From Student to Steward: Why I’m Investing in the Next Decade of Fountain Hills Leadership

They say a story is only as good as its characters. On Thursday morning, at the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce breakfast, I looked out at a room full of them.

When I asked the alumni of the Fountain Hills Leadership Academy (FHLA) to stand, nearly half the room rose. It wasn’t just a "networking group" standing up; it was the infrastructure of our town. It was Town Council members, the nonprofit directors, the small business owners, and the quiet volunteers who keep our community humming.

As I stood at the podium, I couldn’t help but think about how my own chapter in this story began.

The Spark: A Recommendation and a Full Circle

Shortly after I launched my business, a local leader and friend, Scott Schlossberg, pulled me aside in our Chamber networking group. "You need to apply for the Leadership Academy," he told me.

Scott saw something in me that I was still cultivating in my new venture. This month, life is coming full circle as Scott and I are being inducted into the Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame together. It is a humbling reminder that leadership isn't a destination—it’s a continuous investment in the people around you.

The very first session of my Leadership Academy experience was full of anticipation -- as well as a cinnamon raisin bagel.

The Experience: "Mental Exhaustion" in the Best Way

I remember my time in Class 4 vividly. We met for eight consecutive Thursday mornings, and I’ll be honest: I usually walked out of those sessions mentally exhausted.

We weren't just skimming the surface. We were under the hood of the Town, learning the complex mechanics of municipal government, public safety, and the delicate balance of our local economy. For a storyteller, it was like being given the master key to the town’s narrative. I finally understood the how and the why behind the place I called home.

The Heart: Friendships That Weathered the Storm

But the FHLA gave me something far more valuable than civic data. it gave me a tribe.

I became inseparable with three women from my class. When the world shut down during the pandemic, we stayed open to each other. We survived those long months through "door-drop" wine baskets and weekly virtual happy hours that kept our spirits high.

Life has changed since then. Two of those dear friends have moved away. One, heartbreakingly, passed away this January. As I step into a leadership role on the FHLA board this year, I do so to honor those friendships. I am carrying the memory of the support we gave each other into the work of building the next class of leaders.

Why Class 10? Why Now?

I have been asked to join the FHLA board several times since I graduated. I always said "not yet." But this year, the time was finally right.

It is my turn. It’s my turn to be the steward of an organization that has given me professional clarity, a deeper sense of purpose, and friendships I will treasure forever.

We are currently looking for the "Class 10" pioneers. If you are looking for:

• A "Masterclass" in how Fountain Hills actually works.

• A direct bridge to serving on local boards and commissions.

• A network of like-minded people who will have your back through life’s highest and lowest points.

Then I am personally inviting you to apply. Your story will undoubtedly be different than mine, but it will be every bit as rewarding.

The Details:

• Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

• Program Dates: Thursdays (Sept – Nov)

• Apply at: ilovefountainhills.org/leadership-academy/