Kate Cavaliere Birchler

Assistant Vice President of Tourism Marketing, Macerich Shopping Centers 

“I believe I have the best job at Macerich because I have the privilege of meeting and working with people from all over the globe who want to experience the No. 1 activity while visiting the United States: shopping! I have been with Macerich for 15 years; my job is very unique in that I stand with one high heel in retail commercial real estate and the other high heel in the travel and tourism industry. My philosophy is to be kind, work hard, cheer on others, give back, build consensus and develop long-lasting relationships. I am of the mindset that kindness, loyalty, passion and trust in God's plan are the ingredients to an authentic self. I'm always thinking: what's next? What can I do better? How can I be better? I have deep respect for thoughtful leaders and many mentors in my life. I love mentoring others and hope to encourage our next generation to stay true to their authentic self.”

Wardrobe by Diane Von Furstenberg. Photo shot on location at Diane Von Furstenberg at Scottsdale Fashion Square. 

Jessica Rose Boutwell

Co-Owner/Creative Director, Ruže Cake House (with her mother, Joyce Boutwell, Co-Owner/Head Pastry Chef) 

“As Yogi Berra said, ‘You don't have to swing hard to hit a home run. If you've got the timing, it will go.’ And with our business, timing has really been a key element to our success. We'd been baking for friends and family for as long as I can remember; as passionate as we were, we never dreamed it could be our vocation. But thanks to a crashed economy, cancer, new Arizona baking laws, and a friend's bridal shower at El Chorro Lodge (and their incredibly intuitive sales catering manager who saw something in us that not even we could then see), everything serendipitously fell into place. I never paid much attention to the old adage, ‘You can be anything you want to be.’ But because of a series of Lemony Snicket-y types of events, and our ability to capitalize on timing, I finally accept that it even applies to me.”

Photo shot on location at Camelback Flower Shop.