Leadership West

What if we invested in the next generation of West Valley leaders before they ever stepped into a boardroom, city hall, classroom, or business?

Several West Valley leaders, including Shawn Bradford, Adam Denmark, Katrina Williams, Rick Duncan, Patrick O'Grady, and Jeff Fugal, believed that leadership development shouldn't begin after graduation.

That vision became the West Valley Youth Leadership Scholarship, created to support graduating West Valley seniors who have demonstrated leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to their community.

This scholarship is about more than financial assistance. It is about recognizing young people who are already making a difference and helping them take the next step toward college, university, or vocational training right here in the West Valley.
The future of our region will be shaped by the students sitting in today's classrooms. We are proud to invest in their journey.

Know a graduating senior who is making an impact? Encourage them to apply today. https://leadershipwest.org/youth-leaders/

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Heartfelt congratulations to Tina Conde, class 25 alumna, on being recognized as a Healing The Root Honoree. This honor celebrates women whose dedication and service create meaningful impact within the community. Tina’s commitment to servant leadership is a powerful example of compassion, advocacy, and community engagement. Her work continues to inspire and uplift those around her.

☀️ Don't Miss the Fun at the Leadership West Summer Mixer!
Join us as we welcome Class 33, celebrate Class 32, and reconnect with the amazing leaders who make up the Leadership West community.

Whether you're an alum, participant, sponsor, board member, or friend of Leadership West, this is your chance to catch up, make new connections, and enjoy a fun summer evening with fellow leaders from across the West Valley.

A special thank you to our host, Credit Union West, for bringing our community together.
📅 July 9, 2026
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Register today: https://lwsummermixer.rsvpify.com
We hope to see you there!

Leading Through Civic Engagement

Leadership doesn't stop when a program ends. We're proud to see Leadership West alumni stepping forward to serve their communities by running for public office. Their willingness to engage, lead, and invest in the future of the West Valley is a powerful example of leadership in action.

We wish each of them success as they continue their journey of service and community impact.

⭐️As the West Valley continues to grow, young talent is shaping the diverse, skilled and talented workforce of the future. ⁠
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They ask themselves:⁠
⚡️What actions can I take to influence positive change?⁠
⚡️How can I grow my leadership?⁠
⚡️What more can I learn about the West Valley to better serve it?⁠
⚡️Who can I collaborate with to make a lasting impact?⁠
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Nominate the outstanding partners in your life for the WESTMARC + Leadership West Emerging Leader Award today!⁠
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https://www.westmarc.org/emergingleaders

Congratulations to Maria Brunner, class 24 alumna, on being honored by Glendale Elementary School District with the 2026 Mosaic Marvels Award. The Mosaic Marvels Award celebrates individuals who embody the heart of GESD by fostering a positive, student-centered, and collaborative culture across the district. Maria’s dedication to servant leadership and community impact continues to reflect and embody the mission of Leadership West.

What if we invested in the next generation of West Valley leaders before they ever stepped into a boardroom, city hall, classroom, or business? Several West Valley leaders, including Shawn Bradford, Adam Denmark, Katrina Williams, Rick Duncan, Patrick O'Grady, and Jeff Fugal, believed that leadership development shouldn't begin after graduation.

That vision became the West Valley Youth Leadership Scholarship, created to support graduating West Valley seniors who have demonstrated leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to their community.

This scholarship is about more than financial assistance. It is about recognizing young people who are already making a difference and helping them take the next step toward college, university, or vocational training right here in the West Valley.

The future of our region will be shaped by the students sitting in today's classrooms. We are proud to invest in their journey.

Know a graduating senior who is making an impact? Encourage them to apply today. https://leadershipwest.org/youth-leaders/

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Leadership West alumnus Mark Hutchins.

Mark was a true pillar of the West Valley, known not only for his innovative leadership and contributions to The Wigwam, but also for the way he invested in people and community. He served on numerous boards and commissions, supported our military through programs such as Honorary Commander and Fighter Country, and consistently found ways to make our region stronger.

What many will remember most, however, was Mark's heart. He had a remarkable ability to build relationships, make others feel valued, and bring warmth to every conversation. His generosity, wisdom, and genuine care for others left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mark's legacy will continue to be felt throughout the West Valley for years to come. He will be dearly missed by the Leadership West family and the broader community he loved so well.

This didn't start with us.

Servant leadership has a long history in America. It looks like Valley Forge. Normandy. Chosin Reservoir. Fallujah.

It looks like ordinary people who decided that the person next to them mattered more than their own survival.

Leadership West exists because leaders like that built something worth forging forward.
Today we remember them. We honor them. We carry what they started.

🇺🇸

Congratulations Monica Martinez, class 32 aluma, on being recognized with the School Connect AZ Community Impact Award. Monica said it best "Service has always been a core value in my life, something my parents instilled in me from the very beginning. I’ve always believed it takes a village to raise a child, and I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by people and organizations who live that out every day. Choosing to be part of CHASSE Building Team has only strengthened that belief. Their commitment to community and the way they empower us to show up and serve is something I don’t take lightly. This recognition isn’t just mine, it belongs to every student, educator, and community partner who continues to show up, pour in, and make a difference."