Building better communities with Charlie Popeck

Charlie Popeck is a longtime leader in sustainability and green building and the founding principal of Green Ideas Building Science Consultants. He has spent his career helping communities create buildings that are healthier, more resilient, and more deeply connected to the places we call home. Join us for a conversation about stewardship, smart growth, and what it looks like to build with both people and the future in mind.

Liberty Wildlife and our shared responsibility

Laura Hackett is the education manager and biologist with Liberty Wildlife, an organization devoted to protecting native wildlife and nurturing a deeper sense of compassion and stewardship in our community. Join us for a conversation about our responsibility to the natural world, the beauty of showing up with care, and the deep connection between compassion and conservation.

Where cakes become messages of love

For Goodness Cakes Arizona is an organization that brings dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging to children in foster care. Through custom-made cakes, they remind kids that they are seen, celebrated, and deeply loved. Join us as we visit with three volunteers for a tender conversation about compassion, community, and how small acts of care can leave a lasting imprint on a child’s life.

Scottsdale duo reimagining public education

Peter Bezanson and Patti Bezanson are co-chairs of BASIS Educational Ventures, based in Scottsdale, and two of the visionary leaders behind one of the highest-performing public school networks in the nation. From rapid growth to academic excellence, they share how BASIS Charter Schools scaled success without losing rigor. It’s a thoughtful conversation on leadership, innovation and what it takes to reimagine K–12 education.

Scottsdale’s own Betty Webb is the mind behind the Lena Jones mystery series. Her novels plunge readers into the stark, mesmerizing desert that surrounds our city, shaped by the same sharp observational eye she honed as a journalist. We’re talking sweeping landscapes, unforgettable characters, and how she made the leap from reporting the truth to crafting it in mystery form. This is a conversation with a writer who knows the desert’s secrets better than anyone.

Jenna Kohl is director of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, one of Scottsdale’s most treasured natural landmarks. Under her leadership, she works to ensure that the Preserve continues to thrive as a model of community stewardship, sustainability, and outdoor recreation. Jenna talks about what it takes to protect and preserve this stunning desert landscape, spanning thousands of acres and hundreds of miles of trails, so it can continue to inspire and sustain generations to come.

Every Woman’s Marathon comes to Scottsdale

Miranda Abney is one of the driving forces behind the Every Woman’s Marathon, a national running event and festival celebrating women’s strength, wellness, and community. The marathon comes to Scottsdale on Sunday, Nov. 16, with pre-race events all that weekend. Learn more about the marathon’s mission, why Scottsdale was chosen as the host city, and what makes this event unlike any other.

Donna Tew leads the SkillBridge program, a Department of Defense initiative that helps service members transition from military to civilian life. SkillBridge partners with organizations like HonorHealth to provide valuable hands-on experience and career opportunities. Donna, who served in the Air Force, shares how this program bridges the gap between service and civilian success.

Enid Seiden: Inspiring service across Scottsdale

Enid Seiden is a dedicated civic volunteer and philanthropic leader whose work embodies the spirit of community in Scottsdale. As vice chair of the Scottsdale Public Library Board and a member of the Foster Care Review Board of Maricopa County, Enid is helping shape a more connected, compassionate city — one family, one reader, and one act of service at a time

Bridging nature and city life at SCC 

John Weser is director of the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife at Scottsdale Community College. Through his leadership, the center has become a living classroom for conservation — restoring habitats, educating students, and showing how wildlife and urban life can flourish side by side. It’s a conversation about connection, stewardship and the beauty of Arizona’s desert ecosystems

Keeping Arizona’s baseball story alive

Mike Phillips and Charlie Vascellaro are the players behind the Arizona Baseball Legacy and Experience. From the crack of the bat at spring training to the unforgettable players who shaped the game, Scottsdale has played a unique role in baseball’s history. Mike and Charlie are dedicated to preserving that legacy while inspiring future generations to connect with the sport in new ways. Discover the roots of ABLE and the lasting impact of baseball on Arizona.

A safe place to grow: impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs

Ivan Gilreath and Paul Baker from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale are leading an organization that’s transforming young lives every day — providing a safe place for kids to learn, grow, and thrive. From tutoring and academic support, to mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities to build lifelong confidence, their work is shaping the next generation in powerful ways. Check out their vision for the future and the impact they’re making across our community.

Ceci Moss on art, technology and future of SMoCA

Ceci Moss, director and chief curator of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, has nearly two decades of experience in the art world. From New York to San Francisco to San Diego, she has built a reputation for championing emerging artists and exploring the intersection of art, technology, and culture. She brings a passion for connecting art with community, and shares her vision for SMoCA and what’s ahead for the museum under her leadership.

Fresh energy at City Hall: Maryann McAllen

Maryann McAllen, a first-term member of the Scottsdale City Council, brings fresh energy and perspective to the big issues shaping Scottsdale’s future — from strengthening neighborhoods and supporting local businesses to tackling growth, sustainability, and quality of life. Her commitment to listening to residents and building a strong, connected community is at the heart of her public service. She shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Scottsdale.

Honoring Lori: fighting pancreatic cancer with purpose

Jennifer Peterson and Nicole Hawes are on the board of the Lori Peterson Cancer Foundation, which was created to honor the life and legacy of Lori Lynn Peterson, who courageously battled pancreatic cancer. Carrying forward her spirit, the organization is dedicated to advancing research, supporting treatment, and raising awareness for one of the toughest cancers to fight. The foundation has funded projects that bring hope, progress, and real impact for patients and families. They are turning loss into legacy and making a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Water you can trust: A talk with Suzanne Grendahl

Under the leadership of Suzanne Grendahl, Scottsdale became the first city in Arizona — and one of only a few nationwide — to earn approval for direct potable reuse, turning recycled water into safe, high-quality drinking water. Suzanne has been a leader in making sure Scottsdale’s water surpasses the toughest safety standards, even as we face drought and climate pressures. She shares her journey, the science behind this innovation, and why public trust in water is more important than ever.

Kathy Wills: empowering college-bound students

Kathy Wills, president-elect of the Coronado Foundation for the Future, brings a unique blend of financial expertise and philanthropic passion to her role at the foundation. Her deep commitment to education drives her work supporting college-bound students through the foundation — an educational nonprofit making a difference since 2006. Kathy’s work in our community is an inspiring model of leadership, purpose and impact.

Building bridges through civic dialogue

Carlos Alfaro, founder of Arizona Talks, is a leading voice for civic engagement in Arizona. Born in Mexico and raised in Scottsdale, Carlos has built a career creating platforms that encourage inclusive, civil debate on the public issues that shape our communities. As a Flinn Brown Fellow and policy events strategist, he brings insight, passion, and purpose to the work of building a stronger, more connected Arizona.

Supporting those in need in Scottsdale 

Meet Jenny Adams, the dedicated executive director of Scottsdale Community Partners, a non-profit that’s been a vital lifeline for Scottsdale residents in need. She has been at the helm since 2015, leading with compassion and purpose as she oversees their programs and day-to-day operations. From emergency assistance and youth outreach to senior support and holiday giving, her group is making a tangible difference. Jenny’s leadership is helping strengthen the social safety net in the city. Tune in to see how you can be part of the impact.

Shea Najafi: Empowering women and igniting change. Shea Najafi – founder of Scottsdale Women Rising – is a true powerhouse in community activism. Shea’s passion for equity, civic engagement and lifting up women’s voices has made a bold impact in Scottsdale and beyond. Tune in as we talk about what drives her work, how she’s building community and what’s next for this unstoppable force for change.