Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Lindsay Cullum-Colwell of Cullum Homes.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026
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Lindsay Cullum-Colwell, co-president and managing principal, Cullum Homes
Background: Cullum-Colwell, RA, NCARB, is co-president and managing principal of Cullum Homes, the premier custom homebuilder in Arizona. A Scottsdale resident and licensed architect, she brings creative vision and strategic leadership to the family-owned company. Guided by its mission to serve the community and provide the finest home building experience, Cullum-Colwell is deeply committed to giving back. She serves on the executive committee of The Phoenix Theatre Company, the board of Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona and the women’s board of PANDA.
Advice to younger self: “Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to take up space. Early in my career, I often second-guessed myself, unsure of my skill set compared to my much more experienced teammates. I’d tell her to speak up with confidence, build genuine relationships, and remember that leadership is as much about resilience and authenticity as it is about ambition. The best opportunities often come from stepping outside your comfort zone — whether in business or service — and the journey is richest when it lifts others along the way.”
Surprising fact: “Most people don’t know I started college at Vanderbilt University on a pre-med track, fully planning to become a doctor. After separating from the family business for school, I quickly realized that architecture and residential construction were my passion. I’m so glad to be nurturing and building forward the next 40 years of our family company, Cullum Homes. Instead of treating patients, I channel that energy into the design and build process — creating luxury custom homes alongside my family and our team. It’s been the most delightful and fulfilling plot twist of my life.”
