Democracy, for the United States, is thought to be the fundamental reason for this country’s existence, with its freedoms but, it has a “game” that hardly any of us truly understands.

A few months back, we had the opportunity attend a conference at  Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, Arizona State University (CSRD – ASU) where our understanding of Democracy and what it meant was challenged. What follows is a short film that illustrates the diversity of thought on the question, “What is Democracy?”.

This short is eligible for the People’s Choice Award which is determined by public vote. Click here if you would like to vote for this film.

I was raised by my parents to work hard and be persistent, and my mother was an every day example of just that – she worked hard and she continued on her path in spite of any difficulty or opposition.  I also keep an African symbol Sankofa close to me.  As a scientist, I am trained to analyze details and learn from my mistakes, just as the Sankofa symbol reminds us to thoughtfully consider and take from the past as we move into the future and progress through the use of knowledge.

Dr. RaShonda Flint, Ph.D. has been selected to receive the first Positively Powerful Woman Award for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Leadership. Dr. Flint is the director of the TRIO Student Support Services STEM program at Arizona State University (ASU). Since becoming director, Dr. Flint has promoted academic success through the development and coordination of tutoring, advising, mentoring, programming, and workshops designed to support underrepresented students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. 

Facts give evidence to the importance of STEM, the vital work that Dr. Flint has undertaken and why she was a sought after recipient for this first ever  Positively Powerful Woman Award area.

• Dr. Flint’s ability to infuse her passion for serving underrepresented youth and her keen knowledge of STEM related fields is invaluable to the work that she does. Her ability to understand and execute the goals of the program in order to maximize student success and outcomes directly impacts students every day and prepares them to excel in the future. Under Dr. Flint’s leadership, the TRIO SSS STEM program has had a 95% retention rate with 99% of participants achieving good academic standing and 60 students having graduated to date.
• The demand for more workers in STEM continues to grow while the gap in skills between the largest ethnic and racial minorities continues to widen – Whites account for 73% of the STEM workforce (Source).
• The demand for STEM workers is linked to global competitiveness – “In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, all students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past” (Source).
• President Obama and his administration are committed to providing students with the skills to excel in the STEM fields with priorities that include preparing new and effective STEM teachers and broadening participation to inspire a more diverse STEM talent pool (Source).

The TRIO SSS STEM program at Arizona State University’s West campus is a federally funded TRIO program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education since 2010 to serve 130 students majoring in and/or interested in STEM fields. There are more than 1,000 TRIO Student Support Services programs in the United States and its territories that have provided assistance and services to first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities since 1968. The goal of TRIO SSS programs is to increase the number of disadvantaged students who successfully obtain a bachelor’s degree. TRIO programs were created under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and expanded in following years by other acts and amendments to provide postsecondary educational opportunities to eligible students from middle school through post baccalaureate degree programs.

This is what a senior Life Sciences major and program participant accepted into The University of Texas Medical Branch Physician Assistant program had to say, “You and the STEM program helped me to maintain my goals with guidance, planning, and access to resources…” 

Prior to joining ASU, Dr. Flint worked as a scientist in the Neurobiology department at the University of Southern California, where her research focused on understanding how the brain contributes to disruptions in ingestive behaviors, which can result in eating disorders such as obesity. She has previously worked with programs that prepare disadvantaged students for both college and graduate school and is also a university instructor and lecturer.

In 2004, she graduated Cum Laude with her B.S. degree in Chemistry from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and went on to earn her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan in 2010. She is an active member of several organizations including the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP), where she serves on the Arizona Legislation and Education committee.

Dr. Flint’s accomplishments include being published in peer reviewed journals and presenting at numerous international scientific conferences the findings from research as an vivo neuropharmacologist. She was inducted into the inaugural cohort of the University of Michigan Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, a national network of preeminent scholars who exemplify academic and personal excellence among other ideals and named for the first African American doctoral recipient in the US; Co-chaired an annual Biotechnology conference (a conference aimed at providing underrepresented students in STEM fields an opportunity to network with professionals in the biotechnology/life sciences/pharmaceutical industry) through a partnership between academia and the pharmaceutical industry; and was the founding president of the American Chemical Society chapter at FAMU (Rattler Association of Chemists).

We ask that you join us as we honor Dr. Flint and six other Positively Powerful Woman Award recipients. Friday, June 21st, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix:

• Global Leadership: Jackie Thompson, Southwest Airlines
• Corporate Leadership: Marian Yim, Shareholder, Wong Fujii Carter
• Entrepreneurial Leadership: Kimber Lanning, Founder & President Local First Arizona
• Educational Leadership: Shirley Mays, Attorney and Dean, Phoenix School of Law
• Nonprofit Leadership: Patricia Hibbeler, CEO, Phoenix Indian Center
• Powerful Philanthropic Leadership: Debbie Gaby, CEO, Sleep America

Click here for more information and for individual registrations for the Awards gala luncheon and the Conversation On Leadership Summit which immediately follows. For sponsorship benefits and to reserve your corporate table, please click here.

I believe it is important to seek continuous personal and professional growth and surround yourself with positive people who have your best interest at heart – your own personal board of directors.  At the same time, go  beyond what is required by finding new ways to create solutions for your company. One of my favorite quotes is from Norman Vincent Peale “Change your thoughts and change your world“.

This year’s recipient of the Positively Powerful Woman Award for Global Leadership says to those who want to know her secret of success, “Love what you do at work because it shows up in all aspects of your life and when you enjoy your work the enthusiasm can be shared with others. Be a mentor.  This is not only a time for you to teach but also to understand that learning works both ways. You will be surprised how much mentoring can contribute to your growth as well.  I also think it is important to get involved and give back, it not only makes others feel good but it can help you feel good as well.  Lastly, be yourself.  You will be better at that than anything else you try and while you do, celebrate with others, especially women. Women celebrating other women is a beautiful thing.”

Here are a few of the many ways that this global leader gives back: She is the Chairperson of the Board for the Arizona Foundation of Women (AFW), an organization whose mission is to promote innovative solutions to fulfill the unmet needs of women and children in Arizona. AFW works to assure the Safety, Health, and Economic security of every Arizona woman through public awareness, grant making, and research.

She serves as a board director for Tempe Chamber of Commerce and is an advocate for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Council (WIB). The Council holds a Women in Leadership Series addressing topics to support women: Reach, Achieve, and Celebrate. Ms. Thompson was recently a speaker of the 2013 series and was a mentor for two years in the mentoring program. She is a member of the Veterans Task Force for the Arizona Attorney General. In addition, four years ago, seeing the need to bring not-for-profits together to share best practices, she founded the Leadership Convening Group.  Under her leadership, this group of African American executives have the opportunity to collaborate, share resources, and support one another.”These positions” she has said “have given me an inside look at the challenges, successes, and issues in the communities I oversee on behalf of Southwest Airlines”.

As a representative of Southwest Airlines Community & Grassroots team, I am able to advocate for organizations that focus on a plethora of social issues.  Personally,  I am passionate about supporting women and education.  Partnering with people who are able to make a difference in the lives of others and our communities is rewarding both professionally and personally.

When asked what professional accomplishments she was the most proud of she gave us this response (and  more reasons why this Positively Powerful Woman makes a global impact. )   

I am proud to represent a company that believes in social responsibility and I am passionate about giving back to the communities we serve.  I was instrumental in helping Southwest Airlines launch the first Multicultural Community Affairs Department.  After four years of wonderful accomplishments, I was one of five women who was invited to set up the model for what is now our Community Affairs & Grassroots Department.  When it comes to identifying goals and projects for this Department, I am the voice for my community.  I always make sure their needs and uniqueness are taken into consideration before making major decisions.  It is extremely rewarding!

My position has now grown to supporting over 60 entities from not-for-profits to chambers of commerce and economic development organizations in several states.  I currently serve as a community leader and consultant in my role while building mutually beneficial relationships. As a leader, I am proud of the strong internal and external relationships formed over the years.  I have orchestrated opportunities for Southwest managers to participate in community events and activities from volunteering support for military Veterans to teaching interview and resume skills.  Additionally, I have created numerous opportunities for our community partners such as the Heroes Breakfast, a fundraiser for Operation Freedom Bird that offers a lifetime trip to Washington D.C. for Vietnam Veterans and a Welcome Home Celebration for family and friends on their return.

Jackie Thompson with Jerry Gibbens

My professional journey has been phenomenal!  Being a member of the Southwest Airlines Family is an honor beyond words.  I have been a member of the Marketing Department and now the Communications & Strategic Outreach Department.  I have contributed much to both and I am humbled to be recognized for something I love doing.  I have been the recipient of the highest Employee recognition Award – The Southwest Airlines President’s Award.  The active role I play in our community and in our grassroots efforts has been recognized with the Community Service Extraordinaire Award and the Legislative Ambassador of the Year Award.  I treasure this acknowledgement of my work and it inspires me to give my all in everything I embrace on behalf of my beloved company.

Jackie Thompson’s awards and recognition also includes Woman of Excellence Award, National Congress of Black Women, Tempe Chamber Business Woman of the Year, Tempe Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Los Angeles Jenesse Center Silver Rose Award, Trumpet Awards High Heels in High Places Award, Commendation from State of California Senate as well as several commendations from the City of Los Angeles.

It is abundantly clear that Jackie Thompson lives and breaths the Southwest Airline commitment to “Treat you like family.” Please join us as we honor her and six other Positively Powerful Woman Award recipients.

• Corporate Leadership: Marian Yim, Shareholder, Wong Fujii Carter
• Entrepreneurial Leadership: Kimber Lanning, Founder & President Local First Arizona
• Educational Leadership: Shirley Mays, Attorney and Dean, Phoenix School of Law
• Philanthropic Leadership: Debbie Gaby, CEO, Sleep America
• Nonprofit Leadership: Patricia Hibbeler, CEO, Phoenix Indian Center
• STEMM Leadership: Dr. RaShonda Flint, ASU West Campus

Click here for more information and for individual registrations for the Awards gala luncheon and the Conversation On Leadership Summit which immediately follows. For sponsorship benefits and to reserve your corporate table, please click here.

 It takes a special type of person that is tenacious and strong to take on the challenge of working in the non-profit world as well as in community service. Patti is indeed a woman of strong character and has been successful in advancing the mission of the Phoenix Indian Center and the community that it serves. Indian Country has a great need for such servant leaders that focus on the development and leadership of others. Best wishes on Patti’s continued success. Joan Begay Notah, MBA, Begay-Notah Consulting Group

This is a quote from one of the many people who have been empowered by this year Positively Powerful Woman Award recipient for Nonprofit Leadership, Patricia Hibbeler.

Patricia K. Hibbeler, ABD, MA is the Chief Executive Officer of the Phoenix Indian Center, Inc., an organization with a 64-year history and the first urban based Indian Center in the Nation. She raises funds for the Center and provides direction in operations and evaluation of the non-profit organization, specializing in workforce development, educational programming, social services and language and culture revitalization.

Members of the Phoenix Indian Center Navajo Singing Group performed several songs and dances before ASU’s spring 2009 commencement, where President Barack Obama spoke.

Ms. Hibbeler serves as a Steering Committee Member for the National Urban Indian Families Coalition, Trustee for the Heard Museum, ASU President Crowe’s Minority Advisory Committee, Maricopa County Community College District Chancellor’s Committee, Phoenix College President’s Advisory Committee, Still University Advisory Committee, ASU Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center’s Community Advisory Committee, EFSP Maricopa County Board, and Arizona State School Superintendent’s Indian Education Advisory Board. She received the President’s Award from Arizona State University during her tenure at ASU for program evaluation, design and implementation.

Previously, Ms. Hibbeler was the Field Research Director of a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded grant entitled the American Indian Multi-sector Health Inventory (AIM-HI) study initiated by Washington University.  Prior to her work with the AIM-HI Project, Ms. Hibbeler was the assistant director of the Arizona Prevention Resource Center, Arizona State University and Drug Free Schools Director for the Nebraska State Department of Education.  In each position, she was successful in building relationships between tribal communities, urban communities, and state or local agencies focusing on creating collaborations to dialogue and plans of action to address the health and education issues of American Indian people.

Ms. Hibbeler’s servant leadership also includes dropout prevention and school-based substance abuse prevention issues for the American Indian population.

She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Montana, Missoula, MT,  Special Administrative Certificate in Bilingual Education from Montana State University, Bozeman, MT and Masters of Arts Degree in Education from Hastings College, Hastings, NE. Ms. Hibbeler is a PhD Candidate in Educational Leadership, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.

ARIZONA FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN (AFW) starts the new year with the announcement of a new CEO, Alisa Chatinsky. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the mission of the Foundation is to promote innovative solutions to fulfill the unmet needs of Arizona’s women and children.

Last year, AFW donated $283,000 to women in need through grants to multiple direct-service organizations. In her leadership role, Alisa will focus on Live & Learn, a job training program to help domestic violence victims attain economic self sufficiency; Training Resources United to Stop Trafficking (TRUST) in Arizona to respond to sex trafficking of minors, as well as other projects to raise awareness and support women and children in Arizona.

Jackie Thompson, Southwest Airlines Community Affairs & Grassroots Manager is the newly appointed AFW chair. (Emphasis added.) “The entire board is excited to have Alisa’s enthusiasm and passion about improving the lives of women,” said Jackie. AFW works to assure the Safety, Health, and Economic security of every Arizona woman through public awareness, grant making, and research. We believe SHE Counts!

The organization was founded in 1995 by Marilyn Seymann and will be celebrating the 18th Annual Luncheon on May 17, 2013. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Goldie Hawn. Past recipients include First Lady Barbara Bush and Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. Southwest Airlines has supported the Arizona Foundation for Women for more than five years and is proud to support an organization that changes lives, one family at a time.

For more information on the Arizona Foundation for Women Luncheon and to register, please click here.

If you want to be successful, have a very clear vision of what you aspire to be, and maintain the strength and passion to create that reality. 

Ask anyone who knows Debbie Gaby, President, Sleep America, and they’ll tell you she’s a woman with a joyful spirit of giving and… she is a shrewd person business as well. Ask her what’s she’s the most proud and she’ll say, “I am  most proud to have Co-Founded Sleep America, which is the largest Mattress Retailer in Arizona and employs over 150 wonderful people. This accomplishment has allowed me to help numerous worthy organizations that provide assistance to literally thousands of families in Arizona.”

There you have the reason she’s been selected as this year’s philanthropic leader. As with previous philanthropic award recipients, Deborah Bateman, National Bank of Arizona and Sharon Lechter, founder of Pay Your Family First, (and truth be told every woman who has ever received a Positively Powerful Woman Award in any area of accomplishment) she “walks her talk” demonstrating her commitment through how she spends her time and resources with and for others.

Debbie created the Mattress Recycling Program with St. Vincent de Paul to keep consumers’ used mattresses out of landfills, while helping those in need find a mattress they otherwise could not afford.  Debbie leads Sleep America’s efforts to positively impact the community and currently serves on boards and advisory agencies for community activities such as: Sleep America Charities, Phoenix Suns Charities, Sojourner Center, The Salvation Army and Charter 100.  She is also a Certified Fairy Godmother for Make-A-Wish.  Debbie enjoys motivating women through her many speaking engagements.

In 2004, Debbie co-founded Sleep America Charities, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for others by providing assistance, support, and other resources to deserving Arizona charities and organizations in need.  Debbie Gaby and Sleep America have supported over 500 different organizations and she is currently working on her 8^th Celebrity Catwalk for Charity to be held in the fall of 2013. She is also the co-chair of Phoenix Children’s Hospital Dine With Your Dog fundraiser. Here are a few of Debbie’s other philanthropic accomplishments:

• Co-chair of Sojourner Center’s Home Stretch Capital Campaign in 2006 which raised  $11 million
  
• With her family, receiving the “Philanthropist of the Year” Award from CCF and Florence Crittenton
• Vice Chairwoman of Florence Crittenton Center’s Capital Campaign, in appreciation a garden was named in her honor
• Chair of the Major Gifts Committee for the Phoenix Zoo’s campaign which raised $20 Million to significantly upgrade their facilities.

In addition to this year’s Positively Powerful Woman Award, Debbie has received the Woman of the Year Award for
Women of Scottsdale, won the title of the Most Influential Person in Valley Nonprofit from Arizona Foothills Magazine, is a member of the House of Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Banner of Hope honored her with the “Hope” Award, the YWCA named her as “The Business Leader of the Year” and Working Women Magazine honored her for Entrepreneurial Excellence. She has also received the 2000 Golden Heart of Business Award, 2000 Arthritis Awareness Award, 2000 Vera Beaton Volunteer Award, the 1999 Spirit of Philanthropy Award, and the 1999 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Woman of Distinction Award.

As is the case for any successful business, the values of the founder and CEO are the context of the organization’s culture. Here are honors received by Sleep America: Retailer of the Year by Furniture Today Magazine, Sterling Award for Entrepreneurship awarded by the Chamber of Commerce, and Sleep America has twice been voted one of the Best Places to Work by Phoenix Business Journal.

Whether assisting people in getting a good night’s sleep, protecting the environment or inspiring others to give back to the community, she has been guided by her passion to help others improve their quality of life. Click here for Sleep America’s Tips for a good night’s sleep.

PetSmart Dine with Your Dog Fundraiser Co-chairs Debbie Gaby and Deborah Bateman and their dogs.

Debbie lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona with her husband and two dogs Ziggy and Banks, who recently were honored to become Therapy Dogs for Gabriel’s Angels. She looks forward with great enthusiasm to the future and the opportunity to continue positively impacting the lives of Arizonans and others.

Debbie Gaby will receive The Positively Powerful Woman Award on Friday, June 21st, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix. We will also be honoring six other Positively Powerful Woman Award recipients.

• Global Leadership: Jackie Thompson, Southwest Airlines
• Corporate Leadership: Marian Yim, Shareholder, Wong Fujii Carter
• Entrepreneurial Leadership: Kimber Lanning, Founder & President Local First Arizona
• Educational Leadership: Shirley Mays, Attorney and Dean, Phoenix School of Law
• Nonprofit Leadership: Patricia Hibbeler, CEO, Phoenix Indian Center
• STEMM Leadership: Dr. RaShonda Flint, ASU West Campus

This is not an event for women only. We invite the general public to join us. Click here for more information and for individual registrations for the Awards gala luncheon and the Conversation On Leadership Summit which immediately follows. For sponsorship benefits and to reserve your corporate table, please click here.

My secret to success is really about taking risks. I believe that taking a risk is second nature to all successful people, and that you must be willing to throw aside worry and march ahead if you’re going to succeed.

Kimber Lanning, entrepreneur, economic specialist, speaker, activist, community builder, musician, visionary…all of these skill sets are “alive and well” in this year’s recipient of the Positively Powerful Woman Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

When asked what professional accomplishments she’s the most proud of she said, ”I have built the largest local business coalition in North America. I would say a close second would be that I started my first business, which I still have today, when I was 19 years old.” Today, Ms. Lanning is the owner of  three businesses:

• Stinkweeds, an independently owned and operated store and website based in Phoenix, AZ. Formed in 1987, Stinkweeds focuses on imports and independent music labels. “If it’s still in print, we can get it for you,” she says.
• ModifiedArts, which seeks to present conceptually rigorous work, and strives to connect and cultivate regional, national, and international artists and collectors. Kimber Lanning opened Modified Arts in 1999 and developed it into a respected gallery and prominently recognized venue for live music and performances.
• SilverPlatter, designed to be the Phoenix metro’s best source to find live music. it provides reliable, up-to-date information, links to bands and venues, and a weekly email blast.

Local First Arizona

Kimber Lanning is also the executive director and visionary behind Local First Arizona, the coalition she founded.  Local First Arizona (LFA) is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by locally owned businesses throughout the state of Arizona. Through the LFA Board of Directors  and its Local First Arizona Foundation,  the organization educates citizens, stakeholders, business leaders, and legislators about the significant environmental, economic and cultural benefits of strong local economies.

LFA is a non-profit network of local, independently owned Arizona businesses and supporters.

Local First Arizona facilitates sustainable economic development. The organization provides Education: Facilitating technical assistance for businesses, citizens, and government that builds the community’s capacity to participate in the opportunities of a sustainable economy. Connections: Connecting businesses to each other and to the marketplace. And Market Development: Engaging in promotion and market development that opens opportunities for sustainable economy businesses. LFA is part of a rapidly spreading movement that is building vibrant local business communities in metros that residents are proud to call home. LFA is currently the largest organization of its kind in the country with over 1300 members, and is a proud member of the Business Alliance of Local Living Economies (BALLE).

LFA reports that “Studies have shown that for every $100 spent in a locally owned Arizona business, roughly $42 remains in Arizona, while for the same $100 spent in a national chain store, only $13 remains in Arizona. Current environmental challenges facing the world are also driving local economies. For example, consumers are seeking out Local Farmer’s Markets to buy tomatoes grown at home. Spending on local foods has quadrupled in the past 2 years. Average Americans are beginning to understand the consequences of over-consumption and are seeking out and discovering the benefits of going local.”

Anyone who knows Kimber Lanning knows that she is a dynamo. A “can do” person. Join us as we celebrate her many accomplishments and the difference she has made.

The Positively Powerful Woman Awards will take place on Friday, June 21st, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix. We will also be honoring six other Positively Powerful Woman Award recipients.

• Global Leadership: Jackie Thompson, Southwest Airlines
• Corporate Leadership: Marian Yim, Shareholder, Wong Fujii Carter
• Philanthropic Leadership: Debbie Gaby, CEO, Sleep America
• Educational Leadership: Shirley Mays, Attorney and Dean, Phoenix School of Law
• Nonprofit Leadership: Patricia Hibbeler, CEO, Phoenix Indian Center
• STEMM Leadership: Dr. RaShonda Flint, ASU

Click here for more information and for individual registrations for the Awards gala luncheon and the Conversation On Leadership Summit which immediately follows. For sponsorship benefits and to reserve your corporate table, please click here.  And click here to join and/or to donate to Local First Arizona. Whether you have a local business or not, it is a sound investment.

The founder and producer of this event is a local business owner, Dr. Joel P. Martin. 

When I was a child I had a Hungarian violin teacher who used to say : “Cast your bread upon the waters, and it will come back to you tenfold.” If you have a chance to help someone, do it. When there is a job to be done, pitch in. Treat everyone with respect. It all comes back.   Marian Yim

Ms. Marian Yim is multi-faceted legal powerhouse and corporate contributor. She is a Director and Shareholder in the Phoenix law firm of Wong Fujii Carter, P.C. where she focuses her practice on administrative and regulatory law, women and minority owned businesses, social enterprises and international business investments.

Wong Fujii Carter, P.C. has offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Yuma, Arizona and provides services worldwide. In today’s complex economy, sound judgment and legal counsel are a necessary component to navigating our world.  Ms. Marian Yim brings the firm’s slogan, “Because Experience Matters” to life. Her extraordinary and diverse experience makes her an exceptional member of any legal team and any organization.

Ms. Marian Yim is the 2013 Positively Powerful Woman Award recipient for Corporate Leadership. On June 21, 2013 we will acknowledge Ms. Yim and 6 other Positively Powerful Woman Award recipients at a gala luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix. The public is invited to this attend this event. Details are available by clicking here.

Ms. Yim’s proudest professional accomplishments:

• Receiving the State Bar Award for Advancing Equal Opportunity in the Profession.
• Serving the City of Phoenix as Counsel to Mayor Phil Gordon. As Counsel, Ms. Yim managed public records, contracts and grants. She was policy advisor on environment and natural resources, international economic development and education. With the City Attorney, Ms. Yim developed commercial contracts for the Phoenix Convention Center and the Arizona State University Downtown Campus.
• Being the Founding President of Arizona Asian American Bar Association.
• Serving as the President of the Phoenix Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) which focuses on community economic development and that provides millions of dollars in financial assistance annually for affordable housing and community and economic development.
• And, helping to fund the building of charter schools and public schools that offer high quality education to disadvantaged students

A native of Oregon, Ms. Yim earned her undergraduate degree at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. She received her Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School after which she relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 1982.

A distinguished legal career: Ms. Yim began her career as an Assistant Attorney General acting as a civil litigator, appellate counsel, and as a prosecutor. She developed expertise in federally funded programs including child support enforcement, unemployment benefits and food stamps. An Arizona Supreme Court Staff Attorney for seven years, she advised the Supreme Court Justices in selecting significant cases for review. She provided in-depth analysis of administrative and regulatory cases such as land use, utilities and telecommunications. Ms. Yim also served as an Adjunct Professor of ethics and professional responsibility at the Arizona State University School of Law.

In 2006, Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Ms. Yim to the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency. She adjudicated parole and community release violations and advised the Governor on applications for clemency, pardons, and reprieves on capital cases. Her accomplishments also include being an Arizona Assistant Attorney General, Arizona Supreme Court Staff Attorney, an Adjunct Professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University and a Member of the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency.

Photo: http://www.pocn.com/ People Of Color Network

What other organizations are important to Ms. Yim? She is active leader of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) – Phoenix Chapter, Southwest Autism and Research and Resource Center (SARRC), the Sudanese Education Foundation which provides education for The Lost Boys. (With about 600 Lost Boys living in Arizona, the state has the nation’s largest concentration of such refugees.)  The Cultural Cup Food Bank focused on special dietary needs, Root Phoenix with its commitment to growing your own food, Seed Spot which grows communities by supporting early stage social entrepreneurs and the People of Color Network with a mission to serve adults with serious mental illness living in Maricopa County.

 Trust God, be unattached to your particular outcome, and be independent of the good (and bad) opinion of others.

Dean Shirley Mays

On June 21st, Dean Shirley Mays will receive the Positively Powerful Woman Award for Educational Leadership at a gala luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix. She will be one of seven Award recipients, all of whom are visionary leaders who make a significant impact on others and are successful in their chosen profession.

Phoenix School of Law Accomplishments: In August 2010, Dean Shirley Mays was selected as the Dean of Phoenix School of Law in Phoenix, AZ where she oversees all of the academic programs and departments of the law school. Here are a few of the many accomplishments made through her leadership:

• Phoenix School of Law has twice had the number one bar pass rate in the state
• An overall bar pass rate of 83%; and a 94% placement rate
• The National Law School Diversity Award from Law School Admissions Council in 2011 and 2012
• Currently, 42% student body diversity and 37% faculty diversity
• In 2012 PhoenixLaw was named one of Top 20 Most Innovative Law Schools in the country
• Received the architectural award for its state-of-the-art building in downtown Phoenix
• Dean Mays currently is spearheading major reform of the PhoenixLaw curriculum, one that will ensure Phoenix School of Law remains at the forefront of legal education

The Phoenix Law School Vision: Phoenix Law sets itself apart on the basis of its culture; a student-centered orientation, an educational experience that prepares students for the practice of law, service to underserved communities, and the faculty‘s accountability for market-leading student outcomes.

The Phoenix Law‘s Mission is based upon three primary pillars: 1) an educational experience that is student-centered; 2) outcome-driven programs and performances that yield professionally-prepared graduates; and 3) a commitment to serving underserved communities. These cornerstones reflect a sense that legacy and benchmark status is dependent upon the capacity to respond positively and effectively to change in the legal profession and the market for legal education.

Phoenix School of Law Graduating Class of 2009

Dean Shirley Mays’ journey has included Central State University where she graduated magna cum laude and earning her J.D. from Harvard University Law School. Prior to becoming Dean of the Phoenix School of Law, Dean Mays practiced with an international law firm representing municipalities and school districts in financing public projects, bonds, and notes, being the law clerk to The Honorable Thomas J. Moyer, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio; professor at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio teaching Business Associations, Local Government Law, Land Use Law, Property, and Gender and the Law.  She created and directed the Governmental Affairs Program, chaired the Faculty Appointments Committee, Minorities in the Law Committee, the Honor Code Committee, and numerous search committees. Dean Mays was an active member of the Columbus Bar Association, served as President of the Robert B. Elliott Law Club, and served on two American Bar Association site visit accreditation teams. Dean Mays was also visiting faculty member at both Ohio State University and University of Kentucky law schools.

Dean Mays is blessed to be a member of the Historic Tanner AME Church in Phoenix where she teaches adult church school and serves on the Christian Education Commission. She also serves on the Board of Governors and the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force of the Arizona State Bar Association. Dean Mays recently was inducted into the Central State University Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame. Dean Mays is raising her six-year-old grandson, Jordan, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill, Inc., and Links, Inc.

Please join us as we honor this phenomenal woman leader. Click here for more information on the event. Return to this website to get to know the other Positively Powerful Award recipients. The Awards luncheon will be followed by The Conversation On Leadership Summit, with a panel discussion, Q & A with the Award recipients, key note speaker, authors and other opportunities for your personal and professional growth and connections. The event is open to the public. Men, women and families are welcomed.

Other research has shown that “if, for example, (one) is told how to operate a complicated piece of machinery, the chances are that (he/she) will retain perhaps 10 percent of the critical information. On the other hand, after actually using the machine, (one) will probably will have mastered 90 percent or more of the necessary information (Carlson Learning Company, 1996, p. 6).” Another example used to illustrate the reason for using experiential models is when people learn how to ride a bicycle, they get on it and wobble until that transformational moment (an epiphany some would say) when they discover BALANCE. This skill stays for a lifetime.

Experiential training has found its way into on-the-job skills building sessions as well as behavior performance improvement sessions. While OJT is now readily acceptable, beginners in facilitation are sometimes uncomfortable tackling learning processes around workplace responsibility, integrity, feedback, and yes…diversity.

Like it or not, all individuals learn for their own reasons whether they are the beginning trainer or the training room participant. For this reason, we as trainers must be able to summon up the enthusiasm time after time to enroll attendees – even in difficult times – to participate and appreciate how understanding their belief systems, organizational legal issues, and community commitment to diversity will benefit them. WIIFM is the driver. (WIIFM stands for “What’s in it for me.”) Depending on the audience, some may make the connection easily; others may need data, examples, process-oriented activities, testimonials and other positive reinforcements for learning.