

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
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.

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

Quintin Boyce, Ed.D.
2020 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Associate Vice President, Outreach
Arizona State University
Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D.
2013 Flinn-Brown Fellow
President & CEO
Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration
The Honorable
Lea Márquez Peterson
2011 Flinn-Brown Fellow Commissioner
Arizona Corporation Commission
Jennifer Richards, Ph.D.
2024 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Assistant Professor
Center for Indigenous Health
Johns Hopkins University
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

Jack Jewett Award
The Honorable
Christine Thompson
Network Builder Award
Katelyn Harris Lange
Arizona Champion
Northern Arizona
The Honorable
Janet Regner
Arizona Champion
Central Arizona
Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D.
Arizona Champion
Southern Arizona
Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D.

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.

Teresa Bravo
Co-Chair
2023 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Hon. Alesia Ash
Co-Chair
2015 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Alberto Olivas
2011 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Jeremy Babendure
2012 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Hon. Jane Strain
2013 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Zach Brooks
2017 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Elaine Kessler
2018 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Hon. Bill Regner
2018 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Nicole Fries
2020 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Kim Madrigal
2022 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Jesse Galvez
2023 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Bridget Fitzgibbons
2024 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Hon. Alexa Lucchese
2024 Flinn-Brown Fellow