How to Change the World Catherine Alonzo

Our conversation with Mary Mitchell is the second of four with the 2020 YWCA of Metropolitan Phoenix Tribute to Leadership honorees. Mary serves as the Deputy Director, Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. In her 21 years with the organization she has served in a variety of capacities and now serves as co-lead for the organization’s work related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Mary and Catherine discuss what these terms mean in today's world, and how they can be incorporated into changemaking w

For the next four weeks, we are proud to partner with the YWCA of Metropolitan Phoenix to spotlight their 2020 Tribute to Leadership honorees. Up first, is January Contreras. January ran for Arizona Attorney General in 2018, after founding ALWAYS, a nonprofit that provides no cost legal services to vulnerable young people and victims of human trafficking. From law school to election day, January opens up to Catherine about what she's learned along the way and what's next on her journey of community change.

Catherine is joined by Javelina partner David Waid to discuss The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, field notes from the desk of a seasoned Silicon Valley tech CEO on how to build and run a business. Catherine and David share their key takeaways from the entrepreneur and current-day venture capitalist's own personal story. Look out for actionable takeaways on hiring and firing, the importance of culture, and when making a "culture hire" is a bad idea - along with much more!

Anyone who knows Kate Wells know she is a friendly, warm extrovert who has a passion for the people around her and the community we all call home. Over 20 years ago, Kate and her friends vowed to open a children's museum when they learned Phoenix was the only city in the country's largest 100 cities without one. It took them a decade to open it, and it has been shaping our community ever since. Kate shares with Catherine the secrets to her success and what it takes to turn a vision into reality.

Last June, Jacqueline Thomas was crowned Miss Arizona 2019, and is currently serving our community under that title. In high school, Jacqueline was forbidden from being class President because of her gender, and ever since she has been determined to make change for women. Jacqueline talks to Catherine about what enabled her to win the Miss Arizona title after 6 years of competing, as well as what politics and pageantry have in common, and how we can take lessons on how to change the world from both.

Jenny Poon is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of CO+HOOTS, a purpose-driven coworking space in Arizona. Jenny is committed to building vibrant and equitable cities by bringing visibility to coworking as an economic development tool. She talks to Catherine about the childhood moment that changed everything for her, and has led her to a career dedicated to changing the face of entrepreneurship in our communities.