 Jodi Beckley Liggett Chief Executive Officer, Arizona Foundation for Women Name: Jodi Beckley Liggett Age: 45 Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ Family: Very happily married to Bruce for 9 years, beautiful blended family with daughter Natalie (18) and stepson Aaron (22) First job: My first real job was as the hostess in a Chinese restaurant. The chefs didn't speak any English, but they taught me how to cut vegetables lightning-fast, cook with a wok, and make egg drop soup. I'm convinced they are the reason I survived on $5 per week in college! Hobbies/Favorite pastime: I collect rare and antique books- every wall in our home is covered with them! I just love to read and write, never get tired of it. Our kids think I'm crazy- we are the only family with THREE unabridged dictionaries! They are quite handy for settling arguments, though. Surprisingly, Google doesn't always provide the definitive answer. I learned to love running as an adult and like racing; I'm training for marathon number three right now. When we can, Bruce and I like to travel in Europe- next on the agenda is Germany. Path to Philanthropy: Years ago I consulted for the March of Dimes, my first experience with a nonprofit, and I loved it. We expanded newborn screening dramatically in Arizona, which saves hundreds of babies' lives every year. I got hooked on making such an incredible difference in our community. Soon after that, I had the opportunity to join the Arizona Foundation for Women doing research and public policy work. Our 2007 & 2010 Status of Women Reports and our Summit on the Status of Women are some of my proudest achievements here... We've had a tremendous experience connecting funders, providers, and community members with information and best practices. Last year I moved up to COO and became much more involved with fundraising, grantmaking and special events like our Sandra Day O'Connor Awards Luncheon. It's all so gratifying and I feel very fortunate to be able to do this work. Favorite quote or motto: It's a tie: "As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master." - Abraham Lincoln AND "There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women." -Madeleine K. Albright | 
