We believe that leadership is action.
Valley Leadership (VL) launched Impact Maker as a collaborative space to solve challenges together. As part of Impact Maker, our leaders roll up their sleeves and get to work right away – drawing on the values, skills and perspective gained from their VL experience.
Joined with strategic partners and community champions, they’re able to chart a path toward thoughtful, strategic solutions on the issues that matter most to Arizona.
What’s Happening at Impact Maker
David Scott has been named one of Valley Leadership’s 2026 Impact Makers of the Year for his leadership of the Early Literacy Impact Team and his role in launching the Leaders for Literacy program. Through strategic vision and hands-on action, David has removed barriers for educators, strengthened cross-sector partnerships, and advanced long-term solutions to improve student outcomes in Arizona.
Jane Andersen has been named one of Valley Leadership’s 2026 Impact Makers of the Year for her leadership in launching and guiding the Civic Engagement Impact Team. Through initiatives like Dinner & Dialogue, Jane is helping create spaces for respectful civic dialogue, strengthen trust, and empower Arizonans to engage thoughtfully across lines of difference.
Through Leaders for Literacy, Valley Leadership alumni step into classrooms as substitute teachers, creating time for educators to engage in Science of Reading training. In the process, leaders gain firsthand insight into the realities of Arizona’s schools and the systems shaping literacy outcomes. Read more about the lessons we’ve learned from the front of the classroom.