Conference Schedule

Logistics & Participation

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Location:

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino
15406 North Maricopa Road, Maricopa, AZ 85139

Map of Hotel & Conference Center

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Overview & Keynote Speakers

7:00 am - 8:00 am | Registration & Check-in, Prefunction South

7:00 am - 8:30 am | Breakfast & Networking, B2

8:30 am - 9:00 am | Welcome - 60 Years of Community Action, B1
9:00 am - 10:30 am | Opening Keynote Speaker: Karen Walrond, B1
10:30 am - 10:45 am | Break
10:45 am - 11:50 am | Breakout Session I, see below for rooms

11:50 am - 12:00 pm | Break

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Awards Luncheon, B1

1:30 pm - 1:40 pm | Break

1:40 pm - 2:50 pm | Breakout Session II, see below for rooms

2:50 pm - 3:00 pm | Break

3:00 pm - 4:05 pm | Breakout Session III, see below for rooms

4:30 pm | 60th Anniversary Reception - 60s Theme, B2

Karen Walrond

Author of “The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy,” which beckons readers towards lives of integrity, advocacy, conviction and joy. She is also the author of Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy & Raise a Little Hell, an investigation in how we can resist ageism and live a gratifying, meaningful life along the way. A leadership coach, activist and attorney, Walrond's writing and coaching have helped thousands of people around the world find meaning and purpose in their lives. By exploring the ways in which our assumptions might be made on false premises, Walrond shows us how we can tap into the lessons of past successes to create futures full of light.

7:30 am - 8:00 am | Registration & Check-In

8:00 am - 9:30 am | Welcome, Breakfast, and Member Meeting, B1

9:30 am - 9:40 am | Break

9:40 am - 11:10 am | Opening Keynote Speaker: Liz Warren and Marilyn Torres, B1

11:10 am - 11:30 am | Closing of Conference, B1

Liz Warren

A fourth-generation Arizonan, is the faculty director and one of the founders of the South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Her textbook, The Oral Tradition Today: An Introduction to the Art of Storytelling is used at colleges around the nation. Her recorded version of The Story of the Grail received a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award and a Storytelling World Award. The Arizona Humanities Council awarded her the Dan Schilling Award as the 2018 Humanities Public Scholar. In 2019, the American Association of Community Colleges awarded her the Dale Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award. Recent work includes storytelling curricula for the University of Phoenix and the Nature Conservancy, online webinars for college faculty and staff around the country, events for the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and in-person workshops for Senator Mark Kelly’s staff and Governor Ducey’s cabinet.

Marilyn Torres

Known as the WestWinds Storyteller in the Phoenix valley. Born in New York City and raised on both the island of Puerto Rico and the mainland, Marilyn has spent several years traveling, researching and sharing the importance of preserving oral storytelling traditions around the world. Marilyn is an ordained West African traditional storyteller of over 45 years and received two chieftaincies on August 1, 1984, in the village of Imota in West Africa, Nigeria as a descendent of the "children of slavery from the island of Puerto Rico." During her stay in Nigeria, (as a student of Anthropology) she was hosted by the African Religious [Ogboni] Society of African Descendants and received a renaming ceremony giving her the name “Omifunke” in honor of her return to the land of her ancestors. Marilyn is Faculty in the Communication, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences Division at South Mountain Community College. She teaches The Art of Storytelling, Multicultural Folktales, Creating and Telling Fact-based and Historical Stories, and Personal Stories. She also leads Sean Covey Enrichment Seminars for the Ace Program on “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” with an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to integrate storytelling, personal narrative, fine arts and social sciences blending the world of oral traditions into academic achievement and the progression of human development. Her work at the Storytelling Institute is focused on empowering youth through storytelling and helping them to connect with the power of their own voices and experiences.

10/24: Breakout Session Details

History of Community Action & Leadership

Presented by Terry Bearden with National Community Action Partnership (NCAP)

Room B3

About the Session:

As Community Action celebrates its 60th anniversary, this session will focus on recognizing and valuing the Network’s rich history of helping people and changing lives while challenging attendees to consider approaches and strategies for addressing the causes and conditions of poverty as they exist in their communities today. This session will inspire today’s Community Action professionals to strive for excellence, equity, and impact.

Bio:

Terry Bearden is the Project Director – Organizational Capacity Building for the National Community Action Partnership. She began her Community Action career as a frontline worker and mid-level manager at a local Community Action Agency in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 25 years ago. Her 18-year tenure at the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association culminated in her serving as the executive director during which time the Association brought in more than $10 million dollars in CARES Act funding for Arkansas CAAs. She is a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) and Nationally Certified ROMA Advocate (NCRA) after serving for many years as a Nationally Certified ROMA Master Trainer and as a founding board member, including several terms as vice president and president, of the Association of Nationally Certified ROMA Trainers (ANCRT). Within the Community Action network, Terry has served on numerous task forces, work groups, coalitions, commissions, and boards of directors. She has spoken and led workshops at many local, state, regional, and national conferences. Terry is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas Community Development Institute, board member of the Arkansas Coalition of Housing and Neighborhood Growth for Empowerment (ACHANGE), and member of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel Citizens First Congress Economic Justice Caucus. Terry holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Arkansas – Grantham. She and her husband, Nathan, are rearing their biological granddaughter, Karmyn, whom they adopted following the loss of their daughter, Samantha, to domestic violence in 2014.

Reframing and Understanding Difficult Behavior

Presented by Patricia Martinez

Room B4

About the Session:

Bio:

Developing the ability to identify and comprehend challenging behaviors, enhancing self-awareness, and cultivating intentional responses to mitigate irrational thinking.

Patricia is a Licensed Professional Counselor and clinical supervisor based in Arizona. She entered the mental health sector in 2003. Her training encompasses working with couples and families, addressing chronic pain, trauma, complex trauma, and suicidality, among various other mental health issues. I employ a holistic methodology that integrates mind-body connections, emotion-focused and body-based techniques, developmental understanding, as well as systemic and trauma-informed practices.

Connecting SNAP Outreach with Children Nutrition Programs

Presented by David Robinson

Room B5

About the Session:

SNAP not only supports households with children to help provide food for that family but can also benefit schools through their federal Child Nutrition Programs. The goal of this session is to increase awareness of how SNAP and federal Child Nutrition Programs relate to each other and to promote collaboration with schools for effective SNAP promotion. This presentation will explore how SNAP interacts with the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) to provide free meals to all students and will highlight additional benefits that K-12 students can receive by being part of a SNAP household. Participants will learn about best practices, tools, and resources available to establish successful partnerships with schools. As families often see schools as safe and trusted resources, partnering with them offers a valuable opportunity to expand your reach as a SNAP-O partner.

Bio:

David Robinson has worked within the child nutrition program space over the last six years in varying roles and capacity. At AZFBN, he oversees the organization's statewide child nutrition support work, which includes assisting schools and community organizations to add additional programs or providing support to help locations increase participation of programs. Prior, David worked at St. Mary's Food Bank's Flagstaff office for community engagement and child nutrition program expansion.

Utility Information for YOU

Presented by Erica Guttierez (TEP), Jim Holbrook (APS), & Jackie Castrellon (SRP)

Room B6

About the Session:

Representatives from Arizona's major electric utility providers will share resources and programs available to support the community. They will also share information on the disconnection moratorium and resources to assist clients as it ends.

Erica's Bio:

A Tucson native, Erica Gutierrez brings over 18 years of experience in the utility industry. With a deep-seated passion for supporting vulnerable customers, she has dedicated her career to enhancing service delivery and advocating for those in need. Erica's extensive background in the industry underscores her commitment to making a meaningful impact and driving positive change. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership with an emphasis in leadership. Erica manages the low-income portfolio for Tucson Electric Power & Unisource Energy, where she continuously works to improve access to essential services for the community's most disadvantaged customers.

Jim's Bio:

Mr. Holbrook has a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and a master’s degree in Regulatory Economics from New Mexico State University. He began working in the utility industry in 1993 for Sierra Pacific Power Company in Reno, Nevada. Since then, he has worked for the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, Northern Indiana Public Service Company, and Arizona Public Service Company (APS) in various roles related to state and federal electric and natural gas rates and regulation. In 2006, he moved to the APS Marketing Dept. to run the APS Residential AC Rebate program. In 2012, he was promoted to Supervisor of the APS Residential Energy Efficiency programs which also included the Customer Assistance and Weatherization programs. Currently, Mr. Holbrook is the Supervisor of the APS Customer Assistance programs.

Jackie's Bio:

Jackie Castrellon, is one of two, Community Relations Program Managers at Salt River Project (SRP) focused in programs and services for SRP’s limited-income customers. Programs include, the SRP Bill Assistance, SRP’s monthly discount, Economy Price Plan and the administration of weatherization. Jackie serves as a liaison between SRP and various community partners to help strengthen relationships in the communities served by SRP. Jackie is an active member on the Wildfire board and has a passion for serving her neighbors. She holds a Bachelors in Professional Communication from Western International University.

Sexual Harassment in Rental Housing is Illegal: Identifying the Problem & Making the Referral

Presented by Lilia Alvarez (Assistant United States Attorney) & Bill C. Solomon (Deputy Civil Chief)

Moderated by Sandra Mendez with the Office of Refugee & Immigrant Support at City of Phoenix

Room B3

About the Session:

A brief overview of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona’s civil rights practice. The emphasis will be on the Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative and the Fair Housing Act. Sexual harassment can be many things, affecting the most vulnerable communities in our state. We will explore red flag scenarios to build capacity among direct service providers on the types of cases that may be referred to our civil rights practice.

Building Resilience

Presented by Angie Burleson

Room B4

About the Session:

Build our resiliency toolbox by deepening our understanding of our own window of tolerance, self-regulation, and vicarious resilience. Also, participants will discuss how to build resilience as a protective factor to help mitigate the negative outcomes of toxic stress and trauma.

Bio:

Angie Burleson, APP, CHt, is a Community Development Specialist and Executive Director of the AZ ACEs Consortium and is committed to changing the conversation surrounding trauma and ACEs by empowering individuals and connecting communities to become resilient through a trauma informed lens.

Head Start Awareness

Presented by Patricia Kirkland

Room B5

About the Session:

Head Start is a complete early education program designed for children from at-risk backgrounds, from birth to age five. The program assists children and their families in getting ready for school through services that concentrate on family well-being, health and nutrition, economic mobility, and self-sufficiency. Find out how Head Start can support your clients.

Bio:

Patricia Kirkland is the Deputy Human Services Director for the Education Division, where she oversees the Head Start Birth to Five Program. In her role, she is responsible for providing programmatic and budgetary oversight for an annual $40 million budget, 160 City of Phoenix staff, and eight educational providers who offer educational services for 2,209 children. Patricia has over 25 years of experience in early childhood, including being a Head Start and Special Education preschool teacher, an Early Childhood Administrator for a local school district, a college professor, and ten years with the Head Start Birth to Five Program. Patricia has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Currently, Patricia is the Vice President of the Arizona Head Start Association and sits on the Region 9 Head Start Association Governing Board. Patricia is married with two grown children and four grandchildren.

Utility Bills Too High? Strategies to Ease the Impact and Create More Affordability

Presented by Cynthia Zwick & Diane E. Brown

Room B6

About the Session:

Too many Arizonans struggle to pay their utility bills. While programs exist to provide financial assistance; consumers aren’t always aware of the offerings, application processes can be challenging, and the funding often isn’t adequate to serve individuals and families seeking relief. This discussion-oriented session will include a brief level-setting overview of current utility programs and processes before turning to the group for a conversation about best practices to help consumers and ideas to overcome challenges in these areas. The session will conclude by outlining next steps for those wanting to turn ideas into action.

Cynthia's Bio:

Cynthia Zwick was appointed by Governor Hobbs to serve as Director of the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) in January 2023. She leads a team of nine professionals representing residential utility customers in various proceedings before the Arizona Corporation Commission, primarily in water, wastewater, gas and electric rate cases. The Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) was established by the Arizona Legislature in 1983 to represent the interests of residential utility ratepayers in rate-related proceedings involving public service corporations before the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Prior to her serving in this capacity, Cynthia served for approximately 20 years as the Executive Director of Wildfire. While at Wildfire, the team worked to build strong, supportive and sustainable communities, intervened in utility rate cases, provided training and technical assistance to Community Action Agency staff and boards and established the first warm weather fuel fund to help families with utility bills and the weatherization of their homes.

Diane's Bio:

Diane E. Brown - Arizona PIRG Education Fund.jpg

Diane E. Brown has worked with the State PIRGs for over 35 years, over half serving as the Executive Director of the Arizona PIRG Education Fund. She is a leader in efforts to protect consumers from unfair marketplace abuses and unsafe products; promote 21st century energy and transportation options; and foster an accessible and accountable government. Diane frequently works with diverse entities; advocates and testifies before elected and governmental officials; and appears on television and radio and in newspapers across the state. Diane’s leadership has helped to secure public interest victories at the Arizona Legislature, the Arizona Corporation Commission, and various state agencies. Diane is on the board of Wildfire and is a recipient of awards from the Arizona Capitol Times, Phoenix Business Journal, League of Women Voters of Arizona, and Arizona League of Conservation Voters.

Landlord and Tenant Workshop

Presented by Stefanie Nader & Jonathan Batchelor

Room B3

About the Session:

The City of Phoenix Landlord and Tenant Program, in collaboration with Community Legal Services, will offer education on the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The program will cover: • Rights and Responsibilities: Clear guidance on the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. • Leasing Process: Best practices for leasing, including what to look for in a lease agreement. • Deposits and Fees: Information on deposits, fees, and how they should be handled. • Requesting Repairs: Steps for requesting repairs and what to do if repairs are not made. • Giving Notice: How to properly give notice to vacate and other notice such as 10- day or non-renewal. • Avoiding Eviction: Strategies and tips to prevent eviction and manage disputes. • These topics will be presented in an easy-to-understand format, helping participants to effectively implement best practices.

Stefanie's Bio:

Stefanie Nader is the program manager for the City of Phoenix Landlord and Tenant Program. In this role, Mrs. Nader provides supervision and leadership to 6 full-time staff. Mrs. Nader provides outreach across the state of Arizona for the Landlord and Tenant program and is the liaison between clients, internal staff members, other city departments, social services, and government agencies. Stefanie Nader earned a Master's in Addiction Counseling and a Master's in Mental Health and Wellness from Grand Canyon University and is pursuing a Doctorate in Industrial / Organizational Psychology. Stefanie has worked in the social service field for most of her career. She is committed to the lives of those she services in the community by improving access to services and ensuring everyone feels they have choices and hope for the future.

Jonathan's Bio:

Jonathan Batchelor is a staff attorney at the Tenant Eviction Assistance Project at Community Legal Services. Prior to joining CLS, he was a civil litigation attorney at Mariscal, Weeks, McIntyre & Friedlander, PA and Dickinson Wright, PLLC. He represented one of the largest classes of tenant plaintiffs to be certified for a claim under the Arizona Residential Landlord Tenant Act in Lightholder v. Zarcalres.

Embracing Self-Care to Combat Chronic Stress

Presented by Patricia Martinez

Room B4

About the Session:

Learn to identify the signs of stress and burnout. Gain valuable skills to manage stress effectively and prevent illness for a balanced, healthier lifestyle.

Bio:

Arizona Social Vulnerability Index: Health Equity in Action

Presented by Jessie Barbosa & Alicia Jacobo-Kenney

Room B5

About the Session:

An interactive conversation with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Office of Health Equity (OHE) focused on visualizing and operationalizing health equity through a brand new tool- the Arizona Social Vulnerability Index (AZSVI). The AZSVI is a product of the Arizona Health Improvement Plan (AzHIP) Data Advisory Committee, created in partnership with Arizona State University, Arizona Department of Health Services’ Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Arizona Department of Health Services’ (ADHS) Office of Health Equity. The Arizona Social Vulnerability Index presents a picture of the factors Arizona communities face as they pursue health, stories of community strength, and data to inform action. The AZSVI provides the Arizona public health workforce, health care providers, policy makers and public a tool to assess the factors impacting Arizona communities, with the aim of addressing disparities and fostering equity. Participants will learn practical application of the AZVI tools throughout a number of sectors throughout public health, social services and healthcare to increase their internal health equity capacity. Participants will learn community engagement strategies to help their organizations collaborate with diverse stakeholders and community members to increase the likelihood of positive project outcomes while centering diversity, equity inclusivity and accessibility best practices. By the end of this session, participants will be able to identify and implement practical strategies for visualizing health equity through the AZSVI tool coupled with authentic community engagement, and collaboration within the public health setting. The ADHS Office of Health Equity (OHE) is charged with supporting health equity efforts within our agency and across the state. Our session facilitators have over 35 years of experience in diverse public health, social services and case management settings. Alicia Jacobo Kenney is a skilled social worker of over 25 years who currently serves as our Justice Reinvestment Program Manager. Jessie Barbosa who serves as our Vaccine Equity Coordinator has a background in clinical psychology and is a Certified Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator.

Jessie's Bio:

Jessie has over 10 years of experience in public health, social services, case management and housing across both New York and Arizona. She has served in several leadership roles at various nonprofits and currently serves as a Program Manager and supervisor at the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). One of her favorite parts of her professional career has been the time she has spent mentoring and working with peer educators and interns, which she currently does at the department. Her role supports both the Office of Health Equity and the Bureau of Immunization Services and is focused on increasing statewide vaccine uptake among traditionally marginalized Arizonans statewide. •John Jay College, Bachelor's of Science- Psychology and Gender Studies •Grand Canyon University, Master's of Science- Psychology •Certified ADA Coordinator •Commission Member (Governor's Appointee)- Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

Alicia's Bio:

Alicia is a skilled social worker with over 25 years of experience. Before joining the Arizona Department of Health Services in 2021 as the Social Work Equity Coordinator she held several leadership and directorial positions at renowned nonprofits throughout the valley including roles as the Director of Supportive Services at Wildfire, Director of Social Services at House of Refuge and Director of Volunteers at Child Crisis Centers. Alicia leads several initiatives at the department including serving as a lead for the Arizona Health Improvement Plan (AZHIP) and serving as a Safety Officer within the agency. •Northern Arizona University- Bachelor's in Social Work

Mindfulness and Skillful Living in Today’s World

Presented by Wayne Tormala & Moises Gallegos

Room B6

About the Session:

The “Mindfulness - Living Skillfully in Today’s World,” workshop will provide information and facilitated discussion on ways to achieve a sense of sustained balance in the midst of life’s disruptions, both big and small. As core goals of the workshop, participants will have an opportunity to: • Set their intentions toward self-care; • Acquire a framework for managing life disruptions through a sustained sense of holistic well-being amidst challenging times; and, • Acquire an understanding of what mindfulness can and cannot achieve.

Wayne's Bio:

Wayne Tormala is an Emmy award-winning public health consultant who has been working in the health and human services field for over 50 years, providing leadership in the public and private sectors at the local, state, national and global levels. Wayne has committed his career to serving people in need, and has directed successful programs across a wide range of critical arenas, including world hunger, mental health, HIV/AIDS, environmental activism, poverty, economic development, and public health. Wayne recently retired from the Arizona Department of Health Services as Chief, Bureau of Chronic Disease & Health Promotions, where he provided leadership in the prevention, detection and management of the eight leading causes of death, men’s health, and healthy aging. His current priorities as a public health consultant are centered on addressing the impact of social isolation, loneliness, and emotional fatigue on the well-being of consumers and providers of health and human services. He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including his current roles as an advisor to the Altruism in Medicine Institute, a board member of Televeda, Wildfire, and ValleyWise Community Health Centers, an adjunct faculty at the University of Arizona College of Public Health, and an affiliate member of the Arizona State University Center on Mindfulness, Compassion & Resilience. Wayne finds balance in spending time with family and friends, meditation, playing guitar, gardening, and hiking the desert and mountain trails of the American Southwest.

Moises's Bio:

Moe Gallegos has spoken at conferences and seminars across the country on change, communication and leadership in the public sector. He is a certified trainer in the “True Colors” communication tool and his use of laughter and stories from his own personal life help audiences bring perspective to their own ever-changing world. Moe has over 50 years of experience in the Human Services field. He spent 30 years in state service holding a variety of positions including Assistant Director in the AZ State Department of Economic Security. For 17 years he was with the City of Phoenix Human Services Department responsible for the city’s community action & senior programs, homeless initiatives, human trafficking, the largest AZ Head Start Birth to Five program and the city’s Domestic Violence Family Advocacy Center in collaboration with the Phoenix Police Department. In addition, Moe spent 4 years as the Director of the AZ Head Start Association advocating for Early Head Start and Head Start children, families and staff. He and his wife Stephanie have two wonderful sons, Andrew and Jacob, and he enjoys spending time in the pines of Prescott, Arizona.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Platinum

Diamond

Gold

Silver

Bronze

City of Phoenix

Morgan Stanley

Snell & Wilmer

Trico Electric Cooperative

A New Leaf

Northern Arizona Council of Governments