About Leadership West and Our Goals for West Valley

“Leadership West engages participants in a way that creates a burning desire to stay in their communities and make a difference.”

– Bobbi Magdaleno, Executive Director of Government & Community Engagement for ASU

About

Leadership West believes the power to shape thriving communities lies with those who live and lead within them.

For over three decades, our nonprofit has empowered exceptional leaders across the West Valley with the relationships, insights, and tools necessary to promote both economic growth and an improved quality of life. We support individuals prepared to assume greater responsibilities in business, government, and the community, ensuring that courageous and thoughtful leadership shapes the future of our region.

Shaping the Valley with Engaged, Inspired, and Civic Minded Leaders.

Leadership West offers a powerful experience that blends leadership development with real-world exposure to the issues shaping Arizona’s future.

Participants hear directly from regional experts on topics such as job creation, infrastructure, water, education, public safety, and innovation. They tour key facilities, participate in immersive retreats, and engage in hands-on leadership training. The result is a deeper understanding of the West Valley and the skills to lead with greater confidence and influence.

When leaders come together through Leadership West, their talents and perspectives are activated to address the complexity of a fast-growing region. The West Valley needs individuals who are informed, connected, and committed to building a stronger future. Leadership West encourages participants to ask meaningful questions. What does it mean to lead well? How can I create meaningful change? Who can I collaborate with to make a greater impact? Through our programs, leaders expand their networks, strengthen their perspective, and step forward with renewed vision and purpose.

“This experience gave me more than leadership tools. It gave me a deeper connection to my community, the people driving it forward, and the challenges we must face together.”
– Liz Canchola

A Leadership West Story

“At Leadership West, challenging topics are brought to the table in a structured and organized manner that builds synergy. There is no better way to feed your mind, expand your network, and be on a winning team while making a difference in your community. That is what Leadership West can do for you, and that it was you can do for the West Valley.”

– Joel Canchola, Burns & McDonnell, who was part of Leadership West’s 21st cohort.

Why West Valley

The West Valley is one of the fastest growing regions in Maricopa County, gaining national attention for its economic strength, diverse workforce, and strategic location. With key industries including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and logistics, the region offers both opportunity and complexity. As development increases and communities grow, the need for civic-minded leadership becomes more urgent. Leadership West exists to ensure that growth is guided by leaders who are informed, engaged, and ready to serve the West Valley with vision and purpose.

Thoughtful and

Effective Community Leaders

Are you a leader committed to shaping the future of the West Valley?

Do you actively engage in your community and seek to expand your civic impact?

Are you ready to grow by investing your time, talent, and resources into something greater than yourself?

Do you value authenticity and strive to lead with purpose and integrity?

Are you seeking experiences that challenge your thinking and foster personal and professional growth?

Are you eager to collaborate with a diverse network of passionate and driven leaders across industries?

If you answered yes to these questions and want to deepen your influence in the West Valley, Leadership West is the next step in your leadership journey.

Leadership West was founded in 1993, by leaders in the West Valley who saw the need to have a stronger regional voice representing all levels, including transportation, human resource dollars, and more. The West Valley was projected to grow, and a leadership pipeline needed to be in place to meet its increasing needs.

The eleven founding members were Sharolyn Hohman, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce; Diane McCarthy, WESTMARC; Dory Baker, Salt River Project; Dr. Homero Lopez, Estrella Mountain Community College; Stephen Cleveland, City of Goodyear; Mayor Elaine Scruggs, City of Glendale; Stan Grossman, Maricopa Skill Center; Linn Taylor Passick, Estrella Mountain Community College; Matt Martinez, Phoenix Memorial Hospital; Marcia Ellis, West Valley Arts Council; and Carl Wilson, On-Site Utilities.

The Leadership West Flagship Program’s first few cohorts were made up of a just a handful of up-and-coming leaders, but has since grown to include 20 to 30 leaders in each annual class. In 2015, Leadership Institute was introduced.

Our Team

Leadership West develops, empowers and enhances exceptional leaders to advance commerce & quality of life in our communities. Each member of our team upholds this mission for the West Valley.