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48 Women begins an intriguing search

BY ALEX GALLAGHER

Tribune Staff Writer

Nearly 10-years after its initial publication, the nonpro�it 48 Arizona Women has begun a search for a new list of intriguing women to commemorate in its next book. Originally conceptualized as part of the state’s centennial celebration, the group is looking for a new and diverse group of women to feature in a new book, “Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women—A New Decade.” “We’re looking for women who have been innovators, have done great research, are in the trades or are astronauts,” 48 Women Committee Chair Connie Robinson said. “We’re looking at areas that are mainly male dominated and have women that are making a great difference.” While a decade has passed since the �irst edition of the book hit shelves, Robinson feels that events in the past year and a half have proven the strength and resilience of women in Arizona as well as around the globe. “When we look at the original ‘48 Arizona’s Most Intriguing Women,’ it was tied to the centennial and the remarkable work,” she said. “The world has witnessed and been involved in a pandemic like we have never known in our lifetime, and I think that the work of those women who were on the frontlines for COVID-19 relief and those who helped lead the charge in healthcare, law enforcement and scholars will be recognized.” Robinson also thinks that the work women have done throughout the pandemic could serve as a nexus event. “I think the impact of the pandemic is going to show us a whole new look at how women lead young and seasoned women throughout the second iteration of 48 Arizona Women,” she said. Robinson hopes the other contrast in the new edition will be the diversity of the women featured. “We know that diversity, equity and inclusion is a driver for the world today and we were very fortunate to have such a diverse lineup of women in the original 48 Arizona Women from every ethnicity,” she said, adding: “We believe that this book, from the educational perspective, will reach those underserved girls who will see faces that look like theirs and say I can be this and I can do that too.” Robinson has already witnessed the impact the �irst book has had on young women.

“We feel that the book itself has motivated young girls,” she said. “We’re talking to a young lady who is an Oxford grad and has said that the book really inspired her, particularly the parts about Judge Barbara Mundell and Judge Roxanne Song Ong.” Mundell and Song Ong are just a few of the standouts from the �irst edition. “We traveled the state from the White Mountains to Yuma, Sierra vista to Sedona and identi�ied women who were doing incredible work from Chief Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to Delphine Rodriguez, who is an ordained minister and a member of the San Carlos Apache tribe that ministered to and assisted in the reentry of incarcerated women,” Robinson said. Other individuals Robinson spoke highly of were Carmen Bermúdez, Mary Black and Virginia Counts. Bermúdez was a famous bull�ighter in Costa Rica before coming to Arizona and opening the �irst Latina-led mission trust in Tucson. The book also identi�ied Mary Black, who opened the �irst and only Black Family and Child Services and there was also Virginia Counts, who worked at Honeywell at the time and led the team that was responsible for creating the safety lever that Captain Chelsea

���WOMEN ���� 21

EV cancer group raf�ling 2021 Toyota SUV

BY TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

“If you have cancer, Children’s Cancer Network will always be there for you.” Fifth grader Jackson Dupps said this and much more last Saturday when he and a dozen other pediatric cancer survivors and their families came together at the CCN’s of�ices in Chandler.

The occasion for the get-together? A photo shoot of the cancer �ighters and their siblings with a brand-new 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE, a donation from Valley Toyota Dealers to bene�it Arizona families �ighting a nightmare disease. CCN is raf�ling off the Highlander this month in hopes of raising $150,000 – money that will be used to serve local families. The raf�le coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. “Words can’t express our gratitude to Valley Toyota Dealers and excitement about the opportunity to raf�le a beautiful new Highlander,” said Patti Luttrell, executive director of CCN.

“We also are so grateful to Jeff Noble Photo for donating beautiful photography and giving our kids a chance to step into the spotlight.” Jackson and his big brother, Ethan, smiled for the camera alongside cancer survivors and their siblings from across the Valley. Also in attendance were Jace Hyduchak and his little brother, Brig. Jackson and Jace are best friends and classmates – and Jace, too, is a cancer-survivor. “These boys have fought so hard and have come so far,” said Jackson and Ethan’s mom, Kelli Dupps. “Experiencing childhood cancer is something that changes you forever. These kids are our biggest teachers. They are a constant reminder of what is truly important and of what matters the most.” The raf�le provides Arizonans a simple opportunity to make a difference for families facing a devastating diagnosis. Tickets are priced at $20 for one or $50 for three and are available for purchase at cnwinacar2021.givesmart.com. CCN will sell a maximum of 8,000 tickets, and the winning ticket will be drawn Sept. 30. Proceeds from the raf�le will be used to cover basic needs for Arizona families �ighting pediatric cancer – things like gas and grocery gift cards. The American Childhood Cancer Organization notes that 60 percent of families in the United States battling cancer reported spending as much as $10,000 annually on non-medical expenses, including parking, meals away from home and childcare, during their child’s treatment. “CCN picks up where insurance leaves off,” Luttrell said. “Beyond the medical costs, there are so many expenses that people can’t possibly anticipate. A huge portion of the money we raise is used to help families with basic living expenses – such as gas, groceries and even beds.”

“Sully” Sullenberger used to safely land U.S. Airways Flight 1519 in the Hudson River. Other notable names in the �irst edition included: Lonnie Ali, Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Cindy McCain, Jeanne Herberger, Former Governor Janet Napolitano, Diana Taurasi and Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams. With a �irst book stacked with impressive women, Robinson is excited to see the women who are nominated for the next list. “When we �irst did this, we received well over 300 nominations, so I believe we will be more than pleased with the number of nominations that we receive,” she said. Robinson said 48 Women received its �irst nomination a day after applications opened and have received 10 applications within the �irst �ive days they accepted nominations. Beyond hoping to �ind impressive women to feature in the book, Robinson hopes it can serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of women. “I would hope that young girls and young women would see in this book that if you have a dream and you have a goal, that you yourself are the one that stops that dream and that goal. Just keep moving forward and you will reach that dream or that goal,” she said. Categories include Education/Scholars, Entertainment/Sports, Arts/Culture/History, Government/Legislative/ Judicial, Social Change/Environmental, Business/Economics, Science/Medicine/Research, Technology/Innovation/ Entrepreneurs, Philanthropy/Non-Profit, Military/Public Safety, Family/Community and Construction/Industrial/ Transportation. A committee comprising a diverse group of community leaders, public and private sector leaders and residents will evaluate nominees on several key factors: the impact that their leadership, accomplishments and dedication have had on the state and the nation; their in�luence as role models and visionaries; and their ability to relate to a wide range of people. Honorees will be announced in early 2022 and featured in a 140-plus page coffee table book titled “Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women—A New Decade,” telling each woman’s story in words and photos. All honorees will be formally recognized in spring 2022 during a 48 Women Luncheon as well as a VIP reception for the launch of the book. The book will be available for purchase throughout Arizona in mid-2022. The application period is open until Sept. 30 and the honorees will be announced in January 2022. Info: 48women.org.

Connie Robinson, chair of the 48 Women Committee, said the pandemic has produced a number of women leaders in all walks of life.

(Pablo Robles/Tribune Sta Photographer)

CANCER ���� ���� 20

Indeed, the nonpro�it earmarks more than $150,000 each year to help families cover these costs. But CCN’s impact goes well beyond �inancial support. “CCN is an organization the supports the entire family unit. They work hard to create programs and activities that provide a little something for everyone,” added Kelli. The nonprofit serves as a primary point of contact for families facing cancer – at the hospital when they receive the diagnosis, throughout their cancer journey and into long-term survivorship. The organization provides hospital admission kits to help new families navigate the road ahead, adopt-a-family programs for the holidays and back-toschool season, mental health services for families, programs to help siblings cope with cancer, college scholarships, funding for childhood cancer research, advocacy, and a multitude of other services and resources. “I have been told there is nothing worse in life than losing a child,” said George Hyduchak. “Thankfully, our son Jace is a survivor, but I can tell you �irsthand that families �ighting childhood cancer face the prospect of that fear every single day. It’s the support of family, friends and community that help get us through it all.” “Partners like Valley Toyota Dealers make such a difference for families facing that fear,” said Luttrell. “During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, our goal is to rally the larger community around the cause and ensure no one has to face cancer alone.” To learn more, visit childrenscancernetwork.org or facebook.com/childrenscancernetwork, or call -480-398-1564.

Jace Hyduchak, left, and Jackson Dupps, both 10, stand next to the car that will be given away in a ra e to benefi t cancer survivors.

(Pablo Robles/Tribune Sta Photographer)