Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
While summer in Arizona often brings triple-digit heat, weekend escapes to higher elevations, and the steady hum of air conditioning, for me, it signals something far more energizing: the arrival of a new class of Flinn-Brown Fellows. Each year, we welcome a remarkable group of Arizonans into our statewide network of civic leaders—a summer tradition that continues to inspire and renew our shared commitment to public service.
The 2025 class brings together a chorus of voices and experiences as varied as the Arizona landscape itself—from rural communities and tribal nations to urban centers and border towns; from public service and education to health care, agriculture, small business, and beyond. Together, they reflect the diversity and depth of Arizona’s civic fabric.
This marks the fifth cohort I’ve had the privilege to help shape, and with each selection process, I’m reminded just how intentional—and essential—our approach is. Every class is curated to reflect the richness of Arizona: diverse in geography, sector, ideology, generation, and lived experience. Because we believe the most meaningful solutions emerge not from uniformity, but from the respectful exchange of differing perspectives.
The Flinn-Brown Fellowship was created to nurture exactly that kind of dialogue—grounded in service, strengthened by knowledge, and propelled by connection. And each summer, with each new class, that vision is renewed.
So, as you savor the season—perhaps around a backyard grill or under a monsoon sky—I invite you to get to know the 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellows here and plan to meet them in person at the Flinn-Brown Convention on Aug. 15.
Welcome, 2025 Fellows. The civic season is officially underway.
Best,
Dawn
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.
If you missed a Fellows Spotlight, you can find them here.
Fellows Field Trips
You are invited to “A Day at the Vineyards,” a special Flinn-Brown Fellows gathering in the stunning setting of Southern Arizona’s wine country at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14.
Connect with Fellows from across the region, enjoy wine tastings, and gain insights into the Arizona wine industry from the Los Milics team.
2025 Flinn-Brown Convention
We are excited to share that the 2025 Flinn-Brown Convention will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, at On Jackson, 245 E. Jackson St., in Phoenix. Registration is now open.
Nominations for the annual Flinn-Brown Awards are open. To officially nominate a Fellow, submit the name of the nominee and a short description of about 50-100 words describing why the nominee should receive the award.
The Fellows Planning Committee has been hard at work developing the program for the Convention. Here are some highlights:
- Pre-Convention Reception on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the FOUND:RE Hotel. We will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 2015 cohort and present our Arizona Champion Awards.
- Morning yoga at the Flinn Foundation on Friday, Aug. 15, hosted by Sarah Rose Webber (Phoenix, 2017).
- We have secured a block of rooms at the FOUND:RE for out-of-town Fellows or local Fellows who attend the reception and want to shorten their commute on Convention Day. To book a room at the Flinn-Brown Convention exclusive rate ($119/night plus taxes and fees), visit foundrehotels.com and use the corporate code FLINN.
If you have any questions, please let Dawn or Jennifer know.
Fellows Directory Updates
We are printing new directories for the Flinn-Brown Convention, so please make sure your information is accurate and current by scanning the QR code or following this link. You can also upload a new headshot to this Google Drive folder.
Please let us know if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
Fellows Meet Fellows
Blake Sacha (Gilbert, 2017), the Honorable Christine Thompson, J.D. (Phoenix, 2017), Gina Roberts (Scottsdale, 2019), Avery Xola (Queen Creek, 2022), David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011), and Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016) attended the Arizona Civic Life Partnership launch of the Center for the Future of Arizona’s Civic Health Progress Meters.
The Honorable Cecilia McCollough (Wellton, 2018), Diana Gomez (Yuma, 2016), and Buna George (Yuma, 2023) attended the Greater Yuma Economic Development quarterly lunch.
These Fellows got the brown shoe memo! Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022), Carlos Alfaro (Scottsdale, 2024), Adam Goodman (Paradise Valley, 2023), and David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011) showed off their coordinated fashion statement at the Civic Champion Dinner.
Katelyn Harris Lange (Phoenix, 2020), Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011), Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo (Mesa, 2014), and Jaclyn Boyes (Phoenix, 2019) attended the Arizona Town Hall background report.
The Honorable Lori Matthews (Flagstaff, 2024), the Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015), and Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016) connected at the State Capitol.
The Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) and Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011) grabbed a selfie at the Yavapai Cattle Growers annual gala.
The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019) and Zach Yentzer (Marana, 2020) bumped into one another at the University of Arizona Mining Social License Summit.
The Honorable Ben Graff, J.D. (Phoenix, 2011) and Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. (Chandler, 2013) meet at the Champions of Change event.
Fellows Lists
Each month we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group or region. This month our focus is Fellows in Human Services.
You can find additional lists here.
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 Celebrating Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in June!
- Darcy Mentone (Tucson, 2022)
- Amanda Burke, Ed.D. (Phoenix, 2022)
- April Rhodes (Prescott, 2022)
- Megan Casey (Phoenix, 2013)
- Mark Davis (Phoenix, 2017)
- Vanessa Ruiz (Phoenix, 2024)
- Sophie Allen-Etchart (Phoenix, 2022)
- Shamia Lodge (Surprise, 2023)
- Julie Euber (Tucson, 2022)
- Carla Berg (Tempe, 2020)
- Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023)
- Trista Guzman Glover (Mesa, 2019)
- Bradley Williams (Alexandria, Virginia, 2019)
- Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo (Mesa, 2014)
- Jonathon Bates (Tempe, 2014)
- Lisa Schnebly Heidinger (Phoenix, 2012)
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 the Honorable Reetika Dhawan (Yuma, 2022).
“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.”
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.
Kevin Bonine, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2014) was elected to the Nominations and Leadership Development Committee for the Council of Undergraduate Research.
Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014) was featured on an AZ Political Podcast episode about political infighting.
Blaise Caudill (Phoenix, 2014) was interviewed for a KJZZ article about the official launch of the Efficiency Arizona rebate program which helps cover costs for energy efficient household upgrades including heat pumps and electric stoves.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) is a co-chair of the new Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, a bipartisan group committed to protecting wild horses and burros nationwide.
Tom Collins, J.D. (Tempe, 2025) and Gina Roberts (Scottsdale, 2019) are co-hosts of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission’s new podcast, Beyond the Ballot.
The Honorable Reetika Dhawan (Yuma, 2022) received the Community Champion Award from the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration at the Lighting Up the Future Awards Gala.
John Garcia III, Ed.L.D. (Washington, DC, 2012) is now Executive Director, Pathways Impact Fund at StriveTogether.
Tim Gomez (Phoenix, 2023) graduated from the ASU Leadership Institute Class 7.
The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) was featured in an ABC 15 news story about Gov. Hobbs signing Preston’s Law. He also provided commentary about the passing of HB 2074 which expands the School Safety Program and allows retired law enforcement officers to serve as safety officers in schools.
The Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014) and the Honorable Kell Palguta (Prescott Valley, 2019) issued proclamations recognizing May 13 as Falun Dafa Day in Chandler and Prescott Valley.
Stephanie Healy (Tucson, 2011) wrote an article in Herald/Review highlighting how small businesses in Cochise County are adopting emerging technologies, including AI-powered tools, to remain competitive and drive growth.
Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013) wrote an op-ed in Herald/Review regarding the Bisbee-Douglas International Airport and how improving the runway could bolster Cochise County’s economic growth when the new port of entry in Douglas is completed.
Shane Leonard (Richland, Washington, 2019) was appointed to the city of Richland’s Planning Commission and selected to serve on the U.S. State Department’s Columbia River Treaty advisory committee. He was also interviewed for an E&E News article regarding administration cuts to federal agencies.
Shamia Lodge (Surprise, 2023) released her first book, Contracts Over Convictions: How Indirect Hiring Creates Jobs, Grows Businesses, and Fuels the Economy. To learn more about the book or place a pre-order, click here.
The Honorable Adam Lopez Falk (Phoenix, 2022), TJ Mitchell, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024) and Christian Osmeña, Ed.D. (Phoenix, 2020) have been recognized as honorees for Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 under 40.
Claire Louge (Phoenix, 2023) was the keynote speaker at the Triumph Over Trauma Summit hosted at Laurel Ridge Community College.
John Molina, M.D. (Guadalupe, 2015) was featured in a Think Global Health article discussing how lower vaccination rates are impacting American Indian communities amidst a measles outbreak in the Southwest.
Mitchell Moore (Phoenix, 2014) is now the Chief Financial Officer for Friendly House.
The Honorable Sara Presler (Gilbert, 2011) was named one of the 22 most influential leaders in Arizona cannabis for 2025.
Chris Richardson (Scottsdale, 2022) is now a member of the Governor’s AI Steering Committee.
Melissa Sanderson (Phoenix, 2020) was a panelist at the Society of Environmental Journalists conference where she shared her perspective on the state of the mineral mining industry.
Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013) was featured in a Daily Independent article discussing the $50,000 grant the Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council received from Thunderbirds Charities to advance its leadership program.
Nick Staab, M.D. (Phoenix, 2024) was featured in a 12 News story about uncertainties surrounding future funding for Arizona’s heat plan.
Nancy Steele (Cottonwood, 2019) was interviewed for a 12 News story about the launch of the bird tracking system Motus in Flagstaff and Camp Verde.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) was interviewed by KTAR News about his client, a former Arizona Cardinals player who was wrongfully arrested and held at gunpoint by police at the Phoenix airport.
Alec Thomson (Phoenix, 2019) was interviewed for an AZ Family story about the expansion of online lottery couriers and regulatory challenges facing the industry.
Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024) and her business, Sonoran Stitch Factory, were recognized as a finalist for the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona Torch Awards for Ethics.
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 Phoenix Conservatory of Music is seeking applications for board members.
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 April 7, please see here.
Most Arizona counties and cities have boards and commissions with frequent vacancies. Check local websites for more opportunities.
If you have specific opportunities to share, let us know.
Career & Professional Opportunities
Aliento is accepting applications for the 2025-26 Arizona’s Future Fellowship. First priority deadline is June 15.
The Arizona Sustainability Alliance is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of growth, champion bold sustainability efforts, grow partnerships, and expand the funding portfolio.
The AZ Justice Project is hiring a Senior Litigation Attorney to supervise, train, and support pro bono and staff attorneys, legal interns, and fellows.
The 100 Club of Arizona is seeking a Philanthropy Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies to meet the financial goals of the organization.
The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity is accepting applications for a Sector Workforce Strategies & Grants Administrator to coordinate and execute the Workforce Arizona Council industry sector strategies.
The Adams Presidential Center is seeking an Executive Director to lead its Educating for American Democracy initiative.
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is seeking a Vice President for Community Impact.
Events & Conferences
Registration is open for the University of Arizona’s Center for Rural Health 51st Annual Rural Health Conference in Flagstaff June 3-4.
Arizona Town Hall’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Summit on Future Topics is June 18 in Tempe.
Central Arizona Project will host a CAP University: CAP 101 webinar on June 24.
Arizona Talks will host an Independence Day Celebration on June 28 at The Duce in Phoenix.
Registration opens soon for Local First Arizona’s Rural Policy Forum that will be held Aug. 6-8 in the Gila Valley.
AZ Impact for Good is hosting UNITE Conference + Transform Arizona at Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix on Aug. 20-21.
Registration opens in May for the 2025 League of Cities and Towns Conference to be held Aug. 19-22 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Join LISC Phoenix for its Annual Breakfast & Community Awards on Oct. 30 in Mesa.