"If I can do it, anyone can do it. Just believe in yourself and never stop learning."Growing up, I was always fascinated with animals and spent hours watching “Wild Kingdom.” My dream was that someday I would be able work with animals myself. I even filled several spiral notebooks with notes from everything I learned. My best thoughts came out when I wrote them down. I really … [More]
Cara M. Christ, M.D.
"I hope passionate individuals see opportunity in public service — in my case, starting as a front-line epidemiologist and now leading this dedicated, inspiring team."As director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, Cara Christ, M.D., M.S., leads a dynamic team responsible for leading Arizona’s public health system, which includes responding to disease outbreaks, … [More]
Sherri Collins
"I am spreading the message to the Arizona community and to society in general what life is like when you’re deaf; my goal is that every child who is hard of hearing, deaf or deafblind has full access to language and the opportunity to lead a successful life."Sherri Collins is the executive director of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, a position she … [More]
Lisa Dancsok
"I am passionate about the work, I push for perfection, and I value every team member I am privileged to work with."Lisa Dancsok was named the chief brand and impact officer for the Arizona Community Foundation in May 2017. She moved from Michigan to Arizona for her dream job. This position enables her to work for a statewide community foundation where she leads ACF’s strategic … [More]
Frances J. Ducar, FNP-C
"Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives. I strive to be a mentor for all HCS team members and provide exceptional healthcare for my patients to assist them to live a life of optimal health — building relationships with trust, honesty and integrity!"Frances Ducar is the founder and president of Healthcare Solutions … [More]
Sybil Francis, Ph.D.
"Leave the world better than you found it, don’t accept the status quo, open your mind to new thinking and new ways of doing what you once thought impossible or too bold to imagine."Sybil Francis, Ph.D., was part of the founding team of the Center for the Future of Arizona and was appointed president and CEO in 2018. Dr. Francis brings her passion for creating positive change, … [More]
Rachel Frazier Johnson
"I believe my passion, courage and tenacity coupled with my desire to help those in our community who have been marginalized have been an inspiration for others. "Rachel Frazier Johnson is an accomplished attorney, a formidable pro tem judge and a successful business owner. Her private law practice, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, was established in 2013 is still serving the … [More]
Angela Hughey
"I have a clear vision that is inviting and engaging and starts with meeting people where they are at and valuing each individual’s contributions to our collective goal. "Angela Hughey is the co-founder and president of ONE Community and ONE Community Foundation. Founded in 2008, ONE Community is the coalition of socially responsible businesses and organizations moving … [More]
Chevy Humphrey
"I work for others to make things a little better every day for my community, for the organizations I serve and for the people I come in contact with."Chevy Humphrey is the first Black American to lead a science center in the United States. Since 2005, Humphrey has been president and CEO of Arizona Science Center. While there, Humphrey has created a strong, well-run nonprofit … [More]
Christine Mackay
“I want to encourage others to grow by their reaching further and achieving the exceptional.”“Every day I have the privilege of helping to build our city of the future for businesses and residents,” says Phoenix Community and Economic Development Director Christine Mackay.Mackay has served the people of Phoenix since August 2014. She is responsible for leading and fostering an … [More]
Jenny Poon
"I am a born and bred Asian-American generating substantial economic impact while positively contributing to the greater society, and I wouldn’t be here without my hard-working parents who were refugee immigrants."Jenny Poon is a serial entrepreneur and founder of CO+HOOTS. Ranked the No. 4 co-working space in the U.S. by Inc.com, CO+HOOTS currently houses more than 280 scaling … [More]
Eileen Rogers
"Creating adventure and community impact, all while leading my business, I’ve blended travel, family, mentorship and feminist advocacy into a life of joy and meaning. "I’ve loved my life and career as an entrepreneur and community leader in Arizona. The original plan in college was to become a more traditional corporate executive working globally in a large organization. Life … [More]
Lisa Urias
"As a fourth generation Arizona Latina, my life’s mission is to bridge the divide between multicultural markets and corporations/governments to build mutual benefit and respect."After more than 15 years in international marketing and communications, Lisa Urias founded her advertising and public relations agency, Urias Communications, in 2006. The agency provides strategic … [More]
Jeri Williams
"As a professional woman in a historically male-dominated field, I believe many look to me as an example of progress they desire for career success."Jeri L. Williams was appointed police chief of the Phoenix Police Department in October 2016. She leads the largest police agency in the State of Arizona, which is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the fifth … [More]
Funding the Effects of the Pandemic to Grow Business
Business is the lifeblood of any economy. Small businesses are said to be the fuel that any strong economy runs on. That thinking has, until earlier this year, been what we have proven — making Greater Phoenix one of the top places to be in business. We are fortunate to have some of the stories of those who have received funding to get them through the toughest of times in … [More]
Injecting Funds to Sustain Our Economy
Many are stepping up, but these funding partners are doing the hard work to provide immediate help through relief grants and other programs. While some of these organizations regularly grant funds, there is no question that the volume — both in number of grants and amount of funds — is a lot to manage and disburse. Overwhelmed staff changed policies, and the urgency of doing it … [More]
Great Impact: Funding Businesses and Nonprofits to Sustain Our Economy
Our community has stepped up to the plate to help businesses of all sizes — it always has. This economic downturn is among the worst we have seen. No one could have anticipated a time in modern America when business would be asked to simply shut down. Prior to the pandemic, our economy was stronger than most other states in the country. From population growth to property … [More]
Returning to Work after Beating COVID-19
Receiving a positive coronavirus diagnosis can be scary. After I was diagnosed, I knew that people’s perceptions would change, because this is such a misunderstood virus. I was confident in my health and the fact that I could take the precautions necessary, but I didn’t immediately think about how the diagnosis would impact me beyond the two weeks of illness. I spent … [More]
