5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: The Graduate Ballroom

Please join us in The Graduate's first floor ballroom for margaritas, snacks, and an informal meet-and-greet. A conference registration table will be set up outside the event.

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Location: Arizona History Museum

The conference begins with breakfast, coffee, and a chance to meet your fellow conference attendees. Look for red balloons to indicate the dedicated museum entrance for Junior League members. A conference registration table will be open during breakfast.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Location: Museum Auditorium

The Junior League of Tucson welcomes you to Southwest Exchange!

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Location: Museum Auditorium

Own Your Energy & Amplify Your Impact

Ready to stop running on empty and start leading with purpose and power? In this high-energy keynote address, you'll learn how to activate your personal superpowers, lead with authenticity, and craft a "to-be" list that fuels your most meaningful impact. We’ll explore how rest is resistance, how to build courage and confidence, and how to stay potent even when life feels chaotic. If you're craving clarity, connection, and a reminder of just how powerful you are, this keynote is for you. You'll walk away ready to put these tactics into practice, and this session will make you laugh as much as it will make you think. 

Presenter: Nicole Lance, Women's Leadership Development Expert, Executive Coach, & Author

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Select from one of the following:

• Leading in Challenging Environments: Women at the Helm

Location: Museum Auditorium

In every sector and at every level, women leaders are navigating complex, ever-shifting landscapes – from male-dominated industries and volatile markets to shrinking funding streams and global disruptions. This dynamic panel brings together women at the forefront of their fields to share how they lead through uncertainty, adapt to external pressures, and keep their organizations focused, resilient, and mission-driven. Join us for an honest conversation about the realities of leading in challenging environments and the strategies that empower women to not only endure, but to innovate and thrive.

Panelists: Rachel Blunt, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Operations, University of Arizona; Meghan Heddings, Executive Director, Family Housing Resources; Hilary Van Alsburg, Executive Director, Children's Museum Tucson; Magdalena Verdugo, CEO, YWCA of Southern Arizona; Edith Villalobos-Zamora, CEO, EmV Design Build

• Boardroom Brilliance: Leading Meetings That Matter

Location: Museum Boardroom

Meetings have the power to inspire action – or drain energy. In this interactive session, discover practical strategies to lead focused, inclusive, and outcome-driven meetings that people actually want to attend. Whether you're chairing a board meeting, facilitating a team huddle, or steering a strategic planning session, you'll learn how to set clear objectives, foster meaningful participation, and keep discussions on track. Walk away with tools to turn every meeting into a moment of momentum.

Presenter: Rose Snyder, Director, Center for Healthy Nonprofits at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Location: Museum Auditorium

The Changemaker’s Toolkit: How to Drive Impact In a World That Needs Hope

In this keynote, Catherine Alonzo equips changemakers with four essential tools – Vision, Action, Values, and Conviction – to make meaningful impact in today’s challenging world. Drawing from global movements, local success stories, and her own experience leading change, Catherine demonstrates how the very obstacles that feel insurmountable can also unlock possibility and transformation. 

 Presenter: Catherine Alonzo, CEO and Founding Partner, Javelina

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Select from one of the following:

• More Than a Member: Building Belonging and Boosting Engagement

Location: Museum Auditorium

True engagement goes beyond attendance – it’s about connection, value, and shared purpose. In this interactive session, we’ll explore proven strategies to deepen relationships with your members, from onboarding and communication to participation and leadership development. Whether you're working with volunteers, donors, or association members, you'll gain tools to create meaningful experiences that inspire loyalty and build community. Leave with fresh ideas and practical tactics to turn passive members into passionate advocates.

Panelists: Katie Hurst, Executive Director, Arizona Association for Economic Development; Karla Morales, Vice President, Arizona Technology Council; Jessica Sueskind, Executive Director, Tucson Young Professionals

• Making it Count: Successful Fundraising When Everyone is Overwhelmed

Location: Museum Boardroom

In today's fast-paced environment, capturing attention and securing crucial funding can feel like an uphill battle. This dynamic session provides actionable strategies to help fundraisers not only get noticed but also build sustainable revenue streams. We'll delve into the core elements of an effective fundraiser, explore innovative ways to deeply engage with your community, uncover often-overlooked underwriting opportunities, and craft compelling marketing that resonates and drives action. Leave this session with practical tools and fresh perspectives to elevate your fundraising efforts and achieve meaningful financial results.

Presenter: Phoebe Chalk Wadsworth, President & CEO, Chalk Consulting

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Select from one of the following:

• Reframe, Reset, Rise: Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Location: Museum Auditorium

This empowering, high-energy session is tailored for purpose-driven women leaders who are ready to shift limiting narratives, lead with clarity, and rise together in community. Rooted in the Junior League’s values of leadership, impact, and connectedness, this session offers practical tools and inspiration to help attendees lead from within.

Presenter: Diane Sotelo, Founder, Sotelo Synergies

• Breathe & Balance: Preventing Burnout and Overcoming Fatigue

Location: Museum Boardroom

Don't let burnout stifle your impact! Led by a certified yoga instructor, this interactive session offers practical tools and insights to help prevent burnout and manage stress more effectively. Drawing on principles of yoga and mindfulness, the instructor will guide participants through simple self-care strategies, including breathwork techniques that can be easily integrated into daily life. While this is not a movement-based yoga class, participants will gain valuable knowledge to support their mental, emotional, and physical well-being in a sustainable way. No special equipment or experience required. 

Presenter: Kristy Harvey, Owner, Wise Owl Wellness

4:00 PM  - 4:30 PM

Location: Museum Auditorium

Discussion of optional evening group dinners and logistics for the following day.

7:00 PM

Location: Various Downtown Restaurants

Although dinner is not included as part of the conference, let's eat together! We've made 7pm reservations at a variety of downtown restaurants that showcase the amazing food that Tucson has to offer. We hope you will join us in these smaller group dinners by signing up here. Please note, these dinners are self-funded.

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Select from one of the following:

• Yoga Class

Location: Moonstone at The Graduate Rooftop

Enjoy an energizing yoga class with Tucson's best rooftop view. This session is led by certified yoga instructor and Junior League of Tucson member Cynthia Wasco. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Yoga mats will be provided. Space is limited to 20 participants. Sign up here.

• Mural Walking Tour

Location: Meet in The Graduate lobby 

NOTE: Please meet in lobby at 6:45 AM for transportation to walking tour starting location!

Join us for a downtown walking tour highlighting the history and culture of our city through several vibrant murals! A great way to learn about Tucson and snap some fantastic photos of your visit to the Old Pueblo. This will be a brisk walk. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Sign up here.

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Location: Arizona History Museum

Enjoy breakfast and coffee with your fellow conference attendees. A photographer will be available in the museum courtyard to take free headshots for any interested Junior League members. The photos will be provided to you after the conference.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Location: Museum Auditorium

The Case for Kindness: Why Connection Is a Leader’s Greatest Resource

What if kindness wasn’t just a nice-to-have, but a leadership superpower? In this heartfelt and practical session, Jeanette Mare – founder of Ben’s Bells – shares how intentional kindness can transform organizational culture, strengthen relationships, and support well-being in challenging times. Drawing from personal experience and years of community work, Jeanette invites participants to explore the science and practice of kindness in leadership. Expect authentic conversation, personal reflection, and actionable takeaways for leading with compassion – wherever you are.

Presenter: Jeannette Maré, Founder, Ben’s Bells

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Select from one of the following:

• Advocacy in Action: Finding Your Voice and Knowing the Rules

Location: Museum Auditorium

Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned changemaker, this session will help you confidently engage in advocacy that aligns with your mission – and your legal status. We'll break down the differences between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, clarify what kinds of advocacy and lobbying are allowed, and explore ways boards and staff can work together to amplify impact. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, you'll leave with a stronger understanding of what advocacy can look like – and how to do it legally and effectively.

Presenter: Charlene Mendoza, Chief of Staff to Mayor Regina Romero, City of Tucson & Board Chair of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona

• Building a Legacy of Support: Your Sustainer Blueprint

Location: Museum Boardroom

Go beyond one-time gifts and cultivate a lasting legacy of support with sustainer members. This session unveils a blueprint for building a thriving sustainer program that provides predictable revenue and deepens member engagement. Learn how to implement effective communication and stewardship strategies, and create a powerful community of dedicated sustainers who champion your mission for years to come.

Panelists: Junior League of Tucson sustainers Keri Dixon, Meredith Lipscomb, Emily Morrison & Teresa Welborn

11:45 AM  - 12:00 PM

Location: Museum Auditorium

End the conference by making and sharing a personal commitment for your league year. A conference evaluation will also be distributed.