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.
