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.
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 visit to the Yuma and San Luis communities left them with fresh perspectives, a deep respect for local leadership, and a strong desire to revisit these communities!
This Women’s History Month we’re highlighting some inspiring female leaders throughout Arizona! Each of these women are a partner in one of the six cities that our Explore Program visits. We’ve had the privilege of connecting with exceptional women who are trailblazers in their communities and champions of sustainable impact throughout Arizona.
November is National Native American Heritage Month! It is a celebration of the resilience and achievements of the Native community. Listen to our conversation with Holly Patterson, Business Coach at Change Labs in Navajo and Hopi lands, to learn more.
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we interviewed Dr. Dani Portillo, Superintendent of Roosevelt School District and graduate of both our Catalyze and Explore programs, to discuss her role at RSD and the importance of ensuring that our Hispanic population has equal access to educational opportunities and resources.
To celebrate the start of Pride Month, we interviewed Nate Rhoton, CEO of one-n-ten and Valley Leadership’s Institute Class 38 Alumni, to discuss the importance of hard conversations and how to approach them.
Daisy Talavera, Valley Leadership’s new Director of Strategic Learning, dives into her experience with Explore Class 2 and their trip to Yuma! She describes learning about Yuma’s thriving agriculture industry, focus on education, widespread immigration and water issues, and community-oriented values.
To celebrate the start of Women’s History Month, we interviewed Ambassador Barbara Barrett, 25th Secretary of the Air Force and alumnae of Valley Leadership Institute Class 1. Learn more about her unique journey in leadership and the various roles she has taken on throughout her career.
To celebrate the start of Black History Month, we interviewed Gizette Knight, the founder of Shining Light Foundation. Keep reading to learn more about the Black History Mural Project, this year’s murals in Mesa and how Shining Light Foundation is supporting Arizona.
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Applications for Explore Class 4 are now open! If you’re a VL alumni who is ready to step out of your comfort zone and travel to different communities across Arizona, we encourage you to apply today!