Fellows Spotlight
The Honorable Reetika Dhawan
2022 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurial College and Vice President of Workforce and Healthcare Programs
Arizona Western College
As Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurial College and Vice President of Workforce and Healthcare Programs at Arizona Western College, the Honorable Reetika Dhawan leads efforts to align academic programs with the evolving needs of Arizona’s workforce. Her portfolio includes initiatives in economic development, broadband access, health care training, and workforce readiness—especially in high-demand industries critical to rural and border communities.
Public policy is central to her work. Through federal and state grants, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and legislation affecting higher education access, Reetika has helped bring transformational investment to Yuma County. She played a key role in developing the regional Public Safety Training Center and the Drive48 Workforce Accelerator, both products of strong public-private partnerships.
She also serves on the board of the Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma (STEDY), supporting career and technical education for high school students in the region.
A quote that resonates deeply with Reetika comes from Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey. “If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” She sees this as closely tied to her own experience as an immigrant woman of color in STEM and leadership.
Coming to the U.S. from India, she has seen firsthand the doors that education can open. Reetika believes that education is a multiplier, especially for women and girls, and she is focused on building pathways that allow first-generation students and historically marginalized communities to improve not just their own lives, but the well-being of entire families and communities.
“I’m deeply thankful for the chance to lead, grow, and serve in ways I never imagined possible,” she said. “That gratitude drives my commitment to ensure these same doors are open for other women, especially those from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds.”
She joined the Flinn-Brown Fellowship in 2022 and describes the experience as transformative. Through the Network, she has collaborated on statewide initiatives, supported workforce-related legislation, and joined cross-sector panels addressing topics like AI, health care, rural broadband, and education equity.
“I’ve met inspiring leaders who are deeply committed to Arizona’s civic and social fabric,” she says. “No matter the topic or challenge, I always find someone willing to help, share insights, or make a meaningful connection,” Reetika said. “It’s a rare community where everyone is genuinely invested in one another’s success and in building a better Arizona.”
Reetika says the Fellowship helped her better understand the broader policy environment in Arizona and how to engage effectively across sectors.
“The Flinn-Brown Network truly prepares you to be part of the solution and to never feel alone in the process,” she says.
Book Recommendation
“Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown
“I highly recommend Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. It’s a powerful and practical guide to leading with courage, empathy, and integrity qualities that are essential for creating meaningful and lasting change in our communities and institutions. What I love most about this book is that it’s grounded in both research and real-life leadership experiences. I also connect with this book on a personal level. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside strong, passionate individuals and to be embraced by an incredibly kind and resilient community.”
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