Catherine Alonzo is the CEO and founding partner of Javelina, a company that brings brand experience to life for non-profits, businesses, campaigns and individuals. Catherine specializes in effective messaging, brand development and personal and business strategic planning. With a background in political campaigns, Catherine specializes in creative approaches to build brands that move the target audience.

Dedicated to her community, Catherine has been an integral volunteer for many local organizations, including Equality Arizona, a statewide LGBTQ-rights advocacy organization, and Tucson-based non-profit Ben’s Bells. Originally from the UK, Catherine moved to Arizona in 2005 to complete her Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Arizona State University. She lives in central Phoenix with her husband Ruben and their three bunny rabbits.

Rachel Blunt joined the University of Arizona Athletics Department in May of 2024 as Senior Associate A.D. for Strategic Operations. Previously, she served as the Senior Associate A.D. for Student-Athlete Development and Championship Performance at Missouri where she oversaw all student-athlete facing departments, including academics, career and leadership development. She also served as Mizzou’s Senior Woman Administrator and served as the sport oversight for baseball, women's basketball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s swimming and diving. Previously, Rachel served as the Deputy Athletic Director/Administration and Senior Woman Administrator at Central Michigan University and the Assistant AD/Compliance at Southeast Missouri State University.

 A native of Dexter, Missouri, Rachel played four years of basketball at SEMO, helping the Redhawks to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference Championships in 2007 and 2008. She has two degrees from SEMO, earning a bachelor's degree in sport management in 2009 and a master's in finance in 2011. Rachel and her wife Ashley have two children, Rory and Oliver.

Dr. Phoebe Chalk-Wadsworth brings more than 30 years of distinguished experience in higher education and nonprofit sectors, where her strategic insight, expansive network, and donor-centric approach have consistently driven success. Known for her tailored solutions, communication expertise, and results-oriented leadership, she excels at navigating complex organizational needs to achieve impactful fundraising outcomes. After a 31-year tenure at the University of Arizona, Phoebe embarked on new ventures in May 2022 founding Chalk Consulting, after having made significant contributions at the Eller College of Management, Intercollegiate Athletics, and the University of Arizona Foundation. Her expertise spans principal and major gifts, capital campaigns, annual giving, board engagement, public relations, and more. During her time at the University, she raised more than $29 million, participated in five capital campaigns, and fostered key relationships across internal and external stakeholders.

A Tucson native, Phoebe holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arizona, along with a master's degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. She is an active community leader, serving on various boards and committees locally and within the University of Arizona, and is a recognized speaker at national and local conferences.

Keri Dixon was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona with a four year-stint at Colorado College for an undergraduate degree. She is passionate about making positive change in our neighborhoods and the world around us. Her work has included local government projects and now focuses on fundraising communications, operations and donor engagement. She currently works for The Nature Conservancy. As a volunteer, she has spent lots of time and energy with dog and cat rescue, homelessness prevention, food justice and of course as a member of The Junior League of Tucson, since 2014. She served on the Board of Directors as the Sustaining Council lead for League Year 2023-2024. Keri enjoys exploring nature, travel, birding and cooking. She and her spouse have three rescue dogs and live in northwest Tucson.

Kristy Harvey has over 19 years of experience as a movement educator in the modalities of yoga, therapeutic dance, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Pilates, and meditation. She is an E-RYT500 Yoga Teacher and Trainer, Thai Yoga Bodywork Trainer, a Brown Belt Nia Teacher, and owner of Wise Owl School of Yoga and Thai Massage Academy. She offers Yoga Teacher Trainings, Thai Massage Trainings, Pilates Trainings, Continuing Education Courses, and Personal Development Programs.

Kristy is the former Administrative Director of the Mindfulness Center at the University of Virginia. In 2010, she developed and implemented a clinical trial at the University of Virginia Cancer Center to study the effect of the Nia Technique among women treated for breast cancer. In 2011, she started a Restorative Yoga program for breast cancer survivors and caregivers at the UVA School of Nursing. In 2016, Kristy founded the Wise Owl School of Yoga and began offering 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings. Since then, she has certified over 250 new yoga teachers. Through generous donations to the Wise Owl School of Yoga's Pay It Forward Fund, Kristy has been able to grant partial and full scholarships to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and the LGBTQIA+ community, to assist in their completion of a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification. This supports the mission of Wise Owl Wellness to bring more diverse yoga teachers to the world and "change the face" of yoga. 

Meghan Heddings is the Executive Director of Family Housing Resources, a Tucson-based nonprofit dedicated to housing stability, financial education, and pathways to homeownership. A proud Tucson native and University of Arizona alumna, Meghan brings more than 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Under her direction, FHR has expanded affordable housing through new development, renovation of a 96-unit complex, and programs that help families purchase their first homes. Meghan also serves on the Pima County Regional Affordable Housing Commission, advancing solutions to address the region’s housing challenges. 

Katie Hurst serves as the CEO of the Arizona Association for Economic Development. Early in her career, Katie helped build one of the nation’s only nonprofit collaborative workspaces and startup incubators, supporting more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and freelancers annually. By the age of 26, she was coordinating with local government and seasoned entrepreneurial leaders to develop numerous programs that led to the launch – and eventual exit – of several successful companies, all while contributing revenue to the local economy. Since then, Katie has continued to serve as the bridge between a CEO’s or CMO’s vision and the strategy and tactics needed for execution. She has been trusted with building marketing and project departments from the ground up for multiple SaaS businesses, thanks to her strengths in process development, problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and consensus building.

Most recently, Katie originated the Project Management Office (PMO) at Ruby. Over the course of 18 months, she led a team that created and implemented project management methodologies and standards across more than 10 departments and 230 employees. Her team developed a shared language for running projects by modeling best practices, providing templates, optimizing the use of task management software (Asana), and offering consultation to project leaders. In its first year, the PMO achieved a Net Promoter Score of 75/100, with stakeholders reporting a dramatic improvement in project communication and collaboration.

Nicole Lance is a well-known executive coach and internationally certified life coach best known for working with individuals and teams who are ready to make courageous transformations. Having spent almost 13 years in local government before wrapping up her career as an Assistant City Manager for a community of 140,000, Nicole now spends her time coaching, speaking, training, and facilitating. She is a co-founder of Arizona Women Leading Government and proudly serves on the board of Arizona’s Children Association, a statewide adoption/foster care/youth behavioral health services agency with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ youth. She is also a member of Fighter Country Partnership, a group that provides support for the active duty women, men, and families of Luke Air Force Base. 

Nicole is an Arizona native happily married to her husband, Sean, a high school teacher. She is a proud stepmom to a U.S. Navy Sailor and also a mom to a 5-year-old. Nicole’s first book, Awesome on Your Own Terms: Stop Shoulding and Start Succeeding, hit #1 in multiple categories on Amazon. Her most recent book is Bold on the Inside: Amplify Your Impact Without Raising Your Voice. Nicole spends her free time trying not to step on the Legos her daughter leaves dangerously hidden in the carpet. 

Meredith Lipscomb is the Director of Membership Development for Visit Tucson, our area’s destination marketing and management organization, where she connects visitors to all the amazing local businesses in our area, and helps to support our region’s economic growth through responsible tourism.

Meredith joined the Junior League of Tucson in 2007 and quickly became involved in leadership, culminating in her year as JLT president in 2014-2015. Since that time, she’s remained an active sustainer including a term as the Sustainer Director as well as serving on the Sustaining Council. Outside of her Junior League involvement she’s gone on to volunteer on other non-profit boards, most recently as a board member for the Tucson chapter of the National Charity League as well as serving on the board for Tucson Clean and Beautiful for the past 9 years. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources Department. When she’s not working or volunteering, she’s visiting her daughter who’s a freshman in college this year, or hiking with her husband and their corgi, Penny.

Jeannette Maré helps individuals and organizations apply the science of kindness to real life. As a speaker, consultant, trainer, and researcher, she focuses on what supports kind behavior, and how to build systems, cultures, and daily habits that make meaningful connection more possible. Her work blends social science, behavioral science, and implementation strategy to support leaders, teams, and communities in creating environments where people feel valued and supported. Through her company, J. Maré Consulting, Jeannette provides talks, training, and strategic support to schools, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and other mission-driven entities working to build more connected and effective systems. She also leads the Science of Kindness Community Collective and serves as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Arizona, where she directs community-engaged research on kindness as a health behavior.

Earlier in her career, Jeannette founded Ben’s Bells Project, a nonprofit that has reached millions through kindness education. She continues to support the organization’s mission, while her independent work offers a deeper dive into the science of kindness, complementing Ben’s Bells’ broad community engagement. Jeannette’s work is ideal for those seeking to bring more kindness, connection, and well-being into their organizations or communities.

Charlene Mendoza is passionate about equity, justice, representation, and democracy. As Chief of Staff to Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, she plays a key role in crafting and implementing policies that support Tucson’s families, center equity, reproductive and climate justice, strengthen economic vitality, uplift small businesses, and help build a community where all residents — including her own children — can thrive. A proud Tucsonense who loves words and ideas, Charlene graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1995 and returned to Tucson to begin a two-decade career in education. She believes in the power and necessity of inquiry-driven learning environments that empower students to become civic-minded individuals capable of thinking critically, creatively, and collaboratively to address today’s most pressing challenges.

Charlene is deeply involved in the Tucson community through her work with organizations such as Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, Arizona List, Mijente, Las Adelitas PAC, Visit Tucson, and others. Her commitment to meaningful representation is rooted in building connections, advancing justice, and fostering collective power at the local, state, and federal levels.

Karla Bernal Morales serves as Vice President of the Arizona Technology Council, leading the Council’s Southern Arizona operations. In this role, she drives member recruitment, secures sponsorships, and oversees major events and technology-focused conferences. She also manages community and government relations, playing a key role in advancing Arizona’s innovation ecosystem. With over 27 years of leadership experience across education, nonprofit, and government sectors, Karla brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to public service. Previously, she served as Director for the Office of Multicultural Advancement in the Office of the Provost at the University of Arizona, where she built strong connections between the university and local communities.

Karla spent 17 years with the State of Arizona’s Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility, supporting thousands of families with essential services. During her time at United Way of Tucson & Southern Arizona, she raised over $8 million to support education, financial stability, and health programs. Karla currently serves as Vice Chair of the Pima Community College Governing Board and holds leadership roles on numerous boards, including the Pima County Workforce Investment Board, Campus Research Corporation, Tucson Airport Authority, Second Sky, Earn to Learn, College of Engineering Dean’s Council, and is the Chairwoman Emeritus of the Board for the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Karla earned her B.S. in Education and an MBA from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management.

Following in her mother’s footsteps (a Junior League member til she died), Emily Morrison has been actively involved in the Junior League of Tucson for almost 60 years. Author of Leadership Skills, Developing Volunteers for Organizational Success, she has served as a National Leadership Development Trainer, Director of Education & Exhibits at the Pima Air & Space Museum, and Assistant Director of the UA Department of Early Outreach. 

Emily has served as president of numerous volunteer organizations and as Regional Training Chair for AJLI. In addition, she has coordinated a number of national conferences and spent a decade organizing two-week leadership workshops at the University of Arizona for high schools students. 

Rose Snyder is the founder and CEO of Rose Snyder Consulting, where she partners with clients from various sectors, including nonprofit, corporate, and higher education, to build collaborative cultures and high-performing teams. She also works as a Mental Fitness Coach at Positive Intelligence, where she empowers leaders to leverage mental fitness skills to create clarity, effectiveness, and resilience. Rose uses Positive Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, and Shapes Communication as her core frameworks and tools to help clients achieve their goals and fulfill their missions.

With over 20 years of experience in leadership coaching and consulting, Rose helps clients maximize their potential and performance in personal, professional, and organizational domains. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), as well as a licensed Communication Consultant and a certified Professional Integrative Coach. Rose directs the Center for Healthy Nonprofits at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

Diane Sotelo is the CEO of Sotelo Synergies, LLC, where she empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential. With over 30 years of experience in learning and leadership development, Diane is known for her authentic approach, cultivating thriving teams, and driving organizational success. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and two degrees in education, which have laid the foundation for her impactful career.

Previously serving as HR Manager for Employee Leadership & Development at the City of Tucson, Diane led programs that enhanced the skills and engagement of over 4,500 employees. She is a 2023 SHRMGT Leadership Award recipient and was honored with the 2024 Ronald L. Kurth Leadership Award. Diane also contributes as a facilitator at the Eller College of Management and a key figure at the Eller Center for Leadership Ethics. An alumna of Greater Tucson Leadership’s 2024 "Lead Tucson" program, she is deeply committed to fostering growth in her community. An 8th generation Tucsonan and descendant of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Diane is passionate about creating a brighter future through education and development. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her family.

Jessica Sueskind is the Executive Director of Tucson Young Professionals (TYP), where she leads initiatives to empower young professionals, foster membership growth, and implement impactful programs that enhance the quality of life in Greater Tucson. Recognized in 2024 as a BizTucson NextGen Leader and Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber’s 40 Under 40 class, Jessica brings extensive experience in nonprofit management and organizational leadership, having held roles such as Chief Operating Officer at JKaiser Workspaces and Outreach Manager at Arizona FORGE, where she co-directed the TENWEST Impact Festival.

In addition to her full-time role, Jessica continues to serve as an Associate Producer of the TENWEST Impact Festival, working with Startup Tucson and Ranch House Media to highlight entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. She also serves on both the Young Leaders United Executive Committee and the Public Policy Committee for the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. A graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies, Jessica brings a passion for inclusivity, equity, and organizational growth to all her endeavors, making her a key driver of positive change in Tucson’s professional and nonprofit communities.

Hilary Van Alsburg is the Executive Director of Children’s Museum Tucson. Her professional experience includes extensive involvement in nonprofit fundraising, management, business law, and teaching. Her specialties are principal gift philanthropy, project management, nonprofit leadership and planning, grant writing and management, and planned giving. Prior to her role at Children’s Museum Tucson, Hilary was the Director of Development for University Libraries at the University of Arizona. She also previously served as the Chief Development Officer for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Hilary is a bar certified attorney in the State of Arizona and a state certified K-8 Elementary teacher.

Hilary collaborates extensively with organizations making our community awesome. Her goals are to remain engaged and challenged by her profession, contribute something worthwhile to her community, and maintain a balance with work and family so that every day gets spent fully and those around her get the best of her.

Edith Villalobos-Zamora began her career in the design and construction industry in 2007 and founded her own business, EmV Design Build, in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University. To offer comprehensive services to her clients, she obtained her General Contractor license in 2015.

Edith is actively involved in all facets of the business, including planning, budgeting, and executing construction projects. She is dedicated to providing concierge-level service by maintaining a hands-on approach in every aspect of the business.

Magdalena Verdugo has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Southern Arizona since January 2020. Previously, she spent 29 years with Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC), where she held a variety of positions. Most recently, she was the Vice President of CPLC Community Schools. Magdalena earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arizona, a master’s degree in education with a focus on educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and professional certification in nonprofit executive leadership from the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation at Arizona State University.

Magdalena’s current community service includes serving on the statewide board of Planned Parenthood of Arizona. She is also a member of The University of Arizona Hispanic Community Advisory Council and a board member of Salud y Cariño, a nonprofit that helps girls take action and gain confidence through physical activity and healthy choices. Magdalena is the daughter of migrant farmworkers. She is a first-generation college student who immigrated to the United States when she was three years old.

Teresa Welborn has more than 30 years of experience working in city, county and state government, and is currently the Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer for the Arizona Department of Transportation. Teresa joined the Junior League of Tucson in 1986, became a Sustainer in 1996, and is grateful for lasting friendships, the community service provided and the leadership opportunities.