Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
A heartfelt thank you to all the Flinn-Brown Fellows who joined us at this year’s Convention. Your energy, ideas and commitment to Arizona’s future made this year particularly special. As I said, the best part of my job and what inspires me every day is to be surrounded by such a passionate group of leaders, each of you bringing your own unique perspective and dedication to the table. Your contributions, individually and collectively, are what make the Flinn-Brown Network a force for positive change in our state. I am grateful for the connections you have deepened and the conversations we started during the Convention, and I’m excited to see the impact you will continue to make together.
At the Convention, we distributed the latest edition of the directory. Additionally, we have a very limited supply of polo shirts left, stylishly modeled by David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011). Also featured is Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022). If you are interested in either, please let me know.
You can see all the Convention photos here. If you attended and have other pictures, let us know so that we can include them in the Box folder.
The 2024 Flinn-Brown Awards: Who needs Hollywood when you’ve got Arizona’s finest?
Congratulations to our 2024 Flinn-Brown Awards winners announced during the Convention: 2014 Fellow Ben Henderson (Jack Jewett Award), 2017 Fellow Sarah Rose Webber (Network Builder Award), 2018 Fellow Kate Morley (Northern Arizona Champion), 2019 Fellow Jaclyn Boyes (Central Arizona Champion) and 2022 Fellow Reetika Dhawan (Southern Arizona Champion). Thank you for your service in strengthening our communities and the Flinn-Brown Network.
Jack Jewett Award
Ben Henderson
Network Builder Award
Sarah Rose Webber
Arizona Champion
Northern Arizona
Kate Morley
Arizona Champion
Central Arizona
Jaclyn Boyes
Arizona Champion
Southern Arizona
Reetika Dhawan
Double Trouble: The Flinn-Brown Baby Boom!
In a first for the Flinn-Brown Network, we have not one, but two Fellows’ couples welcoming new little Arizonans into the world at the same time! I’ve had the joy of sharing individual baby announcements before, but never have I had the pleasure of a double feature. It’s like the Flinn-Brown Fellows took collaboration to a whole new level! Congratulations to both families—Trista Guzman Glover (Mesa, 2019) and Chris Glover (Mesa, 2016) and Jaclyn Boyes (Phoenix, 2019) and Benjamin Taylor (Phoenix, 2019) Clearly, our Fellows’ commitment to Arizona’s future starts at home, one (or two) tiny leaders at a time!
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
The Honorable Sherri Jones
Development Director
Rural Arizona Engagement
Member, Florence Unified School District Governing Board
(San Tan Valley, 2022)
“One of the things that I think is so impressive about being in the Flinn-Brown Network is that I’m next to these incredible professionals who have doctorate degrees and all these quote-unquote-fancy titles, and they hold offices. It could be easy for me to diminish the things that I do to get myself to where I am, but more than that, it’s extremely inspiring and it’s pushed me along my journey, to continue to strive for that excellence.” — The Honorable Sherri Jones.
Originally from the East Coast, Sherri Jones’ found her path to Arizona by way of a yellow brick road studded with the promise of sunshine and a maroon and gold education. The harsh winters in New Jersey were taking a toll on her mother’s health, making Arizona’s warm climate an appealing destination for her family.
Other members of Jones’ family also headed southwest after her uncle, Herman Frazier, went to Arizona State University for track and field and went on to win gold and bronze medals in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Jones came to Arizona with her family at the end of high school and pursued a degree in family resources and human development at ASU, where she found her passion for early childhood education. And in early childhood education, she found her passion for connecting with people.
Jones, a 2022 Flinn-Brown Fellow, is a Florence Unified School District Governing Board member and development director for Rural Arizona Engagement in Pinal County.
“Even if I hold multiple other hats, which I do, my heart is really in early childhood education. I engage with the 4-year-old in people when I meet them because people want to be seen, people want to be heard, people want to feel that sense of energy that makes them feel safe,” Jones says.
“I owe such gratitude and appreciation to the field for helping me learn how to be human. It has shaped my appeal to connection and to servant leadership.”
Jones is keen to help rebuild the sense of community that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic. She utilizes her leadership roles to encourage people to remember their connections and to want them again. The residuals of pandemic isolation continue to leak into human interaction, she says. Community support systems, neighborly friendships and even communication with schools are dwindling.
The Women’s March in January 2017 sparked her serving heart after listening to then Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes urge everyone to get involved in local politics, no matter what the role may be. Jones found that role with NextGen America where she worked as a field organizer engaging adults in the 2018 midterm elections.
Between 2002 and 2017, Jones drove almost 500,000 miles around rural Arizona advocating for early childhood education while she worked for the Association for Supportive Child Care. Her unwavering love for rural Arizona and early childhood education intersected perfectly at the Florence Unified School District Governing Board, which she was elected to in 2020.
Jones has always used her voice to make sure people are reaching for network growth throughout Arizona.
“I really do walk through the world doing my best to bring people together, acknowledge people and, really, just to listen,” she says.
“Because when I get to be at the table of power, so to speak, I can say, ‘Well, where’s the support? Where’s the relationship? How are you messaging to the human and not to the systems and checks and balances? How are you meeting the human need?’”
Stepping into a new role in any political setting isn’t easy, but Jones knows that her voice as a Black woman is important. To Jones, being able to stand on a dais and be part of a school board—when her grandfather had to drop out of grade school and work in the fields to support his family—is a reminder of the trajectory that her family has taken.
“I love having the ability to bring more people into this experience of leadership who may be sitting on the sidelines like I once did thinking, ‘That’s not for me,’ especially if nobody else looks like you. If it’s been all men, we need more women of all representation. Particularly if there’s never been a Black woman,” Jones says.
“I have a duty, and I take that on. Not everybody would say that, but I do. I hold it very respectfully in terms of the power and the responsibility of being in the spaces that I get to be in and being able to advocate, to be a voice for the community.”
If you missed a Fellows Spotlight, you can find them here.
Leadership Forward – A Better Arizona
Coming soon: Elyse Guidas Episode 10
September’s podcast will feature Elyse Guidas (Phoenix, 2019), an advocate for food resiliency and the driving force behind innovative solutions in Arizona’s food systems. Elyse has been at the forefront of creating sustainable food programs that not only address hunger but also empower communities to thrive through access to healthy, locally sourced food. Her work with Activate Food Arizona goes beyond feeding people; it’s about transforming the way we think about food security and building a system that supports everyone, from farmers to families.
Listen to any of our previous podcasts on our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast or any of the platforms below.
Upcoming CivEx
Join us for a virtual session at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, featuring Flinn-Brown Fellow Catherine Alonzo (Phoenix, 2013). She will delve into the critical skill every 21st century leader must master: navigating and leading through change. This session is specifically tailored for Flinn-Brown Fellows who are eager to expand their toolkit, applying their existing knowledge and experience to prepare for and respond to change.
Following this introductory workshop, Catherine will lead an intensive, full-day, in-person workshop at the Flinn Foundation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16. The session will delve deeper into the critical skill of preparing for and responding to change. Participants will be introduced to essential tools needed to navigate change effectively, with hands-on activities designed to help you develop at least one of these tools. Space is limited to 20 Fellows. The workshop fee is $25. If you are interested, please let Dawn know.
If you have an idea for a CivEx webinar that you would like to host or a topic you would like to learn more about, contact Dawn.
Fellows Meet Fellows
It was great to see so many Fellows at the 2024 Rural Policy Forum in Clarkdale! Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022), Julie Euber (Tucson, 2022), the Honorable Thea Wilshire (Globe, 2011), Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024), David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011), Jason Zibart (Benson, 2024), the Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018), the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017), the Honorable Fernando Shipley (Globe, 2011), Sarah Rose Webber (Scottsdale, 2017), Steve King (Camp Verde, 2024), Russ Yelton (Phoenix, 2012) and Jamie Dempsey (Phoenix, 2013).
Fellows gathered at Mother Road Brewing Company after the Lowell Observatory field trip. Gail Jackson (Flagstaff, 2023), Daryl Melvin (Flagstaff, 2017), Kate Morley (Flagstaff, 2018), Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024), Clare Aslan (Flagstaff, 2017), the Honorable Austin Aslan (Flagstaff, 2024), Julie Euber (Tucson, 2022), the Honorable Lori Matthews (Flagstaff, 2024), the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), Melanie Colavito (Flagstaff, 2023), Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016), David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011), and Beya Thayer (Flagstaff, 2023), were joined by some of the scientists and astronomers from the observatory.
Southern Arizona Fellows held a happy hour at Brother Johns Beer, Bourbon & BBQ in Tucson: Dennis Barger (Vail, 2020), Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022), Doug Hockstad (Tucson, 2022), Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014), Nicole Barraza (Tucson, 2020), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023), the Honorable Alexa Lucchese (Tucson, 2024), Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023), Stefanie Murphy (Tucson, 2020), Jeffrey Ratje (Tucson, 2015), Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2014) and Charlinda Haudley (Tucson, 2022).
Erin Carr-Jordan (Chandler, 2013) and the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014) talk about the new Hive at the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration.
2024 Fellows are collaborating already! Lorraine Stofft (Yuma, 2024) and Rebecca McKay (Phoenix, 2024) meet at the ASU Helios Decision Center.
Flinn-Brown Fellows Jose Arias (Tucson, 2023), Charlinda Haudley (Tucson, 2022) and Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) prepare for the Greater Tucson Leadership board meeting and strategy planning session.
The Honorable Jennifer Pawlik (Chandler, 2018), the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014) and Audra Thomas (Fountain Hills, 2011) celebrate the expansion of Chandler Flex.
Fellows Field Trips
Thank you to all the Fellows, family, and friends who joined the field trip to Lowell Observatory. A special thanks to Fellows Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016) and the Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) for organizing! Fellows enjoyed a tour of the grounds and got a sneak peek at the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center that will open on Nov. 16.
Fellows are encouraged to suggest or offer opportunities for Fellows to visit and learn more about what is happening in Greater Arizona. Please let Dawn know if you have an idea or are interested in providing a field trip opportunity.
Fellows Lists
Each month we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group or region.
This month we updated Fellows running for office following the July 30 primaries.
While we try very hard to keep up to date on Fellows’ activities, we recognize that we may have missed someone. Please let Dawn know and we will happily update the list.
Fellows Directory Updates
Help us keep our Fellows Directory accurate and updated! We update our online directory monthly and print hard copies twice a year (July and December). Please take a moment to complete this survey with your current information. You can also upload a new headshot to this Google Drive folder.
Please contact Jennifer if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
Fellows Celebrating Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in September!
- Brenda Sperduti (Phoenix, 2012)
- Mitchell Moore (Phoenix, 2014)
- Angelica Garcia (Chandler, 2015)
- Joseph Erceg (Tucson, 2016)
- Nicholas Vasquez, M.D. (Chandler, 2016)
- The Honorable Gail Knight (Phoenix, 2016)
- Marie Raymond (Phoenix, 2017)
- Hiral Tipirneni, M.D. (Glendale, 2022)
- David Engelthaler, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2022)
- Teresa Aseret-Manygoats (Chandler, 2023)
- Vincent Gallegos (Prescott, 2023)
- Jesse Galvez (Gilbert, 2023)
- The Honorable Julie Spilsbury (Mesa, 2023)
- Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023)
- Vanessa Barchfield (Tucson, 2023)
- Rebecca McKay (Phoenix, 2024)
- The Honorable Austin Aslan (Flagstaff, 2024)
- Manuel Felix (Tucson, 2024)
- The Honorable Alexa Lucchese (Tucson, 2024)
This is not a complete list, but we can only wish you a happy birthday if we know when it is! You can help us make sure we celebrate you by sharing your birthday with us in the Fellows Survey.
Fellows Book Recommendations
Each month, we feature suggestions from Fellows to create a virtual Network library about public-policy issues, the practice of leadership, professional development and other areas worth sharing. This month’s recommendation comes from the Honorable Sherri Jones.
Sherri Jones
(San Tan Valley, 2022)
by Richard Sheridan
“He [Richard Sheridan] really sells that it’s not end game to make an adjustment and to look at change as running an experiment and getting the feedback to see if it’s going to work or if it’s not going to work. He truly encourages leaning in to create a culture of joy, love, and affinity in the workplace. I will buy this book and give it out to people as a gift because I love it so much. He’s just a truly profound speaker.”
Fellows In The News
We are happy to promote your work through social media, so reach out if you would like us to recognize a professional accomplishment, event or program with which you are involved.
Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024) and Lisa Urias (Phoenix, 2011) are quoted in this article covering the tourism opportunities in Graham County.
Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014) interviewed with Axios Phoenix to discuss how Arizona’s swing state status will impact the upcoming election.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) was recently recognized as a 2024 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) joined tribal leaders from the Navajo, Hopi and neighboring communities to collaborate on the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement. Read more about the settlement here.
David Engelthaler, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2022) is featured in this profile about his endeavors as a researcher and his new role at ASU.
The Honorable April Hepperle (Prescott Valley, 2023) has accepted a planning position with the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The Honorable Daniel Hernandez (Tucson, 2011) interviewed with KVOA Tucson about attending the Democratic National Convention.
Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013) wrote an informational piece on Arizona sales tax technicalities.
Jenny Holsman Tetreault (Phoenix, 2011), the Honorable Joanne Osborne (Goodyear, 2012), and Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013) are all finalists for the 2024 Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Athena Awards. Read more about the awards here.
Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016) is quoted in this article about energy inequity throughout the country.
Adam Leckie, Ed.D. (Queen Creek, 2023) is quoted in this article discussing a new strategy for improvement ratified by the Casa Grande Elementary School District.
Shamia Lodge (Surprise, 2023) was appointed Vice Chair of the Executive Board of Directors for the Black Chamber of Arizona.
The Honorable Samuel Richard (Phoenix, 2017) joined Chip Scutari of S+C Communications on KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap to discuss Harris-Walz campaign techniques. Listen to the show here.
Ryan Smith (Mesa, 2013) is quoted in this article discussing economic development at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Edgar Soto (Tucson, 2022) is featured in this profile from TucsonSentinel.com.
The Honorable Julie Spilsbury (Mesa, 2023) is quoted in this article discussing a surge of Republican support for Kamala Harris and Ruben Gallego.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) is quoted in an article discussing what to do if your AC breaks down.
Alfred Urbina, J.D. (Tucson, 2013) is quoted in this article discussing a legal case involving members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
Lisa Urias (Phoenix, 2011) discusses Visit Arizona Experience Passes in this article.
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo (Mesa, 2014) is quoted in this article discussing programs aiming to prevent political violence in Arizona.
Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022) discusses the work he’s been putting into campaigning this election cycle in this article.
Board and Commission Openings
Serving on a board or commission is a great way to influence public policy on issues where you have expertise or a passion to serve.
The Governor’s Office is currently seeking interested individuals for the following boards and commissions:
- Information Technology Authorization Committee
- Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct
- Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission
- Trial Court Appointments Commission
The Governor’s Office has more than 200 boards and commissions. Applications are accepted through this standard application. To apply, complete the application on the website. For a list of vacancies, please see here.
Most Arizona counties and cities have boards and commissions with frequent vacancies:
Check local websites for more opportunities.
To share specific opportunities, contact Jennifer Papworth.
Career & Professional Opportunities
The application for the 2024 class of the African American Leadership Institute is open until Sept. 6.
PACE (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement) is searching for a new President and CEO to lead the organization.
Vitalyst Health Foundation has a position open for Program Manager, Learning and Evaluation.
Builders Network Inc. is seeking a Head of Partnerships & Network Mobilizations to build the infrastructure to grow and activate a scaled, on-the-ground volunteer network of citizens advancing its mission.
Arizona Community Foundation is hiring for several positions, including Vice President, Community Engagement & Impact, Development Advisor, Philanthropy for All, and Executive Assistant to the CIO.
Prescott College is accepting applications for the role of development officer to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation donors.
The ASU Art Museum is looking for a new Director of Development to create and lead fundraising and engagement activities.
Per Scholas is seeking a Senior Manager, Professional Development to conduct comprehensive career development training sessions.
GLSEN is hiring an Arizona Chapter Director to focus on statewide organizing efforts.
Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children is seeking a Development Manager to play a key role in fueling the organization’s growth.
The Children’s Action Alliance is hiring a Director of Early Childhood Policy.
The SciTech Institute has positions open for an AZ STEM Ecosystem Project Manager, a Workforce Development Coordinator, and a Chief Scientist International Program Coordinator.
Social Ventures Partners Tucson is looking for a President and CEO to provide strategic and tactical leadership.
Events & Conferences
AZBio kicks off Arizona Bioscience Week with a panel discussion, Leading Women: Biotech and Beyond, on Sept. 16.
Arizona Center for Rural Health is hosting a webinar, Connecting Communities: Telehealth as a Tool for Equity, on Sept. 19.
The 8th annual Smart City +loT Conference is Sept. 19 at ASU SkySong Innovation Center.
AZ Impact for Good will host a webinar, Breaking Through the Noise: Effective Storytelling in Election Years, on Sept. 26.
The 11th Arizona Health Equity Conference will be held Oct. 10 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix.
Arizona SciTech Institute is hosting the 2024 STEM & Innovation Summit on Oct. 22 at the Arizona Science Center.
Common Sense Institute will hold its Free Enterprise Summiton Jan. 9 in Phoenix.