Valley Leadership Names 75th Arizona Leaders of the Year

Juanita “Nita” Francis, Vince Roig, and Calvin Goode will be Valley Leadership’s 75^th Arizona Leaders of the Year, formally known as Man & Woman of the Year. The three were selected because of their commitment to addressing Arizona’s most pressing issues, track record of community engagement, and alignment with Valley Leadership’s Principles of Doing.

To celebrate the 75th year of this prestigious honor, the event has been renamed from Man & Woman of the Year to Arizona Leaders of the Year to be more inclusive and aligned with the vision and mission of Valley Leadership.

Francis, Roig, and Goode will be recognized at the 75th Arizona Leaders of the Year Awards Reception hosted by John and Kathleen Graham on November 21, 2024 at the Paradise Valley Country Club. Tickets are now available.

We are grateful to this year’s presenting sponsor, Sprout’s Healthy Community Foundation, for their support of the event and Valley Leadership’s work overall in the community.

About the Honorees

Juanita “Nita” Francis RN, MBA, currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Arizona State University Foundation Board and is a Life Director of the University of Illinois Foundation Board. 

Juanita F. Francis, RN, MBA, has dedicated her life to advancing healthcare and education. With a career that began in Illinois, Ohio, and Massachusetts as a women’s health nurse, Nita has always been deeply committed to improving the well-being of others. In 1998, she moved to Arizona, where she continued her impactful work at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix campus and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Throughout her career, Nita has been a tireless advocate for accessible healthcare and quality education, always focusing on making a difference in the communities she serves.

Nita’s passion for service extends far beyond her professional life. She has been actively involved in numerous philanthropic efforts across Chicago, Columbus (Ohio), Boston, and Phoenix. Her contributions to organizations like Teen Parent Connection, the National Medical Interpreter Project, and United Way have helped to foster community growth and development. Nita’s leadership is also evident in her roles on the boards of the Valleywise Health Foundation, the University of Illinois Foundation, and the Arizona State University Foundation, where she works to further educational and healthcare initiatives.

In addition to her board service, Nita is a member of the Arizona section of the International Women’s Forum, where she collaborates with other leaders to advance women’s leadership globally. As president of the F2 Family Foundation, she continues to focus on healthcare and education, ensuring that resources are available for those in need. Nita’s lifelong dedication to service and her commitment to making a positive impact exemplify the values of leadership and community engagement.

Vince Roig founded Helios Education Foundation in 2004 and has been serving as the Founding Chairman of the Board since its inception.

Vince Roig has been a steadfast advocate for education for more than five decades, dedicating his career to expanding educational opportunities and supporting student success. As the Founding Chairman of the Board of Helios Education Foundation, Vince has played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation’s mission to promote education as a means of economic advancement. Under his guidance, Helios has grown to become one of the largest education-focused foundations in Arizona and Florida, with an endowment of over $700 million.

Vince’s leadership at Helios reflects his deep commitment to education. He has helped steer the foundation’s focus toward initiatives that enhance college and career readiness, particularly for underserved communities. His vision and direction have enabled Helios to invest significantly in programs that support students from early childhood through postsecondary education.

Before founding Helios, Vince served as Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO of Southwest Student Services Corporation for over 20 years. During his tenure, he led the issuance of more than $10 billion in private activity bonds to fund student loans, greatly expanding access to higher education for students in Arizona and Florida. His efforts in this role underscored his belief in the power of education to transform lives.

In addition to his work with Helios, Vince has been actively involved with numerous educational and community organizations. He is an Emeritus Board Member for Greater Phoenix Leadership, previously served on the Board of Directors for Teach for America – National and recently chaired Education Forward Arizona’s Board of Directors. His service has extended to various other boards, including Valley of the Sun United Way, the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board, and the Phoenix Art Museum. Vince’s dedication to education and his extensive contributions to the community have been recognized by several organizations, including the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Phoenix Business Journal.

Calvin C. Goode (1927-2020) was a renowned Phoenix councilman and educator who dedicated his life to civil rights and community service. Serving on the Phoenix City Council for 22 years, Calvin was known for his advocacy on behalf of underserved communities. Often referred to as the “Conscience of the Council,” he championed equality and justice, addressing issues such as housing, education, and employment with unwavering dedication.

Calvin’s commitment to public service was shaped by his personal experiences with racial segregation and discrimination in education. Despite facing barriers, including being denied entry to certain high schools due to his race, he pursued his education relentlessly, earning a business degree and a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. These experiences fueled his determination to improve access to education and opportunities for all.

As a councilman, Calvin was a key figure in advancing civil rights initiatives and promoting educational equity in Phoenix. He played a significant role in the integration of Phoenix public schools and worked to enhance conditions in underserved neighborhoods. Calvin also ran a tax accounting business, Calvin Goode & Associates, offering affordable services to local residents and further supporting his community beyond his official duties.

One of Calvin’s lasting legacies is his work in preserving the history and achievements of African Americans in Phoenix. He led the effort to transform Carver High School, Arizona’s only high school built exclusively for African American students, into the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. This museum celebrates the rich heritage and accomplishments of the African American community in Phoenix and Arizona, ensuring that these stories continue to inspire future generations.