Bookmarked: Emma Garcia

Emma Garcia is the chief community development and engagement officer at Valley of the Sun United Way Recommends: “Energy Rising” by Dr. Julia DiGangi Her Take: “This well-researched book left an indelible impact on me, resonating on multiple levels as I reflected on how my upbringing and childhood experiences shaped who I am as a […]

Office Doors: A Day With Matt Byrnes

Matt Byrnes is the senior Vice President of proprietary brands and sourcing at PetSmart 4:30 A.M.  >>  ME TIME I’m an early riser, and my mornings are my selfish time. I use this time to take care of myself and make sure I’m ready for the day. I start with a cup of coffee while […]

10 Questions With… Kristina Wong

1. How does a performance artist, comedian and actor become an artist-in-residence at ASU? Well, truth be told, ASU Gammage and I have been dating for a while. Back in 2010, I performed “Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at the Beyond Series. A few years later, I performed “The Wong Street Journal.” So when […]

Experience a Taste of Japan at Valley Restaurants

The Japan External Trade Organization and the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles are partnering with 10 Phoenix area restaurants to host Taste of Japan: Specialty Seafood and Sake Series, which runs through March 9. Each restaurant offers dishes highlighting Japan’s renowned Hokkaido scallop with a sake pairing. Restaurants participating in the series include […]

Kitchen Doors: Local First Arizona Supports Entrepreneurs Through Community Kitchens

Local First Arizona is supporting entrepreneurs in the food business through its three Community Kitchens, with a fourth scheduled to open soon.  “We are helping businesses in underserved communities that may not have access to resources due to barriers like education and language,” said Jose Gamiz, food entrepreneurship coordinator at Local First Arizona. Local First […]

Cover Story: Power Up

There is a painting in Kristen Sandquist’s office. Hand-painted from four photographs, it shows her working with children at an orphanage, holding the hands of a young boy, guiding a team up Kilimanjaro and standing triumphantly on top of the summit. The painting was a gift after summiting Kilimanjaro for the 15th time. (Sandquist has […]

From the Road: Another Page

The whole point of going to Page is to experience nature — and the options for doing it are almost endless. Located in Arizona on Utah’s southern border, Page boasts some of Arizona’s most spectacular scenery. Close to Lake Powell’s stunning red rock formations, the area is a summer favorite for boating, fishing, kayaking and […]

Office Doors: A Day with Jennifer Gage

4:30 A.M. >> THE EARLY RISER GETS THE BIRD I wake up and go to bed early. I quit drinking coffee a couple of years ago and now have my daily Celsius. I like to listen to the birds for about an hour and find it’s a great way to start my day. I use […]

Key to the Good Life: Traditions and Superstitions

Every year, people around the world celebrate Lunar New Year. Known as Spring Festival, it is the most important holiday in several Asian cultures and dates back at least 3,500 years. In 2024, Lunar New Year falls on Sat., Feb. 10, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 24. Legend has it that […]

A 2nd Act: A Picture’s Worth

When you open the photo album depicting Karen Shell’s life to date, you see images that tell a story of tenacity, drive and resilience. The photos do not emphasize her more than three decades as a successful, award-winning freelance commercial photographer. Instead, they shine light on her support of others and how this mainstay in […]