Meg Taylor, is an Arizona native with 23 years of nonprofit expertise, a dedicated storyteller and strategic thinker. Meg's prowess lies in her ability to connect people, resources and organizations, nurturing harmonious and compassionate communities. From housing to theater, animal rescue to food access, Meg's involvement spans diverse sectors, embracing a joyful generalist approach that gleans wisdom from each experience. Through her consulting firm, Table Building, her strategic finesse shines through workshops, board training, and international expansion guidance. Her affiliations with the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Social Venture Partners, and SeedSpot, empower her to champion the connection of nonprofits with vital resources at every growth stage. As an advisor for HUUB and consultant for TAPAZ, she empowers small organizations with a focus on sustainability. Her recent selection for the prestigious 2023-2024 Leading for Change Cohort highlights Meg's dedication to the nonprofit sector in Arizona. She hopes that this next step in her journey inspires others and catalyzes positive change.

Melissa Westbrook was raised in Georgia alongside her brother by two small business owners. Witnessing the tireless efforts of her parents throughout life instilled in her the work ethic and passion she carries today. Following her high school graduation, she earned a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama (RTR), before returning to her hometown to contribute to the family business. In 2020, Melissa relocated across the country to Arizona. While reading more about Arizona politics, she gradually recognized that her true calling laid outside of construction work. Consequently, in 2023, she made the official transition to non-profit work. Melissa staunchly advocates for various causes, including reproductive justice and the full funding of education. She remains dedicated to making a better life for all. Melissa serves as the Financial and Operations Assistant for the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (ADLCC) which recruits, trains and supports legislative candidates. Prior to joining ADLCC, she served as the Operations Director for Arizona List, a statewide membership network that recruits, trains, and supports pro-choice Democratic women running for office in Arizona.

With over 13 years of service in the Quartzsite Elementary School District, Monica Timberlake has been a cornerstone of community involvement and leadership. A former member of the Quartzsite Town Council and a Project Central Alum, Monica has dedicated herself to the improvement of her community in a myriad of roles. Her community roles have been extensive and impactful, ranging from serving as President of the Quartzsite Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition to Chairman of the Quartzsite Parks and Rec Board. She has also chaired the Quartzsite Health and Development Board and acted as a Director for the Quartzsite Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Monica extended her influence as the former La Paz County Director for the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA). She currently holds the title of Executive Secretary and Vice President of the Rural Alliance for ASBA, amplifying her commitment to education and community development beyond Quartzsite. Beyond her professional endeavors, Monica is a proud mother of two incredible humans and a doting grandmother to a lively bundle of energy. As a prestigious Flinn Brown Fellow, she has displayed an unyielding commitment to civic engagement and progressive leadership. Passionate, dedicated, and ever-involved, Monica Timberlake is a community leader committed to bettering the lives of those around her.

I am an advocate for justice and equity. As an educator and a district coach, I strive to provide teachers with best, equitable practices, to serve any and every student they teach. As part of the districts Equity Committee, I am committed to analyzing and using the data to find gaps and highlight injustices to create updated and inclusive policies. Being an agent of change goes beyond the school for me. As an author, I promote representation - creating books that BIPOC and children with exceptional needs can see themselves in, showcasing them in a positive light. I work within the Florence Unified School District and a founding member of their Equity Committee.

Nicole Gutierrez Miller is a passionate community advocate and a fierce fighter for change. Nicole was raised in Mesa by a Colombian father and Mexican-American mother. Nicole’s parents instilled in her a love for her community, her family, and education. Thanks to Pell Grants, part-time jobs, and AGUILA Youth Leadership Academy, Nicole is also a first-generation college graduate, with a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. Nicole is an Arena-trained staffer who served as Field Director for now Representative Stacey Travers LD12 race in 2022. Nicole is currently a candidate for the Tempe Union High School Governing Board, and serves as Vice Chair on the Working Families Party’s Latino Outreach Committee. Nicole also recently served as Secretary on the Maricopa County Democratic Party’s executive board. Professionally, Nicole is the Director of Compliance at Manhattan-based law firm, Perlman and Perlman. Through her 15-year tenure with the firm, Nicole has built a department of well-trained Compliance Specialists and support staff who are professionals in all things nonprofit formation and compliance. Nicole’s passion is ignited through helping her clients navigate the intricacies of the state government processes so that they can focus on their mission, and help change the world.

Richard Southee is a Ph.D. Candidate, Veteran, and Homeless Advocate currently working in the human services field in the largest emergency shelter provider in the state of Arizona. His work and research centers around how trauma impacts service access decisions for people experiencing homelessness. Richard has conducted workshops throughout Arizona on the topics of homelessness and trauma-informed care, and works to forward ways in which we can deliver efficient, outcome oriented solutions while still being compassionate and sensitive to the wide array of backgrounds clients bring with them while needing services. Richard has presented at both local and national conferences on trauma psychology, and aims to use his academic background to build cross-disciplinary partnerships that can create innovative solutions to the growing problem of homelessness. Richard is the Assistant Director of Programs for Central Arizona Shelter Services.

Shawnté Rothschild is an Arizona based passionate advocate for social justice and equality and believes that everyone deserves access to healthcare that is respectful, affirming, and culturally competent. With a background in healthcare and public health, Shawnté has dedicated her career to reducing health disparities and addressing the unique healthcare needs of marginalized communities particularly the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities She is a strong believer in the power of community-based organizations and grassroots movements to effect positive change. She recently founded The Rainbow Connection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and improving the health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. She currently serves as a National Co-Chair for CVS Health’s Colleague Resource group. In her free time, Shawnté enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She is a board member of GLSEN Arizona and a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

Swhana is a senior professional with a 25-year career at a Fortune 500 insurance company, Mass Mutual. She is a DE&I champion, having served as Co-Founder and Co-Chair of a Diversity & Inclusion Council for a 900-employee division, as well as a senior officer of the company-wide Black/African American and Women’s Leadership Business Resource Groups (BRGs). She is an intentional team manager with 15 years of experience in directing large customer service teams; designing and leading recruitment efforts; onboarding personnel; and overseeing performance management and professional development activities. She has also served as a relationship manager for key partnerships, ensuring key performance indicators (KPI)s and process efficiencies were in place. Swhana also worked as the site lead for new service centers in Phoenix. Swhana brings project management, content development, problem solving, leadership skills and a people first mentality to all that she does. She attended Bay Path University where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a master's degree in Leadership & Negotiation. She is a forever student with a passion for paying those learnings forward. She married her best friend 25 years ago. They have a 24-year-old daughter. Representing her employer, Mass Mutual, she is currently participating in the two-year comprehensive nationwide corporate-focused CEO For Racial Equity Fellowship.

Originally from Gary, Indiana, Tearanie is humbled and honored to be an active part of her
community in Arizona since moving here in 2017. She is a graduate of Jackson State
University and earned a BS in Social Science Education, where she fully leaned into her
passion for educating others. Tearanie has served as a middle and high school educator in both
rural and urban school settings for over 10 years. She has also proudly served our United
States Military Personnel overseas providing education services to deployed service members
in Germany, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar. She gained local organizing experience as Deputy Education Director for Rural Arizona Education and Rural Arizona Action, 501(c)3 and 501 (c)4 respectively, through their youth campaigns geared towards participatory research action. She also brings knowledge on electoral organizing, working on the 2020 and 2022 Georgia Senate Runoffs and spearheading the Arizona Democratic Party’s Coordinated Out of State Program with Mission for Arizona. Her work has been seen across state lines, re-electing Senator Raphael Warnock and our very own astronaut, Senator Mark Kelly, as well as a host of statewide, county, and local candidates. Her life and career experiences have solidified her passion for defending democracy in all the spaces she occupies. To Tearanie, joy is found through inspiring and uplifting others. She hopes that her experiences, story, and actions will inspire others to become the “change they wish to see.” Tearanie is the Democracy Defense Senior Manager for All Voting is Local.