In honor of AZ Big Media’s annual AZ Business Angels issue, which shines a light on corporate social responsibility, volunteerism, and philanthropic efforts across the state, we asked several local leaders to share their reasons for giving back as well as a little about the organization for which they serve:
READ MORE: Here are the Az Business Angels for 2025
Jim Gmelich
Culture Champion, CHASSE Building Team
Prior to joining CHASSE Building Team to lead its People and Culture Department, I served as executive director of the Arizona Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic fibrosis, often shortened to CF, is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The Foundation’s investments in research and care have added decades to the lives of people with CF, however there is no cure. In addition to supporting our organization’s commitments to the myriad volunteer opportunities available each month with local schools, Brokers for Kids, and more, I’ve remained involved in the CF Foundation as a volunteer advisor raising money and awareness to support the foundation’s goal to eventually ensure CF stands for Cure Found. My “why” is a very personal one. In 1999, my daughter Lilly was diagnosed with CF shortly after birth. At that time, life expectancy was 21 years of age. Today, Lilly is 25 years old and is living and working in NYC following her dreams thanks to the commitment and dedication of family, friends, and strangers who simply want to make the world better for those in need.
Trevor Wilde, MBA, AIF®
Chief Executive Officer, Wilde Wealth Management Group
Since 2017, I have been involved with Child Crisis Arizona, first as a sponsor and volunteer and more recently on their board of directors. Since 1977, Child Crisis Arizona has served vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education, holistic health and wellness, prevention, and intervention. In the past year alone, the agency served over 42,000 individuals statewide through education, prevention, and intervention programming. My why is both personal and professional. As a child who was adopted, I stand as a living testament to the impact that Child Crisis Arizona and other organizations like it are having on not only the children and families we serve, but on generations to come. And professionally, I am focused on inspiring my team to be an active member of the community where they work and live. We are in this together.
Cesar Cramton
Vice President of Brand Strategy and Community Outreach, Genuine Concepts
I joined the board of directors at Chrysalis in 2016 after being inspired by their annual gala. It was at this event that I discovered the profound impact Chrysalis has on those affected by domestic violence—a cause that resonates deeply with me. Having experienced domestic violence in my early years, I understand the struggles faced by many. Now, I am proud to be in a position where I can give back and support individuals in need. It’s a privilege to contribute to a mission that aims to empower survivors and foster healing in our community.
Dr. Shaharyar Ashraf, DDS
Owner Dentist, Tangerine Dental Group
In 2022, I joined the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation board of directors to help create a path to better health and wellness by improving access to care for underserved and uninsured Arizonans. I was inspired to join after realizing the meaningful, lasting impact I could have on our community, both now and for future generations. Having seen firsthand how oral health affects the whole body and influences our community’s well-being, I’m driven to make a positive difference in people’s lives. It’s about embracing the vital link between oral health and overall health. Over the past two years, I’ve been proud to work on projects that have helped provide critical access to oral health care and nutritional programs. In 2024 alone, we awarded nearly $800,000 in grants to non-profit organizations across the state that work with underserved populations of all ages and began a ground-breaking partnership with The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to create the Oral Health In Medicine Initiative to increase oral health education for all medical students. We continue supporting impactful partnerships with A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Banner University Medical Center, St. Vincent de Paul, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, to name a few.
Susan Brichler Trujillo
Partner, Quarles & Brady
In 2023, I was honored to begin a three-year term as chair of the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) board of directors after serving on the board since 2016. Our focus is to support over 13,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona as well as our more than 6,000 adult volunteers who serve as leaders, trainers, consultants, and board members. I am personally committed to GSACPC because I was a Girl Scout in this Council myself. I vividly remember camp, sleeping on the ground in tents and making dolls out of cornhusks. I learned how to ride a horse at Camp Maripai. My mom talks about dropping me off at camp and, a week later, seeing a different girl walk down the gravel road to get in the car. She always felt that I returned more confident, and she was right. When I talk about why Girl Scouting was important to me as a kid, it was a place where I felt the playing field was leveled. My voice was heard just as much as whoever the popular girl was at the time because, honestly, that girl wasn’t me. That feeling of belonging and empowerment was meaningful and helpful in making me who I am today. Every girl deserves that experience.
Chris Curtiss
Director of Culinary, North Italia
As a member of the One Step Beyond, Inc. board of directors, I am deeply committed to our mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My passion for the organization stems not only from my belief in inclusivity and community support but also from the transformative impact our programs have on our participants’ lives. One program that particularly resonates with me is the cooking program. As a chef, I understand the profound effects that culinary skills can have on self-esteem and independence. Cooking is not just about preparing meals; it’s a powerful medium for creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. Through this program, participants learn essential cooking techniques and valuable life skills such as teamwork, decision-making, and time management. The joy and pride that our participants experience when they create a meal from scratch are truly inspiring. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and community, allowing them to share their creations with others. I love being part of an organization that recognizes and nurtures these opportunities, helping individuals develop skills that can lead to greater independence and a more fulfilling life. Being on the board allows me to advocate for these impactful programs and contribute to an environment where everyone can thrive. I am proud to support One Step Beyond in its mission to create a positive, inclusive community for all.
Abbie S. Fink
President, HMA Public Relations
I first became aware of Valley Youth Theatre when its founder, Hope Ozer, approached me about board service, some 30 years ago. I was relatively new in my career and didn’t feel I was ready to take on this type of responsibility. Hope and I stayed in touch over the years; I went on to volunteer and serve in leadership positions with other Valley nonprofits. When she and I met up again in late 2023, she once again asked if I was interested in joining the board. The timing was right and since its mission combines my love of the theatre and a lifelong commitment to support youth-serving organizations, I was happy to accept the invitation. Valley Youth Theatre is a safe place where young people from diverse backgrounds can learn and grow as individuals, performers, and leaders through a transformational performing arts experience. While some alumni go on to become professional theatre, television, and film actors, many reach their full potential in other professions to become police officers, professors, attorneys, chefs, parents, and community leaders. In addition to theatre performances, Valley Youth Theatre offers a variety of educational programs and field trip opportunities.
Trisha Stuart
Director of Community Relations, Mercy Care
In 2021, I joined the board of Activate Food Arizona, which develops innovative solutions to food system challenges to help local communities improve their access to healthy, affordable food. I first connected with the organization when Mercy Care was researching ways to support food deserts in a particular area of the Valley. We saw the incredible impact that a mobile produce market can have on neighborhoods that don’t otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. On a personal level, I’ve become more committed to healthy eating since being diagnosed with cancer in 2021. I understand more than ever that eating the right foods helps us thrive and heal, so I want to do what I can to make access available to all.
Kelly Mero
CEO, Grand Canyon State Logo Signs
An active and proud member of the Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jackets since 2004, I have been honored to help elevate our organization to become the standard-bearer in college football nationally and in Arizona as a preeminent community champion. From a committee member to the Yellow Jacket Committee Chair to serving on the Board of Directors, I have played a part in increasing the Fiesta Bowl’s charitable giving to millions of dollars annually, positively impacting one million Arizonans every year. The state’s most robust teacher support program, Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers, elevated its impact to a record $1.25 million annually to educators across the state. I serve because the nine Founders who started this organization had a vision to showcase college football in a premier postseason game and create an organization that gives back to our community. It’s so rewarding to see the fruits of our impact and how our commitment pays off to improve lives in communities in every corner of Arizona.
Mark Nichols
Relationship Manager and Tribal Advisor, FS Advisors, Inc.
Since 2018, I have been actively involved with Advance Community, starting as a donor and now proudly serving on the board of directors for the past two years. My motivation is deeply personal, rooted in the values of service that my family instilled in me from an early age. When I was born, my mom became severely disabled, which forced her to leave her career as a teacher. Despite needing assistance with nearly every aspect of life, she continually gave back to the community through speaking engagements and volunteer work, particularly with disadvantaged children. Her unwavering commitment to helping others, despite her own challenges, profoundly inspired me. She showed me that no matter what your circumstances, you can still make a meaningful impact. Although my family was fortunate not to require the services of organizations like Advance Community, which works tirelessly to improve health in under-resourced communities by providing access to medical care, nutrition, community development, and health education, I recognize how incredibly challenging life can be for families without such resources. This understanding drives my commitment to helping build a healthier future for those who need it most.
Angie Rice
Co-Founder, Boutique Travel Advisors
As a board member of Boys Team Charity and a mom of two sons, I am dedicated to volunteerism among families with boys and fostering a spirit of service within our community. Founded in 2002, Boys Team Charity aims to instill a commitment to philanthropy, teamwork, and leadership in young men in grades seven through 12. Personally, volunteering with my sons creates a deeper connection for us as a family and also demonstrates what it means to be an active member in the community. At the heart of Boutique Travel Advisors, we believe travel can be a transformative and healing modality by empowering and inspiring individuals and fostering social and cultural understanding on a collective level. We offer clients the opportunity to incorporate charitable giving into their itineraries and are passionately creating opportunities for nonprofits to thrive. I encourage our team members to engage in charitable activities, volunteering their time and helping us raise funds for various organizations. We are more than just a travel advisory firm; we are a community committed to making a difference. Together, we can navigate challenges and create meaningful change in the lives of those who need it most.
Michael Kintner
Senior Vice President and General Manager, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Giving back to the community has always been a priority for me, both personally and professionally. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the First Things First board since 2011, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. Both of my sons were under five when I first joined, so the mission of ensuring young children in Arizona are ready for kindergarten and set up to succeed really hit home for me. It’s a voter-approved initiative funded by tobacco product proceeds, and it supports early childhood education across the state.
During my time on the board, I’ve had the honor of serving as Chairman for two years and Vice Chairman for three. It’s about making sure the next generation has every opportunity to thrive, and being part of that process has been truly meaningful. At Harrah’s Ak-Chin, we see corporate social responsibility as a core part of who we are. We’re not just a business; we’re part of the community, and it’s important that we give back. Whether it’s through volunteerism or supporting local initiatives, I believe it’s our responsibility as leaders to invest in the future of our community and help where we can.
Jerry Steele
Attorney, Schmitt, Schneck, Even & Williams
I founded M.A.D. House in 1980 while I was a law student at Arizona State University. Driven by my passion for God and basketball, I began mentoring urban youth, which eventually led to the formation of a basketball league and global outreach efforts in Arizona, Africa, and the Middle East. I have had the privilege of serving as president of M.A.D. Ministries, coaching the Palestinian National Basketball Team from 2012 to 2015, as well as the South Sudan National Basketball Team from 2016 to 2017. In addition to my ministry work, I have been practicing law since 1980 and now specialize in representing churches at Schmitt, Schneck, Even & Williams. I have been married to Cindi for 45 years, and together we are the proud parents of four adult children, thirteen grandchildren, with one more on the way in December.
Dr. John Badolato
Cosmetic Dentist and Founder, Studio B Smiles
Studio B Smiles is committed to give back to our local community by supporting Phoenix Suns Charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Pujols Family Foundation and more. In 2021, Devin Booker and his Starting Five Foundation and I founded the ‘BOOK IT’ Program, which provides free dental care for Special Olympic Arizona athletes. At the launch of the program, Studio B Smiles pledged to donate up to $250,000, which we have now increased our pledge to $500,000 with its success. The most important thing to me is putting a smile on these kids’ faces by hosting fun events such as golf tournaments arming them with the confidence of a healthy smile.
Lauren Bailey
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Upward Projects
As an Arizona State University alumnus, I joined the ASU Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2020, helping oversee nearly $1 billion endowment for the university and charitable causes. I’m also a proud Big Sister in Central Arizona’s Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program. Day to day at our family of restaurants, we foster entrepreneurship within our employees. It’s important to me to support them both professionally and personally by sharing my experiences and offering guidance and opportunities within the hospitality industry. In my spare time I’m chasing my 10-year-old around, hunting for vintage treasures and cooking dinner with friends and family.
Kendra Riley
Founder, Dawning Public Relations
In 2020, I began serving on the board of the Armer Foundation for Kids, a Phoenix-based non-profit that helps relieve the financial burden for families with children who are facing life-threatening illnesses. My why: two of my three children were diagnosed with a very rare genetic terminal illness called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD). For one of my daughters who was symptomatic, it was too late, but for my (at the time) newborn, there was a chance to save her life if we could raise enough funds to move our family to Italy – the only place in the entire world who was offering a potential cure. Within a month, they helped us raise the funds needed to get our family to Italy, where our daughter became the 32nd child in the world to receive a life-changing gene therapy treatment. She is now living symptom free at 4 years old. Today I am proud to serve to help give back to families, like mine, who are facing what seems to be the impossible.
Oliver Badgio
Chief Brand Officer, Prime Steak Concepts
Jeff and Mike Mastro have made philanthropy part of the DNA of our company. For me, the privilege of joining the Make-A-Wish Arizona Board of Directors was an easy decision. This will be my 7th year serving Make-A-Wish Arizona, which improves the lives of so many children and their families in our community. Make-A-Wish Arizona makes an immediate, positive impact and it delivers instant results for those it serves. I have personally witnessed the impact that a wish can have on the family and the child’s health, both physically and mentally. It provides additional hope and gives these children a little something extra that they need while they undergo their therapies and treatments and can be a contributing factor to a positive outcome. When those children are in a positive mental state they can thrive, and their health often improves. Being the father of two healthy children, I can’t imagine what it would be like to be in that situation, so I come with an abundance of gratitude and that is why I have personally felt so compelled to help. It also fitting at the end of my board term, I will hand the baton to Zach Mastro, Mike Mastro’s son and the company’s General Counsel who will continue the family tradition of philanthropic support in our community.
