Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
Attending this year’s Super Bowl was an extraordinary experience — and not just for the reasons you would expect.
Last fall, I was surprised and deeply honored to be selected as an Inspired Changemaker by the Arizona Cardinals. As part of that recognition, the NFL Foundation awarded $10,000 to me to direct to a nonprofit of my choice, and equally surprising, as a lovely gift, the Flinn Foundation matched that donation.
After long thoughtful consideration, I directed the award to Sleep in Heavenly Peace-Phoenix Chapter, whose mission is simple and profound: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” Volunteers build and deliver beds to children who would otherwise sleep on couches, blankets, or the floor. Before a child can fully engage in school or community life, they need something basic and dignified — a place to sleep.
Being at the Super Bowl felt surreal in the best way. Not simply because of the game, but because of what it represents in American culture. It’s one of those rare moments when millions of people are watching the same thing, sharing a single experience. The scale of it all was remarkable, including the behind-the-scenes coordination, the energy in the stadium, and the sense that something bigger than football was unfolding. Even the halftime performance by Bad Bunny felt like a reminder of how music and culture connect us — thousands of people on their feet, singing together in one shared moment.
Many organizations define their civic-related activities through policy reform. That work is essential. But civic engagement and leadership are layered, and when these are sustained and aligned, they build something broader: civic health. A community’s health is shaped not only by policy, but by nonprofit service and volunteerism, and the everyday ways neighbors serve neighbors and institutions work together for the common good.
Seen through that wider lens, civic health becomes something more expansive. It is not only about elections or legislative outcomes. It is about whether communities trust one another, whether institutions align around shared goals, and whether individuals feel both responsibility and agency.
That is why our work with the Center for the Future of Arizona to activate the Civic Health Progress Meters matters. The Progress Meters give us a clear, data-informed view of how Arizona is doing — where we are strong and where we need to grow. But metrics alone do not strengthen civic health. People do.
Watching volunteers build beds reminded me that leadership is rarely dramatic. More often, it is steady and practical, using whatever influence we have to serve the common good.
Sometimes civic leadership begins with legislation. And sometimes, it begins with making sure a child has a place to sleep.
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
Zach Brooks, Ph.D.
(Green Valley, 2017)
Chief Executive Officer
UGenome AI
While a fourth-generation Arizonan might point to deep family roots, Zach Brooks, Ph.D., describes his connection to the state as rooted in aspiration — a conviction that Arizona can lead the next frontier of health innovation. A 2017 Flinn-Brown Fellow and a past participant of the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program, Brooks has spent nearly two decades bridging academic research, Silicon Valley experience, and public-minded leadership. Today, he is the founder and CEO of UGenome AI, an emerging startup launched at the University of Arizona.
Brooks’ path spans worlds that might seem unrelated at first — bilingual decision-making research, student governance, nonprofit leadership, and health-tech entrepreneurship — but to him, they form a coherent arc. During his doctorate work at the University of Arizona, he served as Graduate Student Body President, raising funds to support graduate commercialization efforts. Combined with earlier roles in Silicon Valley and his work with World Transplant Athletes, those experiences laid the groundwork for UGenome AI, which he launched in 2023.
At its core, UGenome AI is built on the belief that genomic medicine should be as intuitive and accessible as any modern digital tool. As Brooks explains, “our vision is to make genomic medicine personal and accessible.” He imagines analyzing genomic data as simply as uploading a photo, selecting options, and clicking “analyze.” The company’s tools serve researchers, clinicians, and individuals alike, translating complex genetic data into practical insights about medication response, nutrition, and long-term health.
Yet innovation does not occur in a vacuum. Brooks emphasizes that “public policy has a huge impact on our work, as ultimately AI tools that impact health need to be evaluated at the highest levels to ensure that someone you love can trust a diagnosis or treatment supported by an AI tool.” In his view, responsible governance and emerging technology are complementary. Arizona, he believes, has an opportunity to demonstrate national leadership if policymakers, universities, and entrepreneurs align around that goal.
The clearest window into Brooks’ outlook may be a phrase he has carried since childhood, often repeated by his father: “Being positive is the only practical way to live.” The line reflects both his personal philosophy and a theme that runs through his writing. In his Discovering Your Human Algorithm series, he notes that most of us already have “the negativity covered,” so the real work becomes identifying small, repeatable steps, an “algorithm” that builds greater contentment, movement, and mindfulness. Progress, in life and in science, is cumulative.
That optimism also shapes how Brooks views community, especially the one he found through Flinn-Brown.
“We all need community,” he said. “We all need a community full of diverse and smart people.”
For Brooks, the Fellows Network offers both encouragement and perspective. “Knowing that I can find a connection within Flinn-Brown that grows each year gives me confidence.” While he jokes that his 2017 cohort is “the best,” he emphasizes that Fellows across all classes have become cherished friends and colleagues.
Professionally, he describes Flinn-Brown as a “confident door opener,” a signal that the person across the table is committed to Arizona’s long-term future. “Fantastic leaders in every guise come together in Flinn-Brown,” he says, describing a network that spans sectors yet shares a common purpose.
That shared purpose, Brooks believes, is essential to strengthening Arizona’s civic health. Drawing on his national and global perspective, he sees a significant opportunity if the state deepens coordination among government, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and major industry leaders, particularly in life sciences. “Civic health serves as a convener for the transformation of ideas to meaningful results,” Brooks explains.
He points to AZBio, Mayo Clinic, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, Silicon Oasis, and Venture Café as organizations already advancing the state’s innovation ecosystem. Fully realizing Arizona’s leadership potential, he believes, will require stronger engagement from state policymakers to position Arizona as a national biotech leader.
Across Brooks’ work and worldview, a consistent thread emerges: progress accelerates when people work across boundaries — scientists and policymakers, entrepreneurs and institutions, individuals and communities — each carrying part of the solution. Beneath it all is that simple lesson from his father: positivity is not naïve; it is practical. In that spirit, Brooks continues building UGenome AI with scientific rigor, civic commitment, and steady optimism, and remains focused on ensuring that the future of genomic medicine is not only advanced, but accessible to all Arizonans.
Fellows Field Trips
Northern Arizona Wine Tasting
The Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017) is partnering with the Southwest Wine Center in Clarkdale to host a wine tasting on Saturday, March 7. Enjoy outstanding local wines, great company, and insight into how the Verde Valley is emerging as a destination for viticulture and winemaking.
Katie Hurst (Phoenix, 2025) has organized a Fellows Field Trip to the Palo Verde Generating Station from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, June 30. The event includes a tour, lunch, and a Q&A session. There is limited capacity, so registration is capped at 20 Fellows.
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 Salons
The Fellows convened their second Salon on the Road in Clifton, where they were welcomed by community leaders and experienced rural Arizona in action. The day began with an optional hike to the Mares Bluff Veterans Memorial, a steep climb honoring local veterans and overlooking the Clifton-Morenci area. After breakfast at the Morenci Motel, Clifton Mayor and 2017 Fellow Laura Dorrell shared regional history before the group toured key landmarks, including the Open Pit Mine Lookout at Freeport-McMoRan, the historic Chase Creek district, and the well-known cliffside jail.
The Salon concluded with lunch at Dina’s and a Town Hall discussion featuring Superior Mayor and 2019 Fellow Mila Besich, and reflections from a lifelong resident on growing up in Clifton. Thanks to Fellow Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024) for helping to organize the trip!
The Honorable Laura Dorrell (Clifton, 2017), the Honorable Cecilia McCollough (Wellton, 2018), Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024), the Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), Megan Casey (Phoenix, 2013), Molly Edwards, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2011) Sarah Rose Webber (Prescott Valley, 2017), Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013), Mark Sanders (Phoenix, 2018), Kimulet Winzer (Phoenix, 2011) and Flinn Scholar Rose Dorrell.
Fellows Directory Updates
Help us keep our Fellows Directory accurate and up-to-date! Please make sure your information is accurate and current by scanning the QR code or following this link to complete the survey. You can also upload a new headshot to this Google Drive folder.
Please let Dawn know if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
Fellows Meet Fellows
Yuma Fellows enjoyed their quarterly dinner and conversation: Buna George (2023), Lori Stofft (2024), Tori Bourguignon (2025), the Honorable Robyn Stallworth Pouquette (2020), the Honorable Russ McCloud (2018), Diana Gomez (2016), and Rodney Short, J.D. (2024)
Tori Bourguignon (Yuma, 2025) and Lori Stofft (Yuma, 2024) attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Bright Night’s Pioneer Solar and Storage plant in Yuma. Pictured here with Martin Hermann, CEO of BrightNight.
The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), and Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. (Chandler, 2013) meet at the State of the City address in Chandler.
The Honorable April Hepperle (Chandler, 2023), Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011), and Ryan Peters (Gilbert, 2025) sang their hearts out at Karaoke.
The Honorable Khara House (Flagstaff, 2025), Ashley Anderson (Maricopa, 2025), and Oye Wadell (Phoenix, 2025) attended the Governor’s State of Black Arizona address.
Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011), Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016), Tim Gomez (Phoenix, 2023), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023), and Nick Hilton (Tucson, 2025) attend the Arizona City/County Managers Association 2026 Winter Conference.
The Honorable Alesia Ash, J.D. (Phoenix, 2015) and Sophie Dessart (Florence, 2025) meet at the American Exploration and Mining Association’s winter networking reception in Tucson.
Fellows Celebrating Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in March!
- Daran Wastchak, Ph.D. (Paradise Valley, 2013)
- 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 Mila Besich (Superior, 2019)
- The Honorable Nicole Barraza, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2020)
- Dennis Barger (Vail, 2020)
- The Honorable Reetika Dhawan, Ed.D. (Yuma, 2022)
- Tomás León (Phoenix, 2022)
- Michael Marquess (Flagstaff, 2025)
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 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 Zach Brooks, Ph.D. (Green Valley, 2017).
I read more for business than pleasure, collateral damage from my Ph.D., but two books from 2025 stand out. The Secret Life of Bees was made into a movie in 2008 with Queen Latifah, who shares my birthday. The Memory Collectors cleverly crafts modern life in a three-year span by asking “what if you could do it all over again” and putting free will and determinism in a two-way mirror. I should also promote my book, “Discovering Your Human Algorithm.”
Fellows Lists
Each month, we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group, or region. Our focus this month is on Fellows in the Human Services field.
You can find additional lists here. If there is a new list you would like to see compiled, please let us know.
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.
Trevor Abarzua (Kilua, Hawaii, 2020) was interviewed for a Hawaii News Now story about a $1 million donation from Hilton Grand Vacations that will be used to fund beautification projects in Waikiki.
Jeremy Babendure, Ph.D. (Chandler,2012) reflects on 15 years of the Arizona SciTech Festival in the Daily Independent.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) is sponsoring the Equitable Access to School Facilities Act which would broaden funding opportunities for charter schools’ facilities.
Dan Coleman (Tucson, 2014) was highlighted in a tucson.com article about “Certum est,” a piece he composed to bridge Mozart’s Ave verum corpus with his unfinished Requiem.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) wrote an op-ed in the Arizona Daily Sun about proposed energy rate increases.
Sophie Dessart (Florence, 2025) was featured in ASU News, highlighting her journey from Thunderbird School of Global Management to a career in mining.
The Honorable Brian Garcia, J.D. (Tempe, 2018) was quoted in a Capitol Times article about new legislation that would reclassify some protest-related crimes as “civil terrorism.”
The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) proposed education legislation focused on improving fiscal oversight inArizona schools.
Stephanie Healy (Tucson, 2011) wrote a Herald/Review article about common mistakes seniors make when online.
The Honorable Daniel Hernández Jr. (Tucson, 2011) spoke with the Washington Blade about the LGBTQ Victory Fund.
The Honorable Matt Herman (Casa Grande, 2019) received the 2025 Community Service Award from the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce.
Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013) wrote an op-ed in the Herald/Review about a $2 million appropriation Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s office helped Cochise County secure for the Bisbee–Douglas International Airport.
Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016) hosts a new podcast, Desert Voices, to inform and connect adults 50-plus across the state.
The Honorable Nikki Lee (Tucson, 2018) co-wrote an op-ed for tucson.com in support of RTA Next.
Juliana Manzanarez, J.D. (Phoenix, 2025) was featured in an AZ Family news story about ICE protests following raids at Zipps Sports Grill locations.
Michael Marquess (Flagstaff, 2025) was featured in an AZ Family news story about the official AZ250 beer created by Mother Road Brewing Company.
Patrick McWhortor (Cave Creek, 2011) was named interim president for Desert Foothills Land Trust.
Christian Osmeña, Ed.D. (Phoenix, 2020) was quoted in an EdSource article about the closing of California College, ASU’s nonprofit film school.
Richie Taylor (Phoenix, 2020) was interviewed for a KJZZ article about a new portal created by the Office of the Attorney General for Arizonans to report potential misconduct by federal officers.
Brad Vynalek (Phoenix, 2011) was recognized as a business leader to watch on the 2026 AZ Big 100 list.
Avery Xola (Queen Creek, 2022) is now on the Nexus Academy of Leadership and Innovation board.
Zach Yentzer (Glendale, 2020) discusses his vision for the Glendale Chamber of Commerce in this Daily Independent 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 Arizona Governor’s Office is seeking applications for the following commissions:
- Coconino Judicial Nominating Commission
- Pima Judicial Nominating Commission
- Pinal Judicial Nominating Commission
- Commission on Appellate Court Appointments
Non-attorney applicants may apply using the main application and must be residents of the county of the Trial Court Appointments Commission to which they are applying, residents of Arizona for at least 5 years, and cannot hold elected or appointed office for profit. Interested attorneys must apply through the Arizona State Bar’s website.
The Arizona Governor’s Office has more than 200 boards and commissions. To apply, complete the application on the website. For the most recent list of vacancies, please see here.
Most Arizona counties and cities have boards and commissions with frequent vacancies. Check local websites for more opportunities.
If you’re interested in joining a nonprofit board, or you work for a nonprofit with board openings, sign up for AZ Leaders on Board, a platform that connects civic-minded professionals with meaningful board service opportunities for Arizona nonprofits.
If you have specific opportunities to share, let us know.
Career & Professional Opportunities
Arizona Western College is seeking an Executive Vice President of the Entrepreneurial College to provide strategic oversight for workforce, career and technical education, healthcare, and reskilling programs that advance student success and regional economic impact.
The city of Surprise is hiring a Community Engagement Partner to promote community vitality.
The Arizona Community Foundation has positions open for Regional Director, Yavapai County and Regional Director, Yuma.
The Goldwater Institute is hiring a State Affairs Manager to build coalitions and engage elected officials across the country.
ACLU Arizona is hiring a Legal Director to provide strategic leadership on litigation and legal advocacy.
Arizona SciTech Institute is seeking a Development Manager to advance its fundraising efforts related to individual and corporate giving.
Events & Conferences
Power of the Purse: Women in Economy on Thursday, March 5 at the Phoenix Zoo.
Local First Arizona presents the Arizona Good Business Summit on March 11 in Gilbert.
The TENWEST Creativity and Entrepreneurship Festival is March 24-29 in Tucson.
First Place-Phoenix is hosting the first Vote the Spectrum Lunch & Listen on March 26.
InvestSW will hold the 2026 Venture Madness Conference on April 9.
Phoenix Global Forum 2026 will be held May 12-13 in Phoenix.
Registration opens in February for the 2026 Native Power Building Summit, Still We Rise: Joy, Justice, & the Fight for Indigenous Futures, which will be held on Thursday, July 16 in Scottsdale.