EDITOR’S LETTER

THIS ISSUE OF azf IS A SPECIAL ONE FOR MANY REASONS.

Victor Amarillas ,

WE CELEBRATE THE magazine’s 25th anniversary this year; looking back on how azf has evolved from a print-only publication in 1997 to the leading luxury omnichannel media brand that it is today. It is in this spirit of invention and innovation that we are so proud to introduce the inaugural Innovators—a group of 20 stand-out individuals who have each made a positive impact inspiring and enriching the lives and well-being of others as leaders and experts across a wide range of disciplines: from architecture and arts to health and wellness, philanthropy, technology and more.

Of course, success is never a solitary endeavor. Each Innovator has selected five other deserving individuals and/or businesses in their respective category to pay the honor forward. Meanwhile, our Young Innovators recognize budding talent whose bright ideas and progressive actions will continue to influence and direct Arizona’s future. The 2022 Innovators have set the stage for the Innovator Awards to become an annual issue and event to look forward to.

We also hear heartening stories from our community that reveal homegrown acts of kindness. In “Then & Now,” travel back in time to see what azf, fashion, sports and more were like in the late ’90s and early aughts.

I can’t wait to look back in the next 25 years and see how far we’ve come. For now, we invite you to enjoy the present moment and turn the page along with us.

P.S. Be sure to follow @azfoothills on Instagram and visit azfoothills.com to learn more about the incredible Innovators and stay tuned for what’s new and next.

Christina Silvestri

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF