Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community?
Honoring achievement matters because it shines a light on the good that’s happening, often quietly, in our organizations and communities. It reminds us that progress is possible and that people are making it happen every day. When we celebrate these moments, we not only recognize individual and collective effort, but we also inspire others to step forward with their ideas, energy and commitment. Celebrating achievement is more than recognition; it’s an invitation to keep building, together. That spirit of shared purpose is what strengthens our business community and creates lasting, meaningful impact.
What is the single most important thing you have learned throughout your career that would inspire others/other women?
The single most important thing I’ve learned throughout my career is this: You don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, if you try to have all the answers, it’s likely to get in your way. Leadership, at its core, is about building trust, staying curious and making space for the voices closest to the work.
Some of the most powerful insights come when we pause, listen and invite others in. For women, especially, there can be pressure to have it all figured out. What truly inspires and sustains leadership is a willingness to learn out loud, lead with humility and create room for shared wisdom. That’s where confidence grows — not from certainty, but from connection.
What do you think we can do – now – to make a difference for young people/women in Arizona?
We can make a difference for young people in Arizona by creating more space to truly listen to them. The world they’re growing up in is changing fast — socially, technologically and culturally. As a mom to a seven-year-old daughter, I’m struck by how different her world already is from mine in the ’90s. Our kids are navigating challenges we never faced, and they carry wisdom we can learn from — if we make the time to hear them.
Young people need to feel seen, valued and supported to thrive. That starts with listening, but it doesn’t end there. It means building systems and communities that reflect their needs and dreams, and surrounding them with love, guidance and opportunities that help them grow. When we invest in their voices, we unlock their power, and that shapes a stronger future for all of us.
In A Few Words
- What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Cliftonstrengths
- What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Connection
- What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Curiosity
- What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Communication
- What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Ensuring all students have access to an excellent education.
About Me
Born and raised in Arizona, Lauren Arndt began her journey with Teach For America as a 2010 corps member. Teaching middle school for five years in both New York and Arizona deeply shaped her belief in every student’s potential and the power of community to create change.
Arndt serves as the executive director of TFA Phoenix, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience. Known for her collaborative style and commitment to building strong partnerships, she lives in Phoenix with her husband and two children, who inspire her daily dedication to expanding opportunity for students in Arizona.
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