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 elevate our business community by bringing us together to learn from each other, establish meaningful collaboration and collectively commit to excellence and doing more to benefit everyone.
What is the single most important thing you have learned throughout your career that would inspire others/other women?
One of the most important lessons I have learned and experienced firsthand is to proactively cultivate strong mentor relationships. The advice and counsel I have received from mentors in my life has significantly impacted my diverse career and opened opportunities I would not have otherwise had.
Success and leadership are not achieved in isolation. It is reached by surrounding yourself with strong and supportive networks and knowing who you are, what you are good at and what you are not good at. Always take the time to invest in developing yourself both professionally and personally.
Finally, I have truly learned that the more you support and help others, the more you will develop and grow to become the leader you are meant to be.
What do you think we can do – now – to make a difference for young people/women in Arizona?
We must invest now in comprehensive programs and services for young people ages 5–21 to ensure we have a viable, successful, and sustainable community and state. This includes disrupting current service models and delivering innovative and creative programs to meet young people where they are today.
It is imperative that we work collaboratively, not competitively, to use the limited resources we have as efficiently as possible. Public/private partnerships will help accelerate growth and innovation. We must ensure academic success, food security, mental health, and life and workforce readiness to empower economic mobility for the next generation. There needs to be urgency around supporting and investing in young people. If not, the long-term ripple effect would take decades or a lifetime to overcome — or we might never overcome it.
In A Few Words
- What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Leading Strategic Change at MIT Sloan Executive Education Program
- What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Connecting
- What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Patience
- What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Vitality. Ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare across Arizona’s diverse communities.
About Me
I have been in my current role for nine years and have more than 30 years of global and national corporate and nonprofit experience.
Previously, I served as president of JCL Health Foundation and SVP of Community Benefit for HonorHealth. Earlier in my career, I worked in the Bay Area creating partnerships for a multi-use residential and recreational campus, and worked eight years in global program development in Latin America, Cuba, Europe and the Baltic States.
I am a member of ASU President’s Community Council, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor’s Advisory Committee, Arizona School of the Arts Foundation and Greater Phoenix Leadership.
