News
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.
Valley Leadership and Hustle PHX are launching a partnership to expand opportunity for justice-impacted youth in Arizona. Through entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and Catalyze-based leadership sessions, the 14-week program invests in pathways that reduce barriers and build economic mobility.
In January, Valley Leadership attended the Cardinals Civics Matters Summit. Students and educators interacted for the first time with The Civic Shift, a new statewide effort coordinated with Valley Leadership, PXU City, and the Institute of Citizens and Scholars, designed to help young people discover, navigate, and grow their civic learning beyond the classroom. Read more about the new program and this exciting event.
This past fall, we expanded the Dinner & Dialogue to now host two types of dinners: initial dinners focused on the Civic Engagement theme, followed by topic-themed dinners. The topic-themed dinners are available only to those who have previously attended a Dinner & Dialogue event. Learn more in our latest blog post.
Valley Leadership’s Opioid Stigma Reduction Impact Team has been awarded a $350,000 grant from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health to expand its Opioid Business Toolkit, a free, evidence-informed platform designed to help Arizona employers create stigma-free, recovery-ready workplaces.
We’re excited to announce that the Impact Maker is welcoming 22 new team members, including new Catalyze graduates, previous program graduates, and strategic partners to help continue the progress of our Impact Team work. Alumni of all VL programming have the chance to join Impact Teams, addressing the most pressing challenges in the state.
We’re so excited to announce that Just Ask Mia, the intuitive, guided chatbot, now connects users statewide to housing services. The Chatbot’s continued development is supported by a grant from Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation.
Stephen has been selected as Valley Leadership’s Impact Maker of the Year for his unwavering commitment to tackling Arizona’s most pressing issues through our Impact Maker work. Since joining the Early Literacy Team in 2019, he has been a driving force across multiple teams, including Chronic Absenteeism and Family Support, consistently stepping up to lead and take action. Learn more about Stephen and his impact on AZ.
Learn about Arizona’s ballot propositions and how they impact your vote with nonpartisan tools and resources from Valley Leadership’s Civic Engagement Impact Team. Get informed on key policy topics, including primary election changes before heading to the polls.
Last week, we hosted our annual Impact Maker Kickoff event! Valley Leadership’s Impact Maker team members and strategic partners gathered to connect and discuss the importance of storytelling in leadership.