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In this inspiring interview, Tony Skrelunas, Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Division of Development and CEO of Tribe Awaken, discusses how Native communities are embracing sustainable economic solutions. Learn about the shift from extractive industries to culturally rooted practices, the mission behind Tribe Awaken, and how individuals can support Native entrepreneurship. Discover how Native communities are creating a sustainable, culturally connected future.
To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked VL alumni to share how their Hispanic heritage impacts their approach to leadership. Keep reading to hear from four of our VL leaders about their unique experiences and advice for other leaders.
Valley Leadership is excited to welcome Briana Clark as our new Director of Strategic Initiatives! A passionate Arizona native with a strong background in education and nonprofit work, Briana is dedicated to addressing challenges in education and child well-being across the state. With her leadership, we look forward to empowering communities and advancing equal opportunities for Arizona students.
Juanita “Nita” Francis, Vince Roig, and Calvin Goode will be Valley Leadership’s 75th 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.
113 Arizonans have been selected for the fourth Catalyze class. During the 6-month program, participants grow their connections to the people and issues that impact Arizona, while gaining new skills and experiences.
Last year proved to be a year of growth for Valley Leadership. We had the third year of Catalyze and Explore, which brought refinements in the programming and an expansion of our community. Keep reading for more exciting updates from each of our programs!
VL’s Explore Class 3 has successfully completed its journey! In mid-June, the cohort gathered for a day of final reflections and a celebratory dinner. This special occasion offered an opportunity for participants to creatively reflect on their shared experiences and strengthen their connections.
Explore’s Class 3’s final journey took participants across Navajo Nation to experience the rich local culture, learn from inspiring leaders, and further their understanding of the many assets that Navajo Nation has to offer!
To celebrate the start of Pride Month, we interviewed Gabe Hagen, co-founder of Brick Road Coffee, a locally owned coffee shop in Tempe, Arizona that is LGBTQA and sober-community friendly, to discuss the importance of creating spaces that welcome and celebrate diversity.
Valley Leadership is excited to welcome Natalie Morrow to the VL team! She brings with her a passion for urban planning and love for Arizona. Learn more about her in our latest blog post!
Explore Class 3’s visit to South Phoenix, Mesa, and Buckeye was full of adventures. Participants learned more about the stories, deep histories, and dreams for the future that each place represents from local leaders!
Explore Class 3’s second trip spent two days in “Ambos Nogales” (Spanish for “both Nogales”), which refers to the connecting border cities in Arizona and Mexico! The significance of this region for our larger state cannot be overstated, and there is an endless well of knowledge to gain during our visit.
