March 2025
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S CORNER
Lee Ann Witt
Executive Director
Greetings Alumni!
Impactful leadership is more than just leading; it’s about inspiring change, empowering others, and making a lasting difference. Scottsdale Leadership alumni lead by example, build trust and motivate others to reach their full potential. Their dedication and passion continue to shape the future, proving that once you are part of the Scottsdale Leadership family, you are always contributing to something bigger.
Meet Teresa Kim Quale, Class 20, an Impact Maker who’s transforming our community! As the driving force behind the City of Scottsdale removing late-fine fees at public libraries, she’s already reshaping access to resources. Now serving as Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Teresa’s leadership extends across numerous commissions and boards. Her passion and commitment continue to create lasting change, proving the powerful impact of dedicated leadership.
Congratulations to these incredible Scottsdale Leadership alumni who are making a lasting impact and will be inducted into the Scottsdale Chamber’s History Hall of Fame on April 10th:
• Kate Birchler, Class 26
• Doreen Reinke, Class 17
• Steve and Lisa Randall, Class 10 & Class 28
• Cactus Flowers Florist, Eric Luoma, Class 9 and Kristina Luoma-Dyrr, Class 25
• Frank Jacobson, former Scottsdale Leadership Advisory Council
Their dedication and contributions continue to shape our community! Learn more at Scottsdale Chamber's History Hall of Fame. Learn more here.
Scottsdale Leadership has the unique opportunity to be the first organization to experience Some Were Neighbors: Lessons from the Holocaust presented by Todd Larson, National Director of WYDM Institute on April 24th, Holocaust Remembrance Day. This powerful curriculum was created to ensure that the core values of our democracy are upheld. More details and an opportunity to RSVP below.
Lastly, YOU can make an impact now by making a donation to our AZ Gives Day Class Challenge. The three weeks preceding the “big day” are divided amongst our 39 classes in a pre-giving class challenge. Who will lead with the most participation and dollars?!! The final day, AZ Gives Day, is April 1st. I challenge you ALL to join the fun and help us continue to develop the pipeline of leaders for our community!
Thank you for the impact that you are making!
Meet Your
Board Member
Matt White, Treasurer, Class 33
Hi Scottsdale Leadership family! I’m Matt White, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Treasurer of Scottsdale Leadership for the past two years. Being on the board is a true joy as I see our organization equip leaders with the skills and connections to drive change in Scottsdale across the public and private sectors. I want to take a moment to highlight an important opportunity you have to steward our organization.
Our prior fiscal year was a huge success, and it is important that we continue that momentum. Now, more than ever, your financial support is critical to keeping Scottsdale Leadership strong. With Arizona Gives Day approaching, I see firsthand how every contribution ensures we can balance our budget, sustain our core program, and expand our reach to develop more leaders. This is a pivotal moment to get more involved—your generosity today helps us remain a cornerstone in Scottsdale for many years to come. Thank you for being a part of the journey with us!
Blast from the Past
Teresa Kim Quale, Class 20
Written by: Craig Miller, Class 7 and
Dr. Frances Mills-Yerger, Class 16
Every organization needs a person who is not afraid to ask a lot of direct questions to help solve problems. Teresa Kim Quale of Class 20 is the epitome of that person. We realized that her no-nonsense way of communicating has helped her succeed in both her business and civic activities. But as we learned, Teresa’s success was by no means guaranteed. Through strength of will, she, like many, has overcome challenges in her personal life. As we thought about it, Teresa has done exactly what we want all our Scottsdale Leadership graduates to do. Stay involved even many years after they went through their class year. She has used her communication skills and experience to make meaningful contributions to Scottsdale over the years. We think you will enjoy getting to know her, just as much as we did.
Congratulations!
Scottsdale Leadership Alumni Honored
at the Scottsdale Chamber's
2025 Scottsdale History Hall of Fame
Doreen Reinke, Class 17
Kate Birchler, Class 26
Steve Randall, Class 10
Lisa Randall, Class 28
Frank Jacobson
Scottsdale Leadership Advisory Council
Eric Luoma, Class 9.
Kristina Luoma-Dyrr, Class 25
Mark Your
Calendar
Saturday, March 29th
Volunteer Opportunity at
Paiute's 30th Anniversary Spring Festival
This year is Paiute’s 30th Anniversary and we would like to invite Scottsdale Leadership to join them by volunteering at Paiute’s 30th Anniversary Spring Festival on Saturday, March 29, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm!
Up to 300 people are expected to attend to enjoy games, family-friendly activities, music, raffle prizes, and a resource fair.
All volunteers must sign a waiver prior to the event, which will be sent after signing up.
If you have any questions, please contact rpinedo@scottsdaleaz.gov
or call 480-312-8451.
Thursday, April 24th
This Moving and Informative Event
is Back with New Curriculum!
Some Were Neighbors: Lessons from the Holocaust
Join us on Holocaust Remembrance Day:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Hosted by the HonorHealth Military Partnership
7301 East 4th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85151
Presentation and light dinner provided by ~ What You Do Matters
Only 40 seats available so RSVP today!
Friday, May 9th
Class 39
PLIF Presentations and Graduation
We're Putting On the Ritz!
Join us at the Homestead at DC Ranch as
Class 39 showcases their Project Lead It Forward presentations beginning at 2:30 pm.
Graduation and celebration begins at 6:00 pm
PLIF Showcase Presentation: Free of Charge
Graduation and Party: $25.00
(Free for Champion and Visionary Donors)
Class Day Journals
Fire Day
Thank you to our outstanding Fire Day Chairs:
Fire Marshal Kristi Gagnon, Class 38, Deputy Chief Adam Hoster, Class 36, and Battalion Chief Brian Joseph , Class 37
Police Day
Thank you to our outstanding Police Day Chairs:
Lieutenant Nick Alamshaw of Class 35, Commander Chris Coffee of Class 37, and Director Cassie Johnson, Class 39
Team Desert Stages
Please consider coming out to support
Masquerade of Memories
Please consider coming out to support Desert Stages Theatre on Friday, April 11th for their 30th Anniversary Gala. The event will be held at Museum of the West, the theme is Masquerade of Memories, and hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. Tickets can be purchased à la carte, or full tables can be purchased at various sponsorship levels. Funds will go towards the Theatre’s relocation efforts and supporting their next chapter.
Get your tickets here: https://www.desertstages.org/gala/
Can’t attend? Please consider supporting this local theatre with a $30 donation to celebrate the theatre's 30-Year anniversary!
Donate here: https://www.desertstages.org/30-for-30/
Team Happily Ever After League
The Happily Ever After League (HEAL) supports mothers recovering from cancer with at least one dependent child living at home
Team Happily Ever After League is fundraising to enhance the organizations "Healing Farm" experience by expanding expanding space for families and adding new features to improve visitor comfort
We Need Your Support!
Please consider donating to help us provide more resources and a heeling environment for mothers recovering from cancer.
Our Fundraising Goal
$25,000
Every donation will make a difference to a mother's healing journey!
Team Playground Pals
Questions?
Contact Team Member
Lori Schneider
Lori@LoriSchneider.com
Team Playground Pals, in conjunction with Scottsdale Police Department, is updating two SUSD playgrounds in south Scottsdale. Our goal, through students and police playing Four Square together, is to promote mutual respect and understanding, encouraging students to see police officers as approachable role models while giving officers deeper insight into the needs and experiences of our community’s youth.
We Are Fundraising to Help Pay For:
Sports Equipmentand Supplies: Basketballs, soccer balls, uniforms, tournament signage, and other essentials for the events.
Student Four Square Tournament Costs: Ensuring equitable access for all participants regardless of socioeconomic status and tournament day costs.
Program Promotion: Raising awareness about PALS through marketing materials and outreach campaigns.
How You Can Donate
We are utilizing the Scottsdale Police Foundation EIN: 92-2262464 to build an ongoing endowment for this program. Please visit https://scottsdalepolicefoundation.kindful.com and choose “Scottsdale Leadership PALS” to select the campaign.
Team HELP
Help Team HELP build a stronger foundation for Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership or HELP - as they create a new Storage Solution so HELP can save on costly rental space!
More than 9,000 children in Arizona are homeless and HELP is on a mission to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness for children, teens, and families.
We need your support to fund existing programs and chart a pathway to helping more of our community’s youth experiencing homelessness, by fulfilling existing operational needs, and beyond.
Your support changes lives—
every dollar matters!
Team Miracle League
Team Miracle League needs your help to attract new audience, volunteers and supporters to this wonderful program that provides a safe and successful baseball experience to children, teens and adults with disabilities or special healthcare needs.
Your support will help us build a great communications program including a brand new website to get the word out about this great organization.
But our work doesn't stop there. We are also helping to build a new press box as well as helping provide the players with new equipment and supplies.
Miracle League of Arizona breaks barriers and fosters a strong community through baseball giving players and their families the chance to experience miracles!
Please help us out and be an important part of the fun!
The New LeaderSHOP is Here!
We have great new merchandise in our LeaderSHOP! Check it out. You can even pick items that can be customized with your class number. AND, if you take a photo of yourself in your new swag and send it to Dana Close you can be in our new promotional video!
