Better Together Arizona

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by CEO of Brick Road Coffee, Gabe Hagen, and VP of Business Development at Local First Arizona, Thomas Barr. Thomas is a passionate advocate for independent businesses, and Gabe created Brick Road Coffee as a pillar of belonging and inclusivity. Together, they offer insight into the challenges facing local economies amid a tumultuous political climate. This thought-provoking and caffeinated conversation emphasizes the vital role of local businesses as a “third space” – a location outside of home or work where people can feel safe and included, find community, and have courageous discussions. Gabe breaks down how recent tariffs are directly impacting the cost of coffee and reveals the hidden fees that businesses like his are facing. Get the hard math behind coffee production and the ripple effect that global tariffs have on labor hours, pricing, and the ability to operate. Key Takeaways: 🤗 The power of togetherness: Community and togetherness will be the core strengths needed to combat the current, divisive political climate. 🧘 The critical “third space”: Local, independent businesses like Brick Road Coffee serve as essential spaces where people find community, connect with neighbors, and engage in meaningful conversations. ☕ Tariffs driving up costs: Because 99% of US coffee is imported, tariffs significantly increase the cost of brewing. Cost per unit for Brick Road was $5.80 before the tariffs; now it’s $6.75. 💸 Tariffs impacting profit: The impact of tariffs on a single medium vanilla latte at Brick Road added $0.05 to the production cost, so they were losing money trying to keep prices stable. 📈 Annual cost of tariffs: Brick Road Coffee projects their annual cost of tariffs to be $3,800 based on selling 215 cups daily. 🧑‍💼 Ripple effect on labor: To save enough money monthly to offset the annual cost of tariffs, Brick Road may have to cup 21 labor hours which equates to one part-time job. If that math is applied across the Phoenix Valley’s 1,800 coffee shops, that could mean the loss of 210 full-time jobs. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #BetterTogetherAZ #BetterTogetherArizona #LGBTQPodcasts #CoffeeAndTariffs #TariffsAndCoffeePrices #LocalFirstArizona #LocalFirstAZ #BrickRoadCoffee #BrickRoadCoffeeCompany #BrickRoadCoffeeTempe #BuyLocal #ShopLocal #OpenAZ #LoveAZ 

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Monica Villalobos.  Together, they explore the challenges of navigating a current political climate that seeks to divide diverse communities, and the difficulties of fighting narratives that are not rooted in fact and truth.  This conversation takes place during National Hispanic Heritage month, but Monica emphasizes the impact of the community year-round, pointing out the vast economic and civic influence. Latinos in Arizona make up 30% of the state and contribute $72 billion to the state’s economy, according to Datos, an annual report outlining the state of Arizona’s Hispanic market. The US Latino community is considered the fourth largest economy in the world, spending $4.1 trillion annually, forecasted to surpass Germany by 2027. Key Takeaways: 🤑  Arizona’s Latino community has signifiant economic and demographic power. The present and future of Arizona is Hispanic. 🌱 America’s Latino population is young, skewing about 15 years younger than the general population–and they are consistently putting more into the economy than they are taking out. 📊 Sharing real data, like the Datos Report, is critical for owning your own narrative and dispelling myths.  ❤️ The Hispanic community makes contributions 365 days a year and should be recognized and celebrated year-round. 🌵 Arizona is considered “ground zero” for political and social battles surrounding the Hispanic community, making it a critical location for fighting for change. National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15-October 15. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #BetterTogetherAZ #BetterTogetherArizona #LGBTQPodcasts #ArizonaHispanicChamberOfCommerce #DatosArizonaHispanicChamberOfCommerce #MonicaVillalobos #MonicaVillalobosArizona #HispanicHeritageMonth #NationalHispanicHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritageMonth2025 #ArizonaHispanicHeritageMonth #HispanicAmericanHeritageMonth 

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by Market President and Chief Credit Officer of Gateway Bank, Scott Morris and Josh Flake.  Together, they dive into critical financial strategies for consumers and businesses facing current economic uncertainties. With consumer confidence at lows not seen since the 90s, and significant drops in job creation across Arizona, this episode offers crucial advice on resilience, planning, and thriving financially–even during turbulent times.  Gateway Bank celebrates a unique culture built on authentic leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to inclusion. “If it’s not a great place for everyone, it’s not a great place for anyone.” Under Scott and Josh’s leadership, Gateway Bank signed the ONE Community UNITY Pledge, sending the message that all area businesses are open to business for everyone. Providing equal access to banking relationships and capital, regardless of orientation or background, is core to the organization’s values. Key Takeaways: 💪 When facing financial struggles, avoid tying self-worth to financial success. Focus on learning from adversity, being resourceful, and moving forward with resilience. 💰 It’s never too late to start looking at your finances, setting goals, and developing a consistent strategy, even if you’ve never done financial planning before. 🛟 The necessary size of a business emergency fund varies widely. Businesses with short operating cycles need smaller reserves, while those with long cycles need a substantial war chest of cash. 🌈 During uncertain times, having a network and true community to lean on is essential. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by President and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc., (DPI) Devney Majerle. Together, they discuss the remarkable transformation of Downtown Phoenix under the incredible female leadership of both Majerle and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and highlight the highly-collaborative efforts of women driving change. "Downtown Phoenix is for everybody and we want it to always be for everyone no matter whether they want to live, work, play, or learn here," Majerle says. Downtown Phoenix Inc. is a community building organization that champions the wisdom of community members by establishing constant feedback loops and engaging in continuous stakeholder meetings and prioritizing what’s best for Downtown. This ensures that a wide range of perspectives–from large employers to local businesses and residents–are integral to the vision for an inclusive and accessible urban hub. Another initiative from DPI is advancing diverse and inclusive housing options. Downtown Phoenix possesses the highest concentration of affordable housing units in the city. Plans are in motion to develop hundreds of new affordable units. Nearly 80% of the street-level bars and restaurants in Downtown Phoenix are locally-owned, which Majerle considers a “secret ingredient” to the area’s vibrancy. Under Majerle’s leadership, both Downtown Phoenix Inc. and Phoenix Community Alliance have signed the ONE Community UNITY Pledge, sending the message that all area businesses are open to business for everyone. Learn more about the UNITY Pledge and sign today as an individual or business: UNITYPledge.com. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  Learn more about ONE Community: https://www.onecommunity.com/ Learn more about Full Swing Studios: https://www.fullswingstudios.com/services/podcasting #BetterTogetherAZ #BetterTogetherArizona #LGBTQPodcasts #DowntownPhoenixInc #DevneyMajerle #DevneyPruessMajerle #DowntownPhoenix #DowntownPhoenixRestaurants 

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by highly experienced financial planner, Catherine Scrivano. In an era marked by "financial uncertainty for most American households" and a "sweeping anti-DEI push", this conversation couldn't be more timely. Angela and Catherine discuss the current landscape and offer advice for families navigating the complexities of finance to pursue their dreams.Key Takeaways: Learning from the past: Current financial uncertainty is not unprecedented; looking back at past economic downturns (1990s, 2008, COVID-19) provides valuable lessons and context.Navigating Chaos: In times of "chaos" and "falsehoods," it's crucial to identify and focus on genuine information that requires action, rather than being paralyzed by distractions or noise.Understanding Behavioral Finance: Emotional reactions significantly influence financial decisions. Having awareness of your own "tolerance for volatility" and how emotions impact investing is vital.The Power of Values-Aligned Investing: Consumers are increasingly "voting with their wallets," leading to a rise in demand for "values-based investing." For businesses, aligning with core values and remaining steadfast, even in challenging times, is crucial for long-term sustainability.Know What You Own: For those with investments in mutual funds, it's essential to understand the underlying holdings to ensure they align with personal goals, time horizon, and value screens, avoiding unintentional "overlap."With over 30 years of industry experience, Catherine is renowned for helping diverse clientele–from small businesses to families and individuals. Catherine has been recognized through numerous awards and nominations including being named a 2016 finalist for the ATHENA award by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, 2016 Outstanding Woman in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal, 2017 Dorothy Wiley Award, the highest recognition offered by the YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, the 2017 Most Influential Women in Arizona by Arizona Business Magazine.About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by President of the Phoenix Mercury, Vince Kozar. Vince shares his story as an openly-gay leader in sports and how his personal values have helped make LGBTQ+ inclusion a core value of the organization. Under Vince’s leadership, the Phoenix Mercury have established themselves as pioneers in LGBTQ+ inclusion in Arizona. They were the first sports team in the state to host a Pride Night, sponsor Phoenix Pride, and actively march in the local Pride parade. The Phoenix Mercury was also the first major league sports team to sign the ONE Community UNITY Pledge, demonstrating their deep commitment to fostering an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace. They also discuss the rise in women’s sports, but point out there is still work to be done: “Too often, when we talk about professional sports, we focus on the ‘big 4’: NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Unfortunately, that frames only male sports as mattering,” explains Vince. “We’ve now realized that the W is here. We have people showing up. And it doesn’t matter to me why you’re showing up.” Making sure everyone feels welcome is a huge priority for Vince and the Phoenix Mercury organization. There is a certain magic that fans feel when attending Phoenix Mercury games, whether they're attending their first game, or 50th.  “We have people showing up to our games saying: ‘I feel safe.’ ‘The fans look like me, the other families look like mine.’ ‘The athletes on the court look like me.’ - it’s a beautiful thing.”  About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #BetterTogetherAZ #BetterTogetherArizona #LGBTQPodcasts #UNITYPledge #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #DEI #EqualityForAll #InclusionForAll #PhoenixMercury #PhoenixMercuryGames #VinceKozar #VinceKozarPhoenixMercury #VinceKozarMercury

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by Co-CEOs of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine: Mary Mitchell and Christina Spicer. Mary and Christina talk about their unique leadership structure of having two female CEOs and how the two of them came to embrace the power of shared leadership and pass that down to troop leadership. “It’s all about the power of ‘more than 1’,” explains Mary. The power of multiplying collective voices and efforts.  Demonstrating shared leadership and collaboration also gives the Girl Scouts the opportunity to see a different way of leading. “You have to scrub your ego and learn how to work in a collaborative space, not a competitive space,” says Christina. The Girls Scouts as an organization is about unity and a sense of belonging, and their programs are built around that mission. They are also focused on strengthening the opportunities for women in leadership and empowering future leaders of tomorrow. The National Girl Scouts Institute conducted research around how girls want to lead, and unsurprisingly, the girls polled didn’t like what they were seeing in leadership: one person at the helm, usually a white man. They wanted a different model. And Mary and Christina have been able to provide a real-life model of collaborative, female leadership. The way that women find their way toward a shared solution adds valuable depth in terms of how that decision came about and makes the solution more sustainable. This is one of the lessons Girls Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine is working to pass down to their members. Under Mary and Christina’s leadership, Girls Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine signed the ONE Community UNITY Pledge. “A lot of what lives in the UNITY Pledge mirrors who we are as an organization,” says Mary. “If we want equality for all people and we want to do that in a way that’s visible–why wouldn’t we sign? If this is really who we are, we need to show up and make a stand that we are with you.” Learn more about the UNITY Pledge and sign today as an individual or business: UNITYPledge.com. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #GirlScouts #GirlScoutsArizona #GirlScoutsCactusPine

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by ONE Community Business Member Karen Johnson, CEO of New Pathways for Youth. Under Karen’s leadership, New Pathways for Youth signed the UNITY Pledge to show their commitment to inclusion, an important message as they work to serve a highly diverse youth population. 95% of the youth they serve are BIPOC and 30% identify as LGBTQ+. New Pathways for Youth has been serving Phoenix youth aged 13 to 21 for 36 years. The organization facilitates a mentoring program combined with a personal development curriculum designed to support young people who have faced adversity and are seeking new opportunities and a connection with a caring adult. The youth served by New Pathways for Youth have three or more adverse childhood experiences, which can include abuse, neglect, family dysfunction, and other traumatic events.The mentor commitment involves connecting with a mentee three times per month including a required “PowerUp” session focused on continuing the personal development curriculum. New Pathways for Youth provides significant support for mentors including coaching, case management, and a built-in community network.About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix. #BetterTogetherAZ #BetterTogetherArizona #LGBTQPodcasts #UNITYPledge #NewPathwaysForYouth #NewPathwaysForYouthPhoenixAZ #NewPathwaysForYouthPhoenix

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by ONE Community Business Member Chad Wolver, CFO of Adobe Population Health–and 2024 Spotlight on Success Local Hero. Together, Angela and Chad take a deep dive into LGBTQ+ inclusion, the role of businesses in advancing equity, and the current social and political landscape in Arizona. Chad shares his personal journey about getting involved in advocacy, the importance of fighting for an inclusive work culture, and his perspective on the challenges and responsibilities facing the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in the current climate. Adobe Population Health is a ONE Community Business Member, an effort championed directly by Chad. Adobe Population Health is the largest privately-held LGBTQ+ organization in Arizona.“Visibility is what’s most important. Showing our employees, members, and our community that we’re committed to inclusivity and advancing equality for all–that’s what the UNITY Pledge is all about.”About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix. #BetterTogetherAZ #BetterTogetherArizona #LGBTQPodcasts #AdobePopulationHealth #Inclusivity #DEIInTheWorkplace #UnityPledge #DiversityEquityAndInclusion

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by President of Equality Arizona, Michael Soto for another round of LGBTQ+ policy updates.  Just over 60 days into the Trump administration, we have seen a whirlwind of changes, many with a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community. This conversation breaks down five anti-transgender executive orders issued by President Trump, related legal challenges that are already underway, and the role of the judiciary in providing a check on executive overreach. Michael provides a detailed overview of each executive order including the  unscientific definition of sex impacting federal IDs and incarcerated individuals, the transmilitary ban, and the medical care ban for transgender minors and young adults.“There is one word that describes all five of these executive orders…and that’s just cruelty.”  Beyond the executive branch, Angela and Michael address the anti-transgender bills moving through the House of Representatives. These include the bills targeting bathroom access and sports participation. This episode of Better Together  Arizona is a vital resource in understanding the current landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing fight for equality. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix. #BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #TrumpLGBTQ #TrumpLGBTQRights #TrumpLGBTQPolicies #TrumpAntiLGBTQ #LGBTQExecutiveOrder #AntiLGBTQExecutiveOrder #TransgenderExecutiveOrder #TrumpTransgenderExecutiveOrder #TransgenderMilitaryBan #TrumpTransgenderMilitaryBan

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by CEO of Valle del Sol, Mike Renaud.  Mike shares his life and career journey from Boston to Arizona and his extensive background in community health. He talks about the importance of standing up for what’s right and being an actionable ally for diverse communities. Under Mike’s leadership, Valle del Sol has signed the ONE Community UNITY Pledge to demonstrate the organization’s commitment to supporting equal projections under the law for everyone, including LGTBQ+ individuals in Arizona. Valle del Sol recently celebrated their 50-year anniversary and has evolved from a social justice organization born out of the farm workers’ movement to become a comprehensive community health provider serving all of Arizona. Mike highlights the organization’s mission of addressing both the downstream problems of social determinants of health and the upstream causes of these issues. Mike pledges to continue championing inclusion at Valle del Sol because it makes the organization stronger. It fosters better understanding and aligns with the organization’s care for the people they serve. “The immigrant community brings so much to our state. Not just dollars but culture and spirit and family and a drive to do better. A drive for education. This community is every bit Arizonan as you could possibly get,” says Mike. “We need to embrace people instead of being forced to blame someone else for our problems. Valle del Sol manages the Hispanic Leadership Institute, providing participants opportunities to engage in a dialogue about leadership and their role in creating a thriving community. Mike is currently participating in the 2025 cohort. About Better Together Arizona:  Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix. #BetterTogetherAZ #BetterTogetherArizona #LGBTQPodcasts #ValleDelSol #ValleDelSolPhoenix #Inclusion #Diversity #DiversityEquityAndInclusion #DEI 

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by Katee Van Horn and Jackye Clayton. Katee and Jackye host their own podcast: Inclusive AF about DEI in the workplace. The conversation dives into the complex and crucial role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today’s society and particularly in the workplace. They explore the traditional definition of merit and how DEI challenges this concept, highlighting systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups. True merit encompasses outcomes and collaborative achievements, not just effort or perceived intelligence. Organizations can move beyond performative DEI efforts to cultivate genuine inclusion, belonging, and better business outcomes, especially when trying to navigate current sociopolitical challenges. Key takeaways: The traditional definition of merit as solely based on natural ability and effort (M = I + E) is inadequate in today’s world. It’s not just about effort or perceived intelligence, but also about the impact and the way work is one, including teamwork. Meritocracy often fails in the real world due to implicit biases related to factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status. DEI challenges these traditional views by recognizing the systemic barriers that prevent  many individuals from demonstrating their merit.   There is a strong business case for DEI. Diverse mindsets lead to better outcomes, innovation, and a deeper understanding of diverse customer bases. Cultural fluency is extremely important for authentic representation; a lack of diverse voices can lead to inauthentic portrayals and missed opportunities. Reconciling merit and DEI involves valuing diverse skills, perspectives, and lived experiences. This can lead to better problem-solving and innovation within organizations. See an interview with Jackye about her experience on Season 37 of The Amazing Race: https://onecommunity.online/41IgIZx About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #DEI #DEIMeaning #WhatIsDEI #DEIHire #DEIInTheWorkplace #JackyeClayton #InclusiveAFPodcast

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by President of Equality Arizona, Michael Soto. Together, they discuss recent actions by the Trump Administration and the escalating challenges to LGBTQ+ rights in the US and Arizona. The conversation highlights concerns about federal executive orders targeting transgender individuals including potential impacts on employment, healthcare, and identity documents. Focusing on Arizona politics, Angela and Michael discuss the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at the state level, including numerous proposed harmful and dangerous bills. Governor Hobbs will play a crucial role in vetoing discriminatory measures. Public education and community support for inclusive businesses will help us work towards achieving true equality for all Arizonans.  About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.#BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #TrumpLGBTQ #TrumpLGBTQRights #TrumpLGBTQPolicies #TrumpAntiLGBTQ #LGBTQExecutiveOrder #AntiLGBTQExecutiveOrder #TransgenderExecutiveOrder #TrumpTransgenderExecutiveOrder

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by CEO of State of Black Arizona and African American Leadership Institute (AALI), Teniqua Broughton; Executive Director of The Carver Center, Matthew Whitaker, Ph.D.; and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, Dr. Velma Trayham. The panel discusses the meaning of Black History Month and how it can be used as a time for reflection, celebration, and action.  They explore challenges facing the Black community including systemic barriers, lack of resources, and internal battles–and emphasize the need for allyship and partnership to overcome these challenges and create a sustainable future for all Arizonans. Closing the racial wealth gap by supporting Black entrepreneurship and increasing access to contracting opportunities and high-impact industries is important for the Black community moving forward. Dr. Treyham believes in creating more employer firms and building operational infrastructure for businesses to thrive. Increasing the number of Black-owned businesses and economic autonomy fosters social and economic independence. The conversation touches on the current political climate and attacks on DEI initiatives, arguing that DEI is merit-based. These attacks are often based on a lack of understanding and a desire to eliminate competition.  We need more businesses that solve problems and speak up and stand strong in the face of injustice. “We are in this together. The moment we succeed is when our people say us or we more than I or me. Success is when we see our people celebrating this together, dining together, crying together, and striving together.” About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.#BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #StateOfBlackArizona #BlackChamberOfArizona #ArizonaBlackChamberOfCommerce #ArizonaBlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by two local artists: Ashley LaRae Sampson and Ciera Holston to celebrate Black History Month and honor local African Americans and the arts. Together, the panel discusses Ashley and Ciera’s lived experiences as Black women and artists growing up in Arizona, including Ciera’s experience growing up in the small, conservative town of Safford, AZ and the struggle to find representation as a young, Black, queer woman. And how the Internet, including YouTube and MySpace, allowed her to express herself and connect with others that looked and felt like her. The conversation highlights Ashley and Ciera’s journeys as visual and written artists. After starting their careers outside the state, Ashley and Ciera came back to Arizona with a mission to expose the incredible artistry and sports happening in Phoenix. Now, they work together on their business: StylePhx, to do just that. Ashley talks about how art can be used as a method for healing, and how she was able to do that for her own lived trauma through a book of poetry: The Hero Hauntings. Black History Month takes place every February as “a month-long celebration to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history, and culture.” African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. A spirit of resilience and resistance can be seen through generations of African American artists through music like the blues and Muddy Waters and BB King, writers like Langston Hughes, dancers like Josephine Baker, modern visual artists like Kehinde Wiley, and many more legends. Follow Ashley and Ciera on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ashbash_stylephx/https://www.instagram.com/cxheir/About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.#BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonthArizona #AfricanAmericansAndTheArts #BlackHistoryMonthAfricanAmericansAndTheArts 

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by Scottsdale Councilwoman Solange Whitehead. Ms. Whitehead began her journey on the Scottsdale City Council in January 2023. On February 11, 2025, the Scottsdale City Council voted to end the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and “require” merit-based hiring practices. Angela and Solange come together to talk about the repercussions of removing this important office and opportunities to find solutions moving forward. The City of Scottsdale  Office of Diversity had been in place since 1998 with a mission of bringing people together and reducing bias from both sides of the aisle. The Office was also responsible for managing complaints from City residents and visitors regarding the Scottsdale nondiscrimination ordinance.  Requiring “merit-based” hiring practices was arguably the primary justification for the Council’s vote. According to Whitehead: “The City of Scottsdale does and always has made hiring decisions based on merit and anyone currently living in Scottsdale can see the benefits of merit-based hiring.”  The ordinance, which “was concocted behind closed doors,” changes nothing regarding actual hiring practices in the City of Scottsdale. “If this council had used normal practices, then the community would have been involved and we may have identified [actual] problems.” There was no public outreach or data to support the need for this action and there was not a full council discussion.    “This is a complete departure from how city councils have operated for generations…Sadly, I think this was a political move and not a policy move,” says Whitehead. “When this item appeared on the agenda 10 days ahead of the meeting, we received more emails in opposition to the move than I have ever received on any topic. We had so many people show up to the meeting that some were forced to watch the meeting in an overflow room.”About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.#BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #ScottsdaleCityCouncil #SolangeWhitehead #SolangeWhiteheadScottsdale #DEI #DiversityAndInclusion #Diversity #ScottsdaleForAll #LoveAZ #OpenAZ

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by Executive Vice President for the Center for the Future of Arizona, Dr. Amanda Burke. As we approach Arizona statehood day on February 14th, Angela and Amanda discuss the future of Arizona, in particular how to improve our civic health. A recent op-ed by Sybil Francis in AZCentral points out the importance of strong civic health and collaboration in solving challenges like education, water conservation, and economic opportunities.  Civic health is how we come together to define and solve public problems. It’s the way in which we engage with each other and how we participate in communities. Robust civic health is critical in how we build trust with officials and government institutions.  And when we don’t have good civic health, we’re putting the future of our state at risk. The good news: 75% of Arizonans have said they are willing to come together with people who have different view points to find solutions and solve community problems together. And 62% of Arizonans want leaders who are willing to work across the aisle to get things done. The mission of the Center for the Future of Arizona is to build a stronger and brighter future for the state by sharing trusted data, getting big issues into public discussion, and working with community partners to solve those problems.  About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #CivicHealth #CivicEngagement #CivicParticipation #Vote #CivicCulture

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by President of Equality Arizona, Michael Soto. Together, they discuss the policy impact of the Trump administration’s executive orders targeting the LGBTQ+ community and particularly those targeting transgender individuals. This episode explains the mechanisms of executive orders, emphasizing their limitations and the ongoing legal challenges these actions will face in US courts. Michael details the specific ways the executive orders affect LGBTQ+ rights, including those related to marriage equality, military service, and medical care for minors. Angela and Michael both stress the importance of understanding the historical context of these actions and emphasize the need for continued advocacy and legal action to protect LGBTQ+ rights. These executive orders will have a disproportionate impact on transgender individuals and women.About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #LGBTQExecutiveOrder #AntiLGBTQExecutiveOrder #TransgenderExecutiveOrder #TrumpTransgenderExecutiveOrder

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by CEO of Mercurio Analytics, Minky Kernacs. Together, Angela and Minky discuss the ethical use of AI, particularly in addressing societal issues like homelessness and leveraging data to create individualized solutions. The conversation explores the impact of misinformation and disinformation amplified by social media algorithms while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. As an AI expert, Minky speculates on the future of industry, predicting transformative advancements across various sectors including healthcare. She also cautions us about the unpredictable consequences that come with such a rapid pace of technological development.  View Minky’s panel from the 2025 UNITY Summit on Misinformation, Disinformation, and the Role of AI featuring Arizona Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.   #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AIMisinformation #AIAndMisinformation #MisinformationEffect #MisInformationVsDisinformation

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by CEO of State of Black Arizona, Teniqua Broughton.  Together they discuss Teniqua’s career path in community leadership while emphasizing the importance of authentic relationships and reciprocal partnerships. Teniqua highlights the African American Leadership Institute (AALI), a program she leads that empowers Black leaders in Arizona. The conversation touches on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the Black community in Arizona, and the need for resilience and adaptable strategies to achieve progress. In 2025, Teniqua and her team at State of Black Arizona are preparing for a number of exciting initiatives including the organization’s 10-year anniversary, releasing a community publication: Driving Local Investments in Black Arizonans, continuing the AALI with a new data model, and more.  About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.   #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #StateOfBlackArizona #BetterTogetherArizona #BetterTogetherAZ

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by CEO of one-n-ten and 2024 UNITY Agent, Nate Rhoton. Together, they discuss anxieties surrounding the incoming presidential administration's potential impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of education and open dialogue to foster understanding. Nate shares his personal journey, including how he got into non-profit work. He highlights the crucial need for services, especially in rural areas, emphasizing the vital role of community in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. The conversation touches on the importance of storytelling and advocating for non-discrimination legislation, promoting the idea that LGBTQ+ rights should not be partisan issues. We need collaboration between organizations like one-n-ten and ONE Community to achieve greater progress. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.   #BetterTogetherAZ #LGBTQPodcasts #OneNTen #OneNTenPhoenixAZ #LGBTQAdvocacy #TransgenderAdvocacy

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by Bishop Jennifer Reddall of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. Bishop Reddall is the first woman to hold that title. The conversation explores the evolution of the Episcopal Church regarding LGBTQ+ issues, from being a church with "closeted relationships" to becoming more openly inclusive. Key moments include the ordination of the first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson, in 2003, and the church's move towards same-sex blessings and marriage equality. Bishop Reddall speaks about the church's commitment to welcoming all people, highlighting that the church is not just welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community, but that the community is part of the church. She shares the story of St. Stephen’s Episopal Church in Douglas,AZ–a church that was the subject of an arson hate crime because of its support for LGBTQ+ inclusion and women's ordination–and the subsequent rebuilding effort as a symbol of resilience and faith.This discussion offers hope and emphasizes that the core of Christianity is about love and the image of God that is in every person. Bishop Reddall reminds us that Christmas in particular is about the celebration of humanity. Bishop Reddall was named one of the 2024 Local Heroes by ONE Community at our annual Spotlight on Success Awards. See her honoree video here. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #EpiscopalChurchLGBTQ #DoesEpiscopalChurchSupportLGBTQ #EpiscopalChurchLGBTQFriendly

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community Co-Founder and President Angela Hughey is joined by founder of Phoenix Body Positive (now Southwest Center), Kirk Baxter,  CEO of Maricopa County Community Colleges Foundation, Brian Spicker, and CEO of Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, Jessyca Leach. Angela and her guests focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, including the history of activism and care in the Phoenix area. Kirk and Brian share their experiences with Phoenix Body Positive, highlighting the evolution from grassroots activism towards a comprehensive healthcare model. The conversation also addresses challenges like decreased sex education and the potential impact of future political changes on LGBTQ+ healthcare access. The conversation highlights milestones in the local HIV/AIDS awareness movement like the establishment of Phoenix Body Positive, the development of large-scale clinical trials, and the ongoing need for community support and advocacy. As a collective, we are hopeful for a future with increased acceptance, equitable healthcare access, and continued community resilience.December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month and is meant to raise awareness and honor those affected by HIV/AIDS and recognize the progress that has been made in medical research and treatment. This is also a time to reflect on the impact HIV/AIDS has had and continues to have on communities worldwide. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #HIVAIDSAwareness #HIV/AIDSAwareness Month #AwarenessForHIVAids #SouthwestCenterForHIVAids #BodyPositivePhoenix

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community Co-Founder and President Angela Hughey is joined by President of Equality of Arizona, Michael Soto. 86% of the LGBTQ community voted for the democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, as reported in an NBC Exit poll, showing a spike from 2020 when Donald Trump received 27% of the LGBTQ vote. Angela and Michael discuss Project 2025 and what lies ahead for the LGBTQ community with the upcoming Trump presidency, including expected legislation targeting transgender community members. A transgender military ban will all but certainly be introduced, and Medicare and Medicaid funding restrictions for transgender healthcare are anticipated as a start. Fears are that the Trump administration will choose to interpret the Bostock decision differently than the Biden administration, therefore creating vulnerabilities for LGBTQ employees in the workplace. Additionally, an ongoing case–United States v. Skrmetti–could have significant implications for transgender rights nationwide including medical treatments for transgender minors.  In efforts to protect the right for marriage in the event the Supreme Court elects to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, states across the country are are working to approve ballot proposals to protect same-sex marriage in their state. Learn more about Project 2025’s impact on the LGBTQ community. NBC Exit poll. Learn more about how the Trump administration may affect marriage equality nationwide. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.    #Project2025 #WhatIsProject2025 #Project2025LGBTQ #Project2025LGBTQRights #Project2025AndLGBTQ #WhatDoesProject2025SayAboutLGBTQ #WhatIsProject2025LGBTQ #HowWillProject2025AffectLGBTQ #DoesProject2025AffectLGBTQ #WillProject2025AffectLGBTQ #ObergefellVHodges #UnitedStatesVSkrmetti #BostockDecision

This podcast episode of Better Together Arizona focuses on Native American Heritage Month, featuring interviews with three community leaders–Kristine Firethunder, Executive Director of the American Indian Chamber, Jolyana Begay Kroupa, CEO of the Phoenix Indian Center, and Na'vi Ho, a drag queen artist–as they share perspectives on the month's significance. The conversation explores the importance of cultural awareness and the unique experiences of two-spirit individuals within both Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities. They also discuss the impact of the upcoming political administration on Indigenous communities and strategies for combating misinformation. The episode highlights the significance of community building and collaboration to foster understanding and support.About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #TwoSpirit #TwoSpiritMeaning #WhatIsTwoSpirit #IndigenousCommunities #LGBTQPodcasts