AmaZing Women

When marriages collapse, executives burn out, and behavioralhealth organizations lose their footing, they call Dr. Stephvanie Wynn.Known as the Divorce Prevention Specialist, Dr. Wynn, LPC,PhD is a licensed clinician, executive consultant, and one of the most sought-after voices at the intersection of mental health and high-performance culture. With over two decades of experience, she has guided corporations,school districts, behavioral health organizations, and global executives toward sustainable success —not by working harder, but by transforming the relationships that drive every result.Founder of Wynn Win LLC, an international coaching,consulting, and clinical advisory firm, Dr. Wynn specializes in the human dynamics most organizations overlook: the connection, communication, and culture gaps that quietly drain revenue, retention, and results. Her methodology has helped companies create millions of dollars in value — not inspite of prioritizing relationships, but because of it.A Hampton University alumna with a Master's from Wayne State University and an international PhD from Atlantic International University, Dr. Wynn earned her doctoral distinction alongside peers from over 55 countries — aglobal perspective that shapes everything she builds.She is the Founder of Black Globe International LLC,Executive Producer of the Dr. Wynn Global Show, and Co-Chair of the Black Philanthropy Initiative under the Arizona Community Foundation. Her work reaches professional women, celebrity clientele, and behavioral health leaderswho are done settling for good enough — in their relationships, their organizations, or themselves.Dr. Wynn does not teach theory. She delivers transformation.

As a beneficiary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, HyeJung experienced firsthand the power of voters who believe in opportunity for all. That experience shaped her lifelong commitment to service. HyeJung enlisted in the U.S. Army via the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest program and earned her U.S. citizenship.After completing her military service and doctoral studies, HyeJung served as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institutes of Health and later at the Executive Office of the President, working at the intersection of research, policy, and public service while also teaching as an adjunct faculty member within the Maricopa Community College System in Arizona.She embodies the Tillman Scholar values of service beyond self and leadership through action as the founder of the Korean American Youth Led Association, a board member of the Phoenix Center for the Arts, and a Commissioner on the City of Phoenix Human Relations Commission. HyeJung’s mission is to champion inclusion, cultural connection, and equal opportunity for all.

Lisa Cagnolatti is retired Chief Customer Officer and Senior Vice President of Customer Service at Southern California Edison. As Chief Customer Officer she was responsible for all aspects of customer service including customer programs such as transportation electrification, energy efficiency, solar and demand response; major customer account management; call center and billing operations; and customer communications and outreach.Over the course of 24 years, Cagnolatti held various positions with the company covering a broad range of management responsibilities including vice president of the business customer division where she oversaw the company’s relationships with its major industrial, commercial, and government customers, and region manager in transmission/distribution. She also led cross-functional initiatives including outage management improvement efforts, streetlight strategies, and efforts to stimulate business development.In addition to her professional responsibilities, Cagnolatti serves in a leadership capacity for numerous community organizations focused on improving educational opportunities for under-served youth and enhancing the lives of women and girls around the world. She is treasurer of the Valle De Sol Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians, and a board member of the Valley of the Sun United Way. She is president of The Cagnolatti Daniels Family Foundation, and she is chair of the African American Women’s Giving and Empowerment Circle in Phoenix, AZ. Cagnolatti earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University. She is a Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Fellow.

Adelaide Goode is a woman of faith, wife and mother who uses her expertise of 20+ years of natural hair care and background in psychology to create an environment of growth, education and love for all those she serves. She is a graduate of Arizona State University, a Master Stylist and national/international educator of Rare Essence Academy and owner of the renowned, Rare Essence Studio in Tempe, AZ.

I’m a veteran high school teacher and education consultant, I’ve earned 3 Master’s Degrees, I am a first generation college grad, I am the mother of four successful adult children, I am an HBCU Graduate, and I am a Million Dollar Mom.

Charolette Marie Denson is a nonprofit leader, communications strategist, and youth development advocate dedicated to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities. She currently serves as Director of Youth Services at the Greater Phoenix Urban League, where she leads workforce development and leadership programs that prepare youth and young adults for college, careers, and civic engagement. Through her work, she helps create pathways that connect young people to education, employment, and mentorship opportunities that support long-term success.With more than 15 years of leadership experience and a background in advertising and human resources, Charolette brings a strategic approach to program development, communications, and community partnerships. She is passionate about building collaborations between nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to expand access to resources and create sustainable impact.In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Charolette is the founder of Black Girls Love Phoenix, a data-collection and digital storytelling platform that explores and amplifies the experiences of Black women living in Arizona. Through storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement, her work centers on visibility, empowerment, and helping others recognize that their journeys—especially the challenging moments—can become catalysts for growth and transformation.

LaShunda Armstrong, LCSW is the owner and operator of Abundance Counseling Services and the co-founder of The Girlfriend Culture, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting rest and healing, particularly for Black women. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, LaShunda is passionate about fostering healing within the Black community, creating safe spaces for individuals to process, grow, and thrive.As a licensed clinical social worker, she specializes in trauma-informed care, person-centered approaches, and strengths-based modalities, offering compassionate support to individuals seeking emotional wellness. Her nonprofit work through The Girlfriend Culture is an extension of her mission—encouraging Black women to embrace rest as a radical act of self-care and healing.Beyond her professional roles, LaShunda enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and pets, reading, and intentionally carving out moments of rest. She describes herself as "everyone’s homegirl", always ready to listen, uplift, and champion others in their pursuit of dreams and goals. Whether in therapy sessions, community spaces, or casual conversations, LaShunda’s warmth, wisdom, and dedication to healing shine through.

Enjolie is a grandmother, mom, sister, tía, psychologist, hypnotherapist, womb to tomb comadre, and business owner. Born in Southern California, she is Afro-Cuban (Taino/Arawak) and Guatemalan (Maya). As a former faculty developer and professor specializing in the Psychology of Gender and Culture, her degrees from Arizona State University and the University of Southern California are in counseling psychology emphasizing multiculturalism. Dr. Lafaurie’s passion for cultures led to teaching in Tanzania, Africa, in 2005, on the prevention of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other culturally bound practices. In 2007, Enjolie became a certified hypnotherapist and in 2014 received training in mindfulness and biofeedback at New Mexico State University.Since transitioning out of academia, Enjolie has incorporated her varied experiences within the nonprofit sector. Given both her business and educational background she now focuses on her role as the Comadre of Development for the Cihuapactli Collective, a non-profit organization supporting urban Indigenous families to reconnect with ancestral knowledge. As a bilingual professional in English and Spanish, Dr. Lafaurie is a regular contributor to podcasts, called on for speaking engagements, and as a consultant providing leadership and counsel to a variety of boards and organizations, for example, as the Vice President of the National Association for Certified Death Midwives. Her most recent writings have been included in the book titled, Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices: Building a Culture of Equity, Connection, and Healing, in the Non-Profit Quarterly, and as a guest on MSNBC's Velshi Across America. Lastly, Dr. Lafaurie is a recent contributor to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Krissyn Sumare is a dedicated educator and leader with over 23 years of combined experience in high school and college administration across both private and alternative education sectors. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to nurturing academic excellence and empowering students. She most recently holds the role of Senior Director of Academics for Blueprint Education School District.Krissyn is passionate about fostering positive change in the lives of youth and women’s organizations, Her work extends beyond education field, as she is a published children’s author, a small business owner, and a devoted advocate for less fortunate families across the Valley.. Above all, Krissyn is deeply committed to serving others and lives out her faith by dedicating time and energy to serving the homeless and incarcerated communities in Arizona.A staunch believer in the transformative power of inspiration, Krissyn holds fast to the philosophy that “inspired people, inspire people.” She is driven by the belief that by uplifting and empowering others, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and change in the world. With her heart for service, her unwavering dedication to education, and her passion for building stronger communities, Krissyn continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of those within her reach.

Dr. Lee is Dine’ and from the Navajo Nation. Her tribal clans are: Tachii’nii, Tabaaha, Tsenjikini and Kin L ichii’nii. She completed her undergraduate degree(s) from Arizona State University, MPH and PhD in Public Health degree(s) at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, MLS in Indigenous Peoples Law at University of Oklahoma, College of Law. She completed her Predoctoral Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health focused on Indigenous Health and her Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine focused on infectious disease preventative medicine. She serves on the United Nations North American Caucus, Global Indigenous Women's Caucus and Gender Equality Task Force. She is Founder/CEO of United Natives, a non-profit organization that serves Indian Country. She also serves as the Vice Chair for the Clark County, NV Democratic Party Native Caucus, Advisor for the Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity and a Board of Director for the Las Vegas Indian Center. She served as a Tribal Health Advisor to the Obama Administration.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Nina's path has been one of continuous learning and professional excellence. At the age of 18, she moved to San Diego to broaden her horizons and pursue higher education. In 1990, Nina moved back to the Valley, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, followed by a Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems. Showcasing her commitment to blending business acumen with technological expertise.Nina dedicated 18 years of her career to Honeywell, contributing significantly to the company's success and honing her skills in a dynamic environment. Currently, she brings her wealth of experience and innovative thinking to her role at American Family Insurance, where she continues to excel and make an impact.

Dr. Chante is a visionary EMDR therapist and cultivator of community, dedicated to healing and transformation. With a deep passion for helping BIPOC individuals navigate trauma, she blends creativity, culture, and connection to make healing accessible and empowering. Beyond the therapy office, she’s creating resources, planning events, and manifesting possibilities to inspire reflection and growth. Dr. Chante is on a mission to develop spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported on their journeys. Dr. Chante wants everyone to have the opportunity to heal and live a life they love. CA-11292

A proud cycle breaker from the tough streets of West Phoenix, Angela Salazar overcame poverty and gang culture with resilience, mentorship, and community support from Chicanos Por La Causa and Phoenix Job Corps. As Trainee Government Association President, she led student-driven change. At the University of Phoenix, she rose from the file room to Corporate Trainer in just one year, designing streamlined training systems and coaching new hires into confident professionals.Angela’s impact extends beyond corporate walls. She led La Fuerza (Hispanic ERG), served as Unified ERG Strategy Director, and held a board seat with ALPFA Phoenix as Community Affairs Director. A passionate advocate for DEI, professional empowerment, and racial justice, she bridges communities and inspires change. Angela is a relationship builder, mentor, and thought leader who empowers BIPOC professionals and creates pathways to success. Her mission is clear: lead with purpose, uplift others, and champion equity through action.

Katelyn Harris Lange is a dynamic, community-centered communications strategist and project manager experienced in talent acquisition and workforce development. As the In-Demand Career & Apprenticeship Strategist for Maricopa County, Katelyn expands community awareness of job seeker and employer services through ARIZONA@WORK Maricopa County.In the community, Katelyn serves on the board for Phoenix nonprofit Hope’s Crossing and was appointed to the Community, Mental Health, Wellness & Public Safety Taskforce for the City of Phoenix. She is a seven-year funder of the African-American Women’s Giving & Empowerment Circle (AAWGEC) and Co-founder of the Bet of Yourself Scholarship at Phoenix College.An advocate for a more bikeable and walkable Phoenix, Katelyn joined the Bike To Work Committee for the Urban Phoenix Project. She is a 2020 Flinn Brown Fellow and a former Vice President & Civic Engagement Chair for the Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals.Katelyn and her husband own a portfolio of short and long term rental properties and are currently renovating an old motel in historic Globe, Arizona.

Linda Ruvalcaba, LPC, is a Chicana therapist, consultant, and community builder dedicated to empowering the Latine mental health community. She is the founder of Empieza Aquí Counseling, where she provides culturally-affirming therapy focused on anxiety, grief, and existential themes, and Empieza Aquí Consulting, offering mentorship to therapists on private practice, working with Latine clients, and professional growth.In 2024, she launched Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists, a professional association fostering connection, collaboration, and cultural affirmation. Under her leadership, it has become a vital space for Latine mental health professionals to access resources, support, and advocacy.Through her work, social media presence (@therapy.girl), and dedication to community healing, Linda remains committed to creating spaces where growth and empowerment thrive.

Lindsay Love, LCSW is an independently licensed therapist, EMDR consultant, Brainspotting therapist, and board-approved clinical supervisor. She specializes in racialized trauma, eating disorders, and liberation-based healing, centering Black women in her work.A former school board member, Lindsay was the first Black woman elected to the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board and served as Black Alliance President with the Arizona School Board Association. She championed DEI, Social Emotional Learning, and LGBTQ-inclusive policies, facing racist attacks for her advocacy. She remains politically engaged, supporting local school board candidates and supporting indie reproductive health clinics.Lindsay is the co founder of Girlfriend Culture, a nonprofit curating rest and community for Black women. She also leads We Are Earthseed, a supervision program inspired by Octavia Butler’s Earthseed series, integrating adaptability and liberation in social work. Through TherapyLuv, PLLC, she provides EMDR consultation, training, and supervision for clinicians working with Black women and femmes.After a transformative sabbatical, Lindsay embraces rest and creativity as essential to healing. She continues to reimagine wellness, helping therapists and communities move beyond survival toward collective liberation.

Letticia “Tish” Brown-Gambino is a seasoned housing and homeless service professional. A passionate change agent with interests including professional learning and development, racial equity, program design, community outreach, and advocacy. Letticia comes to Arizona from Connecticut as an experienced licensed professional counselor and program officer with a long career in preventing and ending homelessness. She has over two decades of experience as a leader of housing and community services for national organizations such as the YMCA and Catholic Charities, developing and managing supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and shelter programs. Letticia has expertise in redefining program culture and reimagining the public presence of organizations. Letticia’s program operations background includes serving as a program development consultant for homeless service providers, supportive housing providers, Public Housing Authorities, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers funded by SAMHSA.Letticia earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire and her master’s degree in counseling psychology at Southern Connecticut State University. Letticia is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut and Arizona. Tish is a proud empty nester, the mother of a Black daughter and a Black son.

Victoria has more than 30 years HR and operations experience in Financial Services, and she has made an impact in her community through philanthropy, board service, social action, and volunteerism. She is a proud Gigi of two adorable grandchildren, mom to three amazing adults, and one fur baby. She loves outdoor activities, live music, language practice and travel, and the cultural arts.

Audrey Bell-Jenkin was born and raised in Gary, IN. Lived and southern California for over 14 years before moving to Phoenix, AZ in 2002. She considers herself a “human services advocate.” She’s very passionate about social services, and empowering women and girls. She believes having a mentorship at all stages of your life is a true gift. Audrey is the Founder of Real Women Revealed, LLC, an empowerment & accountability organization to empower women and girls. The organization is founded on supporting individuals in the areas of self-esteem/worth; mentorship; advocacy; workforce and professional development; sisterhood empowerment; and civic engagement. Audrey is also the Chief Operating Officer at House of Miracles, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides licensed counseling & an array of other social services to men and women afflicted with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. Her newest endeavor is ABJ Consulting, LLC. Offering professional development and organization management strategies. Audrey also volunteers her time by serving as a Commissioner for the City of Phoenix Human Services Commission. Audrey was appointed by the City of Phoenix Community Mental Health Wellness, Public Health and Safety Task Force.

Latisha Brown is a devoted licensed social worker based in Arizona, and domestic violence advocate. Motivated by a strong desire to enhance people's lives, she strives to forge an exceptional path in social services. Currently pursuing a doctorate in behavioral health management, Latisha is deeply engaged in crafting initiatives within the Department of Veteran Affairs to effectively address mental health hurdles. Her ambition to bring about change through her distinct approach drives her relentless pursuit of inventive solutions. Latisha actively participates in community projects, ensuring her dedication to assisting others shines through every aspect of her life. With an unwavering commitment to uplifting those in distress, Latisha Brown serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in the fields of social advocacy and mental health care.

Samantha Weiss is a Social Worker and advocate committed to supporting and empowering survivors of sexual violence to promote their safety, healing and well-being. The framework in which Samantha roots her work is race and gender equity. Her previous work includes facilitating violence prevention programming to youth, direct services such as victim advocacy and crisis intervention, and contributing to the expansion and strengthening of sexual violence programming throughout the state of Arizona.

KaRa Lyn Thrasher [kah-rah lin] is a community builder passionate about shaping inclusive, connected, and resilient individuals, organizations, and communities. Her years of professional experience supporting various higher education, non-profit and civic-minded organizations have highlighted her skills in facilitation, program design, and project management to empower people and build capacity. Her academic, international, and lived experiences contribute to her forward-thinking adaptability. Having lived in many places around the world, KaRa Lyn quickly called Arizona home after relocating in 2021. Outside of work, KaRa Lyn prioritizes spending time with her loved ones, traveling our beautiful and messy world, and volunteering with organizations focused on racial and gender equity, such as the YWCA of Metropolitan Phoenix and IDEAS Generation.

Veronica Villarreal is a native Arizonan who recently graduated with her Master’s in Social Work after spending many years serving others, primarily in the world of behavioral health. Veronica has worked with an abundance of populations in different types of practices, ranging from inpatient, outpatient, group homes, crisis, and detox. Throughout her career she has found her passion resides in helping those with substance use disorders, individuals who have a history with the criminal justice system and crisis de-escalation. Recently, she decided to deviate from her normal practices to begin a journey at a level 1 trauma hospital as a Hospital Social Worker to gain more experience and expand her knowledge within the medical realm. Although she is taking a slight detour, she continues to focus on de-stigmatizing mental health within the community, providing resources for those who suffer from addiction and heavily pushes self care on anyone she speaks to.

Xochitl Wilson is Mexican born and raised in Arizona. She is a dedicated advocate for health and well-being and holds a degree in nutrition. Of which in many aspects Ms. Wilson has re-taught herself a more holistic way of healing on a personal level and is now advocating for an alternative approach for others. Her educational journey ignited a lifelong passion for empowering individuals of all ages with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives. Ms. Wilson’s mission is to assist those facing limited access to community resources, especially in the realm of nutrition, this has been her driving force. Her community involvement has been instrumental in effecting positive change. She actively participates in multiple policy councils and boards, representing her community's interests. As a consultant and facilitator, Ms. Wilson works tirelessly to bridge gaps in food insecurity, collaborating with families to enhance their well-being. Ms. Wilson’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication in promoting health and fostering thriving communities.

Winter (she/her/they/them) is an independently licensed therapist here in Arizona supporting humans in their healing journey, with a special passion for assisting those navigating eating disorders, body image, and disordered eating. Winter understands deeply this space as she too has her own eating disorder recovery story. Winter is a member and advocate within the LGBTQIA+ community. She is a dog momma and when not working, you can find her in nature or reading a book in some coffee shop. :)

Eva Galindo she/her/hers was proudly born and raised in a small town in rural Central Michigan, being involved with Nonprofits starting in the 7th Grade with FFA and 4H. After High School and attending Community College in 2006, Eva began performing and competing in Drag and was introduced to her first Pride Festival, Michigan Pride. Being a performer helped her discover her authentic self and she developed this longing to serve and defend the LGBTQ+ communities.In 2015, five years after beginning her transition she decided to move to Phoenix to dive into the Metropolitan Phoenix LGTBQ+ Community and develop her career. In 2017 she won the Miss Phoenix Pride Pageant and later that year was elected to the Board of Directors. In her board service, she served as the Audit Committee Chair and on the Education and Outreach Committee. In 2018 she made the professional shift leaving Cosmetic Retail and her Board Service to become the Phoenix Pride Program Manager. In 2019 she attended the Arizona Leadership Academy and ASU Lodestar obtaining her Non-Profit Management Certification. Because of her experience in the Corporate Sector and her lived experience as a Bi-Racial trans woman, Eva created the Phoenix Pride Diversity and Inclusion Training, presented to local and national corporations agencies, and entities to create lasting inclusive workplace policies and settings allowing all employees to truly thrive. Eva also serves the local organization The Imperial Court of Arizona as a volunteer and member. In 2021 Eva was sworn in as a Council Member of the Greater Phoenix Ryan White HIV Services Planning Council and was announced as the organization’s first Director of Programs. Eva’s sole mission is working hard for her community so our community won’t have to work so hard for their rights.

Sarah Stadler is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She currently serves Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix (Ahwatukee) as interim pastor, served Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix for 12 years, and served St. Peter Lutheran Church in Denver, Iowa after completing her Master of Divinity degree at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Sarah’s love of all people and all creation leads her to serve and lead in the community in various ways, including on the policy committee for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona, on the board of the Institute for Civil Dialogue, as a volunteer with Sonoran Prevention Works, and by nurturing her connection with the land through gardening, tending her trees, and observing gorgeous Phoenix sunsets from her hammock under a canopy of leaves.

Teniqua Broughton has over 20 years of experience working in the arts and culture sector, leveraging her experience, initiative and insight to identify strategies that support the sustainability of organizations. She ignites creativity and challenges mediocrity to drive desired outcomes through public speaking, facilitating workshops that focus on nonprofit governance consulting, event and project management, and leadership and equity empowerment. In 2014, she established VerveSimone Consulting to build an organization where she could control the fruits of her labor.  In 2021, Teniqua was awarded the Arizona State University MLK Servant Leader-Leadership award and Phoenix Business Journal’s 2021 Most Admired Leader recipient. Teniqua has a master’s degree in education with a focus on Educational Administration and Supervision from Arizona State University, and a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology, with an emphasis on theater for youth from Arizona State University. She is a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP), certified in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Arizona and in Equity and Inclusion from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. She enjoys traveling to places with water in her free time as it provides both healing and relaxation. Teniqua is also an avid lover of shoes and a collector of snow globes.

My name is Ulonda Old Coyote. I was born in Arizona on the Dine’ Reservation and lived most of my younger years in northern Arizona. For a good 16yrs of my life I used drugs and alcohol and spent a majority of those years in and out of incarceration. Having suffered multiple levels of abuse, I consider myself a survivor. I have recently celebrated 13yrs of recovery and of those years 12 have been serving others in the behavioral health field. I divulge all of that information so people know that you can recover from the past and help others to find their way. During my career in the behavioral health field, I have worked numerous positions, this experience has given me the opportunity to learn various things, which has helped me attain the position I hold today. I am proud of the work I have done and still do.

Dr. Meka Allen is an Army veteran and a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years in the field serving diverse communities. She has been honored to practice across the continuum of care from private practice to IOP and residential treatment. She has had the opportunity to grow from volunteer to vice president to executive director. Dr. Allen’s practice focus has been treating addiction, trauma, and mental health issues among adolescents, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC communities. Dr. Allen’s research and volunteer focus areas are veteran causes, adolescents, and overall destigmatizing mental health care among marginalized communities. She also has the privilege of teaching bright minds at Arizona State University’s School of Social Work.

Angelique McCoy moved to the greater Phoenix area in 2019, but is originally from metro Atlanta. After receiving her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, she knew that travel and STEM would be in her immediate future, but not sure to what extent. She relocated to Arizona to work in manufacturing at Intel’s Ocotillo site. The idea for a nonprofit began when her and 2 friends had a heart-to-heart about pressing issues plaguing communities of color across the country. That initial conversation sparked an interest for change within the three women, and they later co-founded a nonprofit R.I.S.E. Over Everything Outreach on Juneteenth 2020. R.I.S.E. stands for renewal in self-empowerment where the goal is to empower the local community members to their highest socioeconomic potential through a renewed mindset and education, leading to a brighter future. The nonprofit provides free or low-cost services to underserved, well-deserving youth and families by focusing on personal and professional development.

Melissa Brown is CEO & Founder of Copper Sky Social Media. Since 2017, Melissa has successfully worked with business owners, corporations, and nonprofits to unlock the digital marketing tools, tips, and strategies to attract prospective clients, connect influencers, and generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales without paid advertising. Melissa strives to ensure her clients feel as though they have true partner that will work just as hard for their business as they would and has a passion for outstanding customer service. Before starting Copper Sky, Melissa was a fundraiser for individual donors at Phoenix Art Museum, and held various management roles in retail and hospitality in Scottsdale, AZ. Melissa is a native Arizonan and graduate of Arizona State University, majoring in Art History. In her free time, you can find her reading anything and everything, listening to true crime podcasts, or golfing at Arizona’s gorgeous courses.

Viridiana Zendejas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years of social work experience serving the Latina/x/o community. She has worked in domestic violence, cancer support, and administration in for-profit and non-profit organizations advocating for the needs of marginalized communities across Arizona and Utah. Viridiana is the owner and founder of Generaciones Counseling, a mental health practice dedicated to providing therapy services to the Latinx community and raising awareness by helping companies and organizations provide trauma informed support to their teams. As a first generation, Mexican-American woman, Viridiana experienced many of the similar obstacles first generation children of immigrant families experience; helping her family navigate societal barriers, honoring her family's values, all while also finding her own voice and preferences. Creating Generaciones Counseling is Viridiana's way of providing all people of Latino/a/x descent a space where they can heal, discover, and feel empowered to create their own path while integrating bits of their culture and familia that made their childhood memorable.

Born and raised in South Phoenix, Carla has always had a heart for service. She has been involved with several community organizations over the years, starting out as a competitor and mentor with the 100 Black Men of Phoenix. While attending Arizona State University, she was active in her school’s chapter of the NAACP. After earning a license in cosmetology,and Bachelor’s degree in Business and Organizational Leadership; she enjoyed a successful career as a beauty industry entrepreneur. In 2020, after personally witnessing the disparities in the justice system, Carla began her work as a volunteer with Community Legal Services, helping to support and educate individuals going through the family court system. It was in doing this work that Carla decided to be the change she wishes to see, by applying to law school. She is currently pursuing her Juris Doctorate at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, in the prestigious position as an O'Connor Merit Scholar. Now the proud mother of two children, Carla co-founded R.I.S.E. Over Everything Outreach in order to continue to positively impact her community, and leave a better world for her children and future generations to follow.

This episode you will meet Erica Tatum-Sheade, LCSW. She is an AmaZing Woman and will answer our three questions: what makes you amzaing. how are you supporting other amazing women and how can we support your work?  Erica Tatum-Sheade, LCSW is a licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. Erica has long been a tireless advocate for children in Arizona, first as a senior social worker with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and then as the co-owner of Integrated Mental Health Associates (IMHA), where she provides therapy for children and adolescents. At IMHA, she also created a group curriculum called G.E.M.S.™ (Girls Empowered, Motivated, and Strong), where she teaches concepts of confidence, empowerment, self-esteem, and authenticity to girls from elementary through high school. She also does training and public speaking in mental health.