Southern Arizona Impact Collective (Tucson)

March 5, 2026 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (MST)

Description

Inspiration. Connection. Collaboration. Impact. Be part of the movement shaping Southern Arizona’s future.

Southern Arizona — it’s time to come together.

The Impact Collective: Southern Arizona brings funders, nonprofits, and community partners across the region into one room to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and spark meaningful collaboration.

This year’s convening elevates powerful voices and bold ideas from leaders working at the intersection of philanthropy, policy, and economic development. Throughout the morning, you will have opportunities to connect with exhibitors, partners, and peers offering resources, tools, and fresh perspectives to support your work and broaden your network.

Expect meaningful conversations, new insights, and authentic connection as we collectively explore what’s possible for Southern Arizona.

Seats fill quickly for this signature regional gathering, and we look forward to welcoming you for a powerful day of learning and collaboration.

Pricing
Members: $100
Non-Members: $150

Not a member yet? Join today to receive discounts on events year-round and exclusive access to member benefits.
📧 Email membership@azimpactforgood.org to learn more.

Fireside Conversation

The Intersection of Philanthropy, Policy, and Economic Development

Join us for a timely and energizing conversation exploring how philanthropy, public policy, and economic development intersect to shape opportunity and impact across Southern Arizona. Our panel brings together leaders advancing change at the local, state, and national levels.

Featured Speakers

Sarah Saadian, Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Campaigns, National Council of Nonprofits

Sarah Saadian serves as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Campaigns at the National Council of Nonprofits. She has more than 15 years experience advancing legislation and other policies in Capitol Hill. Sarah has a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law and a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, and she is a member of the Virginia Bar Association.  

Jenny Flynn, President and CEO, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona

Jenny has called Tucson home since 1999 and has served as President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) since 2021. She is especially proud of CFSA’s innovative partnerships with donors and nonprofits, including the Nonprofit Solar Project, the Solutions-Focused Community Book Club, and the Local News Initiative of Southern Arizona.

Before joining CFSA, Jenny spent twenty years in leadership roles at the University of Arizona Foundation, raising more than $100 million and helping build a talent management program and a strategic plan that doubled fundraising.

Earlier in her career, she worked as a National Park Ranger in Denali and Glacier National Parks, taught English in Spain and Italy, and served as teaching faculty at the University of Montana, Sinte Gleska University, and Arizona State University. She currently serves on the boards of the MAP Dashboard, Sun Corridor, and the University of Arizona School of Government and Public Policy.

Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Economic Development, Pima County

Heath leads Pima County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, overseeing business attraction and retention, workforce initiatives, and regional partnerships that strengthen the local economy. His work includes supporting major expansions like World View and Accelerate Diagnostics and leading the attraction of American Battery Factory, a proposed $1.2B, 1,000-job investment.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and Spanish and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona. Previously, he served the Town of Marana in roles including Economic Development Specialist, Assistant to the Town Manager, and Airport Director.

Heath is a certified AZED Pro and an award-winning economic development leader, earning honors such as AAED’s Economic Developer of the Year (2024), the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award (2021), and Tucson Hispanic Chamber’s 40 Under 40 (2019). He also teaches economic development at the University of Arizona and serves on several statewide boards.

Moderated by:

Justin Lukasewicz, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Tucson Leadership

Justin joined Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) in 2021 as the organization’s first dedicated program manager, helping expand and diversify its programs and playing a key role in launching the Tucson Youth Leadership Academy. A 2020 Lead Tucson graduate, he became GTL’s Chief Executive Officer in 2022, where he leads efforts to strengthen the region through leadership development and community-building.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Misericordia University and a master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Arizona. Before GTL, he spent more than a decade in university Residence Life, overseeing student leadership programs and training more than 500 students and staff annually.

Outside of GTL, Justin owns and serves as executive producer at Tucson Improv Movement, where he performs and teaches improv comedy.

The Changemaker's Toolkit: Making change starts with believing you can.

Presented by Catherine Alonzo 

Burnout. Decreased funding. Structural barriers. A lack of hope. Social changemakers and non-profit leaders who want to make meaningful impact in their communities are struggling to see a brighter future for themselves, their teams, and the people they serve. The Changemaker’s Toolkit examines why hope is fading while revealing the unprecedented opportunities available today.

Social change leader Catherine Alonzo provides a framework and four powerful tools—Vision, Action, Values, and Conviction— you can use throughout your changemaking career. She teaches you how to define your vision, create systems for action, identify your core values, and reach deep and believe so you can move forward with purpose when optimism is under threat.

Every meaningful change throughout human history began with an idea that once seemed impossible. The Changemaker’s Toolkit will give you not only an actionable resource, but also new hope and the ability to drive significant change in your community.