Leadership & Achievement: Celebrating 2022 Women of Achievement

by RaeAnne Marsh

Many hard-fought gains for women in the business world were suspended, if not actually lost, through the COVID-19 pandemic. But we recognize the strengths women bring to the business world, which are proven in studies of businesses’ success in all segments of the economy. We have many strong and talented women in our community who may eschew the spotlight for themselves to … [More]

Mary Jane (MJ) Rynd

I’ve been told I inspire others by treating every person with care and kindness, with a spark in my eye conveying interest in them and what they are working on. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? There are several reasons that recognizing achievement is important. First, recognition inspires the recipient to keep working on things they care about, … [More]

Rachel Aja

A humble and consistent commitment to seek out different opinions, uplift my community, and encourage others to be their authentic selves. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Honoring achievement shines a light on the good work that is being done by people who often don’t seek recognition. When we recognize people for their achievements, no matter how … [More]

Patricia Garcia Duarte

My passion for fair and equitable housing opportunities inspires others. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? By honoring achievement and recognizing someone’s accomplishments, several important steps occur. First, achievements or accomplishments are typically in response to certain challenges that the community is experiencing. To honor someone’s success, … [More]

Kathleen Duffy

I operate from a place of trust, seeing and believing the best in others, oftentimes before they do. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Honoring achievement is to regard or treat someone with admiration and respect for something they have succeeded in doing, especially after much effort. Rarely do people achieve their dreams and goals overnight — it is … [More]

Debbie Esparza

I try to come into spaces as my authentic self, full of love and joy. This encourages others to share the lead and co-create. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Honoring achievement is important, and what is even more important to me at this stage in my life is being able to activate that achievement for the betterment of the community, not just for self. … [More]

Jackie Halleen

I strive to embody our company’s culture every day by leading by example and living our core values: innovation, trust, collaboration, ownership and engagement. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Achievement looks different to everyone. It could be one small action that contributes to the big picture of a project or, alternatively, a huge contribution … [More]

Sheila Kloefkorn

I’m driven to make the world a better, more empathetic place for all people. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Being named a 2022 Woman of Achievement is such an honor because of the women of tremendous achievements who received this award before me. These women are my idols, partners and my continued daily inspiration to make a difference in our … [More]

Jordan Rose

I love solving people’s problems and I am very clear that is my purpose in life. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? I find inspiration in those who are doing great things around our community. Hearing the stories and visions of our local leaders provides the jolt we often need to think outside the box and do more. Understanding our community from … [More]

Kim Ryder

I am admired for a fearless approach to life, a thirst for adventure and my relentless determination. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Honoring achievement is important to me because it motivates others to be better every day. As someone who enjoys mentoring others, I find great pride in sharing my time and knowledge with others. From my own experience, … [More]

Marsha Petrie Sue

My mission in life is to give back more than I’ve received and connect my head and heart with my mouth. I work on that statement every day through my public speaking, coaching, mentoring, and volunteering with many Arizona organizations. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Honoring achievement shows me that there are many people reaching out in our … [More]

Leanna Taylor

I’m told I inspire others by fearlessly addressing and working toward the resolution of systemic inequities that impact our community and empathy for all. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Honoring achievement is important for the inspiration it can provide to others around innovation, thought leadership and creating meaningful change.  But, just as … [More]

Cathleen Walker

I strive to be inclusive and open-minded in building relationships, to gather ideas from the broader team and empower them to make decisions. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? I believe it is important to recognize when someone is excelling in their field. Positive feedback makes people feel appreciated and valued as professionals, and it reinvigorates … [More]

Dionne Washington

Dionne’s passion and excitement to help others is inspiring. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? The single most important thing I have learned throughout my career is perseverance. Being a professional for the last 20 years, owning multiple businesses and starting a nonprofit required one common trait, and that was perseverance. I was able to tap into it … [More]

Christine K. Wilkinson

As the first woman in many of the professional positions I have held, I succeeded while coaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders, many of whom have been women. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Honoring achievement is an excellent opportunity to highlight individuals and organizations reaching goals and encouraging others to achieve their … [More]

Susan Wissink

I’d say that it’s all about my actions and not just my words — I’m a natural leader and mentor and, as a mother of three, I enjoy nurturing people and helping others. Why do you believe honoring achievement is important? Honoring achievement is important because it highlights the good work that people in our business community are doing and, hopefully, inspires others to … [More]

Mary Jane Rynd, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust

from Mary Jane Rynd

Every year, InMedia Company dedicates the September edition of In Business Magazine to celebrate women who are making a difference in our community. This year, the focus is women who demonstrate great business success and give back. I am honored to be this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree and to lead this issue of In Business Magazine celebrating some of the Valley’s most … [More]

Feedback: September 2022

by Mesha Davis, Kate Hickman, Eileen Rogers, Bahar Schippel

  Q: As a former Women of Achievement honoree, you’ve been recognized for outstanding leadership. Different times seem to call for different strengths, so what do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now? 2018 Woman of Achievement Mesha Davis  Chief Executive Officer Arizona Foundation for Women Given today’s climate on … [More]

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