2025 Flinn-Brown Convention

The 2025 Flinn-Brown Convention was held Aug. 15 at On Jackson in Phoenix. The 2025 Convention theme, Transformational Leadership: Catalyzing Change Together, reflected the Planning Committee’s belief in the power of collaborative leadership to drive meaningful, lasting impact. Grounded in the understanding that no leader acts alone, the theme emphasizes shared responsibility, collective problem-solving, and the importance of engaging deeply with others. By leveraging the strengths of the Flinn-Brown Network, leaders can inspire progress, foster innovation, and serve as catalysts for change through connection, confidence, and community because when you decide to step up, you know that you are not alone. 

Convention Activities

Download the convention agenda

View list of attendees

Morning Panel 

We began with a panel of Fellows from across diverse sectors, each working within industries undergoing rapid transformation. The panelists shared how they are leading through change, embracing uncertainty, inspiring innovation, and mobilizing others. 

Moderator 
David Martinez III 
2011 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Director, Strategic Community Partnerships 
Vitalyst Health Foundation

Interactive Workshop with Catherine Alonzo 

Next, we dove into an interactive session led by 2013 Flinn-Brown Fellow Catherine Alonzo, CEO of Javelina and founder of CatherineAlonzo.com. Catherine guided us through a problem-solving framework rooted in transformational leadership, combining clear vision, consistent action, personal values, and the belief that each of us has the power to make an impact.

Afternoon Tabletop Conversations 

In small groups, Fellows used the leadership framework to tackle complex, real-world challenges together. These conversations are designed to foster deep thinking, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving that goes beyond the event. 

Pre-Convention Activities 

Aug. 14 Evening Reception 

The 2015 Flinn-Brown Fellows gathered for a cohort reunion at the FOUND:RE Hotel, which was followed by a reception for all Flinn-Brown Fellows where we presented the regional Arizona Champion (Northern, Central and Southern) Flinn-Brown Awards. 

Aug. 15 Morning Yoga

On the morning of the Convention, Fellows participated in a yoga and meditation session at the Flinn Foundation, organized by Fellow Sarah Rose Webber (2017).

Post-Convention Mercury Game 

About 35 Convention attendees kept the fun going at Phoenix Mercury game at PHX Arena. 

2025 Flinn-Brown Awards 

Five awards honoring high-impact leaders are granted each year at the Convention: Jack Jewett Award, Network Builder Award, and three Arizona Champion (Northern, Central and Southern Arizona) awards. 

2025 Flinn-Brown Award Recipients

The 2025 Flinn-Brown Awards were created by Alex “Amphi” Beuerlein. Born in the sun-soaked Arizona desert, Amphi is a lifelong artist who’s never met a medium she didn’t love (maybe pastels). From painting and digital art to book design and typography, she finds joy and passion in every new endeavor she embarks on. Amphi finds her spirit and muse in wildlife and nature and enjoys reading and writing poetry in her free time. One of her greatest passions is finding connection with her fellow human beings and working together to put art out into the world. You can learn more about Amphi and view samples of her work at Amphi Studio.

Meet the 2025 Planning Committee 

Thank you to the members of the 2025 Flinn-Brown Convention planning committee for their invaluable assistance in the planning and execution of this year’s Convention.