Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
Super Bowl Sunday in my house holds the same weight as a sacred holiday—rituals are observed, traditions upheld, and loyalties declared. And since Taylor Swift has become the unofficial queen of the NFL, our Swiftie Nation household has decidedly been in the camp of the Kansas City Chiefs. But I will confess, as I sat there, a small, rebellious part of me wanted the Philadelphia Eagles to win.
Maybe it was their underdog spirit, maybe it was their sheer grit—or maybe it was something deeper, something woven into the city’s very fabric. The City of Brotherly Love has never been a place for the privileged few who expect victory handed to them. It is the city of revolutionaries, of factory workers and dreamers, of Rocky Balboa running up those steps against all odds. It is the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and where a scrappy band of patriots defied the most powerful empire in the world.
It is the city of Octavius Catto, who risked everything to fight for Black voting rights in the 19th century and paid for it with his life. It is the birthplace of Marian Anderson, who after being denied a stage in her own country because of her race, stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and sang for the nation. It is where Bishop Richard Allen, born into slavery, bought his freedom and built the African Methodist Episcopal Church, carving out a place for Black Philadelphians to worship, organize, and lead.
And now, Philadelphia’s underdog legacy adds another name to its ranks—Saquon Barkley, a player whose resilience and determination fit seamlessly into a city that thrives on proving people wrong.
So, while I did not dare voice my leanings aloud (for fear of teenage daughter Swiftie retribution), I’ll admit now: for one night, I cheered for the underdog. And when the final whistle blew, I smiled—not just for Philly, but for the simple joy of watching an unexpected victory, a hard-fought battle, and a reminder that in sports, as in life, sometimes the best stories are the ones no one saw coming.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY!
Last month, we released our annual Flinn-Brown Network Survey! Thank you to the Fellows who responded. We are hoping to get more respondents, so if you can please, click on the survey link below and give us 5 minutes of your time. It’s your chance to help us understand how you want to engage with the Network, how we can improve existing programming, and what new opportunities we should explore.
You can find the survey here.
UPCOMING INFO SESSION: Leadership, Civics and You!
On Tuesday, March 11 at 9 a.m. we will be hosting a virtual info session for Leadership, Civics and You©, the principal initiative of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership’s Flinn Young Leaders, for Fellows interested in bringing the initiative to their local schools.
Leadership, Civics and You© is a facilitated learning experience and guidebook to help high school students explore the kind of leaders they are, or want to be. And how that leadership can impact the world for the better, inviting participants to think about themselves, their communities’ needs, and make action plans to get involved in the issues they care about most. Attendees will hear from 2018 Flinn-Brown Fellow Rachel Yanof, educational strategist, Rachel Yanof LLC, about her role as the program facilitator and how to help develop the next generation of civic leaders
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
Mary Venezia
2015 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Chief of Staff, Enrollment Management, University of Arizona
To Oregon-born Mary Venezia, Arizona is home. After spending much of her childhood in Phoenix and graduating from Saint Mary’s High School, she escaped the heat by heading north to Northern Arizona University for her bachelor’s degree. Her time among the pine trees of Flagstaff broadened her perspective on Arizona’s diversity, and she was hesitant when the time came to move south for graduate school at the University of Arizona.
“I came kicking and screaming to Tucson for graduate school. And then I woke up 15 years later,” she said, laughing.
Now, Venezia chuckles at the idea that Flagstaff represents the pinnacle of Arizona’s offerings.
“I thought Northern Arizona was special. Then I moved to Southern Arizona, and that is the real gem of the state,” she said.
Her deep connection to Tucson is rooted in her career at the University of Arizona, where she has spent the past 15 years in higher education and student success. Currently serving as Chief of Staff, Enrollment Management at the University of Arizona, Venezia has built an extensive resume. She has been recognized as an Emerging Leader by Arizona Women in Higher Education and received the University of Arizona Staff Excellence Award—honors she does not take lightly.
“Being able to use the knowledge I have gained—from my experience, my education, and programs like Flinn-Brown—to help students in the most targeted ways to create opportunity is really important to me,” she said.
As a first-generation college student, Venezia initially knew little about higher education and felt uncertain about its impact on her future. Now, with a master’s degree in higher education administration, she is committed to ensuring students receive the support they need to not just enter college but to thrive once they are there. She believes Arizona is the perfect place for this kind of work because of the state’s rapid growth and evolving opportunities.
“Arizona is a state with so much opportunity. In many ways, we’re still really young. We’re still figuring things out. And as someone growing in her career, Arizona gave me a lot of opportunity,” she said.
Despite Arizona’s stunning mountain views and exceptional food, the state is not without its challenges. However, for Venezia, solving those challenges is part of the excitement. While college enrollment is declining nationwide, Arizona is experiencing an upward trend—an encouraging development that energizes her.
“We have so many families and students who need access to post-secondary education, and they need support not just to get there, but to stay there, graduate, and become contributing members of our economy and state. I’m really dedicated to figuring that out,” she said. “The cool thing about Arizona is that we have people willing to solve these challenges and make things happen.”
Collaboration is at the heart of Venezia’s work, as she partners with students, educators, and community members to drive meaningful change. Her connection to what would become the Flinn-Brown Network began during her tenure as a student regent (2006-2008) and ultimately led her to join the Flinn-Brown Fellowship in 2015. Flinn-Brown Fellow and former student regent Christine Thompson actively encouraged former student regents to apply, inspiring several—including Venezia—to become part of the program. (There are six Flinn-Brown Fellows who were student regents.)
“I remember sitting with a group of friends and talking about Flinn-Brown, about how it wasn’t like any other leadership program. It was a solution-oriented group—no matter whether your political party or career track. If you were dedicated to helping Arizona, you could be part of it,” she said.
Venezia became a Flinn-Brown Fellow in 2015. Just as her moves across the state expanded her perspective, meeting people from different areas and industries deepened her understanding of Arizona’s government and society. Whether discussing law enforcement, water resources, or economic development, each session left her with a renewed sense of purpose and a broader perspective on policy and leadership.
“Flinn-Brown gave me the opportunity to sit at tables with people I have nothing in common with except for wanting Arizona to be a great place,” she said. “I’m willing to look at things through a lens that I wish more people had because it’s not about what’s red or blue. There’s so much that sits in the middle that we can figure out together, beyond political interests.”
Now approaching her 10th anniversary as a Flinn-Brown Fellow, Venezia remains just as connected to the Network as she was in 2015.
“I feel like I can literally pick up the phone and call anyone from that directory, introduce myself as a Flinn-Brown Fellow, and immediately have a connection,” she said.
When she’s not working, Venezia finds joy in walking her 120-pound rescued Mastiff, Bash, or spending time exploring a new food spot or eclectic vintage store. She is deeply passionate about Southern Arizona and all it brings to her life and many others. “The talent that’s here, the economic impact that’s here, and the people who are here … it’s weaved into everything in southern Arizona, like our own type of culture. And I think it’s really special and unique.”
If you missed a Fellows Spotlight, you can find them here.
Leadership Forward – For A Better Arizona Podcast
Sarah Rose Webber: Episode 15
The March episode features Sarah Rose Webber (Phoenix, 2016), deputy director, Arizona State Parks and Trails, as she shares her passion for preserving Arizona’s natural and cultural heritage. She discusses her leadership in expanding public access to outdoor spaces, her deep appreciation for art and its connection to nature, and how both shape her approach to civic engagement.
Listen to any of our previous podcasts on our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast or any of the platforms below. The podcasts, including a summary, are also available on our website.
Fellows Collaborations
Flinn-Brown Fellows are shaping Arizona’s future through collaboration. This section highlights how Fellows are working together on public policy—whether it’s developing initiatives, influencing legislation, or tackling key issues across the state.
Flinn-Brown Fellows Mathew Isiogu (Phoenix, 2016 ), Pele Peacock Fischer, J.D. (Phoenix, 2013), and Melissa Kotrys (Phoenix, 2023) are collaborating on legislation supporting the Arizona Health Care Directives Registry (AzDHR).
Flinn-Brown Fellows Lisa Schnebly Heidinger (Phoenix, 2012) and Julie Morrison (Tempe, 2012) wrote Arizona FriendTrips as a celebration of friendship, discovery, and the enduring spirit of exploration. The book follows the journey of Lisa and Julie as they travel to iconic sites like the North and South rims of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley to lesser-known locales in Arizona, like Lees Ferry and Hannagan Meadow.
Fellows Meet Fellows
Flinn-Brown Fellows came out to support the Flinn Scholars Art Exhibit: Illya Riske (Phoenix, 2014), Michelle Beaver (Phoenix, 2024), Rebecca McKay (Phoenix, 2024), Breanne Bushu, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2016), Allison Otu (Phoenix, 2024), The Honorable Jennifer Pawlik (Chandler, 2018), Jeremy Babendure, Ph.D. (Chandler, 2012), Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024), Pearlette Ramos, J.D., Ph.D. (Avondale, 2018), and Nate Rhoton (Phoenix, 2015).
The Honorable April Hepperle (Prescott Valley, 2023), the Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018), and Vincent Gallegos (Prescott, 2023) learnabout funding programs for infrastructure projects.
The Honorable Benjamin Graff, J.D. (Phoenix, 2011) and Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo (Mesa, 2014) meet up at the Global Ties Arizona Lunar New Year.
Tucson Fellows Julie Katsel (2014), Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (2023), John Winchester (2018) and Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (2022) gather at the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Governor’s Report.
The Honorable Julie Spilsbury (Mesa, 2023) and Michelle Kauk (Gilbert, 2019) spotted the venerable Stan Barnes at the grand opening of Meta’s Mesa Data Center.
The Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022) and Evelyn Burrell, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2023) meet during the Arizona Psychological Association’s “Psychology and Politics Day” at the state Capitol.
2023 Fellows Tim Gomez (Phoenix) and Teresa Bravo (Tucson) attend the Arizona City Managers Conference.
The Honorable Augustine Bartning (Phoenix, 2015), Rachel Yanof (Tempe, 2018), and Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo (Mesa, 2014) encouraging the next generation of Arizona leaders at the Leadership, Civics and You © program.
The Honorable Ruth Ellen Elinski (Cottonwood, 2014) and Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013) are both far from home at the Arizona Association for Economic Development’s intensive E.D. Course in Goodyear.
Fellows Field Trips
On Friday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flinn-Brown Fellow Illya Riske (Mesa, 2014), the city of Mesa’s Acting Director for the Department of Arts and Culture, is hosting an event exclusively for Flinn-Brown Fellows!
The department supports three municipal arts institutions located in the heart of downtown: Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Museum of Natural History, and idea Museum. This Fellows-only event will include tours of each of these three facilities with leadership from each institution and will conclude with a networking lunch. Throughout these tours, museum leaders will share the fantastic work the city of Mesa contributes to the arts and how they directly engage with the community.
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. Over the next few months, we will focus on alumni of our state universities.
This month our focus is Fellow alumni of Northern Arizona University.
While we try extremely hard to keep up to date on Fellows’ activities, we recognize that we may have missed someone. Please let us 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 each year for Convention. 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 March!
- Randi Dorman (Tucson, 2014)
- Barbara Lang (Sierra Vista, 2015)
- The Honorable Samuel Richard (Phoenix, 2017)
- Elaine Kessler (Gilbert, 2018)
- Kate Morley (Flagstaff, 2018)
- Rosalva Zimmerman (Goodyear, 2018)
- The Honorable Reetika Dhawan (Yuma, 2022)
- Tomás León (Phoenix, 2022)
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 library about public-policy issues, the practice of leadership, professional development, and other areas worth sharing. This month’s recommendation comes from Mary Venezia (Tucson, 2015).
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
“In Let Them, Mel Robbins encourages readers to focus on only what they can control and to let go of anything they can’t.”
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.
Cynthia Aragon (Phoenix, 2015) is now the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy at Raza Development Fund.
Teresa Aseret-Manygoats (Chandler, 2023) wrote an article for the Arizona Department of Health Services about the 2025 Diabetes Action Plan and Report.
Stacey Button (Columbia, Missouri, 2011) has retired from her role as Columbia Economic Development Director after ten years of service.
Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014) was featured as a panelist on a recent episode of AZ Family’s Politics Unplugged.
Blaise Caudill (Phoenix, 2014) was quoted in an E&E News article about the nationwide effects of President Trump’s freeze on climate funding.
The Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) spoke about water conservation and Democratic Party affairs with Secretary of State Adrian Fontes during a recent Democrats of the Red Rocks meeting.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) was selected for the Mayor’s Institute on City Design’s Fellowship program.
The Honorable Ruth Ellen Elinski (Cottonwood, 2014) was quoted in a Signals AZ article about the expansion of the Moonshot Rural Pitch Competition in Yavapai County.
The Honorable Coral Evans, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2011) was a guest speaker at The Sedona Women’s Black History Month celebration.
The Honorable Brian Garcia, J.D. (Tempe, 2018) was quoted in a KJZZ article about HB2281, which would create a statewide alert system for missing Indigenous people.
Deborah Gonzalez, Ed.D. (Phoenix 2012) was interviewed for an ABC 15 news story about the possible closure of two Phoenix Elementary School District schools.
The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) introduced “Preston’s Law” (HB2611) which would increase penalties for aggravated assault when two or more accomplices are involved.
Ben Henderson (Phoenix, 2014) is now Director of the Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting.
The Honorable Daniel Hernandez Jr. (Tucson, 2011) spoke at a press conference in opposition to Tucson’s Prop. 414.
Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016), Deputy City Manager for Flagstaff, received the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association.
The Honorable Aaron Lieberman (Paradise Valley, 2017) provided political analysis on a recent episode of KJZZ’s Friday’s Newscap.
The Honorable Chris Mathis, J.D. (Tucson, 2011) was mentioned in an Environment Energy Leader article about the Rural Groundwater Management Act, a bill he is co-sponsoring to create locally driven water management solutions in rural Arizona.
Jerry McPherson (Phoenix, 2022) is a 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award winner.
TJ Mitchell (Phoenix, 2024) is now Associate General Counsel, Government Relations & Public Affairs for Vitalant.
Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020) was interviewed for a 12 News story about a push for peacefully protesting federal immigration policies.
Paul Perrault, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2016) was quoted in a KJZZ article about Arizona’s chronic absentee rates for students in elementary through junior high school.
Larry Sandigo (Washington, D.C., 2018) is now Director of Cabinet Affairs, Office of the Arizona Governor.
Lisa Schnebly Heidinger (Phoenix, 2012) and Julie Morrison (Tempe, 2012) were interviewed about their new book, Arizona FriendTrips.
Jami Snyder (Phoenix, 2013) was appointed to the Acentra Health Healthcare Advisory Board.
Richie Taylor (Phoenix, 2020) was interviewed for an Arizona Republic article about the Arizona rental tax repeal and how tenants should address landlords who are still charging the tax.
Alec Thomson (Phoenix, 2019) was quoted in an AZ Big Media article about an Arizona Mega Millions winner who set a record for the largest jackpot ever won from a ticket purchased on the Jackpocket app.
Lisa Urias (Phoenix, 2011) is now Founder, President Emerita, Urias Communications.
Nick Vasquez, M.D. (Chandler, 2016) reflected on his 12 years as a Vitalyst Board of Trustee member on the Vitalyst Spark podcast.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) was named a 2024 Industry Leader by the International Economic Development Council and was recognized during the 2025 Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
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:
The Governor’s Office has more than 200 boards and commissions. The Governor’s Office has more than 200 boards and commissions. To apply, complete the application on the website. For a list of vacancies, updated Jan. 31, 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
Applications are now open for the Lead Tucson Class of 2026. The application deadline is April 27.
The Central Arizona Project invites water education leaders and PreK-12th grade teachers to apply for a year-long, water-focused Fellowship.
The Hopi Education Endowment Fund is searching for an Executive Director to oversee programming and fundraising.
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center is hiring an Executive Director to provide leadership and direction.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is seeking a Deputy Assistant Director.
The Nature Conservancy is accepting applications for a Capacity Building Program Manager to establish the Arizona chapter as a major conservation partner.
Pima County is hiring a Deputy Director of Economic Development to lead key initiatives.
Arizona State University is hiring an Executive Director to lead the Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service.
Per Scholas is hiring a Managing Director to oversee a campus serving approximately 500 learners.
Social Ventures Partners Tucson is looking for a President and CEO to provide strategic and tactical leadership.
Events & Conferences
AZ Impact for Good is hosting the 2025 Impact Collective Southern Arizona in Tucson on March 5.
The 14th Annual Power of the Purse: Women in Law will be held on March 6 at Warehouse 215 in Phoenix.
Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, a transformative 90-minute documentary featuring Flinn-Brown Fellow, the Honorable Pearlette Ramos, J.D., Ph.D. (Avondale, 2018), will make its debut at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW69) in New York at 6:30 p.m. March 11. The screening will take place at the Church Center for the United Nations, located at 777 United Nations Plaza, adjacent to the UN campus. Entrance is first-come, first-serve. No ticket purchase necessary.
The TENWEST professional development conference and festival is March 25-30 in Tucson. TENWEST by Startup Tucson is a dynamic festival highlighting trends in tech, entrepreneurship & creativity. Learn, connect & experience how to expand your impact in a high-energy, inspiring event!
A discount code for Flinn-Brown Fellows is available.
The Venture Madness Conference 2025 is April 2-3 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe.
Local First Arizona is hosting the 2025 Arizona Good Business Summit on April 2 at the Arizona Broadway Theater.
The 2025 Phoenix Global Forum will be held April 8-9 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Cochise County Health and Social Services, in partnership with Arizona Complete Health and the Center for the Future of Arizona, will host a Workforce Development Forum at the Cochise College-Sierra Vista campus on May 2.