Own Your Own Development

At the Anthem Area Leadership Academy (AALA), our mission is to broaden both our intellectual and emotional horizons. We aim to achieve this through an      in-depth exploration of community stewardship and professional development. By engaging with distinguished leaders and unique experiences within the North Valley, our activities are designed to spark innovative ideas and foster meaningful relationships that will enrich participants' lives both personally and professionally.


The Academy program spans from March to November, culminating in a graduation ceremony in December.


If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Program Director at [email protected].



Founded in 2019, the Anthem Area Leadership Academy (AALA) is dedicated to empowering emerging leaders with the essential tools, experiences, and networks needed to tackle local and regional challenges effectively. Our mission is to drive sustainable social, community, and economic development, thereby fostering impactful change within the community.

Program Agenda

AALA is committed to equipping participants with the necessary tools, networks, and experiences to effect meaningful change in social, community, and economic development at both local and regional levels. We will monitor participation through a structured points system, which will account for engagement in Learning Sessions/Field Trips, the Summer Book Club, and other community activities. Detailed information about the points system will be provided during our initial session.


Learning Sessions & Field Trips*

From March to November, AALA will host a series of Learning Sessions and Field Trips designed to broaden our understanding through insights from community leaders. These events are crafted to deepen our knowledge of local issues and foster a greater sense of community. Most sessions will include light refreshments, such as coffee and lunch, courtesy of our generous sponsors.
 

Class 6 (2024) Learning Sessions/Field Trip Dates

  • March 5 | 9:00am-12:30pm
  • April 23 I 9:00am-12:00pm
  • May 7 | 9:30am-12:00pm
  • June 4 | 9:00am-11:30am | Book Club (Virtual)
  • August 13 | 9:00am-12:00pm
  • September 10 | 10:00am-1:00pm
  • October 8 | 8:00am-1:00pm   
  • November 5 | 8:00am-1:00pm
  • December | Class 6 Graduation


*Learning Sessions & Field Trips dates are subject to change. All potential participant conflicts will be taken into account in developing final program calendar. 


Financial Commitment & Eligibility To The Leadership Academy

Candidates are required to dedicate personal time and effort over a 10-month period and must also financially commit to covering travel expenses for Leadership Academy learning sessions, field trips, and activities. Please include any known scheduling conflicts with your application


$300 AACC Chamber Members - Member, direct employee or sponsored by a chamber member in good standing.


$400 Non-AACC Chamber Member - Non-chamber member or direct employee of business in good standing within the community fabric.


Become A Class 6 Sponsor

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Thank you to our Class 5 sponsors noted above for their dedication to AALA.  Our sponsors receive 1 year of recognition via Chamber website,

email & social media marketing, mentions in Press Releases & direct participant marketing opportunity. 

Become A Class 6 Sponsor


Class 6 Participants (Left to Right)


  • Sharon Perry-Bykerk, Foothills Food Bank
  • Rachel Stringham, Desert Valley Land Trust
  • Niki Freeman, Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Rebecca Boyd, Modern Woodmen of America
  • Israel Olvera, Leo Production Company
  • Priscilla Cruz, Caurus Academy
  • Michael Weakley, Caurus Academy (Class 5 Graduate)
  • Wendy Davison, Rocky Mountain Consulting, Program Director
  • Jon Binsbacher, Daisy Mountain Fire Department
  • Jeremy Kennedy, Daisy Mountain Fire Department
  • Taylor Holland, Tennessee Grill
  • Megan Austin, Anthe Travel


Not Pictured:

  • Alyssa Bostwick

Testimonials


"AALA produces that rare opportunity to step away from your daily grind and

invest time in your self improvement." - Bill Black


Chris Gonzalez - Class 1 Participant

"The AALA program was a tremendous opportunity to learn about how our local area functions at the local level via the County, City, and State. It continues to be a source of information and credibility in performing my role as a loan originator and professional in the personal finance space. I now serve on the Rio Vista Village Planning Committee with the City of Phoenix as well as volunteer as an Ambassador for the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce."


Kristine Abrams - Class 2 Participant

"AALA allows its participants to not only gain insight into local issues, but to learn the players and methods involved in decision-making. This paves the way for perspectives being heard, and ultimately finding (and opening) the appropriate doors to affect change. I thoroughly enjoyed being in a class with other professionals, all of us becoming more effective leaders and integral parts of our community, region, and state. I am so glad I was a part of it - I would highly recommend!"


Diane Dee Lee - Class 4 Participant

"AALA this year has been absolutely amazing. I have participated in many Leadership training classes in the past with all kinds of small and large corporations and even graduated from the USCGAUX Leadership and Management School. I have to say that AALA was an exceptional experience. The variety of activities and speakers was truly an educational, learning, and fun use of my time. Mary Ellen kept the group engaged and on track with her infectious enthusiasm as our fearless leader this entire year. I would highly recommend this wonderful Anthem Chamber class to anyone seeking to be enlightened and learn more about our wonderful community of Anthem and our local business neighbors. All my classmates had a lifetime of experiences to share and the personal connections will last long into the future."


Bill Black - Class 4 Participant

"Why AALA? You'll get to meet and get to know some great community leaders (Your classmates)!, A fantastic array of guest speakers with diverse backgrounds who impact us living in your community., Improving your leadership skills isn't just for business, but it's also vital in your ability to be a more effective spouse, parent and person in general."


Megan Cook - Class 4 Participant

"I genuinely enjoyed being a part of AALA.  Being a parent to a 2 year old, I wasn't sure if I would be able to commit but the fact that it's once a month helped me prioritize my time.  It was very insightful to hear each speaker talk about their leadership role and learn even more about the Anthem community.  I also loved taking field trips to the Surprise Courthouse and Ignite Counseling & Equine Psychotherapy.  I recommend this program to anyone hoping to get involved in the community and enhance their leadership skills."



 

Leadership In Action


Leadership Network ( AALA Alumni)

Program Directors
Christopher Gonzalez - Class 1, Program Co-Director Class 2 & 3 with Knights of Columbus

Sawana Grimmett - Class 1, Program Co-Director Class 2 & 3 with The Salt Spa

Mary Ellen Twohey - Class 2 & 3, Program Director Class 4 & 5 with Uncorked Media Group
AALA has shown me the way to truly get involved in my community.  No matter what your interests are, you can make an impact.  I am honored to be the this years Program Director and look forward to opening the minds and hearts of Class 4 & 5.

Wendy Davison - Class 5, Program Director Class 6 with Rocky Mountain Consulting

Class 1
Martha Copeland

Tyler Estes

Tracy van Ravensway

Todd Kessler

Chris Gonzalez

Sawana Grimmett


Class 2

Barbara Chatzkel

Jamie Fort

John Kovach

Kristine Abrams

Krista Solomon

John Saleam

Mary Ellen Twohey

Class 3
Chunk Finzer

Jeff Huff

Ryann Bader

Amanda Miller

Natalie Gilliland

Mark Atkinson

Mary Ellen Twohey


Class 4
Eric Twohey

Arren Asmus

Diane Dee Lee

Ashley Spehar

Megan Cook

Anne Hutchinson

Bill Black

Jennifer Merrill

Vicki Preston

Class 5

Thuy Yath

Robert St.Pierre

Michelle Petrowski

Earl Bell

Alex Den

Kristine Abrams

Tanya Hagre

Wendy Davison

Adam Lakeberg

Baylee Lemoine

Erik Verryden


Class 6

Your Name Here!

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