Photographed by Jason Black on location at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
As Phoenicians, we have a lot to be grateful for: intensely beautiful sunsets. Seventy-degree winters. The best spa and golf experiences on earth. These 11 admirable women. Meet some of the Valley’s most talented and giving women who are at the top of their professional fields and have a goal of making the Valley the very best it can be.
TINA CURRAN: chairman and co-founder of the Advisory Council of Cardon Children’s Medical Center
TWITTER: @TINA_SOTS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
I am humbled and grateful to be chosen as one of the Women Who Move the Valley. As an Arizona native, I deeply love and care for Arizona. I have had the privilege to experience the beauty of amazing mentors. My desire is to give back. Mentoring and inspiring others, particularly children, to volunteer is most important to me.
WHY IS CHILDREN’S MEDICINE SO NEAR AND DEAR TO YOUR HEART?
As a mother of three sons, nothing is more important than the health of our children and the children of the world. As a spouse of a pediatrician, I have the unique understanding of how innocent children really are—how disease does not discriminate. No one ever asks for cancer, juvenile diabetes or autism. However, together we can raise money for research, support each other during difficult times and never give up on looking for a cure.
WHAT OTHER VALLEY CAUSES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?
P.A.N.D.A (founding board member); St. Mary’s Food Bank; Elevate Phoenix; Forever Young Foundation/Sophie’s Place.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
Co-founding the Advisory Council of Cardon Children’s Medical Center with my husband, Dr. David Curran. Equally important, creating the signature event, Stars of the Season, that has in its fifth year netted close to $2 million for various programs at Cardon Children’s Medical Center.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
Passion and gratitude. I love what I do! I am very blessed to be surrounded by such incredible family members and friends.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
Time. There are never enough hours in a day.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
I would love for Arizona to become the nationwide leader in adopting and implementing integrative medical therapies to both treat and cure childhood diseases.
NAME A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.
Without a doubt, my mom. She leads her life with such grace and wisdom.
TINA’S FAVES
BOOK: “The Little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupery.
MOVIE: “Rocky”.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Taking a nap.
TV SHOW: “Scandal.”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Prado at The Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Stars of the Season.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: Sports! Love the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Coyotes, Phoenix Suns and Arizona State University Sun Devils.
PEARL CHANG ESAU, president and CEO of Expect More Arizona, a nonprofit striving for world-class education for all K through 12 students in Arizona
TWITTER: @EXPECTMOREAZ; @ESAUPEARL
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It means a lot to be recognized as someone who is having an impact on ensuring that all of Arizona’s students are getting an excellent education. My goal is to encourage everyone to play a role in supporting Arizona’s students. The quality of our education system doesn’t just impact students; it impacts our economy and everyone’s quality of life.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF EXPECT MORE ARIZONA?
Expect More Arizona is building a movement of Arizonans who are committed to ensuring a world-class education for every child. We raise public awareness, engage parents and voters, and foster collaboration across the state to improve education.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
One of my proudest professional moments was when my first class of fifth graders in East Los Angeles walked across the stage at their promotion ceremony, with a commitment in their hearts to succeed in school and go to college.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR EMPLOYEES WOULD SAY ABOUT YOU?
They would probably say that I’m very passionate about our mission of ensuring an excellent education for every child, that I care a lot about working together with each other and the community and that I like to eat!
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
My belief that every child deserves the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential drives me to work hard every day to ensure that their education helps them succeed.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
We are working to create a culture in Arizona where education is a top priority. That means that we need parents and voters to be more engaged in understanding the issues impacting education and taking action to support students.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
I hope that, one day, we are able to say with confidence that, in Arizona, a child’s life prospects are not determined by his or her circumstances of birth.
NAME A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.
That would have to be my mother. She and my father immigrated to the United States right before I was born. She has continually made sacrifices big and small throughout my life to support our family, and I am so grateful to have her as an example.
PEARL’S FAVES
MOVIE: Anything in the X-Men series and anything I can watch with my 4-year old daughter.
GUILTY PLEASURE: My espresso machine.
TV SHOW: “So You Think You Can Dance.”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: I love anything that Upward Projects or Sam Fox creates.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Local First Fall Festival and the Chinese New Year Festival.
TYLER BUTLER director of community outreach for GoDaddy
TWITTER: @TYLERJBUTLER
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It means being a connector by serving to elevate others in their aspirations and being an advocate for positive change. I truly believe that by practicing service leadership great things can happen. I pride myself on supporting others in their aspirations and being an innovator in my own career so that I lead in meaningful ways.
WHY IS THIS YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
Upon graduating from college, I had the opportunity to develop a publication. I enjoyed aspects of working with the media and in marketing organizations I believed in. I also had an interest in event planning that then led me to work in nonprofit for several years where I realized that Corporate Social Responsibility was an emerging field of focus for most community-minded companies.
I quickly learned that working in community relations would combine these two areas of expertise and allow me to grow and develop new skills. I have subsequently been completing my master’s degree in Community Development and Social Entrepreneurship and have had the unique opportunity to put my knowledge and experience to good use at a world-class company like GoDaddy.
WE HAVE BEEN TOLD YOU CHANGED GODADDY IN A POSITIVE WAY. HOW SO?
I’m responsible for leading GoDaddy’s Corporate Social Responsibility program. As the leader of GoDaddy’s global philanthropic efforts, I have had the opportunity to build on GoDaddy’s rich history of philanthropic works by helping to create new employee engagement programs that reward volunteerism. I work to align GoDaddy’s business visions with causes that make sense and operate in markets where our employees work, live and play. With the support of the amazing team at GoDaddy we have successfully created and launched an employee volunteer program with paid time off for volunteerism. We also have a “dollars for doers” program to empower employees to earn support for their charities of choice, a matching program and cause marketing campaigns. We like to have a healthy schedule of advocacy and engagement campaigns enabling every GoDaddy team member the opportunity to pay it forward.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
I’m extremely proud of the work done through my Valley Leadership class project. Working in conjunction with the Phoenix Center for the Arts, we created and launched Art4All, a mobile arts program that delivers arts programming to youth in underserved communities. GoDaddy was the first sponsor of this project, which was recognized as the winning project for Valley Leadership Class 35.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
Children’s causes seem to be the central theme for my philanthropic efforts. More specifically, I have the pleasure of supporting The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale as a board of governors member. I’m also a member of the board of directors for Phoenix Suns Charities and The Phoenix Center for the Arts.
I also serve the Central Arizona Corporate Volunteer Council as Board Secretary, Valley Leadership as vice chair for the Man & Woman of the Year Awards and Scottsdale Leadership as a member of their advisory council.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
I wish to have more balance in my life. I hope to travel more to new and different places and to make more time for my loved ones.
TYLER’S FAVES
MOVIE: “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate-covered gummy bears.
TV SHOW: “Mad Men.”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: I often crave the Stetson, a chopped salad from The Gladly and the Chambord margaritas at Salt & Lime Modern Mexican Grill.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Live & Local presented by GoDaddy.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: I love that the Valley can seem like a small town where everyone knows one another. I also enjoy that we can drive an hour to a great lake for summer fun or head up north and find skiing and outdoor fun.
ANITA VERMA-LALLIAN, director of marketing for Vermaland, LLC
TWITTER: @ANITAVL777
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It is a huge honor! It means a lot to me, since I have grown up in Arizona and have seen Phoenix grown the way it has. It gives me a lot of pleasure to be able to contribute to the growth of Phoenix through our business, while also having the ability to give back to our community. My goal is to see Phoenix grow and thrive as a world-class city. If I can contribute to this in any way, that is a huge accomplishment!
WHY IS MARKETING AND REAL ESTATE YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
I chose marketing as my career path because I have always been interested in analyzing how the market works and how to deliver a successful product to customers. I love having to think outside of the box, keeping up with new trends and solving challenging problems creatively. I also chose real estate since that is the nature of our family business. Our company invests in raw land throughout Phoenix. It has been amazing to buy land that is in the outskirts of the city and ultimately develop that land to the point where people are living on it.
WHY HAS SOLAR ENERGY BECOME A PASSION FOR YOU?
I am very passionate about solar energy since it has numerous benefits for Arizona, both environmentally and economically. Solar benefits our environment since it reduces our dependence on foreign oil and provides a sustainable source of clean energy. Arizona has one of the highest solar resources in the world. If we utilized this resource, we can become a world leader in renewable energy, which would bring a tremendous amount of investment capital to our state, and would additionally create new jobs.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
My proudest professional moment has been creating our company’s charity, the Verma Charitable Foundation. It has given us an opportunity to give back to the community, which has been great. My parents were the inspiration behind this. They have always been involved in giving back to the community.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
I joined the business in 2008, at the beginning of the real estate recession in Phoenix. The economy was in a severe recession and real estate was at an absolute standstill. Values plummeted to very low values at this time. We needed to determine alternate ways to generate revenue. Fortunately, we were able to expand our business into the solar energy space. We learned as much as we could about the business and were able to work with numerous solar developers on our land. We even developed our own solar facility on one of our properties.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
I wish to see the city of Phoenix and Arizona grow. We have a lot of untapped potential in Arizona. We have great natural resources as well as a talented workforce.
ANITA’S FAVES
BOOK: “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”
MOVIE: “Good Will Hunting.”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Reality TV.
TV SHOW: “The Mindy Project.”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: The Herb Box.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Scottsdale Culinary Festival.
TERRA SCHAAD, executive director of Hunkapi Programs, a wellness program specializing in horse therapy for children and adults with special needs
INSTAGRAM: @TERRASCHAAD; @HUNKAPIPROGRAMS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
In my mind, I am a girl who loves horses and has a passion to share their healing power with others. To receive this title is so humbling and mind-blowing to me. I am completely honored. My purpose in this life is to help others understand their greatness and to move mindfully into that authenticity. While my method of doing that has historically been done through my work with horses and people, I’m grateful for this opportunity to show up and, in some way, be a living, breathing example of how living mindfully can change your life and inspire others.
HOW DID YOU FIND A PASSION IN EQUINE-HUMAN RELATIONS?
Horses have been like a magnet for me from a very young age, and at age 10 I was given the opportunity to own my own horse, Smokey. From that moment, every second I had free was spent with horses. It was an internal passion first to be with them, probably subconsciously because they were healing me from the inside out. Once I was able to cognitively understand how they had affected me, I then knew it was my responsibility and purpose to share that with others. Now, each day I am in the arena, learning with them and watching them move people toward greater balance and health—mind, body and spirit—it further ignites that passion.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
Gratitude, humility and an insatiable desire to be the best. I treat every moment of life, inside and outside of the arena, as an opportunity to learn and grow personally. I experience, I notice, I change, I collaborate and I fully believe in the power of “we.”
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
That every child on this earth feels loved, supported, nurtured and safe. That the words “don’t” and “bad” are taken out of the English language and are replaced by “do” and “brilliant.”
NAME A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.
I can’t mention one without the other; both influenced me at the same time and in the same way, but the combo has created who I am. Dr. Debbie Crews and Dr. Barbara Kerr gave me opportunity to do exactly what I want to do, without limits. They supervised and mentored me, while giving me free rein to make mistakes without judgment. Their only words of advice were “go and I’ll support you.” As a girl and young woman, I was trained to think small, but my sprit was big. They gave me permission to light my mind on fire and that is a powerful, priceless gift.
TERRA’S FAVES
BOOK: “The Alchemist.”
MOVIE: “Good Will Hunting.”
GUILTY PLEASURE: French fries.
TV SHOW: “Dancing with the Stars”—I love the personal transformation.
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Andreoli Italian Grocer.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Christmas Day at the Ranch. My program, Hunkapi, has hosted it for the past 11 years.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: I love the diversity of the topography and cultures.
KAREN PALECEK partner and co-managing member of Palecek & Palecek PLLC
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
What it means to me to be a Woman Who Moves the Valley is a woman who is willing to work hard and contribute her talents to a cause or industry in the Valley that she believes in. We are all blessed with certain talents and passions and to use the talents for what we are passionate about is so important.
WHY IS CONSTRUCTION LAW YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
I chose construction law as my career path because I am passionate about the construction industry. I wanted to be a litigator and specialize in a particular area of the law so that I could use my talents for not only something I am passionate about but be knowledgeable in one area and develop an expertise.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
My proudest professional moment was probably winning my first jury trial in an important construction case.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
The driving force behind my success is my amazing family. My parents first, of course, because they have been there every step of the way and my brother, who is my partner, is such a source of strength as we have not only grown up together, but we share the same values and goals, and I can’t imagine not having such support in both my business and personal life. My children, Kendall, Collin and Jenny, who I love more than I could ever express, are a driving force behind by success because my love and bond with them is so strong that I truly want to do my best for them. My fiancé who had a heart transplant four years ago and recovered from a rejection of that heart that almost took his life is also a source of strength and driving force behind my success. He is so strong and has such a will to live that nothing stops his determination.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS THE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
The Valley cause that is nearest and dearest to me is the American Subcontractors Association and their choice for charity, whether it is a student at Arizona State University’s school of construction or the Daisy Mountain Fire Department charities. I also support Attitude Dream basketball, which is my fiancé’s nonprofit organization that supports young boys and girls trying to use their talents to achieve success.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
One wish I have for the future is the continued economic strength of the Valley. The Valley is such a wonderful place to work and live that if it continues to get stronger economically then everyone will benefit including some of the wonderful charities we have in the Valley as people will have more to give.
NAME A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.
My mom is the biggest influence in my life because she is my best friend, and she has such strength both emotionally and spiritually that I can’t help but want to emulate each and every aspect of her life.
KAREN’S FAVES
BOOK: All of the James Patterson books, but I especially enjoyed “The Beach House.”
MOVIE: “The Express.”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Red wine and dark chocolate-sea salt caramels.
TV SHOW: “Criminal Minds.”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Nook.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Restaurant Week.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: The ability to be in multiple climates and terrains. You can be in a beautiful desert and the vast ponderosa pine forest all in the same day.
CHRISSY DONNELLY best-selling author in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It’s an honor to be considered with women in the Valley who are making a difference in others’ lives. One of the things I love about Arizona is its widespread philanthropic spirit. It’s easy to take it for granted, but it’s really extraordinary.
WHY IS BEING AN AUTHOR YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
It started out as a project to interview married couples about the secrets to a great marriage, as my husband and I were newly married at the time. Along the way, I discovered I loved sharing these inspiring stories, as I saw how they encouraged and helped others through tough times. It also made me realize how important it is to find something you love in life and focus on it.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
The letters we’ve received over the years about how a story we shared encouraged someone or changed their life for the better. I take no credit, but hearing about the result is gratifying.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
The grace of God in my life.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
Taking the leap of faith by leaving my stable profession as a CPA with Price Waterhouse to become an author in 1995 when the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series was relatively unknown.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
Where Hope Lives is an amazing program that helps rescue young women who are victims of sex trafficking, primarily here in Arizona. With the help of the groundbreaking Dream Rooms program, Where Hope Lives is creating a safe refuge where these girls can begin to heal and find new purpose for their future. These young women inspire me every day.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
To bring inspiring stories to the big screen. I am a movie fanatic and see way too many violent films with depressing messages. My husband and I are collaborating with some established filmmakers to bring some of our stories to the big screen and make a dent in the glut of hopeless messages out there.
CHRISSY’S FAVES
BOOK: The Bible.
MOVIE: “The Shawshank Redemption.”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Reality TV shows involving singing and dancing competitions.
TV SHOW: Tie between “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Voice.” Love seeing people pursue their dreams!
VALLEY RESTAURANT: A quiet dinner with my husband at home.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: The local Dancing with the Stars event. I love watching my friends try new things and raise money for charity.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: Every time I land at Sky Harbor. It doesn’t matter if it’s 115 degrees –I just feel like I’ve come home.
LISA STARRY, founder and artistic director of Scorpius Dance Theatre, a nonprofit contemporary dance company
TWITTER: @SCORPIUS_DANCE
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It means that I have made an impact on my community, in particular in the area of performing arts. I think that dance can be intimidating for some people, and with Scorpius Dance Theatre, I’m always striving to create shows that are accessible, entertaining and visually stunning. Every year, our audiences grow, which means the arts scene in the Valley is gaining momentum. For the health and well-being of our youth, I also think it’s critical to nurture young artists and serve as a mentor and role model.
WHY IS DANCE/THE ARTS YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
As a young child, I loved to listen to music and perform dance shows for my friends and family. As I grew up, my passion for the art form never subsided. After spending years performing on stage, I was exposed to the world of professional choreography. It didn’t take long for me to realize that creating art and seeing my vision come to life on stage was my true calling. I enjoy entertaining and watching the reaction from the audience.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK THE ARTS PLAY IN THE VALLEY?
Every major city has a thriving arts scene that helps to define their cultural fabric. As the Valley continues to grow and mature, it’s critical that we cultivate the arts to ensure we have a vibrant, diverse place for people to visit and live. The arts are the most genuine outlet for communication and can affect so many people in so many different ways. They provide an outlet for self-expression, invoke a range of emotions, and offer a healthy, temporary escape from the stress of day-to-day life.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
When I choreographed my first big show, Dreaming in Water, at the Orpheum Theater. It was a huge undertaking producing a show of that size, and it was a ton of stress on myself, my family and my cast and crew. However, the night we performed made it all worthwhile. It was so magical! There were more than 800 people in the audience, and that was even during a night when there was a serious storm warning. At the close of the show, Scorpius Dance Theatre received its first-ever standing ovation.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS THE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
I’m a huge animal lover, and I’m constantly fostering and finding homes for abandoned dogs and cats. Many of these animals have required extensive medical attention.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
I want to see my love for dance and producing shows move to the big screen. Creating a movie based on my show, A Vampire Tale, is on my bucket list.
LISA’S FAVES
BOOK: “Interview with a Vampire” by Anne Rice.
MOVIE: “The Lost Boys.”
GUILTY PLEASURE: Blasting a good techno song in my car.
TV SHOW: “The Walking Dead.”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Postino Winecafe.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Phoenix Comicon.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: Taking walks with my dogs and enjoying our beautiful Central Phoenix neighborhoods while our weather is nice and cool.
ANITA WALKER, vice president of marketing for Fox Restaurant Concepts
TWITTER: @FOXBIGKITCHEN INSTAGRAM: @FOXRESTAURANTCONCEPTS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It is incredibly humbling to share space with some of the other fine gals on this list. Really, being a native for 38 years, I am filled with pride. Not necessarily for the work I do, but our community as a whole is really rad. I love being a part of and witnessing the large- and small-scale entrepreneurship and community development that exists in Arizona today. I think we have reached a new level of cool. I am so blessed to have the privilege to learn from a brilliant and generous man, Sam Fox, while using connections to support incredible organizations like Neighborhood Ministries. If I do move the Valley, my hope is that my work brings light to those who are so talented and really making a difference.
WHY IS MARKETING YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
At a young age, I found myself working hard to gain support for things I was passionate about. In third grade, it was elephants; in college, it was equality for women. I learned early on that people don’t buy what you are selling but why you are selling it. I would fail miserably if I had to market something without value to me. That is why I love working for Fox Restaurants—we serve people every day. We help people come together to enjoy each other over an incredible meal while making memories. Making a perfect experience for our communities, friends and neighbors is a passion. Marketing passion is easy.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
When a young girl said she quit her job to come work with me. I didn’t want to let her down and realized I had a responsibility to teach the next generation of marketers.
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS?
Good old-fashion hard work. My parents did me a favor by teaching me hard work at a young age. We had chores every Saturday, had to make A’s and roofed our house—and painted the exterior of my house in third grade. Dig in and get it done right and fast. Thanks, Vern and Dolores Jacobs!
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A MOM WITH YOUR CAREER?
I’m such a better mommy when I work. I dive into the deep end nine hours a day but when I get home with my kids, I’m a focused and full-attention mom. When they go to sleep, I go back to work. So, this question wouldn’t be so positive if asked to my husband about me being a good wife. Actually, on that note, Chuck Walker makes it possible for me to balance being a good mom and have the career I love. Without a supportive partner, it would be nearly impossible.
ANITA’S FAVES
BOOK: “Watership Down” since sixth grade.
MOVIE: “Big Lebowski.” The Dude, Walter and Donny. There will never be three more perfect characters together in a film.
GUILTY PLEASURE: With three kids and a job...30 minutes by myself.
TV SHOW: “The Walking Dead.”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Little Cleo’s. I love everything on the menu! Ask for Casey. He’ll make your experience memorable.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Certified Local Fall Festival.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: Pink sunsets and November weather. I think we live in paradise.
JACKIE HALLEEN, vice president of retail operations for Goodwill of Central Arizona
TWITTER: @GOODWILLAZ
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
It is truly an honor to be included in this group of amazing women.
WHY IS THIS YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
This wasn’t the path that I chose originally. I was in the fashion business for years before I decided to change careers. I was with a for-profit thrift organization for about nine years, and then joined Goodwill 13 years ago and haven’t looked back. It’s very rewarding to know that what you do every day has an impact in the community. I get to do what I love—retail—while working for a nonprofit that puts people to work. Having fun while giving back? It doesn’t get any better than that!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
I can’t say that there’s been one defining moment. I feel so proud every day to work with the team that we have at Goodwill and to see how far we’ve come over the last decade. I will say that when we held our first Career Expo at the University of Phoenix Stadium in 2013 and over 6,000 job seekers attended, seeing our organization provide resources and support to so many people was a very proud moment.
WHY IS GO RED FOR WOMEN SO NEAR AND DEAR TO YOU?
I was born with a defective heart and have had to adjust my lifestyle accordingly. I really want women to understand that heart disease is the No. 1 killer among us, but it can certainly be prevented. Women need to talk about this issue more and understand the facts about how stress, high blood pressure and diet can lead to heart disease, attacks or strokes, and what can be done to prevent it.
WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?
I believe that our mission here at Goodwill is one of the best-kept secrets in the Valley. Through our retail stores, we are able to provide the funding that enables us to operate Career Centers, hold job fairs, and provide a multitude of services that give people the tools to achieve employment. My wish is for people to understand that Goodwill is not just thrift stores, but a community organization that helps improve the lives of the people who live here.
NAME A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.
Sue Fish—she was my first director in the thrift industry. I still try to be the leader that she saw in me; she had a big impact on my career.
JACKIE’S FAVES
BOOK: Any book about the monarchy; I am fascinated by kings and queens.
MOVIE: “Elf ”—I could watch it all year long.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Shopping and drinking wine.
TV SHOW: Unfortunately it’s not on anymore, but “The Tudors” is my all-time favorite.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Our own Evening of Goodwill and the Go Red for Women luncheon.
THING ABOUT ARIZONA: The beauty of the desert. There is nothing more spectacular than watching the hot air balloons floating through the morning sky. You can’t see that everywhere!
CHRISTINA SMITH, president of closetcandyboutique.com
INSTAGRAM: @CLOSETCANDYBOUTIQUE TWITTER: @SHOPCCB
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?
I’ve always admired the women chosen for their amazing careers and focus on giving back. I think it’s amazing to be in a position to run a successful business and carve out the time and resources to give back to our community.
WHY IS FASHION YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?
I’ve always been a bit of a shopaholic and an avid online shopper. When I owned Designer Shades, I started out with a few fun pieces in the lobby. I soon realized I had a gift for buying and styling. I paired this with my background in business and operations and my husband’s background in computer science and Web design and soon we figured out how to get our adorable outfits into people’s closets all over the country.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
It had to be the day we had $1,000,000 in sales, and our company was less than a year old. Being able to do this debt- free was even more meaningful!
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
A few months after we launched our Web site, we hit our first $100,000 month, and my husband was diagnosed with cancer. This meant we were working seven days a week at our regular jobs and Closet Candy Boutique, trying to manage the growth, and taking care of our two little boys all while my husband was undergoing treatment. It was the toughest few months of our lives, but I’m really proud that we got through it together and only grew stronger in our faith.
WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?
Every year, we participate in Family To Family through Christ Church of the Valley (CCV). We are able to make sure that thousands of children who rely on the public schools for their meals don’t go hungry over the two-week Christmas break. This year, our goal is to donate enough food to feed 200 families for an entire week each. CCV as a whole will feed about 7,500 families for two weeks each. We are also fortunate enough to donate all of our slightly defective clothing to The Phoenix Dream Center, another amazing Valley organization.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A MOM WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
This is a tough one! I’m definitely a workaholic, and my kids make it pretty clear when I’ve been too distracted. Growing a new business takes an immeasurable amount of time and effort, but so does raising children. At the end of the day, I just have to remember that shaping these energetic boys into amazing, responsible, giving men is my most important job.
CHRISTINA’S FAVES
BOOK: I’m definitely a fiction type of girl. I recently finished the “Divergent” series and loved them.
MOVIE: I’m not afraid to admit I’ve watched “Pitch Perfect” more times than I can count.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Probably watching “The Real Housewives” after everyone goes to bed.
TV SHOW: “The League” and “Parenthood.”
VALLEY RESTAURANT: Sol Cocina or The Capital Grille are my favorites.
ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: ZooLights with my kids and The Phoenix Open with my husband.
