Alexi Venneri, co-founder and CEO, Digital Air Strike Venneri previously worked for the Seattle Mariners and multiple technology companies before starting her award-winning social media and digital engagement company company that now employs 170 with most based in Scottsdale. Advice: “If you see an opportunity – take it. I started Digital Air Strike during a recession in… Read More →

Here’s the best thing about Stingray Sushi: It wins the triple crown for versatility. It’s the perfect place to take a client or customer for a business lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is ideal for happy hour or dinner with friends. It’s a great place to spend a romantic dinner with your significant other or… Read More →

Lisa Urias, managing partner, CoNecs North America After more than 15 years in international marketing, Urias founded CoNecs North America, a merger of her advertising and PR firm, Urias Communications, and Molera Alvarez Government Affairs, to provide branding, digital, government affairs and PR services to clients throughout the U.S. Southwest and in Mexico. Advice: “Listen, be present… Read More →

Trish Stark, Scottsdale president, First Western Trust Stark is president of First Western Trust, Scottsdale. Previously, she was  a  national sales executive at Bank of America. Stark serves as a Trustee of ASU and the Catholic Community Foundation. She is a Phoenix Children’s Hospital Emeritus Board member, having served as chairman of the board. Advice: “Never, ever… Read More →

Jody Sarchett, senior vice president, Lovitt & Touche Sarchett assists companies with property/casualty insurance and employee benefits solutions. She has concentrations is manufacturing, large nonprofits, and construction. Advice: “You can’t rely on cold calling or impersonal tactics to build your business. You need to identify your passions, get involved in the community, give back, and focus on… Read More →

April Salomon, executive director, Musical Instrument Museum Salomon played an integral role in the design, staffing, collection acquisition and launch of the $250 million museum, which has been ranked among the Top 20 museums in the United States and is rated the No. 1 attraction in Phoenix. Advice: “Sometimes the journey teaches you a lot about your… Read More →

Dr. Jasgit C. Sachdev, MD, director, Breast and GYN Early Trials Program, HonorHealth Research Institute In addition to her role at HonorHealth, Dr. Sachdev is an associate professor in the Clinical Translational Research Division at the Translational Genomic Research Institute. She leads the new drug development program for women’s cancers at the HonorHealth Research Institute in Scottsdale… Read More →

Kim Sabow, president and CEO, Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association Sabow joined AzLTA in 2015 and previously served as director of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. Advice: “Surround yourself with strong talent — hire people smarter than you. Listen. Communicate. Take risks and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Never stop learning. It’s OK not to have all… Read More →

Dr. Cecilia Rosales, MD, MS, assistant dean and associate professor, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health – Phoenix Rosales was appointed to the Academic Technical Council of the Binational Border Health Network, which is comprised of experts from 10 border states to improve response to the challenges posed by public health conditions… Read More →

Dawn Rogers, executive director and CEO, 2017 Phoenix NCAA Basketball Final Four Before she was hired by the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee, Rogers spent nine years at ASU as senior associate athletics director and senior women’s administrator. Advice: “Reach out to men and women you admire from across fields. I did not realize until I was an athletic… Read More →

Mirja Riester, principal, RIESTER Riester owns RIESTER, one of the largest advertising and public relations firms in the western United States. She is an international market researcher, brand management expert and business executive with global marketing experience. Advice: “Be persistent, intuitive and emotional. Our business relies on emotions to connect with audiences, on intuition to identify anticipation… Read More →

Cynthia A. Ricketts, co-founding partner, Sacks, Ricketts & Case LLP Ricketts, a lifelong resident of Phoenix, focuses her practice on complex consumer and employment class action defense and commercial litigation matters. Prior to founding her firm, Ricketts was the most senior woman partner at DLA Piper. Advice: “Don’t expect it to be easy. Work hard and develop… Read More →

Cathy Reece, director, Fennemore Craig Reece chairs Fennemore Craig’s Financial Restructuring, Bankruptcy, Creditors’ Rights Group focusing on loan workouts,  distressed asset sales, complex restructures of real estate, mining, operating companies, among others. She is recognized  in Benchmark’s Top 250 Women in Litigation and Legal Advisor of the Year by M&A Advisor. Advice: “Learn to think outside the… Read More →

Melanie Pate, partner, Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP Pate  received the firm’s John P. Frank Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award in 2016 and is former chief counsel of the Arizona Civil Rights Division in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Advice: “Focus on listening to your clients’ needs and providing practical solutions that mitigate risk… Read More →

Deborah Ostreicher, assistant aviation director, City of Phoenix Prior to her current position, Ostreicher lived and worked overseas in corporate responsibility, computers and media. Advice: “Support, don’t compete with, other women. Surround yourself with the smartest people you can find — men and women. You will not only get the job done, but you’ll learn a… Read More →