Explore Foundations Day: Setting the Stage for Class 5
Every leadership journey begins with a shared understanding of purpose. For Explore Class 5, our Foundations Day offered exactly that, a chance to ground ourselves in the program’s mission, connect with one another, and begin exploring the issues and places that will shape our experience together.
We began the morning with an overview of the Explore program, its background, goals, and what participants can expect in the months ahead. From the agricultural communities of Yuma and San Luis, to the border dynamics of Nogales, to the rapid growth in Buckeye, the cultural vibrancy of South Phoenix, the innovation emerging in Downtown Mesa, and the rich heritage and leadership of the Navajo Nation, Explore Class 5 will travel across Arizona to better understand the diverse systems and communities that make up our state. Foundations Day helped set the stage for these upcoming journeys and the conversations that will accompany them.
Next, VL’s CEO, Dave Brown, helped us situate Explore within the broader mission of Valley Leadership. He shared how Explore serves to deepen learning and connect to the organization’s long-standing commitment to cultivating leaders who are informed, connected, and ready to take action for the region. His remarks emphasized that leadership is not simply about positions or titles, it’s about curiosity, responsibility, and a willingness to engage deeply with the communities we serve.
With that context in mind, Dr. Summer Cherland guided us through a dynamic look at Arizona history. Her presentation reminded us that the challenges and opportunities facing our state today are rooted in complex historical forces, from water management and migration patterns to economic development and cultural identity. Understanding this history provides essential context for the topics we will explore throughout the program.
Midday offered a moment to recharge and connect informally over lunch generously provided by our sponsor, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. These shared meals are often where connections deepen, and the conversations reflect the energy already building within the cohort.
The afternoon kicked off with an interactive team-building session led by Dorian Lenz from Neighborhood Comedy Theatre. Through a series of improv games, participants stepped outside their comfort zones and into collaborative play. The exercises were more than just fun, they reinforced Explore’s guiding themes of equity, interconnectedness, and adaptability. Laughter filled the room as participants learned to listen closely, support one another’s ideas, and embrace the unexpected, skills that are just as valuable in leadership as they are on stage.
From there, the focus shifted to one of the most critical issues shaping the future of the Southwest: water. Sarah Porter from the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University provided a compelling overview of the policy landscape, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing Arizona’s water systems. Her presentation laid important groundwork for understanding how water management intersects with growth, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
We continued the conversation with a fireside chat featuring Terry Goddard, who currently serves on the board of directors for the Central Arizona Project. Drawing from decades of experience in public service, Terry shared insights into the complexities of water governance in Arizona and the collaborative leadership required to address long-term resource challenges. The discussion underscored how deeply interconnected water is with the economic, environmental, and community well-being of our state.
To close the day, participants were introduced to Explore’s Five Dimensions, revisited our Principles of Doing, and reviewed the program’s logistics with our Logistics Manager, Natalka Zeleny. These final moments helped bring the day full circle, connecting the big-picture vision of Explore with the practical tools and expectations that will guide us along the way.
Foundations Day reminded us that leadership begins with learning, about place, about systems, and about one another. As Explore Class 5 moves forward, the relationships and insights formed during this first gathering will continue to shape how we engage with communities across Arizona.
With curiosity as our compass and our shared values of equity, adaptability, and interconnectedness as our guide, this cohort is ready to begin the journey.
Special thank you to our sponsors: OneAZ Credit Union, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation and Central Arizona Project
Meet all of our Foundations Day partners:
| Dorian Lenz | Neighborhood Comedy Theater |
| Dr. Summer Cherland | South Mountain Community College |
| Sarah Porter | ASU Kyl Center for Water Policy |
| Terry Goddard | CAWCD Board of Directors |
