Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
This week, while taping a podcast with a Flinn-Brown Fellow (who also happens to be our spotlight this month), I was caught off guard by a moment that was far more meaningful than I expected. After we wrapped up our conversation, he removed the necklace he had been wearing, a beautiful Ojo de Venado made in the colors of his tribe, and handed it to me as a thank you for our time together. His gift felt like more than just a token of appreciation. It seemed like a quiet invitation to explore his traditions more deeply and connect with a culture I was just beginning to understand.
He explained that the Ojo de Venado, or “Deer’s Eye,” is an amulet traditionally used in Indigenous and Latin American cultures as a symbol of spiritual protection. It is made from the seed of the ojo de venado plant and is often used to safeguard individuals — especially children — from harm or illness. The seed itself represents the strength and vigilance of the deer, an animal known for its grace and survival instincts.
I was born to immigrants from the Middle East, and though I am now a Catholic convert, the various cultures that have shaped my life are rich with traditions centered around protective symbols. As a child, my devout grandfather gifted each of his grandchildren gold necklaces inscribed with the word “Allah,” symbolizing the divine presence and the eternal battle between good and evil. When I later converted to Catholicism, I received a Saint Christopher medallion, commonly worn for protection, especially during travel. Despite their distinct cultural and religious origins, these symbols share a common purpose: to offer protection from harm, both spiritual and physical.
In a time when division and uncertainty dominate so much of our world, the need for physical and emotional safety has never felt more urgent. Whether seeking protection from illness, violence, or the anxiety of feeling out of place, many of us find ourselves vulnerable. Cultural and political divides can leave people feeling alienated and misunderstood. Yet, symbols like the Ojo de Venado, the Saint Christopher medal, or my grandfather’s gold necklace are more than just tokens—they remind us of our shared humanity and collective desire for safety and peace. These small gestures of protection offer more than comfort; they have the power to bridge divides and remind us that, even in a fractured world, we are not so different after all.
Thank you, Fred, for a gift I’ll never forget.
Speaking of the Podcast
We just wrapped up our 13th episode of the Leadership Forward for a Better Arizona podcast, and we’d love to feature more of you as guests! It’s a great opportunity to share your story, highlight the work you’re doing, and inspire others in the Flinn-Brown community. Whether you’re involved in policy, business, or another impactful field, we want to hear from you. If you’re interested in joining us for an episode, let us know. We’d be excited to have you on the podcast!
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
Alfred Urbina
Attorney General
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
“Most of my uncles worked in mines from Southeastern Arizona all the way to Southern Arizona and the rest of my family were farm workers, picking cotton and fruit in Southern Arizona. It’s interesting because that part of my family and the blue-collar aspects of it is really what makes me who I am…My roots make me who I am today. I am a servant, but I am also a husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, and part-time caretaker of three rescue dogs.” – Alfred Urbina
Alfred Urbina’s first job was as a paperboy for the Arizona Daily Star when he was in the third grade. He continued to work through high school as a busboy while he dreamed of becoming an attorney, but he believed those dreams were “out of reach.”
Urbina is now Attorney General of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
Urbina’s life has been shaped by the resilience of his blue-collar family that comes from South Tucson and has made their livings by working in Arizona’s copper mines and cotton fields in places such as Marana, Sahuarita, and Continental.
His family instilled in him the importance of hard work and the value of “aguantar,” a Spanish term meaning to endure.
“This, my mother’s prayers, and the wonderful teachers at Tucson Unified School District and Pueblo High School gave me the foundation I needed to become the leader I am today.”
Urbina met his wife when he was 17 and joined the military when he was 18. It was difficult as a private in the U.S. Army supporting his family, but he was proud to follow the path of his uncles and grandfathers and become a third-generation veteran.
After five years in the military, Urbina’s calling to serve did not fade and he decided to go to college, searching for a route that would help him serve his community to the best of his ability.
“I knew I wanted to represent people. I had a strong leaning of wanting to do work in the criminal justice field. So, I used my GI Bill and started going to Pima College and also used a tribal scholarship at the same time to support my family, but also to put me through school.”
Urbina earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice while also working as a police officer to support his family.
“My thought process was that I could retire in law enforcement, or I could go to a federal agency like the Border Patrol or Customs and finish my federal time and retire or something like that. But I also had this thought that I would eventually end up in law school.”
Urbina believes that his mother’s prayers were what helped him achieve that goal
“So, I saw a newspaper article of a colleague that had graduated from law school and was going to start working for the tribe. I told my wife, ‘Look, I’ll go talk to this guy and figure out how to get into law school.’” he said.
“My mom made a promise, and I made a promise to God, and to the Virgin Guadalupe, and San Francisco (St. Francis), that if I did well, my “manda,” (promise) would be to walk this pilgrimage to Magdalena, Sonora, from Nogales, Arizona, and that I’d give back. I truly believe that there was divine intervention based on faith and prayer.”
Urbina passed the bar exam and secured a job at the Pascua Yaqui Prosecutor’s Office. A few years later he was able to complete his pilgrimage walks to San Xavier Mission and a mission in Magdalena.
Urbina believes that his tribe, and others, are still healing from generational trauma that will take decades to undo, but he knows that through laws and investment in tribal resources, progress will be made. He can see that progress through things as small as the new sidewalks in the Pascua Yaqui community that allow mothers to push their strollers on smooth surfaces rather than the bumpy road.
Native American history is something that Urbina hopes is implemented more in Arizona civic education. Urbina believes educating people on the cultures of the indigenous peoples will close a gap.
“A lot of times civic education leaves out tribal history and it’s not incorporated as part of that topic. If you understand civically how a county and a state run, you should also understand how that intersects with the federal jurisdiction and tribal jurisdiction. It makes sense that it happens in schools, but also in programs like Flinn-Brown.”
If you missed a Fellows Spotlight, you can find them here.
Leadership Forward – A Better Arizona
October’s podcast will feature a conversation with political strategists Daniel Scarpinato and Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014) as they share their insights into the evolving political landscape of Arizona. From election strategies to policy trends, they will explore the key factors shaping the state’s political future, as well as their unique perspectives from working on both sides of the aisle.
View past episode details on our website, listen on our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast or any of the platforms below.
Upcoming CivEx
Building Change-Ready Teams in an Uncertain World
Thank you to everyone who joined our CivEx on Wednesday, Sept. 25, featuring Flinn-Brown Fellow Catherine Alonzo (Phoenix, 2013). This session was specifically tailored for Flinn-Brown Fellows eager to expand their toolkit and apply their existing knowledge and experience to prepare for and respond to change.
Following this introductory workshop, Catherine will lead an intensive, full-day, in-person workshop at the Flinn Foundation on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The session will delve deeper into the critical skill of preparing for and responding to change. Participants will be introduced to essential tools needed to navigate change effectively, with hands-on activities designed to help you develop at least one of these tools. The workshop fee is $25. If you are interested, you can register here.
If you have an idea for a CivEx webinar that you would like to host or a topic you would like to learn more about, contact Dawn.
Meet the Candidates: Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors
A webinar featuring candidates for the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors (CAWCD) was held Monday, Sept. 30. In 2024, the five seats up for election are in Maricopa County.
The webinar was made possible through a partnership between the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation.
A recording of this session will be available on our website.
If you have an idea for a CivEx webinar that you would like to host or a topic you would like to learn more about, contact Dawn.
Save the Date
Please mark your calendars for the book release of 2013 Flinn-Brown Fellow Teniqua Broughton’s “My Leader My Self” on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Flinn Foundation.
Join us for an inspiring lunch event where you’ll hear from the author, explore the themes of leadership and personal growth, and celebrate this exciting release. Invitations will arrive in your inbox shortly.
Fellows Meet Fellows
There were so many Fellows at the League of Cities and Towns Conference that not all of them could be in the picture! Seen here: the Honorable Austin Aslan (Flagstaff, 2024), Sue Sisley, M.D. (Scottsdale, 2011), Rodney Short (Yuma, 2024), the Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), the Honorable Matt Herman(Casa Grande, 2019), Eric Gudiño (Phoenix, 2012), the Honorable Fernando Shipley (Globe, 2011), the Honorable Laura Dorrell (Clifton, 2017), the Honorable Tim Elinski (Cottonwood, 2013), the Honorable Michelle Hess (Buckeye, 2013), Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011), the Honorable Tara Walter (Florence, 2024), Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018), the Honorable Brannon Hampton (Goodyear, 2022), the Honorable Lori Matthews (Flagstaff, 2024), the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), the Honorable Julie Spilsbury (Mesa, 2023), Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014), the Honorable Cameron Moses (Lake Havasu City, 2024), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023), and the Honorable Jennfier Pawlik (Chandler, 2018).
CAP Fellows Charlinda Haudley (Tucson, 2022), the Honorable Benjamin Graff (Phoenix, 2011), and Megan Casey (Phoenix, 2013) spent some time at the League conference.
The Honorable Tara Walter (Florence, 2024), Mayor of Florence, staffed her city’s booth at the Showcase of Cities to close out the League conference.
The Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017), the Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018), the Honorable Christine Thompson (Phoenix, 2017), Risha VanderWey, Ed.D. (Mayer, 2018), the Honorable Sherri Jones (San Tan Valley, 2022), and the Honorable Monica Timberlake (Quartzsite, 2022) learned allthe attended the Arizona School Boards Association conference.
Tucson Fellows Chris Stoller (Tucson, 2015), Tina Dorsey (Tucson, 2024), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023) and Nicole Barraza (Tucson, 2020) tuned in to the State of the District for Congressional District 6.
Jaime Dempsey (Phoenix, 2013), the Honorable Tim Elinski (Cottonwood, 2013), and Lisa Urias (Phoenix, 2011) ”Flinn-Browned” things up at the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
Christian Osmeña (Phoenix, 2020), Katelyn Harris Lange (Phoenix, 2020), Carlos Alfaro (Scottsdale, 2024), Judah Waxelbaum (Scottsdale, 2024), and Claire Louge (Phoenix, 2023) meet at the Arizona Talks State of Childcare event.
New Fellow Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024) was excited to meet one of the OG Fellows, Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011), at the Tucson Metro Chamber Good Morning Tucson breakfast.
Fellows Field Trips
Paul Perrault, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2016) is inviting all Flinn-Brown Fellows to a Tuesday, Nov. 12, convening featuring a panel discussion with Fellows engaged in PreK-12 education policy.
The event will be held from 3-5 p.m. in the Vince Roig Convening Center at the Helios Education Foundation in Phoenix, followed by a networking reception.
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. This month we focus on Fellows who serve on statewide boards or commissions.
While we try very hard to keep up to date on Fellows’ activities, we recognize that we may have missed someone. Please let Dawn 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 twice a year (July and December). 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 August!
- Peter Huisking (Pasadena, Calif., 2015)
- Brad Kendrex (Queen Creek, 2018)
- Nancy Steele (Cottonwood, 2019)
- Daniel Palm (Tucson, 2020)
- Chris Richardson (Scottsdale, 2022)
- The Honorable Monica Timberlake (Quartzsite, 2022)
- Kim Madrigal, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2022)
- Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022)
- Alanna Riggs (Saint David, 2022)
- Beya Thayer (Flagstaff, 2023)
- Jose Arias (Tucson, 2023)
- Buna George (Yuma, 2023)
- Lorraine Stofft (Yuma, 2024)
- The Honorable Tara Walter (Florence, 2024)
- Emily Steiner, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024)
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 Network library about public-policy issues, the practice of leadership, professional development, and other areas worth sharing. This month’s recommendation comes from Fred Urbina (Tucson, 2013).
Understanding the Arizona Constitution’ by Toni McClory
“It would be great for Fellows; it’s a really cool book, easy to read, and it makes it easier to understand what’s happening today in Arizona. It doesn’t only relate to the history of the Constitution, but also the different departments and how they impact things.”
Unreal City: Las Vegas, Black Mesa, and the Fate of the West by Judith Nies
“It would be great for Fellows; it’s a really cool book, easy to read, and it makes it easier to understand what’s happening today in Arizona. It doesn’t only relate to the history of the Constitution, but also the different departments and how they impact things.”
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.
The Honorable Arlene Alen (Walla Walla, Wash., 2013) has been appointed to Washington state’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee.
Elaine Becherer (Tucson, 2023) was appointed to the Hance Park Conservancy Board of Trustees, and presented on the adaptive reuse of a historic building at the California Preservation Foundation Annual state-wide conference.
The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019) has been elected Vice President of the League of Cities and Towns Conference. In December, she will receive a special citation at the 42nd Annual American Mining Hall of Fame Awards Banquet sponsored by the Mining and Minerals Education Foundation for her notable contributions to the advancement of the mining industry.
Quintin Boyce, Ed.D. (Chandler, 2020) has been appointed to the Arizona K12 Center Board of Directors and the Board of Directors for Read Better Be Better.
Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011) is quoted in this article about USDA supporting specialty crop growers in Arizona.
Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014) joined Paul Bentz and Mark Brodie on KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap to discuss how the presidential debate played out in Arizona.
The Honorable Tammy Caputi (Scottsdale, 2019) breaks down the logistics of Prop. 490 in this article.
Blaise Caudill (Phoenix, 2014) is quoted in this article discussing oil company regulations and gas prices.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) paid a visit to the town of Pima to see where a $34 million new high school will be built. The new intersection at the site is being built using $1 million from a fund Ciscomani helped to push through.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) reflected on problem-solving throughout the state in regard to the Arizona Voters’ Agenda in this piece.
The Honorable Reetika Dhawan (Yuma, 2022) has been named a finalist for the 2024 Broadband Nation Award.
John Garcia III (Washington, D.C., 2012) is now Senior Policy Advisor, CHIPS for America at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Adriana Garcia Maximiliano (Phoenix, 2019) wrote an opinion piece on the state of the Great Bend of the Gila and what needs to be done to protect it.
Tim Gomez (Phoenix, 2023) is a part of the Class 7 cohort of the 2024-25 ASU Leadership Institute.
Tony Gonzales, J.D. (Chandler, 2011) is featured in this article about a milestone he and his friend have hit with their anti-scorpion invention.
The Honorable Matthew Gress (Phoenix, 2015) released a statement on the Santa Cruz County Treasurer financial investigation. Read his statement here.
The Honorable Daniel Hernandez, Jr. (Tucson, 2011) spoke with Center Square Arizona about the DNC as well as the border and gun violence. Watch his interviews here.
Douglas Hockstad (Oro Valley, 2022) is quoted in this article about the purchase of technology firm, NeuroID, by Experian.
Matthew Isiogu (Phoenix, 2016) was selected for Phoenix Business Journal’s 2024 Class of 40 Under 40.
Pete Kim (Scottsdale, 2023) was elected Vice Chair of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority board.
Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016) has been appointed to the Coconino Community College Foundation Board of Directors.
The Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011) participated in an annual bilingual storyteller’s event hosted by Arizona Storytellers, Tempe Center for the Arts. Read more about the event here.
Alberto Olivas (Phoenix, 2011) discusses the anxiety surrounding voting for the first time in this article.
Stacy Reinstein (Phoenix, 2012) examined childcare and early education challenges at a Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry policy panel.
Gina Roberts (Scottsdale, 2019) is quoted in this article about Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake agreeing to a Senate debate.
Sarah Rose Webber (Scottsdale, 2017) is an Arizona Capitol Times 2024 Leader of the Year in Public Policy winner. Read more about the award here.
Adelaida Severson, Ph.D. (Gilbert, 2020) led the community fundraising effort for the new HD SOUTH expansion building in Gilbert. Read more about her efforts here.
Nick Staab, M.D. (Phoenix, 2024) is quoted in this article explaining the recent outbreak of listeria across the nation.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) spoke with 12News about a recent lawsuit that a Valley couple filed against the Scottsdale police.
Alec Thomson (Phoenix, 2019) is quoted in this article announcing Arizona Lottery’s decision to extend the company’s existing contract for advanced enterprise systems through Scientific Games.
The Honorable Monica Timberlake (Quartzsite, 2022) wrote an opinion piece for HavasuNews.com about Arizona’s senate race.
Lisa Urias (Phoenix, 2011) is quoted in this article discussing the recent rebranding Arizona has undergone.
Jason Zibart (Benson, 2024) is now the Director of Community Health & Engagement at Benson Hospital.
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:
- Information Technology Authorization Committee
- Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct
- Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission
- Trial Court Appointments Commission
The Governor’s Office has more than 200 boards and commissions. Applications are accepted through this standard application. To apply, complete the application on the website. For a list of vacancies, 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
ASU Watt’s College and the School of Public Affairs is seeking community partners in the Spring 2025 Next Generation Service Corps Community Impact Lab.
LISC Phoenix is hiring a Program Officer for Housing to provide financial and technical assistance to community development partners.
PACE (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement) is searching for a new President and CEO to lead the organization.
Vitalyst Health Foundation has a position open for Program Manager, Learning and Evaluation.
Builders Network Inc. is seeking a Head of Partnerships & Network Mobilizations to build the infrastructure to grow and activate a scaled, on-the-ground volunteer network of citizens advancing its mission.
Arizona Community Foundation is looking for a Vice President, Community Engagement & Impact.
Per Scholas is seeking a Senior Manager, Professional Development to conduct comprehensive career development training sessions.
GLSEN is hiring an Arizona Chapter Director to focus on statewide organizing efforts.
Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children is seeking a Development Manager to play a key role in fueling the organization’s growth.
The Children’s Action Alliance is hiring an Economic Policy Analyst for Arizona Center for Economic Progress.
The SciTech Institute has positions open for an AZ STEM Ecosystem Project Manager, a Workforce Development Coordinator, and a Chief Scientist International Program Coordinator.
Social Ventures Partners Tucson is looking for a President and CEO to provide strategic and tactical leadership.
Events & Conferences
The University of Arizona Zuckerman College of Public Health is hosting a reception, Ending Pandemics: A Global Health Revolution, on Oct. 2 to introduce the Ending Pandemics Academy.
The 11th Arizona Health Equity Conference will be held Oct. 10 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix.
Instituto will hold Turning the Page: Instituto Community Celebration, Oct. 19tat Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Phoenix.
Arizona SciTech Institute is hosting the 2024 STEM & Innovation Summit Oct. 22at the Arizona Science Center.
Arizona Emerging Leaders presents Advancing Equity Internally: Fostering Cultures of Collective Care and Belonging on Oct. 23.
The 4th Trimester Arizona Ecosystem will host the inaugural Arizona Maternal & Child Health Workforce and Policy Summit on Oct. 24.
Arizona Tax Research Association will host the 2024 ATRA Outlook Conference Nov. 15 at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort.
Common Sense Institute will hold its Free Enterprise Summit Jan. 9 in Phoenix.