father was actively involved in his union, ensuring that workers had a voice and were treated with dignity and respect. They have been powerful motivators for me to use my voice in a positive way.
Alice Wells
Class of 2015
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I was in the field of education for 38 years……7 years as a classroom teacher, 4 years as a Curriculum Coordinator in Cartwright SD, 3 years as a K-6 Principal in Cartwright, 15 years with a textbook publishing company, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 5 years with Macmillan McGraw Hill; 4 years with McDougal Littel. In the publishing industry, I started as a consultant doing trainings all over the country then became a sales rep for AZ then a Region Manager, supervising sales reps in 9 states. When I retired I became Executive Director for a nonprofit organization called AZ ASCD (AZ Assoc. for Supervision and Curriculum Development). Thirty years ago I became a charter member of Soroptimist International. I have served as President of my club, Region Governor, Federation Fundraising Chair, Federation Board of Directors, Federation President, and International President.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Never be afraid to ask for help or guidance. Always give credit where credit is due. You create what you think about. I love this Margaret Mead quote: “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I am now retired but I still serve on two boards as a volunteer. I am passionate about giving back. It is not only rewarding and fulfilling; it makes a positive difference.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Never be afraid to try something new and different. If you trip or fall down, get up and keep pushing forward. Look for that mentor who can help guide you.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Recognize and acknowledge those who have helped you and/or made a difference in your career and ultimately in your life.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: When I was working, I loved the people…..I loved making a difference in their lives and helping them to succeed. I also loved all the travel that I got to do both in my job and with Soroptimist as world president.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: Being around strong women inspires me and ultimately influences me.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: I have had many pivotal moments. One pivotal moment was being selected as a 2015 YWCA Tribute to Leadership Honoree for Public Service.
Linda Wells
Class of 2005
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I was a 3 sport athlete in high school and a 5 sport athlete in college(SEMO, ’72). I loved sports, math, science, arts, and music. By 1974, I was named the first ever full time woman to coach at the University of Minnesota (VB, BB, SB). The decade was exciting with the women’s movement coupled with Title IX, and it fueled and secured my passion for sport and equity.
My coaching life allowed me to have a direct impact on the lives of young women. In 1985, I became part of the first ever coaching staff to represent the USA in competition, with a Gold finish. The Gold was repeated in 1987 at the Pan American Games with the same staff. In 1989, I joined ASU as their Head Softball Coach (1989-2005). In addition, I was President of Wells Sports Corporation, taught for coaching development for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and the International Softball Federation. I continued to compete, including as a professional with the International Women’s Professional League as a player and coach. Among many other opportunities, I coached the Greek Olympic Team in the 2004 Games in Athens and The Netherlands in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Each opportunity afforded me a chance to affect and reflect the sport culture for girls and women, and to grow personally as a player, coach, and person. Always surrounded by the love and support of family and friends, I understand the need for support and encouragement for young women to succeed in sport and am proud to have impact and be impacted by so many along my happy trails.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: You can do anything you want to do, but you can’t do everything…..
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: My main reason for my path was love of sport. I loved the opportunity to play myself, knew how I had been so positively impacted by the coaches in my life, and always loved the interaction and growth that resulted from competition.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Take full advantage of being the arrow, and be ready to become the bow.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Truly have the knowledge….read outside the field of study….believe in yourself to create belief from others.
Christine Wilkinson
Class of 1998
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: Public education has always been integral in my life: K-12, undergraduate, and graduate studies. While not my original goal, university administration and leadership has been the central focus of my professional life. My outreach and engagement in the community is something valued by and learned from my parents. If we are to raise the quality of life in our surrounding communities, we must be involved.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Each day is a chance to learn something new and to be a positive force.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: Preparing future leaders across multiple sectors.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Have patience, a goal and perseverance to reach the goal.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Listen and continue learning.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: Working with a team to surpass goals.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: My parents.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Being recruited to ASU as a young professional.
Grace Wright
Class of 2006
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I am a retired Educator, Administrator, and Mentor.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: Be fair and knowledgeable.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I love teaching.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: Follow your dreams.
Q: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: To listen well.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I love making a difference.
Q: What/who inspires or influenced you?
A: My parents and mentors.
Q: What was a pivotal moment in your career?
A: Receiving my doctorate degree.
Annette Zaccari
Class of 1997
Q: You – Tell us about your background.
A: I have owned and operated my private practice Zaccari Counseling Services since 2001. Prior to working in my practice, I was a co-owner and consultant with Abilities Unlimited, Inc. In both businesses, my mission and vision were “promoting the potential of people.” Most of my work has been serving individuals who experienced a traumatic life event. The privilege of guiding one through their painful journey and witnessing the resilience of the human spirit has been one of my professional and personal joys.
Q: Wisdom – Lessons learned during your journey?
A: I have a quote from Ernest Hemingway that I keep in my office and read before meeting with each client: “Life breaks us all, but afterwards many are strongest at the broken places.” These words of wisdom have guided me in being an instrument of help in my work. I believe and learn that people can become strong at the broken places with support, guidance, opportunity, and encouragement. In my work, I am invited in to assist each client in finding their individual resolve to repair and strengthen their broken places. This lesson has stayed with me in my life journey as I try to be strong at my broken places.
Q: Calling – Why do you do what you do?
A: I think it is a rare privilege to fall in love with one’s work. The excitement of possibilities, witnessing the potential of people, and making a difference wherever possible is my definition of success in business. This is the reason I have come to love my work.
Q: Advice – What would you tell your 10-year-old self?
A: If I could share some wisdoms with my 10-year-old self, I would tell her, “don’t worry baby, everything is going to be ok.” You will run into barriers, but you will find your way. Always try to see the best in everyone. Always see what is possible. Most importantly, take care of yourself and love the woman you will become.