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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.
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!
Valley Leadership is very excited to announce a brand new partnership with the ASU W.P. Carey School of Business! Graduates of all Valley Leadership programs are now eligible for exclusive scholarships up to $15,000 for an MBA program through W.P. Carey.
Explore Class 3 kicked off their programming with a foundations day at The Studios at Mesa City Center! The cohort learned more about the AZ’s rich history, built connections with their fellow leaders, and set the stage to foster positive impact throughout various Arizona 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.
To celebrate Black History Month, we interviewed Teniqua Broughton to discuss the Racial Justice Collaborative. The Collaborative developed a Racial Justice Curriculum that is now used by organizations across Arizona. This initiative not only addresses the pressing issues of systemic racism and unconscious bias but also provides practical tools for addressing challenges within leadership organizations.