“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]
Lauren Arndt
Executive Director, Teach for America
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 … [More]
Denise D. Resnik
Founder and CEO, DRA Collective; Founder and CEO, First Place AZ; Co-Founder, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center – Linda M. Herold Lifetime Achievement
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Much can be gained by individuals, teams and industries from celebrating achievement when we understand what’s required to succeed and share valuable lessons learned along the way. Both hitting a home run or falling short of expectations can create resiliency, inform next steps, build character … [More]
Are Climate-Related Disclosure Laws on the Horizon?
Arizona businesses with a California presence should pay attention to California climate-related disclosure laws
Over the last few years, California enacted climate-related disclosure laws that may impact Arizona companies doing business in our neighboring state. Compliance with these laws is required to start in 2026, and Arizona businesses should be aware. Specifically, there are two broad categories of mandated climate-related disclosures under California law. First, companies may … [More]
Valley-Based Bank to Retire Six Division Bank Brands, Bringing Alignment
Western Alliance Bank unveiled plans to unite all of the Bank’s divisions under the Western Alliance Bank brand. By year-end, six division bank brands – Alliance Association Bank, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, Bridge Bank, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank – will take on the Western Alliance Bank name. The Bank’s AmeriHome Mortgage subsidiary and its … [More]
