News & Events Newsletter Archive Newsletter November 2024

November 2024

Applications Open: Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy Returns

Center for the Future of Arizona, Pima Community College, and the Aspen Institute are proud to announce the second Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy (SAWLA) will take place in 2025. This 10-month, application-based professional development program is designed to drive workforce innovation. Throughout the fellowship, selected participants engage in dynamic collaboration and learning, supported by an exemplary advisory council, to identify and advance opportunities for Southern Arizona's workforce system.

Senior-level managers from nonprofits, business associations, union training programs, public agencies, and community colleges in decision-making roles are encouraged to apply by Dec. 6.

Learn more and apply today


	“Being involved in the Workforce Leadership Academy provided me insight into the healthcare sector, the business development sector, the startup ecosystem, the academic ecosystem, and gave me a broader view of workforce development. It empowered me to be a connector across all those sectors.” - 2023 Academy Fellow Karla Morales, Vice President, Arizona Technology Council

Celebrating Dr. Francis & Extraordinary Arizona Women

During a ceremony in Phoenix, Dr. Francis accepts the Woman of the Year award and poses with other honorees and CFA staff in attendance.

The Arizona Capitol Times recognized CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis as Woman of the Year at the 2024 Women Achievers of Arizona Awards last month. In her remarks, Dr. Francis urged leaders to bring Arizona’s Shared Public Values to the forefront of their work, highlighting that by focusing on what brings us together, we can shape a future where all Arizonans thrive.

Among the impressive 2024 Women Achievers were many CFA friends and collaborators including Janice Palmer of Helios Education Foundation, Amanda Aguirre of Regional Center for Border Health, Bo Dul from the Arizona Office of the Governor, Jennifer Mellor from the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, Adriana Murrietta from the Pharos Foundation, and Diana Bermudez from The Nature Conservancy in Arizona.

Congratulations again to all the honorees for their dedication to Arizona!

Walmart Foundation Features CFA’s Expertise at National Event

In late October, CFA’s Workforce Development team joined over 80 organizations from across the country at the Walmart Foundation’s Retail Opportunity Network annual event, which brings together thought leaders dedicated to advancing economic prosperity for workers in retail and service industries. This year, Holly Kurtz, CFA’s Director of Workforce Development, participated in a panel discussion alongside representatives from Digital Promise, the State of Arkansas, Western Governors University, and the Aspen Institute. Holly highlighted CFA’s work on the MySkills Pocket pilot initiative, showcasing how verifying and providing access to employee credentials can benefit both employees and employers.

Arizona Pathways to Prosperity Collaborates Across the State to Address Education & Workforce Needs

In all corners of the state, CFA’s Arizona Pathways to Prosperity (APTP) initiative continues its long-term work of building education and career pathways that help young Arizonans thrive while addressing regional talent needs. Recently, our team collaborated with professionals, educators, nonprofits, government agencies, and others across Northern, Southern, and Central Arizona to tackle pressing challenges in healthcare and cybersecurity workforce development:

NAU President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera addresses Northern Arizona Healthcare Workforce Forum attendees gathered at NAU’s Flagstaff campus.

Northern Arizona: With a focus on rural and underserved areas, the Northern Arizona Healthcare Workforce Forum brought together leaders from K12 education, higher education, workforce, healthcare, and economic development. Over two dozen organizations from Coconino, Navajo, and Apache Counties participated in discussions on expanding access to healthcare education, training, and career opportunities. Collaboration emerged as a central theme, with participants identifying opportunities to align educational programs with workforce needs. A critical issue highlighted was the region’s shortage of healthcare educators. Forum discussion groups outlined actionable steps to address these challenges, with committees tasked to complete specific goals over the next six months.

Governor Katie Hobbs poses with event attendees at the State Capitol in Phoenix.

Central Arizona: CFA partnered with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to host a Girls in Cybersecurity Summit at the State Capitol. About 50 students from eight school districts across the state, including Maricopa County, Chinle Unified, and Yuma Union High School explored potential future careers in the high-demand field of cybersecurity. According to Cyber Seek, Arizona is meeting just 82% of its cybersecurity workforce needs. Early career exploration is a vital step in opening education and career pathways for students while strengthening Arizona’s cybersecurity workforce and broader economy.

Ian Dowdy shares CFA data with the gathered healthcare community representatives at Fire Department Station 2 in Rio Rico

CFA’s Director of Strategic Data Initiatives Ian Dowdy shares CFA data with the gathered healthcare community representatives at Fire Department Station 2 in Rio Rico.

Southern Arizona: Inspired by previous summits in Cochise County, Santa Cruz County hosted its first Healthcare Workforce Summit with support from CFA. Led by Yolanda Perez of El Rio Community Health Center, more than two dozen organizations from across sectors gathered to address a critical need for expanding the healthcare workforce in Southern Arizona. As a result, the group formed action committees to pursue immediate and long-term solutions, including Career & Technical Education programs in local high schools, internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and more.

Bring APTP to your community

Celebrating Partnership and Progress: National Bank of Arizona’s Enduring Commitment to Arizona’s Future

In this season of gratitude, we’re reflecting on National Bank of Arizona (NBAZ) for its long-standing partnership with CFA in building a brighter future for our state. More than a decade ago, under the leadership of recently retired CEO Mark Young, NBAZ embraced The Arizona We Want and recognized the importance of advancing Arizonans' Shared Public Values and a positive message for our state. This understanding laid the foundation for what has become a lasting and impactful partnership. NBAZ’s support has fueled our ability to listen to Arizonans and drive initiatives that bring their shared priorities and vision for a bright future to life.

"At National Bank of Arizona, we are committed to being more than just a bank. We’re dedicated to actively shaping Arizona’s future. Together with CFA, we believe in the power of community and collaboration to unlock Arizona’s full potential for generations to come."

Mark Stebbings, CEO, National Bank of Arizona

As CFA celebrated its 20th Anniversary, NBAZ took its dedication to the next level, becoming the first corporate sponsor of CFA’s new Building Arizona’s Bright Future Together campaign. NBAZ's recent three-year commitment has enabled CFA to reach a broader audience, spark public dialogue, and build awareness of The Arizona We Want, empowering leaders across Arizona with data to inspire action in their own communities.

Today, under the new leadership of CEO Mark Stebbings, NBAZ’s partnership remains a powerful example of how organizations and their leaders can create lasting impact and help drive the change Arizonans want.

Achieving The Arizona We Want takes all of us, and NBAZ understands this, inspiring others to join in shaping a prosperous future together.

Webinar: What Arizonans Want for Education

Date: Dec. 4, 2024 | Time: 12:00 P.M. | Virtual
CFA and Education Forward Arizona invite business and nonprofit leaders and policymakers to join us for a webinar on the future of education. We will take a deep dive into the latest survey research and highlight specific actions Arizona voters want to see in the state to support education and workforce development.

Reserve your spot

In-Person Event: The Voters Have Spoken. What’s Next?

Date: Dec. 11, 2024 | Time: 5:30 P.M. | Tempe
According to The Arizona We Want: The Decade Ahead, 75% of Arizonans agree that they are willing to speak with others who have different views in order to solve problems. Arizona Talks will convene representatives from Copper State Consulting Group, Noble Predictive Insights as well as Mesa Mayor John Giles and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, in a conversation about how civil discourse can make our state stronger post-election. This event is co-sponsored by Arizona Democracy Resilience Network, Disagree Better Arizona, and ASU Student Government.

Attend the event

Event Speakers



John Giles Mayor of Mesa, AZ	Corey Woods Mayor of Tempe, AZ	Stan Barnes President, Copper State Consulting Group



Mike Noble CEO & Founder, Noble Predictive Insights		Rebecca Rios South Mountain Justice of the Peace

Dr. Sybil Francis Writes to Arizonans Across the State

In the lead up to the general election, Dr. Sybil Francis wrote more about the Arizona Voters’ Agenda and election reform in op-eds with Pinal Central, Arizona Daily Star, and Arizona Daily Sun.

Arizona Voters Have More in Common Than We Think, Study Says

Every election cycle, Center for the Future of Arizona surveys voters to find the areas where we actually agree with each other.

From 12 News

Bridging the Political Divide

Center for the Future of Arizona finds common ground among Arizona voters.

From FOX 10 Phoenix

Heritage Middle School Robotics Class Explores Mars

With support from CFA, Prescott middle schoolers are gearing up for bright futures by exploring potential careers in STEM.

From Daily Courier

Heritage Middle School Robotics Mentor Elementary Students

Opinion: Arizonans Agree on Education Priorities. It’s Time Politicians Follow Suit.

Northern Arizona University Honors College Professor Dr. Rima Brusi cites the Arizona Voters’ Agenda as she calls on elected officials to act on Arizonans' shared priorities.

From Arizona Daily Sun

Helios Scholars at TGen Empowers Future Scientists and Researchers

The Helios Education Foundation is reflecting on 20 years of service to Arizona’s education system. Read more about the impact of their work over two decades in “Student Success Stories.”

From Helios

Arizona Voters Want More Education Opportunities

Longtime partner Education Forward Arizona recently released a poll that analyzes the state’s post-secondary education and career training.

From KTAR

Giving Tuesday is Dec. 3! We are grateful for all our partners and supporters who are helping to build a stronger and brighter future for Arizona.

It takes all of us to create The Arizona We Want. As you reflect on what makes you grateful this season, consider supporting your local organizations and community.

Center for the Future of Arizona brings Arizonans together
to create a stronger and brighter future for our state.

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