Rooted in Community: Exploring the Interconnected Future of Downtown Mesa
Every leadership journey is an opportunity to look closely at the diverse systems, histories, and innovations that shape our state. For Valley Leadership’s Explore Class 5, our recent day in Downtown Mesa offered a powerful look at how history, culture, entrepreneurship, and intentional community investment intersect to build a thriving city.
Our day began at the historic Nile Coffee Shop, where over a delicious breakfast we heard from Hector Treto and Agustin Gastelum of RAIL CDC. They introduced the cohort to the organization’s vital mission of equitable revitalization. Their work is deeply centered on anti-displacement efforts, ensuring that longtime residents and multi-generational families can remain rooted in their neighborhoods while still benefiting from new growth and economic investment.
Following this grounding conversation, we embarked on a driving tour through the surrounding neighborhoods. Seeing the firsthand, lasting effects of both historical investment and disinvestment over time provided the cohort with invaluable context on the complexities of urban development.
We continued these deep-dive community conversations at Casa Copal, where Marco Meraz and Sonia Carrasco shared the inspiring story of their family’s business ventures. Their entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in culture, connection, and a dedication to community service. We were also honored to hear from Carmen Guerrero, who reflected on her family’s deep history in the area and her impactful leadership through the Cultural Coalition and Rancho del Arte. Together, these leaders highlighted a vital lesson for our cohort: the immense importance of honoring heritage while actively creating spaces of belonging for future generations.
Lunch at Phantom Fox Beer Company and Goat and Ram gave us an exciting taste of Downtown Mesa’s current economic momentum.
While enjoying local eats, Jimmy Cerracchio, the new Executive Director of the Downtown Mesa Association, shared insights into the collaborative, cross-sector efforts driving continued revitalization in the district. Eric Cady expanded on this by speaking to the unique power of partnership among local business owners, illustrating how a culture of collaboration over competition strengthens the entire local ecosystem.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted toward modern infrastructure, education, and creative capital. We visited the state-of-the-art ASU MIX Center, where Stephanie Tomlin and Trenton Wagner introduced us to the innovative technology, educational pathways, and digital resources being made available to the local community.
Next, we toured ASU Studios and learned from Jeff McVay and Chris Molnar about the city’s broader economic development strategies, including the impactful work of the Mesa Business Builder in supporting diverse entrepreneurs and fortifying the local economy.
We wrapped up our immersive day at the Mesa Arts Center, where we toured the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum and explored the incredible exhibitions showcasing local and national talent. Randall Vogel shared how the Arts Center’s specialized studios, educational programming, and world-renowned theaters serve as an essential cornerstone for community engagement and creativity in Mesa.
As our cohort gathered to process the day’s experiences, two of our core themes stood out with absolute clarity: adaptability and interconnectedness.
From grassroots anti-displacement advocacy and neighborhood preservation to small business synergy, educational innovation, and the power of the arts, Downtown Mesa proved that communities thrive when leaders work together with intention, creativity, and a shared commitment to ensuring that growth benefits everyone.
Thank you to all of our incredible Downtown Mesa who welcomed us so warmly and shared their time, wisdom, and stories with Explore Class 5! See all the pictures from our trip on Facebook.
| Hector Treto | Executive Director, RAIL CDC |
| Agustin Gastelum | Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives, RAIL CDC |
| Marco Meraz | Casa Copal |
| Sonia Carrasco | Casa Copal |
| Carmen Guerrero | Cultural Coalition |
| Jimmy Cerracchio | Executive Director, Downtown Mesa Association |
| Eric Cady | Phantom Fox Beer Co. |
| Trenton Smith | Phantom Fox Beer Co. |
| Stephanie Tomlin | ASU MIX Center |
| Trenton Wagner | ASU MIX Center |
| Jeff McVay | ASU Studios |
| Chris Molnar | ASU Studios |
| Randy Vogel | Deputy Director, Mesa Arts Center |
| Michelle Donovan | The Nile |