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Explore Class 4’s first trip was to Yuma and San Luis, an area known as the “Winter Salad Bowl Capital.” This trip was such an incredible way to start the program, as our partners are consistently supportive and the experience runs smoothly while being informative and fun! Learn more about all the places we stopped in our latest blog post.
Valley Leadership is excited to announce that graduates from VL programs are now eligible for exclusive scholarships up to $40,000 graduate programs at Thunderbird School of Global Management. Learn more about this great opportunity.
The first Explore program day is always a joyful and fun experience, bringing together the cohort for the first time, learning about Arizona’s history and water, and engaging in some nontraditional team-building experiences while learning more details about what to expect throughout the program. Read more about Class 4.
12 Arizonans have been selected to be part of the fourth class who will travel over 1,850 miles together including to one new community. OneAZ Credit Union has also awarded a three-year grant to support the Explore program. Read more about the exciting updates for Explore Class 4.
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!

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Apply Today: Catalyze Class 5

Applications for Catalyze Class 5 are now open! If you’re looking to grow as a leader and create a plan for impact in Arizona, we encourage you to start your journey with Catalyze and apply today