Every business leader, whether running a startup or managing a global enterprise, encounters moments when the path forward feels blocked. A product underperforms. A key employee leaves. A regulation changes overnight. And suddenly, what once seemed like a sure thing becomes a problem to solve — or, worse, a setback to survive. It’s easy to view these moments as … [More]
William Johnston: From Farm Rows to Vertical Mixed-Use
Epicenter visionary anchors decisions in first principles
When supply chains seized, inspections shifted without warning, and a few would-be tenants walked away during the pandemic, William Johnston didn’t flinch. He recalibrated. The CEO of Johnston & Co. tightened communication with equity partners and retailers, reworked timelines, and kept the bar high on design and fit. That resolve had already been tested in late 2017, when … [More]
Why Incorporate Skills-Based Volunteering into Corporate Social Responsibility
Businesses generate three-way benefit
Volunteering in today’s world looks very different from earlier times. It is more than just a one-off event. Both employees and communities expect companies to be involved in meaningful giving — whether through valued partnerships with aligned nonprofit partners or through volunteerism with tangible results. One of the strongest ways for businesses to position themselves as … [More]
Joe Stockunas Eyes Growth Opportunities for SEMICON West
The SEMI Americas president focuses on attendance, relevance and – in 2025 – on Phoenix
When Joe Stockunas talks about SEMI, he doesn’t sound like someone running a trade association. He sounds like an industry guy who’s spent decades in the trenches and knows how hard it is to get things done. That’s because he is. Before joining SEMI Americas, Stockunas spent more than 30 years leading businesses at Air Products and Nordson, working directly with customers and … [More]
Growth and Opportunity: Honoring Our 2025 Women of Achievement
“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” —Oprah Winfrey Does growth engender opportunity, or is the inverse true? The two are intrinsically tied to each other, and, as Oprah suggests, taking or making opportunities to grow is necessary for success. This year’s Women of Achievement honorees exemplify this — not only in themselves but in their … [More]
Tina Marie Tentori
Director of Community Affairs, APS; Executive Director, APS Foundation
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Honoring achievement is more than celebrating success — it’s a powerful affirmation of values like perseverance, innovation and purpose-driven leadership. Recognition inspires others to aim higher, take bold risks and lead with heart. It also offers a moment to reflect — to pause; look back; and … [More]
Amy E. Patel
Arizona Office Tax Managing Partner, Deloitte Arizona
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Honoring achievement is important because it recognizes effort, perseverance and resilience while reinforcing the values that drive success. When people’s accomplishments are acknowledged, it validates the hard work they have invested and builds confidence to keep striving toward greater goals. … [More]
Allison Otu, MBA
Executive Director of Marketing, Communications and Events; Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Honoring achievement is essential as it celebrates the leaders whose hard work, time, talent and treasure make our community stronger every day. Recognition not only acknowledges their long hours and commitment to service but also creates a powerful ripple effect — inspiring mentees and young … [More]
Titina Pacheco
Chef, Titina’s Culinary Experiences
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Honoring those in our community is a special way of recognizing each person’s abilities, achievements and successes, no matter how small. We need to see the good in everyone and more people will follow their dreams. What is the single most important thing you have learned throughout your career … [More]
Marcia Mintz
President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Honoring achievement can drive organizations forward to improve performance and innovation. It celebrates the achievements of individuals and teams, and the multiple factors that define success. It acknowledges excellence and shares the story and lessons of accomplishments. Recognition programs … [More]
Linda Little
Region President, iHeartMedia Markets Group
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? As women in leadership, we know that growth doesn’t just happen — it’s something we actively pursue. We’re constantly looking for ways to stretch, evolve and lead with greater impact. And one of the most powerful ways we do that is by learning from each other. When we hear about the achievements … [More]
Jessyca Leach
CEO, Prisma Community Care
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Honoring achievement matters because it shines a light on the quiet work that often goes unseen but profoundly changes communities. Recognition validates not only the person but also the values of perseverance, creativity and resilience they bring forward. When we pause to celebrate achievement, … [More]
Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman
Founder and CEO, Inside Out Learning, Inc.
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? As women leaders, we often run from meeting to meeting, event to event and accomplish task after task. We are amazing human “doing machines.” I often look at what we accomplish in just one day of our work, families and communities and I ask, “How do we do it?” It is important that we take time … [More]
Jami Kozemczak
Executive Director, Ballet Arizona
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Honoring achievement is more than recognition — it is a catalyst for inspiration and progress and a platform to exemplify gratitude. When we celebrate excellence, perseverance and vision, we affirm that these qualities matter and are worth striving for. For women especially, public recognition … [More]
Susie Ingold
President, Burch & Cracchiolo
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? I think honoring achievement is important because it inspires individuals and teams to continue striving for excellence. These acknowledgements build confidence and a sense of pride, motivating everyone to aim higher. Recognizing and honoring achievements also cultivates a supportive environment … [More]
Kim Ho
Vice President of Sales, evolvedMD
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? In most of our everyday lives, we have difficulty stopping for even one extra moment. Taking an afternoon to celebrate our achievements — never. So, for us to have the ability to shine a light on the impactful work that so many are doing can truly become a distinction that honors the memory of … [More]
Leslie Dashew
Chairman, Aspen Family Business Group
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? The Scottish definition of leadership is “to show the way by going first.” When we recognize women who have accomplished what others did not think possible, we inspire others to take the leap of faith. Their courage and determination show the way and serve as role models for new paths. An example … [More]
Michele Berg
Senior Advisor, CEO of Communications Operations; Evernorth, a subsidiary of The Cigna Group
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Celebrating achievements is essential because it recognizes the dedication, creativity and perseverance that help us grow. When we acknowledge success, we create a positive environment of vitality where everyone feels inspired to innovate, collaborate, and reach higher standards. By celebrating … [More]
