Explore Class 5: A Journey Through Yuma & San Luis
Our recent Explore Class 5 trip to Yuma and San Luis was an immersive experience that brought our guiding themes of equity, adaptability, and interconnectedness to life. Over two full days, we engaged with leaders across industries, explored the region’s agricultural innovation, and gained a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics shaping life along the U.S.-Mexico border.
In preparation for our visit, we gathered for a pre-session over Zoom where we had the opportunity to hear from State Representative Mariana Sandoval and Alejandra Duarte, a candidate for the Somerton School Board. Their perspectives provided important context on regional priorities, education, and public service, helping us better understand the communities we would soon be visiting.
We began our journey at Arizona Western College, where we were welcomed by an impressive group of leaders representing diverse sectors, including law enforcement, the Yuma Proving Ground, education, agriculture, and healthcare. Their insights set the tone for the day, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives the Yuma community forward. A tour of AWC’s agriculture department followed, offering a firsthand look at how the college is preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders through hands-on learning and innovation.
From there, we traveled to the University of Arizona’s Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture. Guided by Tanya Hodges and Robert Nickerson, we explored the fields along the border wall, gaining a unique perspective on the intersection of agriculture, policy, and geography. The experience underscored the complexity and resilience required to farm in desert conditions while navigating border realities.
Back at the Center, we heard from several experts who shared the breadth of research being conducted, from plant disease diagnostics to pesticide testing. Their work is critical not only to Yuma’s agricultural success but also to food systems far beyond the region. A bus tour of the surrounding research fields further illustrated the scale and impact of their efforts.
We concluded our first day at Prison Hill Brewery, where we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and meaningful conversation with Chris Wheeler. As a Yuma native and small business owner, Chris shared stories that reflected both the challenges and opportunities of building a business in a tight-knit community. His perspective added a personal dimension to our understanding of Yuma’s economic landscape.
Day two brought us to San Luis City Hall, where we were warmly welcomed by Council Representative Lizeth Servin. Her pride and dedication to her city were evident as she spoke about her work in public service. Over a generous breakfast provided by our hosts, we learned about San Luis’s rapid economic growth from Armando Esparza and gained insight into regional trade and infrastructure from Buna George of the Yuma Port Authority.
A highlight of the day was a guided border tour led by a local police officer, who offered a candid and nuanced perspective on the realities of the area. His insights helped deepen our understanding of the human, economic, and security dimensions of border life.
We wrapped up our experience at Rolls & Bowls, where owner Abraham Andrade and members of the Chicano Art Collective welcomed us with creativity and hospitality. Over an incredible lunch of Mexican-style sushi, we engaged with local artists and entrepreneurs who are shaping the cultural identity of San Luis in vibrant and meaningful ways.
As we closed our time together, we reflected on how the experiences of the past two days connected to our core themes. We saw equity in action through community investment and access to opportunity. We witnessed adaptability in the innovative approaches to agriculture and economic development. And we experienced interconnectedness in every conversation, partnership, and shared story.
This journey to Yuma and San Luis was more than a visit, it was a powerful reminder of the strength found in collaboration, the importance of local leadership, and the impact of communities working together toward a shared future.
Meet all of our Yuma partners and see more pictures from the trip!
| Tanya Hodges | Executive Director, Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture |
| Robert Nickerson | Robert Nickerson Farms Inc. |
| Abraham Andrade | Rolls & Bowls / Chicano Art Collective |
| Buna George | Yuma Port Authority |
| Mark Schauer | Yuma Proving Grounds Public Service |
| Armando Esparza | Director of Economiic Development, San Luis |
| Johanna M. Megui | Arizona Western Community College |
| Maria Guzman | AWC Advising & Student Services Coordinator |
| Olivia Zepeda | District Governing Secretary, AWC |
| Hikmet Budak | Director of Agriculture Programs, AWC |
| Adam Freedman | Sergeant, Yuma Police Department |
| Jason Amon | Captain Patrol Cammander – Yuma County Sheriff’s Office |
| Diana Gomez | Director of Health Department |
| Chris Wheeler | Owner Prison Hill Restaurant |
| Mariana Sandoval | State Representative for District 23 |
| Liseth Servin | San Luis City Council |
