Meet the 2021 40 under 40 winners

Ahmed Abdelmawgoud, Raytheon Missiles and Defense/University of Arizona

Dr. Abdelmawgoud is an immigrant and first-generation college graduate. He received B.S.M.E., M.S., and PH.D. In electrical engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2012, 2015, and 2019, respectively. He started his Engineering journey as a manufacture engineer at Econtrols, while being a full-time grade student. In 2014, he joined the Robotics department at Southwest Research Institute. He has contributed and led various projects, which included mechanical, electrical, and software design for large-scale robotic applications.

His work has been highlighted by being a key member of a team that designed the largest robot in the world. His core research concentrated on systems and control. In particular, he designed algorithms for cooperative multiple unmanned systems. He contributed to the early development of the Industrial Robotic Operating System IROS. In 2019, he joined Raytheon Missiles and Defense aiming to develop applications that help our warfighters come back home safe. In the meantime, He joined the University of Arizona as an adjunct professor to pass along his industrial experience to young Engineers. He is working night and day to build our community by helping our college students gain the education they deserve and create innovative solution to our defense challenges.

Steven Acevedo, Tucson Police Department

Growing up on Tucson’s westside, Steven attended the University of Arizona, where he majored in Political Science and Philosophy. Following his university studies, Steven was hired by the Tucson Police Department. After completing a field training program, Steven served as a patrol officer assigned to Operations Division Midtown for 10 years. At times, he served as a field training officer.

In 2011, Steven was selected to participate in the inaugural Flinn-Brown Fellowship Academy, managed by the non-partisan Arizona Center for Civic Leadership. Working alongside other civil servants, policy experts, and university faculty, Steven explored his interest in criminal justice policy and immigration affairs at greater depth.

In 2013, Steven was selected to serve as a member of the Tucson Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. Steven was promoted to the rank of Detective in 2016 and was assigned to the Night Detective Investigative Detail in the Violent Crimes Section.

In his capacity as a Detective, Steven is a member of the Adult Sexual Assault Investigative Detail, part of the Special Victims Section. Steven and his colleagues partner with the Pima County Attorney’s Office of Victim Services and the diplomatic consulates of Mexico and Guatemala, as well as YMCA’s Promotoras program.

Emma Batty, Tanque Verde Elementary School

A Tucson native, Emma Batty attended the University of Arizona for her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. As a RODEL promising student teacher, Emma’s primary focus was improving education in the state of Arizona. She went on to teach in public schools while pursuing her graduate degree in Educational Leadership. She then served as a Learning Supports Coordinator and Director of Student Services before moving to the Tanque Unified School District. After working as the Assistant Principal, Emma became the Principal at Tanque Verde Elementary School. In these roles, she has been instrumental in raising the school’s achievement level, from a ‘C’ to an ‘A’ grade in the ADE’s school grading system. When schools abruptly closed in March 2020, Emma worked collaboratively to form an emergency action plan for the district’s response, including how to support remote instruction and student learning. Emma worked with her team to create a remote-learning channel that kept students connected and engaged. Her involvement in local organizations that support education in our Tucson community, include her Professional Preparation Board membership and service on the Rincon Rotary Board. Emma is the Director of Rotary Local, which helps educators in Tucson through service and direct financial assistance.

Adam Begody, Eller College of Management

Adam joined the University of Arizona and the Eller College of Management as Associate Director of Development in September 2021. He is the son of two University of Arizona alumni and a graduate of The Ohio State University. His career started at Golden Eagle Distributors in marketing, promotions, and sales. Wanting to learn more about his local community, Adam accepted a position as the Workforce Development Officer for Earn to Learn helping low-income University of Arizona students get connected to internships and job opportunities with local Tucson businesses. That experience led him to the Tucson Metro Chamber and more recently, Adam served as Director of Member Experience at the new Arizona Sands Club on the fifth floor of the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility.

Adam is extremely involved in our Tucson community. He is a board member and Past President of the Foothills Club of Tucson, serves on the selection committee for SVP Fast Pitch, serves on the planning committee for the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl, and is a Centurion. Just this past September, Adam was married to Rina Morales.

Alec Berens, BGK Capital

Alec Berens is a Co-Founder and Partner at BGK Capital, an investment management firm serving High-Net Worth Individuals, Family Offices, and Institutions. He and his partners created the firm to help individuals and smaller institutions access direct institutional-level management. Prior to founding the firm, he was the Director of Research at an investment firm in Arizona with over $300 million in assets. In that role, he led a team of research analysts in evaluating global equity and fixed income securities. Prior to this, he was in Equity Research at JMP Securities (a San Francisco based investment bank). At JMP Securities, he facilitated investments in Small and Mid-Cap Stocks, and Special Purpose Entities. Before beginning his investment career, Alec was sponsored by Bridgestone as a professional golfer. He currently serves on the board of directors as Vice Chair for El Rio Health. El Rio Health is a non-profit community health center, serving over 113,000 patients with an annual budget more than $150 million. Alec also holds the Arizona Community Foundation’s Endowment Building certificate. Alec graduated from Emory University with an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Economics and is also a CFA® charter holder.

Amanda Bruno, City of Tucson

Amanda Bruno is a project manager in the Office of Economic Initiatives at the City of Tucson where she focuses primarily on business retention and expansion, and special programs to support small and local businesses. She attended the University of Arizona and she graduated magna cum laude with her bachelor’s degree with honors in anthropology and religious studies in 2015. She earned her master’s in public administration in 2020 and was selected as the program’s first Valdez Fellow.

Amanda is passionate about creating opportunities for others. Upon joining the City of Tucson in 2021, Amanda coordinated with the City and the University of Arizona to develop a new fellowship program for graduate students interested in local government. In addition to placing a fellow for the 2021-2022 academic year, her efforts resulted in three additional graduate students working in the City Manager’s Office. Additionally, Amanda was elected as the youngest board member of the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) in 2021 and chairs the organization’s Young Professionals Committee. She helped launch the organization’s first mentorship program, which pairs new economic development professionals with experienced practitioners to support their professional development goals and is actively working to increase the availability of internship opportunities and capstone projects for students interested in economic development careers.

Bethany Bruzzi, DO, Banner Health & University of Arizona

Dr. Bethany Bruzzi serves as a healthcare executive and people-centered Chief Medical Officer for Banner Health – University Medical Division. She continues to care for patients and educates residents and students as a board-certified family medicine physician and assistant professor at the University of Arizona. After graduating medical school at the University of New England – College of Osteopathic Medicine, she moved to Tucson, Arizona to begin her residency in 2008. Many leadership roles including chief resident and medical director led her to being the youngest female to be designated CMO at Banner Health. As CMO, she has organized events such as Connecting the Community with BOMBAS, where over 250 individuals without permanent housing were provided food, clothes, immunizations, haircuts, and medical care. She also continues to lead efforts in the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure there is capacity to care for patients at our hospitals and has pioneered Banner Health’s Long COVID treatment program. Enjoying travel and adventures, she enjoys getting away with her husband John to go SCUBA diving whenever possible. Time is more constrained since both recently embarking on their journey at Eller College of Management to earn their MBAs.

Theodore (Ted) Burhans, Tucson Electric Power

Ted Burhans is the Director of Emerging Technology and Innovation for Tucson Electric Power. As a long-time Tucsonan, he is a proud Tucson High Badger and University of Arizona Wildcat. At UA, Ted earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management, and in 2018 earned his MBA from the UA’s Global Campus. During his undergrad, he participated in a TEP internship and fell in love with the electric utility industry. Shortly after graduating college, he began his career at TEP and has progressed from implementing energy efficiency and solar programs, to now overseeing those areas, as well as TEP’s electric vehicle program, technical services and emerging technologies team. Ted serves on the board of directors for the Tucson Children’s Museum, and also on the Systems and Industrial Engineering Partner Board at the UA College of Engineering. In his spare time, he loves to travel and support the Wildcats with his wife, Jacki, and their son, Jaxson.

Katherine Campbell, El Rio Community Health

Katherine Campbell graduated from the University of Arizona in 2011 where she began working as a behavioral health case manager for a local nonprofit mental health agency. This is where and what sparked her decision to further her education in Counseling to help the community even further. Katherine completed her Master’s degree in 2016 from the University of Akron, where she returned to Tucson as a Therapist with the Assertive Community Treatment Team, and later on as the Interim Team Lead. After gaining her independent licensure, her Supervisory credential, and now substance use license, she transitioned to El Rio Health to continue helping the underserved population of Tucson with their mental health and substance abuse needs. Katherine currently facilitates individual and group therapy sessions with the use of support, humor, and client-centered approaches. As a professional counselor, trauma specialist, and nationally certified counselor, she is a solid clinician in the field who publishes on topics surrounding self-care, creativity, and multicultural counseling. Katherine is the recipient of the National Service Corps Award to assist the underserved population and was the recipient of Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society awards and named an officer within the local chapter.

Arcelia (Arcy) Cornidez, Help & Hope for YOUth

Arcelia (Arcy) Cornidez is the Project Director for Help & Hope for YOUth, a collective impact initiative aimed at reducing stigma through mental health, social emotional learning and suicide prevention. Arcy received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and her MBA from Western Governors University.

As a champion and advocate for youth mental health, Arcy served on the Arizona Department of Education School Safety Task Force and the AHCCCS led Zero Suicide Task Force. She also worked to pass legislation to include mental health education for all Arizona students. Arcy was a finalist in the 2019 Social Venture Partners Tucson Fastpitch. She currently serves on the multi-state Adolescent & Young Adult Behavioral Health CoIIN.

Arcy is a native Arizonan, growing up in Douglas before making Tucson home. She is the proud mother of twin sons, Leo and Max. Her goal is to help educate and empower children, youth and young adults so that they may live a fulfilling life.

Precious Craig, University of Arizona

Precious Craig is a first-year pharmacy student at the University of Arizona in the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. Precious recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with Honors from UA in 2021 where she was recognized with the Robie Gold Medal Award as one of seven university wide outstanding seniors. During her undergraduate career she made it her duty to make an impact in the Tucson Community. She completed over 1,200 hours of community service as a youth academic specialist with METRO Goodwill Youth Program. She also acted as a Youth Liaison for an applied practice research study called Project Slate led by Robert Clark with the aim of creating stable lines of communication between youth and adults. Additionally, Precious worked at UA COVID-19 vaccine point of distribution as a pharmacy technician and dispensing runner, assisting in the preparation and distribution of the COVID vaccine. Precious continues to serve the youth of Tucson, completing youth advocacy projects as a member of the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Youth Council. At 21, this first generation Nigerian-American, has found her passion through forming mentorships and serving as a role model to fellow students pursuing higher education.

Julie Euber, SARSEF

Julie Euber is CEO of SARSEF. In this role, she promotes the development of Arizona’s future critical thinkers and problem solvers. Previously, she was SARSEF’s COO, focusing on strategic planning, board stewardship, fundraising, and marketing. Before SARSEF, Julie served as TGen’s Manager of Education and Outreach. In this role, she increased the community’s working knowledge of genomics and educated, trained and inspired the next generation of researchers and physicians. She holds a BA in Anthropology and English with a minor in biology from Indiana University and earned her MA in Anthropology with a focus in Bioarchaeology from Arizona State University. Julie is an alumna of City Year New York and the American Express Leadership Academy at the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. She was President of YNPN Phoenix in 2020 and is part of the Greater Tucson Leadership Lead Tucson Class of 2022.

Leslie V. Farland, University of Arizona

Dr. Leslie V. Farland is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. She graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and received a doctorate in epidemiology from Harvard University. Her research focuses on gynecologic and reproductive health with an emphasis on endometriosis, infertility, and disparities in access to reproductive health care. Dr. Farland serves on the professional advisory board for Cancer Support Community Arizona and is a member of the reproductive health working group for Women in Fire, a national organization committed to firefighter health. She also is a junior ambassador for the World Endometriosis Society and serves on the editorial board for the scientific journal, “Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology.” She is part of a team of scientists leading the Arizona CoVHORT study focused on understanding the impact of COVID-19 on Arizonans and last spring, she volunteered over 100 hours at the University of Arizona’s COVID-19 vaccination site.

Manuel (Manny) Felix, AZ Cyber Initiative

Manuel (Manny) Felix is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the AZ Cyber Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for Arizona high school students to pursue careers in cybersecurity. He also currently works as a Solutions Architect for Synack, Inc., a crowdsourced security testing company. Manny was previously a Cyber Risk & Strategy Senior Consultant in Deloitte’s Risk and Financial Advisory practice; prior to his work in Deloitte, he dove into the start-up arena and joined Pueo Business Solutions as a co-founder and consultant, working closely with several agencies in the Intelligence Community (IC).

Manny is also a commissioned United States Naval Intelligence Officer in the US Navy Reserves. Prior to his officer commissioning, Manny was Cryptologic Technician for Networks (CTN).

Manny graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science Spanish Translation & Interpretation. He holds a master’s degree from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies in Applied Intelligence, with a focus in Cyber Defense, Law Enforcement, and National Security. Manny proudly grew up in border-town of Nogales, Arizona and graduated from Nogales High School. His upbringing influenced his vision of the AZ Cyber Initiative, and his desire to make a positive impact in the state of Arizona. He currently serves as a Board of Director for the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and board advisor to the Eller MIS Cybersecurity and AZNext Workforce Accelerator.

Kendra Forgacs, Desert Willow Elementary School

Kendra Forgacs is a homegrown Tucsonan who was fortunate to have a great foundation from parents, teachers, and coaches. She began her lifelong love of softball at age six and attended elementary and middle school in TUSD. She then attended and played ball at Salpointe before playing for Pima Community College. She was a proud member of the 2004 National Junior College Softball Championship team!

After earning her Bachelors of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona, Kendra began her teaching career in Vail in 2006. As a middle school math and science teacher, she was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities with students. Kendra went on to earn her master’s degree from NAU and joined the leadership team at Desert Willow where she began serving as the principal in 2015. Under her leadership, Desert Willow earned its third A+ School of Excellence award from the Arizona Education Foundation. Kendra believes in whole-child education with a focus on strong connections with kids, especially throughout the pandemic. Outside of school, Kendra is an assistant coach for a recreational softball team, acts as team parent for a youth volleyball team, and is an active board member at St. Cyril Parish.

Jeffry Gardner, Sun Auto Tire & Service

Jeffry Gardner graduated with honors from the University of Arizona in 2006. Today, he approaches community involvement with as much drive as he approaches his role as Vice President of Marketing for Sun Auto Tire & Service. After growing the internet presence for Tucson’s 13-location BRAKEmax, he now leads all marketing efforts for more than 230 store locations for the country’s fastest growing independent automotive service company.

Jeffry is President of the Sahuaro High School Cougar Foundation Board of Directors; he’s a board member at Easterseals Blake Foundation; he’s a member of Tucson Young Professionals; and he leads his company’s community initiatives. Among them: local Red Cross blood drives, HungerWalk, free oil changes for veterans, clothing drives for homeless and at-risk veterans, and support for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. He notably concepted and executed the BRAKEmax Gives Back initiative, wherein his company spent nearly $24K at locally owned restaurants which were badly impacted by the pandemic shutdowns. Those gift cards were donated to nearly 2,000 local educators and staff at various Tucson schools to say “thank you” for their work supporting our kids through the pandemic.

Adam Goldstein, Adara Wealth Management

Adam is passionate about making a meaningfully positive impact in the community. He believes that everyone can make a difference in the lives of others. As a proud alumni of the University of Arizona, he is a member of the Arizona A-Club Letterwinners and a contributor to the Eller Business School. Adam is an active a volunteer with the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona—where he was honored with their “Young Man of the Year” award. He is a member of the Nexus Executives and the non-profit Empower Coalition, which plays a vital role in supporting organizations that support the health, well-being, and lives of our veteran heroes in Southern Arizona. He serves on the finance committee for the Ronald McDonald House and was a member of the board for several years. Adam graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona and completed a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Sean Goslar, Chicanos Por La Causa

Sean was raised in Tucson and Guadalajara, Mexico. Sean’s multi-country upbringing profoundly impacted his world view. He has dedicated his professional life to public service. For more than a decade Sean has worked in the immigration field, most recently as the head of immigration services for CPLC - creating the Tucson office in 2019 helping nearly 1,000 people annually. Prior to his role at CPLC, he served as a constituent services representative for several congressional offices and at Catholic Community Services helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking under VAWA and U-Visa crime victims.

Sean is a 2020 Flinn-Brown fellow, a member of the Tucson Metro Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Council, was in the 2021 cohort of Greater Tucson Leadership’s Civic and Political Leadership Academy in partnership with the Rothschild Fund for Civic Innovation, as well as the Lead of the Nonprofit and Public Sector Team for Tucson Young Professionals. Sean was also selected as a 2021 NextGen Leader honoree in BizTucson magazine and is a member of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. Sean holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona.

Spencer Graves, Pima County

When Arizona declared a state of emergency in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Spencer Graves was there to answer the call. Graves led logistical operations at Pima County’s Emergency Operations Center, supplying the community with personal protective equipment, supplemental medical staffing and durable medical goods. Now, more than 20 months into the pandemic, some 20 million items of PPE have been distributed to the community including hospitals, healthcare, law enforcement agencies, schools and childcare centers.

Graves was then asked to pivot and set up drive thru testing in the community. When hospitals or health care agencies needed staffing, he coordinated with state and federal resources. He was instrumental in creating and implementing the vaccine plan and large scale Points of Dispensing where more than 650,000 people received their shots. Graves also coordinated the rollout of vaccines with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, setting up mobile pods in parks, malls and parking lots to meet the community where they live and work.

He continues to maneuver and respond to the ever-changing needs of the COVID response. When he’s not doing that, Graves responds to calls from hikers or others in distress as a member of the Southern Arizona Rescue Association.

Desiree Guerrero, Cleere Law Offices, P.C.

Desiree Guerrero is a native Tucsonan and Sunnyside School District alumni. Desiree works as a Legal Assistant at Cleere Law Offices, P.C., which provides Estate Planning & Trust Administration services. She is also the proprietor of Sienna Beauty LLC. From a young age, Desiree has demonstrated leadership, and been involved in helping her South Tucson community. She was recently awarded the KOLD News 13/Casino del Sol “Heart & Sol” award, recognizing her for her community involvement.

Desiree created South Tucson Community Outreach, an emergency food aid organization, that assists residents facing food insecurity in south side Tucson, with free emergency food boxes. South Tucson Community Outreach has helped over 1,200 residents in south side Tucson and has partnered with other organizations to get even more food boxes out to the community. South Tucson Community Outreach was also the recipient of the Albertson’s Nourishing Neighbors grant, which funded holiday food boxes for Sunnyside School District families, and in addition has a partnership with the UA Garden Kitchen. Desiree has been able to create community involvement by creating partnerships, working alongside volunteers, and having continued community support which makes the organization thrive.

Courtney Henson, Snell & Wilmer

Courtney Henson is a community leader, dedicated attorney and advocate for Arizonans with special needs.

After graduating in the top 10% of her law school class, Courtney has given back to law community through mentoring law students, co-teaching Law and Humanities and working with the Justice Project clinic. As an attorney at Snell & Wilmer, she provides high-level legal support to her clients. She has performed hundreds of hours of pro bono work. Courtney is the current President of Arizona Women Lawyers Association. She participates in Snell & Wilmer’s Ethics and Community Involvement Committees, helping the firm’s attorneys and staff to provide community service in Tucson. She was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch 2021 Edition in Commercial Litigation. In 2020, she was named an Inside Tucson Business Rising Star finalist.

Since 2015, Courtney has volunteered with Siblings in Foster Care. She’s active in the autism community, working with the Center for Law in the Public Interest in its mission to protect the legal rights of those with autism. Courtney graduated from the Greater Tucson Leadership’s Civic and Political Leadership Academy in 2021. Courtney is the proud mother of Molly (6) and Jack (4).

Daniel Howe, The Earnest House

In the Tucson community, Daniel Howe is known for his unwavering commitment to reducing recidivism through creating opportunities for individuals who are re-entering society. He does this by offering housing, employment and job skills to local Tucsonans. He helps job seekers attain job training, tools and various certifications as a Workforce Development Specialist at Pima County. He houses individuals at the Earnest House LLC, which he established in 2016 to house hundreds of people through their life transitions each year. He also provides job skills to his residents through his artisan kettle corn business, Heavy Kettle, that he founded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Heavy Kettle helps Earnest House residents earn income while searching for permanent employment.

Mr. Howe serves as a board member with Just Communities Arizona and acts as the Co-Executive Director with Second Chance Tucson. He was SVP Tucson’s Fast Pitch winner of the TEP “People’s Choice” award and was subsequently featured in Biz Tucson magazine. He is a Just Leadership USA 2020 alumni and regional Emmy Award winner for his PBS profile “Halfway Home”. Most notably to him, he is a husband of 13 years and father to 3 adoring children.

Nikki Lee, City of Tucson

Tucson Vice Mayor & Ward 4 Councilwoman Nikki Lee is an Air Force veteran, program manager, wife, and mother of three. Raised in a small town in rural IL with a current population of just over 1,600, Nikki grew up in a working class family. Her father is a retired miner and active preacher and her mother spent years owning and operating a small business.

Following in the footsteps of her family members, Nikki enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17. As eager as she was to serve her country, she also knew that the Air Force would afford her opportunities that she would not have otherwise had access to. The United States Air Force allowed Nikki to combine her passion for technology with her desire to serve.

Nikki met her husband Antoan when they were both stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base years ago. They fell in love with each other and Tucson, and when they left the Air Force, they made a home here to start their family.

Nikki worked in cybersecurity and technology fields within the defense industry for nearly 20 years and has spent several years working in the agriculture industry. She currently works in the sustainability business within Land O’ Lakes where she spends her days working to reverse the impacts of climate change by helping farmers make changes that enable CO2 to be drawn out of the atmosphere and stored in soil through carbon sequestration. She used the GI bill to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with a minor in Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management and an MBA in IT Management, with honors.

Elisa C. Lopez, University of Arizona

Dr. Elise Lopez is a recognized expert in gender-based violence prevention and response. She holds degrees in public policy and management, criminal justice administration, and public health. She directs the UA Consortium on Gender-Based Violence, a research and resource center located in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. She is also an Assistant Professor of Practice in the College of Public Health. As a dynamic leader in the field, she has worked with numerous colleges, non-profits, and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense.

Dr. Lopez is an ardent believer in bridging the gap between research and practice. She is the principal investigator of research and implementation grants for violence prevention programs as well as medical forensic exams. She is the co-developer of Safer Bars, a sexual assault prevention training for liquor servers. Dr. Lopez served as one of two non-attorneys for the American Bar Association’s Task Force on College Due Process Rights and Victim Protections. She is on the Boards of Winding Road Theater Ensemble, the Tucson Jewish Community Center, and Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse. She volunteers with Scouts BSA Pack and Troop 613, which has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly for youth across the spectrum of gender identities and orientations.

John Jackson Moyer, Tucson Federal Credit Union

John Jackson Moyer, known to many as Jax, has over 10 years of People Development through work experience in the fields of human resources, learning and development and operations management. He has a B.A. in Communication from the University of Arizona, with a psychology foundation and is a graduate of the Western CUNA Management School (Mu Class 2014), which is an educational program that includes courses in Strategic Planning, Operations, Lending, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Economics, Business Law, Communications, and Leadership.

Jax is a community leader in Tucson, AZ, specifically in the business population, serving as: President of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Assistant Vice President - People and Culture at Tucson Federal Credit Union, Communications Member for National Philanthropy Day - Tucson Committee, Mentorship Program Director for Society Human Resource Management-Greater Tucson (SHRM-GT) and was a past Community Outreach Co-Director for SHRM-GT. Jax is a SHRM Certified Professional certificate holder, and has received certifications in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace and Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.

Stephanie Ponce, Liberty Elementary

Stephanie Ponce has served families in the Sunnyside USD as a teacher, coach, coordinator and administrator since 2004. As a proud Tucson native her roots are grounded in the mindset that giving back to her community is a life to be proud of. Her foundational practices stem from her drive to continue in her own academics, she holds a B.A in Elementary Education, and a double Masters in Information Systems and Educational Leadership.

During her time in Sunnyside her focus has been to advocate for the educational opportunities of youth in her community. With experience in elementary, middle, high and at the district level, her impact can be seen within a range of age groups. These experiences along with hard work have awarded her the honors of Sunnyside Star Teacher, and Rodel Aspiring Administrator. Her career as an educator has always been a focal point of her life, however her purpose is centered on being a mother and wife. Her family is her greatest accomplishment. She believes that the positive influential interactions that we make daily with our youth are the greatest gifts we can give our community; this includes the role model she strives to be for her daughter.

Amanda Powers, FC Tucson

In just two years, Amanda Powers has established herself a visionary leader for FC Tucson. Under Powers’ leadership, the club has weathered a COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a winning force on the field and a transformative presence within the community. Powers was named President of FC Tucson in January of 2020, just the second woman to be a president of a men's professional soccer team in the United States. Less than three months later, the global pandemic altered how every sports franchise and organization operated on every level. Under Powers leadership, FC Tucson quickly pivoted and adapted to the new environment. Over the last 18 months, the club has helped the community come together and emerge stronger.

Off the field, Powers has continued to make an indelible impact. Her Cox Community Corner initiative has provided a free VIP game-day experience for community youth who may not otherwise have the means to attend a soccer game; her club’s partnership with Pass It On Soccer collects new and gently-used soccer equipment to donate to those in need; and her extensive relationship building throughout Tucson’s diverse socio- and economic population has further cemented FC Tucson’s place as the club for ALL of Tucson.

Jonathan Rios, Tohono O’odham Nation

Jonathan Rios is Tohono O'odham and Dine (Navajo) from Tonalea, AZ and an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation from the San Xavier District. He received his B.A. in Communications from the University of Arizona, 2008. Jonathan is married to Teri Rios, also an UA Alumni ('05) and are proud parents to 3 young boys.

Jonathan currently serves as the Senior Program Manager for Tohono O’odham Nation Education Department – One Stop Division focusing on workforce development while providing access to college/training programs to members of the Tohono O’odham Nation to become self-sufficient while strengthening the tribal workforce. Jonathan volunteer work includes serving as President for the UA American Indian Alumni Executive Board. A position he’s exceedingly committed to and diligently supports. His work and advocacy on behalf of Students, Community, Alumni, and the University has been pivotal in creating space for the recognition of Native Americans within higher education including tribal flag and ancestral land recognition on campus, establishment of Native American Heritage Month events with Arizona Athletics, the innovation of scholarship and educational programs for student success and bridge Alumni to student mentorships, and the development of students to become University of Arizona Alumni.

Alex Robie Harris, University of Arizona

Alex is a two-time Wildcat with a B.S. in Family Studies & Human Development and an M.A. in Higher Education. In May 2021, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. A higher education professional with more than ten years of experience working at the University of Arizona, Alex currently serves as a Senior Project Director in the Office of University Initiatives where she manages and implements high-priority projects for the President and University Administration.

During her time in this dynamic role, Alex has contributed to the creation of the University’s Bias Education & Support Team (BEST), managed the permanent installation of a tribal flag display showcasing the flags of all 22 Native Nations in Arizona, launched the President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, and chaired a taskforce to evaluate the University’s collection of sex, gender, and pronoun information from students and employees, resulting in more inclusive methods of collection. During the pandemic Alex has also served on the University’s COVID-19 Response Team, contributing to the University’s testing and vaccination efforts. Outside of work, Alex has served as the President of the Arizona College Personnel Association (AzCPA) and volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Tucson children in foster care.

Patrick Robles, Pima County

By the community, of the community, for the community 20-year-old Patrick Robles is actively advocating and fighting for the community that built him. A Junior at the University of Arizona, Patrick is a first-gen college student majoring in public management & policy with a minor in pre-law. Born and raised in the Southside of Tucson, Arizona to a family that loves and supports him, Patrick is a proud product of the Sunnyside Unified School District where he got his start in community activism and public education advocacy, his efforts still impact the SUSD community to this day.

After graduating high school in 2019, he became the youngest staffer for then Pima County Supervisor Ramón Valadez where he helped lead the office in constituent services. Additionally, Patrick joined the Sunnyside Foundation Board as the youngest board member in foundation history where he has taken on an active role in raising thousands of dollars and increasing community support for Southside students and families. Currently, Patrick is the youngest member of the Pima County Attorney’s Office Senior Leadership team where he serves in the role of Community Outreach Coordinator actively engaging underserved communities in substantial criminal justice reform efforts through community building.

Ina Ronquillo, KVOA-TV

A passionate journalist with a desire to share information and who strives to lead her peers to achieve success. Ina Ronquillo is Assistant News Director for KVOA-TV. Born and raised in Nogales, Arizona, Ina earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona with a double major in Communication and Media Arts.

Ina has been part of two Edward R. Murrow awards at KVOA, which include ‘Overall Excellence’ and ‘Best Newscast’, and an Associated Press award for ‘Continuing Coverage’. While at KGUN, she was part of an Edward R. Murrow Award for ‘Best Small Market Website’. These awards spotlight the dedication Ina puts into her work and reflects her commitment to the community, her team, and her career.

Ina helps in the execution of campaigns such as News 4 Tucson Lifesaver, News 4 Tucson Back-to-School Drive, and News 4 Tucson Season 4 Hope. The campaigns spread the message of community-wide participation in coming together. In her day-to-day, Ina is critical in the news coverage decision making viewers see on-air and online. As an essential worker and newsroom manager, Ina provided leadership to staff during the pandemic, showing the important role the media played in providing pertinent information to our community.

Kait Shinaberry, Banner - University Medical Center Tucson

Kait Shinaberry is a solution oriented people leader. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Rhodes College, she spent two years teaching fourth and fifth grade with Teach for America in Baltimore City. While there she received her Master’s in teaching from John’s Hopkins University. Interested in addressing the systemic inequalities that impacted her students, she moved to Tucson, AZ, where she studied political capacity and public health, achieving her MA in Government and Public Policy and her Doctorate in Public Health.

During her time in Tucson, she has developed and implemented pro-social interventions for early adolescents, coached cross country at a local high school and grown her career at Banner University Medicine. Currently Kait is the Senior Human Resource Business Partner for the Tucson market, leading their staffing, development, and culture work. Over the past year, her focus has been on ensuring the hospitals were well staffed and that Banner team members were supported socially, emotionally, and physically through the pandemic. Kait is committed to building Tucson’s workforce, collaborating with local organizations to develop and retain talent within our community. While not at work, Kait is a wife, mother to two young children, an avid runner, and a volunteer at TRAK ranch.

Amanda Simeza, Pima County JTED

Since the day she started work with Project SOAR Mentoring Program at the University of Arizona in 2003, Amanda knew that working with students was her passion. Amanda holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Family and Consumer Science Education and a Master’s of Education in School Counseling and Guidance. Throughout the past 16 years of work as an English Teacher, Professional School Counselor, Adjunct Professor for Student Success Courses at PCC and now Director of Student Services at Pima JTED, Amanda has been a vocal advocate for students always working with their best interest in mind.

She has sponsored numerous student organizations, served on scholarship committees, volunteered for school events, and participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Big. In her current position, she ensures the adults working directly with the students are supported so they can best serve students while working to make sure opportunities are available to all students. For the past two years she has implemented wellness events within her district to help staff build connections with each other and as a reminder to take care of themselves. Amanda genuinely cares for others and it’s clear with the positive relationships she has with everyone she encounters.

Daniela Siqueiros, Tucson Lifestyle

Daniela’s clear passion is her community and its members. She was born in Tucson and raised bi-culturally between Tucson and Mexico. In her current role as the Associate Director of Advertising and Marketing at Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, she has found many ways to incorporate and leverage her passion for Tucson into her daily work.

Daniela’s professional work has always carried a community focus. She has worked within the non-profit, government, and corporate arenas developing brand identities, managing social media, curating events and leading marketing and communications strategies. Her motivation for championing community efforts started at a young age and has led her to volunteer at numerous non-profits, has served on the Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance and Higher Ground boards, chaired the Communications Committee for Cradle to Career, supported by United Way of Southern Arizona and was selected as a Diversity and Leadership Development Fellow for the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Daniela currently serves as Board Chair for Ben’s Bells Project and is Vice President of El Rio Vecinos.

Eric Smith, University of Arizona

Eric Smith brings with him almost a decade’s worth of technology commercialization experience and a passion for entrepreneurship. Smith came to the UA Center for Innovation after serving as the commercialization network manager for Tech Launch Arizona (TLA), the UA’s office responsible for moving UA research and technological innovation into the marketplace. While at TLA, he focused on building and leveraging a network of domain experts and business leaders who consult on university technologies to help reveal their commercial relevance as they are prepared for the market.

He also managed TLA's National Science Foundation Innovation-Corps (I-Corps) Site grant program which teaches inventing teams about lean startup methodology and customer discovery. An entrepreneur in his own right, after Eric started, developed and sold his first company, he embarked on a career in various technology startups. Smith holds a BSBA in business management and entrepreneurship and an MBA from the University of Arizona. He is a local Tucsonan with a passion for economic development through startup creation and community involvement. He sits on the boards of the Tucson Jewish Community Center and the International Business Innovation Association among various community and organizational committees.

Laura Stephens, Banner-University Medical Center Tucson

Dr. Laura Stephens is a board-certified pathologist and transfusion medicine specialist. She directs the Blood Bank at Banner-University Medical Center Tucson. As an award-winning educator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Laura teaches medical students and residents about the importance of a stable, diverse blood supply and how to carefully use this precious resource.

She is honored to support patients in the Tucson community by collaborating to provide convalescent plasma to COVID-19 patients, internationally-sourced blood for individuals with rare blood types, and special blood products for cancer fighters and victims of traumatic accidents, among others. She is also an active advocate for women and underrepresented groups in the medical field. Laura graduated summa cum laude from Duke University, received her medical degree from the University of Chicago, and completed her specialty training at UC San Diego and Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

Stephen Sterling, Locallight

Stephen is President and cofounder of Localight - a financial technology company and Public Benefit Corporation. Localight's mission is to accelerate inclusive growth across local marketplaces. Stephen holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics, Economics & Law from University of Arizona. As an undergrad, he was an exclusive academic mentor and tutor to UA athletes.

He's been working with startups since 2007 and has been a part of 2 exits - both acquisitions were by publicly traded companies in the education technology space and in internet marketing.

Prior to co-founding Localight, he sourced a successful $12MM series A round in 2019 that led to a $60MM series B for a German-based startup through a VC in CA. Stephen resides in Tucson with his daughter, Emma.

Saejah Tapp, Allure Medical and Laser Institute

As president and CEO of Allure Medical and Laser Institute, Saejah Tapp has proven that hard work, determination, and community involvement have been the main components for personal success. Seven years ago, she opened Allure Medical with a goal of helping people regain their confidence through specialized treatment plans. Since then Allure has grown to be one of the top medical spas in Southern Arizona as well as the leading facility for Certified Laser Training through the AZDHS.

As a staple in the community through endless humanitarian work, she is the founder of the Change Your Life Program which is dedicated to helping individuals become contributing members of society by removing visible or offensive tattoos that have been holding them back from employment. As a proud member of the Tucson community, Saejah will continue to change lives, grow her businesses, and be a positive role model for those looking to overcome the odds.

Alicia White, Keegan Linscott & Associates, PC

Alicia White graduated from Canisius College with a bachelor’s in marketing, Medaille College with a master’s in business administration and the University of Arizona with a master’s in accounting. She then earned her Certification in Public Accounting. Upon receiving her master’s degree in accounting, she went to work for Keegan Linscott & Associates, PC, a local Tucson accounting firm, where she worked her way up to Senior Audit Manager. She manages a staff of ten and services a variety of clients in the for-profit and not-for-profit sector.

Alicia also gives back to her community by serving on different not-for-profit Boards. Alicia is currently the Audit Committee Chair and Board member of the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona and the Finance Committee Chair and Board member of Greater Tucson Leadership. She has previously served on the Board of Imago Dei Middle School and Higher Ground Resource Center. Alicia is currently a member of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Council and is a graduate of the 2016 Greater Tucson Leadership Class.

Kelly Wiebelhaus, Pima Medical Institute

Kelly Wiebelhaus is the Nursing Program Director for the Associate Degree Pre-licensure Registered Nursing Program at Pima Medical Institute. Kelly is a Graduate from Grand Canyon University with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and her Masters of Science in Nursing Education. She has served students at PMI for six and a half years; her mission is academic success through student and faculty support. The last 15 months were a challenging time in nursing education. Along with her team, they were able to keep all students enrolled and progressing in the program.

Her nine-year-old son is a cancer survivor. He fought Leukemia and received a Bone Marrow Transplant in 2019; Kelly was his donor. After spending days every week for months in the Pediatric Cancer treatment clinic it became apparent there was a dire need for upgrades within the clinic. Kelly and her Husband played a key role in the movement to upgrade the outdated clinic at Banner, which serves children from all over southern Arizona. She also sits as a parent advisory for Candlelighters of Southern Arizona. When Kelly is not working, she is spending time with her Husband and five children.