Description

Focus: DEIA

Join us for our bi-weekly member meetings focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the context of current Executive Actions. 

• Hear the latest on executive actions and their impact to your work
• Share your voice with AZIFG and key stakeholders to inform our efforts to support you
• Connect with colleagues to share insights, collaborate on solutions and support each other

Insights from Our Featured Guests:

Amanda Schneider | Executive Director | Amplify Voices

Amanda Schneider has served as the Executive Director of Amplify Voices since 2021, driven by her passion for using storytelling to bridge gaps in understanding and reveal the shared humanity in every person. With a background spanning education, corporate project management, and communications coaching, she brings a unique blend of skills to her work in the nonprofit sector. Amanda lives in Tempe with her husband of 22 years, their three teenage boys, and three beloved rescue dogs. When she’s not advocating for a more just and empathetic world, she enjoys watching her kids play soccer, volunteering with a local animal rescue, and spending time outdoors.

Hannah Honani | Executive Director | The Hopi Foundation

Hannah is Roadrunner Clan from the Village of Sitsomovi. She has formerly served as the Program Manager for the Hopi Opportunity Youth Initiative (HOYI). Having received her Associates of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from Coconino Community College, Hannah aims to bridge the gap of communication between our youth and current programs on Hopi that work to help our youth succeed. She would like to revamp ways to connect youth in helping themselves set goals for their future, find their identity, and become productive members of society. Hannah hopes that working with our very own Hopi youth, together we can create a better image of what it means to be educated while maintaining our Hopi cultural values. During her leisure time, Hannah enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her daughter Rylee.

Melissa Cerny | Area President of the Pacific Coast Branch | Gallagher, Southwest Region

Melissa Cerny serves as the Area President for Gallagher Insurance’s Southwest Region. With 12 years at Gallagher, she oversees 300 employees across ten states, managing strategic operations and service delivery. Under her leadership, the region’s revenue has grown from $14M to $130M annually in less than a decade.

Before her current role, Melissa was COO at Chapman Insurance, a nonprofit-focused independent agency. During her nine years at Chapman, she implemented efficiency strategies like Lean Six Sigma for Service, significantly improving client retention and employee satisfaction. After Gallagher acquired Chapman in 2012, Melissa transitioned into her current position, expanding her oversight to include Property & Casualty, Benefits, and Personal Lines across diverse industry niches