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| Join Our List |  |
| Staff | |
Frank McCune
Executive Director
Program and Events Coordinator
Office/Communications Coordinator
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| Board of Directors | |
Officers:
Board Chair -
Michelle Hernandez
Mountain Park Health
Center Foundation
Immediate Past Chair - Rob Leslie
Eide Bailly LLP
Chair Elect -
Mike Crusa
City of Tempe
Secretary/Treasurer - Greg Ensell
Cox Communications
Member-At-Large -
Tony Moya
SRP
Directors:
Victor Aranda
Wells Fargo
Ginny Arnett Caro
SCF Arizona
Cameron Black
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Dave Bolman
University of Advancing Technology
Harrison Brecht
ASU
Amy Buchan
Apollo Group
Scott Davis
APS
Hon. Louis Frank Dominguez
Phoenix Municipal Court
Marci Hendrickson
Jokake Construction
Jenny Holsman Tetreault
ASU Alumni Association
Rebecca Kennell
Custom Financial Design
George Khalaf
ASU
Elizabeth Krecker
Iasis Healthcare
Anita Favela Luera
ASU Cronkite School of Journalism
Alberto Olivas
MCCCD
Benah Parker
Center for the Future
of Arizona
Tim Pickering
Interim Public Management
Eric Sloan
SLOAN LYONS Public Affairs
Brad Vynalek
Quarles & Brady, LLC
Brian Wood
Waste Management |
| Leadership Institute Financial Aid Fund | |
Pay It Forward In the midst of these tough economic times, small businesses, organizations and individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to pay tuition for their emerging and existing leaders to go through premier leadership development programs such as Leadership Institute. In order to ensure the ability of all outstanding candidates to participate in our program, we are establishing the Leadership Financial Aid Fund. If you were able to graduate from the Leadership Institute, and especially if someone else - an employer or sponsor - made this experience possible for you, please consider making a contribution and paying it forward to a future leader in need.
To make a donation to the Leadership Financial Aid Fund, or for more information, please contact Executive Director Frank McCune at 602.952.6760, ext. 1 or frank@valleyleadership.org. |
| Book of the Month | | |
The Wisdom of Crowds
by James Surowiecki
Product description:
In this fascinating book, New Yorker business columnist James Surowiecki explores a deceptively simple idea: Large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant-better at solving problems, fostering innovation, coming to wise decisions, even predicting the future.
With boundless erudition and in delightfully clear prose, Surowiecki ranges across fields as diverse as popular culture, psychology, ant biology, behavioral economics, artificial intelligence, military history, and politics to show how this simple idea offers important lessons for how we live our lives, select our leaders, run our companies, and think about our world.
To learn more about this book, click here. |
| Quotes of the Month | | |
"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
--Margaret Mead
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."--Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
--George Bernard Shaw |
| Leadership Resources | |
The 10 Greatest Leadership Theories, Models or Methods
(blog post)
Great Leadership is a blog offering "opinions and information on leadership and leadership development" from Dan McCarthy, Director of Executive Development Programs at the University of New Hampshire's Whittemore School of Business.
His and guest posts ponder all elements of leadership and development, including the post linked here from 2008: The 10 Greatest Leadership Theories, Models or Methods, which links to breakdowns of the author's top 10 theories. (Please note that the linked site requires free membership registration in order to read unencumbered.) Click here to check out Great Leadership's homepage and other posts. |
| Valley Leadership's Social Media Campaign | | |
5 Things You Can Do to Help VL Conquer Social Media:
1) Connect on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
2) Friend/Follow other VL alumni
3) Suggest alumni connect with VL social media
4) Post on the wall
5) Share VL news and events with friends
Click on the following images to follow us on Twitter, friend us on Facebook or connect with us on LinkedIn:
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| We Want Your Stories! | | | Please take a moment to share your experiences and stories with us, so we can feature you in upcoming publications. Please send submissions (200 words or less) to Valley Leadership at vl@valleyleadership.org. |
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Chair's Corner with Michelle Hernandez,
Board Chair | |
Happy New Year from Valley Leadership to all of our friends! 2012 is already shaping up to be a busy year and full of opportunity for our VL community.
Although the calendar has turned, we remain in the midst of our annual dues campaign. I urge you to consider renewing your dues or giving at the Community Stewards Society level to help ensure that Valley Leadership continues to offer the quality programming and opportunities each of you have come to expect. Many thanks to those who have already renewed; your financial support is crucial to the future of Valley Leadership. If you have not yet renewed, you can read more about member dues benefits and the Community Stewards Society below.
I hope that you'll join us for the many events already scheduled for this year - first and foremost, Kick Off 2012 with a party and join us at The Duce on January 19, from 5:30-7:30pm, to reconnect and network with your VL friends. We look forward to seeing you there!
Don't forget to mark your calendars and join us to celebrate Jerry Lewkowitz and Sue Glawe as they are honored at the 63rd Annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon on Thursday, March 22, 2012. Read on for more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities and our inspiring honorees.
We are excited to see what 2012 has in store for Valley Leadership; we have resolved to make it a year of new milestones, new opportunities and festive celebrations as we strive to continue our mission "to enhance the abilities of individuals to serve and strengthen our communities." What have you resolved for 2012? |
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63rd Annual Man & Woman of the Year | |
Jerry Lewkowitz and Sue Glawe named
Man & Woman of the Year
Sue Glawe and Jerry Lewkowitz, with past Man & Woman of the Year honorees.
For the past 63 years, the Man & Woman of the Year awards, presented by Valley Leadership, have honored two outstanding individuals who have exhibited exemplary leadership and community outreach and remained true to their values and beliefs when faced with adversity.
This year, we honor two inspiring leaders of our community, Jerry Lewkowitz and Sue Glawe, as the 2011
Man & Woman of the Year. Mr. Lewkowitz and Ms. Glawe exemplify the leadership values, skills and knowledge essential to strengthening our Valley's social and economic well-being. Please read below for more information on Jerry's and Sue's inspiring commitment to our community.
63rd Annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon
Thursday, March 22, 2012
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Sheraton Downtown Pheonix
340 N. 3rd Street; Phoenix, AZ
Honorary Co Chairs: Sam Kathryn Campana and Jim Bruner
We are currently seeking event sponsors; sponsorships range from $15,000 - $1,000. Proceeds from the event support Valley Leadership's continued efforts in leadership development.
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63rd Annual Man & Woman of the Year Honorees | |
Jerry Lewkowitz and Sue Glawe named
Man & Woman of the Year
Harold Jerome "Jerry" Lewkowitz is a lifelong resident of Phoenix. He attended Kenilworth Elementary and North High schools. He was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1954. Lewkowitz practices administrative liquor law with his wife, Andrea, at the Lewkowitz Law Office. He is recognized statewide for his expertise in all aspects of liquor licensing and zoning matters before local, county and state agencies and legislative bodies. Lewkowitz also served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Forces (1954-56) and was a member of the Phoenix City Council from 1974-76.
Lewkowitz's depth and breadth of service shows a true dedication to our community. When he first began his involvement, he was determined to open doors to diverse membership and participation. He accomplished that goal by serving as president, chairman, founding officer or board member of the Crisis Nursery, Phoenix Thunderbirds (since 1962), YMCA, Barry Goldwater Center for the Southwest, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Campfire Girls, March of Dimes, COMPAS, Phoenix Boys Choir, United Way, the Arizona Historical Society and many others. Awards include Phoenix College Alumni Hall of Fame, the National Asthma Center Many of the Year, the ADL Torch of Liberty Award and the Thunderbirds Life Bird of the Year.
Heavily involved in the Jewish community, Lewkowitz has served as a board member of the Anti-Defamation League, Phoenix Jewish Community Center, Kivel Campus of Care and as president of Temple Beth Israel and the Arizona Jewish Historical Society.
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As Vice President of Community Relations, Sue Glawe is responsible for the identification, development and execution of opportunities for collaboration with employers and charitable organizations that lead to increased awareness of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Arizona (BCBSAZ).
Glawe joined BCBSAZ in 1989 as the government relations administrator. Previously, she served as Vice President of Public Affairs for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. She began her career working for the Arizona State Senate.
Glawe serves as a board member for Florence Crittenton, the Arizona Educational Foundation and Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. She is the immediate past chairwoman of the US Airways Education Foundation. In addition, Glawe is a member of Charter 100 and the City of Phoenix Police Reserve Foundation. She also works with the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Phoenix Indian Center, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Arizona Science Center, YWCA and the Girl Scouts, Arizona Cactus-Pine Council along with numerous charitable organizations.
Glawe has also been named one of the 10 most influential women in the Valley by Arizona Foothills Magazine. In the 2012 Tribute to Leadership from the YWCA Empowering Women of Maricopa County, Glawe is being honored as a community leader in the corporate segment. She is a recipient of the Arizona Arthritis Foundation Award and in 2009 she received the Hall of Fame Award from Valle del Sol at their 19th Annual Profiles of Success Hispanic Leadership Awards. She was also the 2008 Chrysalis Honors Family Gala Honoree and in 2007 she was the recipient of the Girl Scouts World Awards for Community Partner. She was also awarded the Arizona Women's Education and Employment 'Angel Award' for her commitment to women's workforce issues, the Al Brooks Community Leadership Award from the Anti-Defamation League and the Golden Heart of Business Award from Arizona Woman Magazine. |
| Upcoming Events | | |
Alumni Social Event
Kick Off 2012 with a Party!
Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012
Location: The Duce
525 S. Central Avenue
Phoenix 85004
Time: 5:30pm
Cost: $25 for all (VL alumni and guests)
includes appetizers and either two glasses of beer/wine
OR one cocktail
*Free admission for Community Stewards Society members*
Also included: shuffle board, hoola hoop contests and swing dancing (including lessons!).
This is a party not to be missed!
RSVP: VL Office / (602) 952-6760, ext. 3 / online
(choose $25 option under Alum Social Event) |
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Meet the Valley Leadership New Board Members and Staff | |
Valley Leadership welcomed several new board members and staff members for the 2011-12 program year. Get to know your new board members and staff each month:
New Board Member:
Amy Buchan, Apollo Group (VL Class 31)
Background: I serve as the Director of Strategic Partnerships in Corporate Social Responsibility for Apollo Group Inc. My role is to manage the community outreach in the Chicago market as well as nationwide nonprofit partnerships for the University of Phoenix and other Apollo Group entities. Some of my national and local partnerships include Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Junior Achievement USA. Our partnerships are designed to drive positive community outcomes in these areas and we are passionate about being an outstanding global citizen.
I have a degree in Journalism and a minor in Communications from ASU. I serve on the Board of Directors for Valley Leadership and Valley Youth Theatre as well as committee co-chair for Valley of the Sun United Way's Generation United and immediate past chair for Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, and currently live in downtown Phoenix.
Why you initially joined your VL class: I joined VL to learn more about my community and meet other like-minded people. I applied at the encouragement of some outstanding VL alumni. They were so passionate about the organization, so I figured VL must be doing something right!
Why you joined the Board: I joined the board because I believe in the work of VL and the contribution to our community. Chairing the 62nd Annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon reiterated what I already knew: from the VL staff and Board, to our alumni and teens, we have a motivated and passionate group who are committed to the success of the organization and the future of our community.
One big goal for the year as a Board member: I have two goals this year for my work with VL: 1. To continue the success of the Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon (which is VL's largest fundraiser - sponsorships are now available!). It's such an honor to work on an event recognizing inspiring members of our community, and it's such a joy to work with this year's honorees, Sue Glawe and Jerry Lewkowitz, and Event Chairs, Milton Dellossier and Sarah Finecey. 2. To engage our alumni. We have over 1,700 alumni and while we have a great number of alumni who are involved, there are so many folks who aren't. By taking the time to understand what people want to see from the organization, I hope we can get more alumni out at our tours, dialogues and other events.
How can VL alumni help you achieve your goals? Alumni can help achieve these goals by getting involved, attending events (another shameless Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon plug!) and by providing us with feedback on what works, what doesn't work and what sort of events you'd like to see. We have a great Alumni Chair in Jenny Holsman Tetreault, who works tirelessly to engage everyone. I know we're all busy, but I encourage you to get involved however you can.
New Staff Member:Craig Plenn, Program & Event Coordinator
Craig joined Valley Leadership in July 2011 as the Program & Event Coordinator. Originally from Willingboro, New Jersey, Craig has lived and worked in Arizona since 1993. Craig graduated from Arizona State University in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology, with a focus on Urban Studies.
Craig has over 10 years of experience working with youth and adults, with a focus on education and youth development, as well as managing volunteers in the nonprofit sector.
Craig is married, has three young daughters and enjoyes volunteering in his daughters' classrooms and Church community. Craig is an avid runner, racing in 5Ks to marathons and all distances in between. |
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Valley Teen Leadership Class 16 Announced | |
Congratulations to the newest class of Valley Teen Leadership! Valley Leadership has selected 50 sophomore and junior high school students to make up Class 16 of this year's Valley Teen Leadership. Through VTL, these teens will strengthen their leadership skills and also build a vast network of teens with similar aspirations and visions. Ababa Abraham, Camelback
Dana Alserjani, Cactus
Kiyahna Araz, North Canyon
Shelby Barrett, Cactus Shadows
Frankie Bui, Corona Del Sol
Marco Burgarello, Sandra Day O'Connor
Edward Cepe, Desert Hills
Charles Christian IV, Paradise Valley
Chandler Cole, Sunnyslope
Rebecca Dendy, Pinnacle
Emilie Dise, Camelback
Riddhi Divanji, Westwood
Charles Dominguez, Brophy
Laura Garcia, North
Soha Ghanian, Horizon Honors
Greg Goulder, Brophy
Seth Green, Estrella Foothills
Maeher Grewal,Xavier
Melissa Gromer, Campo Verde
Halen Hulsebus, Sandra Day O'Connor
Louay Kalamchi, Brophy
Ruchi Kirtikar, Desert Mountain
Olivia Knecht, Cactus
Manu Kondapi, Horizon Honors
Lily Kravetz, Arcadia
Bryan Lai, Pinnacle
Kristyn Laswick, Desert Mountain
Catrina Letterman, Westwood
Korri Lewis, Bourgade Catholic
Cheyenne Macias, Xavier
Malhar Markandeya, Horizon Honors
Brittney Martinez, Westwood
Marli Mayon, Girls Leadership Academy
Genesis Miranda, Betty H. Fairfax
Amr Nasef, Cactus Shadows
Ben Owens, Desert Mountain
Sung Ho Park, Chaparral
Olivia Pearson, Phoenix Country Day
Alexa Penalosa, Xavier
Saidy Perez, University
Brittany Poserina, Mesa
Nana Sarkodee-Adoo, Sandra Day O'Connor
Chandler Simmons, Campo Verde
Syed Umer, Arizona Cultural Academy
Esteban Verdugo, Westview
Maggie Walsh, Camelback
Alex Wenderlich, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Bryantee Williams-Bailey, Betty H. Fairfax
Ethan Wright, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Eryn Zuniga, Millennium |
| Annual Member Dues Campaign | | |
Invest in Success!
 
Valley Leadership's annual member dues campaign is currently in full swing, and we encourage you to invest in the success of our organization. Valley Leadership can only strive to achieve our mission "to enhance the abilities of individuals to serve and strenghthen our communities" through the support of our alumni and friends in the community.
Many thanks to those who have already renewed your dues for 2011-12.
Membership Dues Levels:
$100 - discounts to alumni events and complimentary admission for one to a Community Dialogue Series event.
$250 - discounts to alumni events; two complimentary admissions for Community Dialogue Series event(s); one ticket to the 63rd Annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon ($120 value)
Payment of membership dues at all levels includes access to the online alumni directory, newsletter recognition and member discounts to Valley Leadership eventese.
Click here to learn about all the benefits associated with each membership level, or read below to learn more about our Community Stewards Society at the $500-and-up membership levels. |
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Community Stewards Society | | |
Discover the Benefits of Being a Community Steward
Please consider joining the ranks of our munity Stewards and support Valley Leadership at a higher level.
Membership in the Community Stewards Society comes with a myriad of benefits at all levels, including:
- Free attendance to specially arranged tours, programs, social events and Community Dialogues
- A complimentary gold Valley Leadership nametag designating your Community Stewards Society membership
- At least two tickets to Valley Leadership's annual Man & Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon ($240+ value)
- Annual membership dues are included
- Invitations to special receptions for Community Stewards
- Membership is subject to a tax deduction (please consult your tax advisor)
- Donor recognition on Valley Leadership's website for a full year, as well as in the Annual Summary of Accomplishments and the Man & Woman of the Year program
If you take advantage of all that a Community Stewards Society membership offers, it is an exceptional value - and you are also supporting Valley Leadership's mission "to enhance the abilities of leaders to serve and strengthen our communities." Click here to join the Community Stewards Society today. |
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Leadership Institute Program Day 3 Re-Cap: Media | | |
by Chris Kotterman and Patty Johnson (Class 33)
The class participates in the group teach-back presentation on "credibility."
VL's Class 33 December Program Day offered an insider's perspective on the media, with a view into a changing medium and Arizona's top media outlets as they strive to modify their business model and remain relevant. The day took place at the Republic Media building in downtown Phoenix, which includes the Arizona Republic, Channel 12 and azcentral.com.
Class 33 enjoyed a rousing game of "Credibility Jeopardy" hosted by Chris Kotterman and got to hear the history of media in the Valley from current and former Republic employees. Guests ranged from editors and reporters to those who were instrumental in creating today's newest media outlets, as well as those being highlighted in the media.
Our hosts, Republic Media Services, joined us for much of the morning as we heard from AZ Republic publisher John Zidich and retired AZ Republic executive Bill Shover about the evolving nature of the media and how this outlet focuses on delivering quality news while generating a profit. The evolution is not unique to this outlet. Phoenix Business Journal editor Ilana Lowery and Campesina Radio personality Bill Barquin shared the challenges that their outlets face, including the challenges they have to also deliver a desirable product while generating revenue. Expect to see catering to niche markets and the delivery of more useful data moving forward.
As we transitioned to the Channel 12 TV studio, we were treated to a special (non-televised) presentation of "Sunday SquareOff" with Brahm Resnik, featuring AZ Republic reporter Laurie Roberts, political consultant Robbie Sherwood and AZ legislative representative Kimberly Yee. This panel talked much about transparency, but it was clear that definitions and expectations of transparency differed greatly among the panelists.
The afternoon was highlighted by a tour of the Republic/12 News newsroom, where we met Lin Sue Cooney and Mark Curtis and made a very brief appearance on the Valley's premier afternoon news show, EVB Live! The tour revealed a model that represents a truly unique approach to today's media delivery with the combination of a TV network, print media and online media outlet. This tour showcased the future of media, which offers an ability to deliver news instantly and coordinate across multiple mediums of information delivery.
 
Left: Class 33 member Helenmarie Mendoza Slater on a related program day class tour at KJZZ Studios on Dec. 15 Right: Class 33 members Vanessa Valenzuela Erickson and Josh Landers with Arizona Republic reporter E.J. Montini at the program day happy hour.
Afternoon sessions focused on strategy. We heard from some social media experts about how they use social media to benefit their clients and how social media not only offers new venues for engaging with the public, but is also an excellent provider of data about a target market. This likely explains why we see modern media embracing and investing significantly in social media strategies. Our day ended with a discussion on crisis communication, presented by John Godec, who outlined his recommended approach to a crisis: express concern; describe conclusion; provide supporting facts; repeat conclusion and end with a description of future action. Additional media training was provided by Cary Pfeffer, who also offered basic steps for successfully managing an effective media strategy.
Other highlights of the day included our business etiquette lesson, which was presented just before lunch, to offer a quick, helpful refresher. Thankfully, we are now prepared for a State dinner at the White House, informed on which utensils to use for each course and reminded how to properly shake hands and make introductions. Class 33 will represent Valley Leadership well as we embark on our leadership paths.
The day was a rapid tour through the state of media in the Valley today, and suprisingle enough, The Arizona Republic and all of its associated properties are a lot stronger than one might think in the age of the online explosion. The media is a powerful tool, and this day offered valuable insight to using it for advancing our leadership objectives.
Click here to review the full Program Day agenda.
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Meet Class 33 | | |
STEVE BINDER
Steve went to school at the University of Maryland and currently owns Retirement Wealth Strategies, LLC. As a financial advisor, he protects and grows assets and assists clients in preparing for a secure financial future. Steve says that his strategy is "to educate my clients regarding their options and assist them in making sound decisions that fit their risk tolerance profile."
Community Activities/Affiliations: COPS program; Arizona Police Foundation; COPS Steering Committee; Camp Colley Foundation board member; Rotary Club; and regularly donate blood.
My Mentor: Sam Gallent (deceased), of Gallent, Farrell & Greene, CPAs.
My Guiding Prinicple: What goes around, comes around.
CHERRILL CROSBY
A graduate of the University of Idaho, Cherrill is the Senior Director for Local News for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. In this position, she oversees the Metro operation, which covers city, county and state government, including public safety and educations. Cherrill also oversees major breaking news and the breaking news desk, which is staffed by ASU interns, an editor/facility member, azcentral producers and 12News assignement editors.
Community Activities/Affiliations: Investigative Reporters & Editors; community and youth sport volunteer.
My Mentor: A former boss, who is editor of a metro newspaper. I also have a career coach, who is a publisher of a group of publications and websites.
My Guiding Principle: Be as honest as possible in all my interactions.
STEPHEN HOUGHTON
Stephen is a product of Southern Methodist University, the Uni ted States Marine Corps, Harvard Kennedy School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He works as a management consultant for McKinsley & Col., where he leads teams as an Engagement Manager.
Community Activities/Affiliations: Co-president of Stanford GSB Phoenix Alumni Chapter; Highlands Church in Scottsdale.
My Mentor: I admire attributes of many people that I have met, but do not consider anyone to be a true mentor.
My Guiding Principle: Balance standing up for my convictions while remaining compassionate and accepting of others.
ANDREA KATSENES
A graduate of the University of Southern California, Andrea is the Director of Media Relations at Cox Communications Arizona. In this role, she is the company spokesperson and works directly with Arizona media (print, TV, radio, online).
Community Activities/Affiliations: Friends of Animal Care & Control (Maricopa County animal shelters) board member; Commission on the City of Phoenix Planning & Zoning Commission; Editor of neighborhood's monthly newsletter/magazine "Inside Willo"; member of Charter 100; member of church's parish council (Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral); Committee Chair of Phoenix Heart Ball.
My Mentor: Jackie Norton, CEO of Rodel Foundation.
My Guiding Principle: If you don't like the way something is, jump in and change it - don't just complain!
ANNE MEYER
Anne completed her B.A. at Loras College in Iowa before graduating from the Univeristy of Iowa College of Law. She is a Partner and Snell & Wilmer LLP, where she concentrates in employee benefits, including compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. 
Community Activities/Affiliations: Youth Evaluation and Treatment Centers Board of Directors; Western Pension & Benefits Conference, Phoenix Chapter, board member; St. Vincent de Paul food pantry vounteer; Scrivener for the American Bar Association Section of Taxation for the Joint Counsel on Employee Benefits; Young Lawyer Liaison to the American Bar Association Section of Tax Employee Benefits Committee's Distributions Subcommitte; Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Tax; Employee Benefits Committee's Task Force on Electronic Plan Administrator/Vendor Management.
My Mentor: Tom Hoecker.
My Guiding Principle: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
LAWRENCE ROBINSON
A graduate of Claremont McKenna College and New York Un iversity School of Law, Lawrence works as a Staff Attorney, Democratic Staff, for the Arizona House of Representatives.
Community Activities/Affiliations: Equality Arizona, Board of Directors; Maricopa County Democratic Party, Executive Committee; Planned Parenthood of Arizona Advocates, Board of Directors; Arizona Center for Empowerment, Board of Directors.
My Guiding Principle: "Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public." - Cornel West
My Yardstick of Success: Have I acted against the restrictions of fear and anxiety?
RICHMOND VINCENT, JR.
Richmond graduated from Arizona State University and is th e Director of Community Development for Goodwill of Central Arizona, where he oversees philanthropy for the organization.
Community Activities/Affiliations: Member of Community Colleges Advisory Committee.
My Mentor: God.
My Guiding Principle: "If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney
My Yardstick of Success: Do I make people better than if I were not in their life?
VALERIE WALKER
A graduate of Arizona State University and Loyola Universit y of Chicago, Valerie is an attorney with Jennings, Strouss & Salmon.
Community Activities/Affiliations: Women's Metropolitan Arts Council; Ballet Arizona Corporate Advisory Board; Emerge Arizona; Jennings Strouss Foundation.
My Mentor: Several; I have a lot to learn.
My Guiding Principle: Integrity.
My Yarkstick of Success: Happiness. If I can smile, breathe and reflect on something positive every day, I know I am succeeding.
JASON WONG
Jason has had a global education, attending school in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Connecticut and Arizona. He is Chairman of the Board for the National Association of Asian American Professiona ls - Phoenix, where he acts in an organizational development and capacity building role, handling relationship and leadership development as well as executive leadership, financial planning, business management and talent management.
Community Activities/Affiliations: Board of Directors, Greater Phoenix Arts and Business Council; Board of Directors, World Affairs Council of Arizona; Life Member, FBI Citizen Academy Alumni Association; Member, Arizona Asian American Bar Association.
My Mentor: I had many peer mentors in the past, and have been searching for another one.
My Guiding Principle: My instinct. |
| Leaders Making Waves | | |
Recognizing the Accomplishments of Valley Leadership Alumni
Have you taken on an exciting new job or been promoted? Have you recently been married or had a child? We want to hear about all your professional and personal milestones, so please keep us informed. We would like to share honors and accomplishments with your fellow alumni.
Maureen O'Brien Baker (Class 33) served as Principal for a Day at Arizona School for the Arts through a HandsOn Greater Phoenix program. You can read her blog post about the experience here.
Lois Boubong (Class 15) completed a 3-year term as President of the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce in Washington State. |
| Alumni Contact Information Updates | | |
Help us keep you informed and in the loop!
If you've relocated or changed positions, or if you've noticed that you no longer receive mail from us, please take a moment to update your contact information for us.
You can also take this opportunity to change/update an email address or change the address that we recognize as your "Primary" location for our communication purposes.
You can update your contact information here.
Thank you in advance! We appreciate the opportunity to be in contact with each of you, and want to do our best to keep you updated on our many exciting events and opportunities. |
| Current Opportunities | | |
MLK Awards Breakfast
Celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday at the 26th annual MLK Awards Breakfast, Stand Up for Justice, 7 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 340 N. Third Street. Doors open at 6:30 a.m.
The event recognizes one winner for the Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award and six individuals for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award, who have made Phoenix a better place to live through a lifelong commitment to creating a compassionate and socially just society.
The event is sponsored by the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee and supported by the Phoenix Human Relations Commission. The awards breakfast is one event in a series of activities throughout the month of January to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Cost for the event is $65 per person or $650 for a table of 10. The reservation deadline is 4 p.m. Jan. 6. To receive a reservation form and/or obtain additional information on this or other Dr. King events in January, call 602-254-5081. |
| VL Tumblers Available for Purchase | | |
 Yours for Only $12
These clear, acrylic, insulated tumblers are perfect for keeping beverages hot or cold for hours.
The reusable cups hold 20 oz. and are a great way to "go green" by using fewer plastic bottles and other disposable containers.
*Available for pick-up in the office. Shipping available for those outside the Valley.
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Program and Event Photos | | |
Leadership Institute
Program Day 3: Media; Dec. 2, 2011
Left: Class 33 members Arlene Miramon, Ken Clark, Marco Hidalgo, Chris Kotterman, Nick Vasquez and Tara Bethell stop for the camera after their teach-back presentation on "credibility." Right: Program Day Chair Nicole Carroll (Class 31) introduces a panel on the "Past, Present and Future of Media," moderated by Richard de Uriarte.  
Left: Kimberly Yee, Robbie Sherwood, Laurie Roberts and Brahm Resnik discuss the intersection of media and politics in a non-televised "Sunday Squareoff." Right: Marla Harr presents "Ettiquette in the Modern Workplace."
Left: The class listens to a presentation at the Arizona Republic building. Right: Guest speaker John Godec presents on "Crisis Communication."  
Left: Class 33 members Chris Kotterman, Darren Viner, Richmond Vincent, Valerie Walker and Jill Christiansen stop for the camera during the broadcast of EVB Live! outside the Channel 12 News studio. Right: Class 33 members Jon Clark, Patty Johnson, Deborah Loving and Jason Wong during a tour of Channel 12 studios.
Left: Class 33 members Marco Hidalgo, Cheryl Crosby, Valerie Ramos and Angela Hughey pose with the Nutcracker's Rat King, who appeared on EVB Live! Right: Program Day Co-Chair Heather Dunn (Class 30), Alan Hromas, Jill Christiansen and Melinda Gulick at happy hour at The District. |
| Special Thanks to our 2011-2012 Premier Leadership Sponsors | |
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| Thank You to our 2011-2012 Valley Leadership Sponsors and Collaborators | |
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Valley Leadership's monthly newsletter is designed to link a dynamic and diverse group of leaders together. Read our Leadership Connection news each month to learn about alumni opportunities, special announcements, personal and professional updates on your colleagues, and much more. Be sure to keep in touch and let us know how you are leaving a "legacy of leadership" in the Valley of the Sun. Comments and member news are welcome and encouraged. They can be sent to the Valley Leadership Office at vl@valleyleadership.org or phone at 602.952.6760 ext. 3.
Leadership Connection is published by Valley Leadership
2700 North 3rd Street, Suite 2009, Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.952.6760, www.valleyleadership.org |
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