NATALIE GRANCHAROV CAMACHO, Process Engineering Manager at Intel Corporation, Marketing/New Player Director at Arizona Polo Club – Polo Cares Inc, and Co-Founder of Lila Polo and Mujeres Divinas Polo
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It's amazing! Not just to be recognized for this but to be amongst such great female leaders in our community, I see this as an opportunity to meet new women with great talents from di erent spheres of business and hopefully learn from them...and maybe get them to try polo! It's meant so much to me to be able to share my passion for polo to others, especially young women. Women are making moves in the technology industry and the polo field.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR POLO STEM FROM?
My passion for polo comes from my love of horses and my competitive spirit. Horses are some of the most amazing animals, to be able to control a 1,000-lb. horse, racing down the field at close to 30 mph hitting a ball is such a rush of emotion. I love to think intensely and solve problems which is why I love my day work at Intel solving technical problems, and it complements well with my polo passion. I am lucky enough to have married a businessman and a polo player who comes from generations of polo, to be able to share this passion with him makes it even more fun. Most people don’t realize that polo is one of the few sports that women and men can truly compete on an even playing field. The top matches for polo in the world can be played by anyone who can keep up, regardless if you are male or female.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
Successfully transferring a high-volume manufacturing technology at Intel that is the most complex in the world. This was a huge challenge for myself and my team, but we did it and look back proudly on the work we did. (I could tell you more but it’s top secret!)
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS THE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
Horse rescue associations such as Arizona Equine Rescue and Off Track Thoroughbred rescues. I always wish I could do more to help horses that are neglected, rescued or in need of more care. I have started a yearly polo tournament to benefit horse rescues, and I will continue to work hard at it to lend support to these great organizations. Horses have been such an integral part of human history. We owe them a lot more than we give them, and they are so therapeutic to us. My husband and I have picked up many ex-race horses from the track, and they have become excellent polo horses.
NAME A WOMAN WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.
Stephanie, my sister, has been the greatest influence on me. She is the head of strategy at one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. Stephanie has proven that you can be a successful woman and still have a sense of humor and a big heart. I guess that credit is really due to our mother who encouraged us to be tough but always laugh, be kind and respect others.
FAVORITE...
BOOK: TJ Rodgers’ No Excuses Management
MOVIE: “Some Like it Hot”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Sprungli Marzipan Fruits, a treat my sister brings from Switzerland.
TIME OF DAY: Morning
WAY TO UNWIND: Riding horses with my husband.
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Mastro's Ocean Club
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: The Polo Party, of course!
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: My home and stables where we can enjoy beautiful weather and riding anytime we want.
ALI MATTHEWS RADOW, Chief Creative Officer of 224 Apparel
TWITTER: @224apparel
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
These women are the movers and shakers. They have the determination, the discipline, and the pure perseverance to make a difference. A Woman Who Moves the Valley is inspired to inspire others. She celebrates life. I'm grateful for the women in my life that inspire me, and it’s an honor to be considered among this group.
HOW DID THE 224 APPAREL COME TO BE?
As a little girl, I knew that creativity made me happy. Art made me feel alive. I also knew I'd be doing my own thing. While attending Arizona State University, I joined my sorority. I wanted to wear my Greek letters with pride every day. I searched high and low for cute and fashionable items. The Greek apparel industry was in need of a serious overhaul. At the time, mostly men were selling clothes to these young women—this didn’t make sense to me. As graduation grew near in 2008, it clicked. This demographic desperately needed a female presence, along with a sense of style. And it wasn’t just Greek life that craved fashion-forward custom apparel. I wanted to create items that I’d be excited to wear myself. I’m so fortunate to have a creative and supportive team. We’re a force together; their energy is contagious. Our loyal and supportive followers across the country have allowed us the unique luxury of growing our business on a referral basis. We’re grateful to be appreciated for what we love to do.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
Working with each campus is a privilege, which stems from our very first clients at ASU. My alma mater is where this all began for me. While staying true to our roots of clients based upon referral, working with each of the sororities at ASU was huge for us. We were so pleased when they came to us. By March of last year, we reached our goal. Knowing they chose to put their trust in our hands is an honor.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
My family. My mom and dad encouraged me to challenge myself. They’re my role models, leading by example. Creativity and entrepreneurship run in the family and led me to pursue my own passions.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS THE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
For the past six years, we’ve been honored to participate in the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund, which benefits children.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
We hope to continue providing clothing that enhances a woman’s self-esteem. When our clients tell us how happy they feel, we’re overjoyed.
FAVORITE...
BOOK: The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg
MOVIE: “Clueless” (I can recite every line), “Woman in Gold”
TV SHOW: “Gossip Girl” (Serena's wardrobe is everything)
GUILTY PLEASURE: Collecting pretty stationery. Pinterest.
WAY TO UNWIND: A good laugh!
VALLEY RESTAURANT: La Hacienda. Pomegranate guacamole and churros...yes, please!
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Scottsdale Culinary Festival.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: The cotton candy sunsets. And the cacti!
KATE WELLS, CEO of Children’s Museum of Phoenix
HOW DID YOU COME TO BE THE CEO OF CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX?
I have been fortunate to be involved with the Children's Museum since its inception as one of the founding members. I helped raise the funds (and friends) to get the museum open, and then returned as the CEO in 2013.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
Standing on the front steps of the beautiful, historic Monroe School as the ribbons were cut to celebrate the opening of the museum will forever be one of my professional highlights. The honor and privilege of helping to create a community treasure doesn't happen very often!
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
Three things really—I say yes to opportunities that are put in front of me, I can slog away at huge, messy projects longer than anybody I know (often when others give up), and I show up every day with passion and a willingness to give it my all.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS THE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
I am passionate about causes that raise the tide for all women. I very firmly believe that when there is equality in the home, the workplace, in our government, and in our boardrooms, the result will be better education, health, prosperity and happiness for everyone. Obviously the Children's Museum is the cause nearest and dearest to my heart, but I also just finished my 13th year of being a Girl Scout leader helping empower the next generation of women.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A MOM WITH YOUR CAREER?
There really isn't a balance; I see both as important, but my role as mom takes precedent over work. That being said, I think having a dynamic career brings richness to my life that makes me a better mom, and my amazing daughters teach me new things—opening my heart and mind every day—that make me a better business person.
NAME A WOMAN WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.
My mom, Eileen Bell. As a single mom raising two highly spirited daughters, she seized every opportunity that came her way to better our lives, going from a newly divorced stay-at-home mom to an executive for a Fortune 500 company. She wakes up every day with an amazing positive attitude and a zest for life.
FAVORITE...
BOOK: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift inspired little Kate to explore the world, but Leaves of Grass is a daily reminder to live my life like a Walt Whitman poem.
MOVIE: “Amélie”
TV SHOW: “CBS Sunday Morning”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Disco
WAY TO UNWIND: Working in my vegetable garden.
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Restaurant? Singular? Is it even possible to have one favorite in this city of great food?
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: The Children's Museum's annual gala. We've won best gala in the Valley for years now, and it is the best party!
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: There are endless possibilities in Arizona if you have a great idea and some gumption. Plus, we can water ski and snow ski in the same day!
MOLLY STOCKLEY, Vice President of Hospital Growth at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)
TWITTER: @mgstockley
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It means that I have a larger responsibility in the Valley to make sure that I strive to open the doors to future generations and a need to continue to visualize how to make our community a better place to live and develop. I feel that being a mom ‘mover’ provides a unique perspective that allows me to look at our community like I look at my own family. A mom aspires to provide opportunity, vision and security for her children. My mission is to initiate and foster those same ideals for the benefit of the Valley.
HOW DID THE HEALTH REALM COME TO BE YOUR CAREER PATH?
I am originally from New Iberia, La., and have 24 years in broadcasting, marketing, branding and advertising, working in television in Louisiana, Oklahoma City, Seattle and Portland and with the Anaheim Angels, finding my way to Phoenix at KTVK Channel 3. While at Channel 3, one of my co-workers and closest friends, Kristi, was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, with metastases that spread to her brain. I stood by my friend during the treatment process and was heartbroken at how difficult cancer is on a patient. Kristi battled but eventually succumbed to the disease at the age of 28. I could not shake the reality of how she struggled through the inhumane treatment process. In a stroke of fate, I was asked to cover an event, representing Channel 3, announcing the new Cancer Treatment Centers of America being built in Goodyear. I was overwhelmed by the message that CTCA’s CEO presented. I learned that CTCA is a place that the doctors work for the patients and focuses on eliminating all of the collateral hardships that Kristi had just endured. CTCA’s Mother’s Standard of care states that every stakeholder treats the patient as they would treat their own mother. In that moment, I had a new career path and a mission where I could use my passion, skills and expertise to help those in need.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
My sheer drive and passion for our mission and truly helping those in need. It is my duty to communicate and endorse CTCA to those who need whole-body cancer care, who are fighting to live. When I meet patients, I see Kristi. I see her big blue eyes and her gorgeous smile. I know that she is proud of the work that I do.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS THE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
Kristi Cares, The Kristina A. Stockley Melanoma Foundation, in honor and spirit of Kristi, is a nonprofit organization which strives to educate Arizonans about the dangers of skin cancer and the importance of sunscreen usage. The organization provides SPF 30 sunscreen dispensers at over 35 locations in the Valley, including spring training facilities, elementary and high schools, community events and, along with CTCA, provided 100-plus dispensers to the over one million attendees that attended the 2015 Arizona Super Bowl festivities. According to an article about innovative ideas from the 2015 Super Bowl, the sunscreen dispensers were named one of the top 10 best ideas from the Super Bowl. You can also find the sunscreen dispensers at the Arizona Cardinals football games as well as the Arizona Diamondbacks [games].
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A MOM WITH YOUR CAREER?
Being a mom is the most important responsibility and privilege that I have in life. I balance by making family the priority. The best part of my day is taking my son, Jackson, 4, to school every morning and playing with trains at night with my 2-year-old, Jacob. My husband and I are unwavering in our dedication to family and work to create time to spend at home with our children. We strive to sit down at the table each night for dinner. A daily recap through the eyes of a 2- and 4-year-old provides a unique perspective that brings everything into focus. As they say, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ We incorporate a team strategy to foster the most loving and supportive environment possible. Making sure to not lose myself and my career in the process. Like my car license plate says, VP MOM. My favorite titles.
FAVORITE...
BOOK: What Southern Women Know That Other Women Should
MOVIE: “Dirty Dancing” and “Bridesmaids”
TV SHOW: Anything on HGTV and, of course, Disney Junior.
TIME OF DAY: At the end of day, about 6 p.m., when the sun is setting and the Arizona sky is yellow, pink and blue. That’s when I say, ‘I love living in Arizona, I am never moving.’
WAY TO UNWIND: Spending time with my husband, Bob, and my two boys at our cabin in Pinetop located in the White Mountain Country Club.
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Our restaurant at CTCA called Ricardo’s. We grow and serve organic vegetables and fruits from our 65-acre organic farm, in partnership with McClendon’s Farm.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Arizona Assistance In Healthcare’s Super Ball Sports Gala and Project Pink Vintage Luncheon and the elegant, celebratory Phoenix Heart Ball.
STANNA MICHELLE SLATER, Owner/Founder of The Law Office of Jeffery S. Slater, P.C.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
Receiving this recognition as a transgender woman means to me that the hard work of others who preceded me in Arizona’s transgender movement finally has begun to visibly manifest. I view myself as a fortunate beneficiary of the sacrifices made by others who pioneered our movement. I hope that this recognition will encourage other transgender Arizonans to pursue their goals and dreams with more confidence.
HOW DID LAW COME TO BE YOUR CAREER PATH?
Every aspect of my life, and particularly my career, has been the result of discovery. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a professional musician but in high school, discovered that my true calling wouldn’t manifest without higher education. In college, I discovered two career paths were particularly appealing to me: serving my country in the Army Reserve and practicing law as a civil advocate. I’ve been fortunate to pursue both of these callings but have discovered civil advocacy to be my passion––for more than 26 years now.As a transgender woman and supporter of the LGBT community, what impact do you hope to have on the way the Valley views diversity?I hope that my gender identity and efforts will eventually lead to statewide legal reforms that end discrimination against those who identify as gay or transgender. I’m always striving to promote education and public awareness about the struggles of those who are gay or transgender. We all may have gay and transgender people in our lives, as our friends, neighbors, co-workers and even family members. Studies have shown that 73 percent of Arizonans believe our laws are fully inclusive. However, the reality is that people who are gay or transgender can be fired, denied housing and denied public accommodations. They should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
I will always remain proud to have served my country as a commissioned officer in the Army Reserve. The experience of serving my country has taught me to defend those whose rights and freedom may be being threatened. This led me to my passion for civil advocacy, and I’m proud to say that my work on behalf of those who are gay or transgender recently yielded recognition in Scottsdale in the form of a 2016 MLK Diversity Champion Award.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
The Valley cause that’s most dear to me is one•n•ten. This is because it empowers the Valley’s gay and transgender youth, many of whom have suffered from bullying and homelessness. I’ve had the chance to meet and help many of these youth, and I’ve found comfort in being able to help inspire some of them to begin pursuing their full potential.
FAVORITE...
BOOK: The Secret
MOVIE: “Some Like it Hot”
TV SHOW: “Seinfeld”
TIME OF DAY: My morning coffee routine.
WAY TO UNWIND: “Calgon, take me away!”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Mastro’s Ocean Club
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: McDowell Mountain Music Festival
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: No other place on earth showcases such beautiful diversity, especially in its people, its landscape and its climate.
LINDA SEARLES, Founder/Executive Director of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC)
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
While it is an honor to be recognized, it is not just about me. If it were not for all the people who have donated their time, money and knowledge, SWCC would never have been the success that it is today. I thank them all for believing in me and the cause.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
SWCC becoming a member of the endangered Mexican Wolf Species Survival Program. SWCC is a holding facility for United States Fish and Wildlife Service, holding and caring for this endangered species. We also collect genetic material to be used for future breeding.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
My mentors and friends and a lot of stubbornness. Growing up on the ranch, our horse vet, Richard Hancock, was a great inspiration and mentor to me. He taught me how to read animals, the subtle signs that most people miss. He also taught me a lot about veterinary medicine and how to work under difficult conditions yet still give the best possible medical care. I will forever be grateful to him for his time and the knowledge he instilled in me. Because of his kindness and willingness to pass on his wisdom, I feel obligated to do the same. Now it is my duty to mentor the next generation to pass on the knowledge they gave me. Some of my best learning came from experiences that cannot happen in a classroom or out of a book. With the SWCC veterinary and biology internship program, we do just that: give them hands-on personal experiences alongside experienced professionals. A place where the animals become the teachers.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
Funding, resources and lack of knowledge about wildlife. In the beginning, it was hard to find information on diets, formulas, nutritional needs, medications and treatments for wild animals. Networking with others around the country sharing experiences and medical cases has helped all of us to do a better job of rehabilitating wildlife.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
That SWCC will always be there for injured and orphaned wildlife and a place to teach and inspire future generations to save wildlife. That no wild animal dies on the side of the road or suffers because there was no place for them to get help. A place where our next generation of wildlife stewards can be mentored. We all share a planet with finite resources that are dwindling. I believe that we must educate people to understand wildlife and, once they do, they will care and help to protect our wildlife and the world that we share. We all share the same planet.
FAVORITE...
TV SHOW: "Salvage Dawgs”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Riding my reining horses.
TIME OF DAY: Evening when it is quiet, [and I can] hang out with my dogs and Facebook friends.
WAY TO UNWIND: Time spent with my horses and dogs. They are my sanity, my therapist.
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Jalapeno Inferno
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Sun Country Circuit Quarter Horse Show at West World
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: I was born here and grew up in Scottsdale when it was a small town. I love the mountains and the way they change color throughout the day, the blue skies, the mesquite bosque, the diversity of wildlife and landscape.
PAT BONDURANT, President of the Bondurant Racing School, Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It is a real wow moment for me. When I think about the life and times of Pat Bondurant in this Valley, I guess you could say I do move throughout the Valley full throttle. My husband Bob is great about sharing me between our Racing School, family, charity work, volunteering and the way I make a sincere effort to embrace our community with all my heart. This valley means more to me than anywhere I have ever lived in my life.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
My mother forgot to give me the memo that there was a glass ceiling for women; she was the second highest ranked woman as a civilian in the military with the US Army Missile Command. Then she managed to give birth to me in the middle of five brothers who said either keep up or we are leaving you behind. That was a pretty effective driving force. I remember being 19; I was a runway model featured in six Ford commercials, and my first real job was being a draftsman at Teledyne Brown Engineering on NASA’s first space shuttle, the Enterprise. Not one brother around the Thanksgiving table made one remark about my modeling success or my NASA job. Their silence was a lesson in humility. They were all very successful. You never wait to hear praise from anyone; just do what you do, and be the judge of your own success.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
Being a single mom with two kids and zero child support from either father. There was never the problem with being able to advance at work based on my abilities; the obstacle was to juggle daycare, sick kids, school plays, sports events, company flights, late meetings, overtime, deadlines. I was usually the only woman at the management levels, never revealing the levels of stress of having to juggle being the mother and the father to two kids nine years apart. Once again, using what my brothers taught me, if you cannot keep up, you will be left behind.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS THE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
Childhelp. It is the nation’s oldest and largest advocacy for abused and neglected children. My son’s father was a very violent person who was abused as a child and became an abuser. Fortunately, my son did not follow the pattern. My husband and I have visited the two Childhelp villages on each coast. It was a game-changer for us to see how much dedication the founders put into the incredible national success of the organization. It is not just a little local chapter; it is in every state. Phoenix is the headquarters. It is very important that I give up my spare minutes to help defend children and animals. They have no voice, and they have no choice of how they are treated.
NAME A WOMAN WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.
Sara Fedderson, founder of Childhelp. This woman is an exceptional example of influencing millions of children and adults. She has moved the big valleys, mountains, politics, obstacles and hearts to teach all of us that it is a privilege to be on this earth [and] to help one another—however small or broken.
FAVORITE...
BOOK: The Clan of the Cave Bear
MOVIE: “Gone with the Wind”
TV SHOW: “America’s Got Talent”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Godiva chocolate seashell with the oyster in the middle.
TIME OF DAY: Twilight. It’s so ethereal and magical that I feel like I walk between the worlds of heaven and earth.
WAY TO UNWIND: Snuggled anywhere on earth as long as it is in my husband’s arms.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Fight Night
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: The sunrises and sunsets. They rival Hawaii on absolutely any given day.
ASHLEY LEMIEUX, Founder/CEO of The Shine Project
TWITTER: @TheShineProject
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
Thinking about how The Shine Project all started from my two-bedroom condo a few years ago to where we are now and being recognized as someone whose work is moving the Valley is very humbling and exciting for me. It means that hard work pays off, the underdog can win, and that people are looking to belong to something that's bigger than themselves.
HOW DID THE SHINE PROJECT COME TO BE?
My senior year of college I was interning at an inner-city high school in Phoenix. I met so many amazing students who didn't know that they had potential to receive a higher education and break the cycle of poverty and low expectations, and I knew that I had to do something about it. I started a nonprofit to help send them to college, and then a year later created a business where we employ the students we give scholarships to to make jewelry so they learn business skills and work ethic that prepares them to be successful when they graduate.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
The driving force behind our success is that we do a lot more than just sell product. We stand beside a group of people who have been overlooked for years, tell them that they are capable and help them reach their potential. We invest our resources in creating leaders in people, and spend less time worrying about selling a piece of jewelry. Combining our jewelry with our love for people is what has allowed us to be successful.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
Fear of the unknown has been a very big obstacle for me to overcome these past few years. When both the future of your business and also your personal life is unknown, it creates a lot of anxiety and stress in ways that I didn't know ever existed. I have had to learn that I am the one in control of my business and life, and that just because someone else tells you something isn't possible, doesn't mean that it's true.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
To open more Shine centers up across the country. We are scheduled to do so this coming year.
FAVORITE...
BOOK: To Kill a Mockingbird and Start Something That Matters
MOVIE: “Cinderella”
TV SHOW: Probably shouldn't admit this but “The Bachelor.”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Cheez-its and Cool Ranch Doritos
TIME OF DAY: 4 p.m.—have a good chunk of the day under my belt, progress has been made and soon I get to see my family.
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Tasty Thai
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Crafeteria at Frances Vintage
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: I love hiking, and I never have to live in the snow!
