Which organization(s) are you currently employed by?
Arizona Community Foundation
Provide your current job title(s):
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Can you describe your primary roles and responsibilities in your current profession(s)?
As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), the state’s largest grant maker, and provider of independent scholarships, I play a pivotal role in driving the organization’s mission forward. I am responsible for identifying, cultivating, and fostering strategic partnerships that amplify ACF’s impact in critical focus areas such as the environment, education, and housing throughout Arizona. Through my leadership, ACF has been able to forge new alliances and strengthen existing relationships, ensuring that the foundation’s initiatives reach and benefit the broader community.
Additionally, my efforts in expanding ACF’s giving circles have set a benchmark within the community foundation sector.
What steps or experiences led you to pursue your current career(s)? (Feel free to include key turning points or challenges.)
My career has always been guided by a deep commitment to uncovering buried histories, addressing systemic needs, and finding solutions that create lasting change. Over the past 30 years, my work as a television news anchor and reporter inspired my work at the Arizona Community Foundation as Community Initiatives Vice President, and now Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and has been driven by a passion to amplify underrepresented voices and address disparities.
A key turning point in my career occurred when I uncovered the long-forgotten history of the Ozark Lynch Mobs of 1906 in Springfield, Missouri. This event had devastated a thriving Black community, erasing their businesses, homes, and lives overnight. Despite facing personal threats to my safety, I knew it was essential to tell this story. I worked tirelessly to create a five-part news series that brought this history to light, earning numerous awards, but more importantly, bringing the story into public discussion and classrooms. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling and the responsibility to ensure that African American and other people of color’s histories and experiences are shared.
This commitment to equity carried over into my work as a Community Initiatives VP, where I focused on addressing the racial wealth gap and improving equity in grantmaking. At the Arizona Community Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of managing and growing the foundation’s 10 giving circles which include the Black Philanthropy Initiative, African American Women’s Giving and Empowerment Circle, REAP and SEED Youth Giving Circle, Latinos Unidos, Latinas in Philanthropy and Service, Asian American Women Giving Circles, Chinese American Foundation of Arizona, Arizona Indigenous Philanthropy and the Kellenberger + Tollefson Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy. These circles have provided access to grants and capital for hundreds of nonprofits that had previously been overlooked or underfunded.
Additionally, I also work to engage athletes in philanthropy like former AZ Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald, Jamir Miller and Lorenzo Alexander. Lorenzo, for example, serves with me on ACF’s Athletes for Arizona Advisory Board which aims to galvanize sports philanthropy statewide by connecting people and organizations that value the way sports and physical activity enrich the community. The initiative, designed to support youth in underserved communities, partners with nonprofits like The Be Kind People Project. Athletes for Arizona also offers personalized service to ensure athletes and their giving strategy is effective, personal and meaningful.
Today, in my role as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the Arizona Community
Foundation, I work to build and nurture relationships that drive impact in our key focus areas of the environment, education, and housing. I ensure that efforts in these areas are inclusive, with a focus on addressing issues related to race, gender, region, and disability. The journey that has led me to this point has been shaped by the desire to make tangible, positive changes in the lives of those who have been marginalized, and I remain dedicated to this work every day.
What is your educational and/or professional training background, and how has it prepared you for your current role(s)?
I received a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. However, most of my training has come listening and learning from the community and from peers. I am blessed to work with a team of passionate leaders at the Arizona Community Foundation like our President and CEO Anna Maria Chávez who not only broke barriers, but also shattered them as the first woman and person of color to lead ACF. She was also the first woman of color to lead the iconic Girl Scouts of the USA in their 104-year history. I am learning a great deal from her leadership and influence.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self as you were starting your career, what would it be and why?
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from my parents and Aunt Edna and the women’s groups of which I am a member, is the importance of owning your own narrative. Don’t allow anyone to write your story for you—your journey is yours to define. From a young age, they instilled in me the unshakable belief that my voice matters, and that I have the right and responsibility to speak up for myself, especially when the world may try to silence or limit me. They taught me to never be afraid to advocate for what I deserve, to pursue my dreams with relentless determination, and to carve my own path, regardless of the barriers in my way.
This mindset has been the driving force behind every step of my career. I have learned that when you advocate for yourself and refuse to let others define your potential, you can open doors that seem closed and challenge the very systems that try to keep you out. Finding your tribe but also empowering yourself to be your own advocate isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about owning your worth, standing firm in your values, and inspiring others to do the same. My parents and Aunt Edna taught me that our stories are too important to be told by anyone else; we must take control and ensure our voices are heard, loud and clear.
Who has had the most significant influence on your career and personal development, and in what ways?
My parents and Aunt Edna have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of my career, instilling in me a profound sense of resilience, purpose, and empowerment. Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement, and experiencing the challenges of desegregating schools, my parents not only supported my education but also taught me the importance of perseverance, even when opportunities seemed limited or out of reach. They empowered me to pursue my dreams with confidence and to never let barriers stand in my way. Their unwavering belief in my potential, despite the obstacles we faced, laid the foundation for my commitment to equity and social justice throughout my career.
My Aunt Edna played a pivotal role in a defining moment in my life. When she learned about my aspiration to become a journalist, she recognized the opportunity to help me take a crucial step toward making that dream a reality. She discovered the Minority Journalism Workshop being offered one summer and, without hesitation, took it upon herself to ensure I could attend. Every weekend, she drove me to and from the workshop, providing both the logistical and emotional support I needed. That experience was transformative—it not only equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue a career in journalism but also solidified my belief in the power of mentorship and family support.
The love, encouragement, and advocacy I received from my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles including Aunt Edna have been invaluable. They not only believed in me when I had little access to resources, but they also demonstrated through their actions the importance of investing in the dreams of others. Their legacy continues to inspire me as I work to uplift others, mentor students and create pathways for success where none may seem to exist.
What hobbies, interests, or causes are you passionate about outside of your professional work? How do they impact your life?
Being a member of such esteemed organizations as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Phoenix Chapter of The Links, International Women’s Forum Arizona, The Highland Project, and the African American Women’s Giving and Empowerment Circle and charter member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women Phoenix Metro, has been a deeply fulfilling and empowering part of my journey. These groups have provided me with invaluable opportunities to connect with like-minded leaders who share a commitment to uplifting our communities and driving meaningful change.
Each organization fosters a unique sense of sisterhood, collaboration, and shared purpose, creating an environment where we can exchange ideas, support one another, and pool our collective resources for greater impact. These networks are not just about professional advancement; they are about creating a legacy of support and empowerment for others. By coming together, we amplify our voices and magnify the work we are each doing to address critical social issues, from advancing racial and gender equity to promoting economic empowerment.
The bonds I’ve formed through these organizations have not only enriched my personal growth but have also enabled me to contribute more effectively to my community. Sharing resources, expertise, and opportunities with fellow leaders has been transformative, as it strengthens our ability to influence positive change in meaningful and lasting ways.
In addition to my involvement in these impactful organizations, I am also deeply passionate about the arts, culture and theatre. I believe that the arts are a powerful vehicle for self-expression, social change, and cultural understanding. Theatre, in particular, provides a unique platform for storytelling, allowing us to explore complex social issues and diverse perspectives in ways that resonate deeply with audiences.
My passion for the arts has further enriched my work by allowing me to approach problem-solving and leadership with creativity and empathy. Whether through supporting local theatre initiatives or using the arts to elevate underrepresented voices, I see the arts as a vital part of building stronger, more inclusive communities. The arts not only connect us to one another but also inspire action, making them an essential tool in the pursuit of social justice and equity.
Is there anything else about your journey, achievements, or aspirations that you’d like to share with us?
I am the recipient of several awards including four Emmy Awards for excellence in reporting, several Associated Press awards, 2024 National Coalition of 100 Black Women Phoenix Metro, Strategic Partnerships Award, 2023 Positively Powerful Woman Award, 2023 Arizona Commission of African American Affairs “Unsung Hero” Founders Award, 2022 NAACP Maricopa County Branch Civic Engagement Award, 2022 MLK Living the Dream Award, 2022 Youth World Education Legend Award, 2020 Town of Paradise Valley Martin Luther King Diversity Award, the 2019 Valle del Sol Mom of the Year Award, 2017 In-Business Women of Achievement Award, the Black Educators Ragsdale Beacon of Hope Award, Judge Jean Williams Service Award, and the Arizona School Public Relations Association Award of Excellence to name a few. However, my greatest reward has been married to my husband Derrick Grant for 23 years and being a mother to two of the greatest kids on earth in college pursuing careers in engineering and marine biology.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in starting a career or getting involved in community impact work?
My advice to anyone pursuing a career or forging their own path is to begin with a spirit of service. Volunteer first. It’s not just about gaining experience; it’s about building your character and developing a deep understanding of your true purpose. Focus on causes that matter and on the impact you can make, not just financial rewards. When you lead with passion and purpose, your work will resonate in ways that go far beyond monetary success.
As you progress, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and challenge you. Learn from their experiences and study their journeys. Observe both their triumphs and their challenges, as every story offers valuable lessons. Take full advantage of internships and other opportunities that allow you to gain practical knowledge. The more you immerse yourself, the more you’ll learn—about the industry, about the world, and about yourself.
Remember that the world is constantly changing, and with it, so too are the careers of today. The roles and industries that are prominent now may not exist tomorrow. But amidst these changes, it’s crucial to ensure that those who are most vulnerable are not left behind. Make diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice central to your work. Whether through your actions or the spaces you create, commit to lifting up those whose voices have been silenced or ignored. As you forge your own path, make sure your success contributes to the well-being of all, particularly the marginalized and underserved.
You have the power, the tools, and the responsibility to create the change you want to see in the world. Embrace every opportunity to drive transformation, ensuring that the future is one of justice and equity for everyone. The world is waiting for the change only you can bring—make sure that everyone has a seat at the table.
