Who We Are

David, a former member of the state Senate and House of Representatives, has worked in public policy in Arizona for 20 years. He served as an assistant attorney general advising the School Facilities Board, legal counsel for the Arizona senate, a staff attorney providing legal services to abused and neglected children, and, most recently, as a public policy director for Reading Partners, an organization that provides services to young children struggling in school. David also served as chief administrator for Arizona State University’s Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, a public charter school for preschool through 12th grade students. David serves on the Arizona State University Council of Resilience Leaders; the City of Phoenix Industrial Development Authority; and the Board of Directors for the Partnership for America’s Children. David earned his law degree at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU.

Kylie Barber is the Early Childhood Policy Director at Children’s Action Alliance. Prior to joining the CAA team, Kylie worked in Washington D.C. lobbying for federal health policies specifically related to children with rare diseases and their families. Kylie has completed work in early childhood education policy, early intervention program development, and international children’s rights. Additionally, Kylie has teaching experience working in both infant and preschool classroom settings. Kylie holds a Master of Jurisprudence in Children’s Law and Policy from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, as well as a Master of Science in Child Development with specializations in Infancy and New Language Learners. In effort to maximize the human capital and ensure the well-being of young children worldwide, Kylie is currently pursing her Master of Legal Studies in International Rule of Law and Security from Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

As the Communications Engagement Coordinator of Children’s Action Alliance and The Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Sarah leads both state and federal advocacy outreach for issues like the Aggregate Expenditure Limit (AEL) school spending cap, and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Prior to joining the team, she worked as a Public Affairs Executive at Rose Allyn Public Relations where she specialized in crisis control, event management, and investor relations. During the pandemic, Sarah served as a Policy Intern for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego where she handled constituent concerns and community outreach. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Service and Public Policy as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University. She is excited to use her experience in community engagement to advance the mission and policy agenda of CAA and the AZCenter.

Alicia provides administrative support to the Leadership Team as the Executive Assistant for Children’s Action Alliance and The Arizona Center for Economic Progress with more than eight years of experience. Prior to joining the team, Alicia worked as a Human Resources Specialist and the Correctional Officer Retirement Plan Board Secretary for the Arizona Supreme Court. As a native Arizonian and first-generation Mexican American, she is excited to support policy and advocacy work that improves the lives of everyone in the state.

For over 15 years, Curry has managed fundraising and communications initiatives in her senior leadership roles for children and family organizations in Ohio and Arizona. In doing so, she was responsible for raising millions for the most vulnerable children in our communities. Damita has promoted affordable housing programs with President Clinton and created awareness for women’s health across the country. She has also received multiple communication awards for excellence in video, event, and collateral production from the Telly Awards, International Special Events Society, and American Marketing Association. Damita holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kent State University.

Michelle serves as the Southern Arizona Director of CAA. In that role, she facilitates community-based organizing efforts to elevate voices of child advocates from across Southern Arizonans who are seeking to improve the status of children’s health, education, and safety in Arizona. Michelle is a proud two-time alumnus from the University of Arizona having earned her Master’s in Public Administration in 2011 and her Bachelor’s in Political Science in 1994, with a minor in Spanish.

Deeply influenced by her own early experience as a foster child, Molly has dedicated her career to improving outcomes of system-involved youth. As a provider of direct legal services, Molly has represented hundreds of children and youth in dependency, juvenile justice, education, immigration, family law, and other proceedings. As a clinical instructor at Stanford and Loyola law schools, she has mentored and guided other advocates to serve system-involved youth. Prior to joining Children’s Action Alliance, Molly directed FosterEd Arizona. Molly holds a B.A. from Macalester College and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

As the Development Assistant, Lauren helps manage and coordinate Children Action Alliance’s database management, fund development, and office administration. She has a variety of administrative and development experience through her participation in the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Association at Arizona State University. As well, Lauren has worked with several organizations including Action for Global Health in the UK and ASU’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy. A recent graduate of ASU with a BS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Lauren is deeply interested health policy and advocacy and looks forward to contributing to Children’s Action Alliance and the Arizona Center for Economic Progress.

Connor performs data analysis, research, and advocacy to advance policy solutions at both the state and federal level addressing poverty, economic well-being, and a fairer tax code. Most recently Connor was a Policy Analyst with the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico in the City Attorney’s Office and the Office of Legislation and Policy Innovation. Previously, Connor worked as a Field Organizer with the Arizona Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign, Mission for Arizona. In May 2020, Connor graduated from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University with a Master of Legal Studies. Prior to earning his MLS, Connor worked as a Donald W. Reynolds Fellow with the Carnegie-Knight News21 Initiative, where he received the 2019 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award in the college category as a member of News21. As an undergraduate Connor studied Political Science and Journalism. He completed numerous internships as an undergraduate, including with the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Commercial Service, the U.S. Department of State and POLITICO Europe. Connor is from Phoenix, Arizona and is a dual citizen of the United States and the Republic of Ireland.

Karen is the Director of Fiscal Analysis for Children’s Action Alliance and the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. She provides leadership on the state budget and tax issues. Prior to joining CAA in 2005, Karen held various positions with the State of Arizona including analyst with the Governor’s Office and Strategic Planning and Budgeting and the Financial Services Administrator for the Arizona Department of Economic Security. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Arizona State University.

JoAnna Mendoza is a retired US Marine Veteran, government and political affairs professional, and servant leader. After retiring from the Marine Corps, JoAnna worked for a foster licensing agency contracted by the State of Arizona to find homes for children in foster care and developmental homes for children and adults with special needs. A few years later, JoAnna transitioned to working with vulnerable veterans and found her way to serving in government again, as a Veteran Service Representative and the Deputy District Director for a Member of Congress from the Arizona Congressional Delegation.
JoAnna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Intelligence Studies, a Master’s of Science in Leadership with an emphasis in disaster preparedness, a Public Leadership Credential from Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy School, a Brand Management Certificate from Cornell, and a Professional Certificate in Social Media Management from Georgetown.

Brianna serves as a Health Policy Specialist at CAA and works to facilitate the work of the Arizona Oral Health Coalition in promoting equitable access to dental care and oral health services through advocacy. Brianna’s passion for community service started in the U.S. Peace Corps as a youth development volunteer in Botswana, Southern Africa. Brianna worked on various initiatives aimed at increasing the capacities of youth, incarcerated individuals, and educators related to the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Brianna holds a Master of Arts Degree in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University and an undergraduate degree in Public Agency Service from Northern Arizona University with a minor in Criminal Justice.

Geraldine advances the Arizona Center for Economic Progress’ work by advocating for a sound fiscal policy through budget and tax-related projects. She joins the AZCenter after serving as a Senior Paralegal for Community Legal Services where she provided legal assistance and administrative hearing representation to Arizonans facing adverse Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and Social Security disability benefit eligibility and overpayment determinations. Geraldine holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree in International Politics with a certification in Asian Studies from Georgetown University.

Jason works to further the mission of Children’s Action Alliance by ensuring the organization and team has the resources, tools, and procedures to effectively build coalitions and change policies that improve the lives of children and families. Beginning as a history teacher in the Phoenix Union School District, Jason discovered his calling within the nonprofit sector and has been for helping underserved youth populations through interventions and advocacy, since 1999. Like many nonprofit professionals, Jason has experience in many roles and has advanced important work as a Direct Service Provider, Program Manager, Grant Writer, and Executive Director. Jason is a native Arizonan who grew up in the Valley and attended Northern Arizona University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in education.

Kelley has a wealth of health and early childhood policy and program experience. She is a Registered Nurse with clinical experience in a variety of health settings. Kelley spent 13 years in public health departments creating and implementing maternal child health and development programs and working to improve public health policy at the state and local level. Kelley previously served as the Policy Bureau Chief at the Arizona Division of Behavioral Health Services where she oversaw policy compliance and contracts for the Regional and Tribal Behavioral Health Authorities. Prior to that position, Kelley was the Senior Health Policy and Program Specialist for Arizona’s early childhood agency, First Things First. Kelley has a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) and a Masters of Nursing Science (MSN) in Community Health Nursing from Indiana University.

Luisa is a multimedia artist and advocate for the youth with a Bachelor’s degree from ASU in Film studies, focused on documentary work. She continues to explore film, graphic design and writing through her Colombian culture and local communities. With many years of experience in videography, digital marketing, and project management, Luisa is consistently learning how to utilize her talents to become a bridge for others. Prior to CAA and AZCenter, her experiences working with various nonprofit in the arts and youth sectors have expanded her focus toward a commitment to helping future generations.

Franklin joins the Arizona Center for Economic Progress after serving as a legislative correspondent in Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s Office. In that role, he worked on energy, environmental, public lands and Tribal issues and supported Senator Sinema’s actions on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Franklin grew up in Tempe and is a proud product of Arizona’s public K-12 schools. He earned his Master’s in Public Policy degree from American University as well as a B.A. in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government and a Certificate in Advanced Leadership Studies from AU. Other previous roles include serving as a deputy field organizer for the Biden presidential campaign in Iowa and graduate legislative intern in Salt River Project’s federal affairs office in D.C.

Amanda Aguirre is a well-respected former state representative and senator from Yuma, where she currently serves as president and CEO of the Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. She has been involved in health care and business administration for more than three decades, also committing much of her efforts to family health and children’s education.

Ashley M. Anderson currently serves as a Senior Human Resource Professional for Creighton University Phoenix Health Sciences Campus. She brings over 8 years of Human Resources experience working in various industries to the board. Her expertise spans across Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Training and Development, and more. She also consults with small and medium businesses on HR needs as they arise. She also sits on the Board of the National Association for African Americans in Human Resources, State of Arizona Chapter. Ashley holds an MBA with emphasis in Management from American Intercontinental University.

Joanie Flatt is owner and president of Flatt & Associates, Ltd, public relations and public affairs, a company she founded in 1981 in Mesa. Over the years, the firm has served a wide variety of clients in business, social services, and education. Joanie was named the 2019 Shelley Award Honoree for her innovative work in supporting public policy beneficial to the arts and culture in Arizona.

Joseph Garcia is a longtime communication and media professional, serving as a researcher, author, and presenter of public policy issues such as Arizona’s changing demographics, education, and the new electorate. He previously worked at ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy and The Arizona Republic. He teaches at ASU Cronkite School of Journalism.

Jack Gibson’s career in public broadcasting spans over forty years and demonstrates the ideals of using media as a resource to educate, inform, and inspire audiences. Since 2006, Jack has served as the CEO of Arizona Public Media (AZPM), an editorially independent, nonprofit public service of the University of Arizona. AZPM provides three television program services, three radio services, and a variety of online program offerings at azpm.org, to audiences throughout Southern Arizona and beyond.

Nora Hannah is a nonprofit organizational consultant and community leader with experience in building successful teams, creating consistent operating models, and achieving goals. Nora has an extensive background in civic engagement, nonprofit leadership, finance, and organizational alignment. She is active in the greater Phoenix community and received the Athena Award as Businesswoman of the Year from the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

David Higuera has years of experience in public policy, education and youth development. He currently serves as chief of staff for Supervisor Matt Heinz on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and prior to that, co-founded and co-directed the IDEA School in Tucson, a nonprofit K-8 independent school focused on social-emotional development, learning through inquiry, and being accessible to all families regardless of income. David is committed to the notion that policies that address the needs of children and families lead to better outcomes for every member of our community, and that effective public policy must focus on equity.

D’Angelo Johnson is Managing, VP, of Private Banking at Bankers Trust, with 18 years of financial services experience. He began his career as a Realtor and Financial Independent Contractor. As a licensed real estate agent, mortgage certified professional, life (including fixed investments), credit and disability insurance agent, he joined the bank in 2007 as a Consumer Services Representative and became a Relationship Banker in 2008. D’Angelo joined the bank’s Financial Intelligence team in 2014 as a Certified BSA/AML professional, where he helped protect the bank and its customers against illicit activity. He has served as a board member, Director of Finance, and written grants for non-profits in the Greater Des Moines area. He was promoted to his current position in 2017. Mentoring is important to D’Angelo Johnson, which is why he teaches financial literacy classes for young professionals, families, and organizations. But D’Angelo does not stop there; he brings his passion for helping others to his work as a Private Banker.

Mark Kendall is Vice President, Legal Services, and oversees CopperPoint’s Legal Services Division. He has been with CopperPoint for over 20 years and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona and a certified specialist in workers’ compensation. Mark is past co-chair of the workers compensation section of the State Bar of Arizona and of the Arizona Workers Compensation Defense Counsel Association.

Ana is a community leader bridging advocacy efforts with local, state, and federal level governments. Currently, she is a leader in the Broadband Equity Partnership and HR&A Advisors where she supports projects working to provide effective, efficient, and equitable broadband. Before joining HR&A, she worked in the Office of former Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves with the California Public Utilities Commission, analyzing broadband access and the digital divide highlighted by COVID-19. Ana began her career working with the Obama White House Office of Presidential Personnel where she led leadership and professional development programs for over 3,000 political appointees. Ana is committed to public service and a proud alumnus of the Hispanic Leadership Institute, the Aguila Youth Leadership Institute, and the Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA).

As the first Associate Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Arizona Department of Education, Ms. Erica Maxwell has more than 25 years as a certified educator. In her education tenure, Maxwell has served as an administrator, adjunct faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and as a faculty associate at Arizona State University. Maxwell is also the co-founder of the annual Arizona Multicultural Education Conference and founder of Club READ (Reading Experiences Appreciating Diversity), which is a summer literacy initiative in Chandler. In addition to her educational equity consulting work, she hosted public forums for the Arizona State University’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, as well as for the Arizona Department of Education; Healing Racism Series, Mesa Community College Educators Academy, Scottsdale’s Cross-Cultural Communication Series and the Seventh Annual Future Educator’s Conference. In her free time, Erica enjoys going to the movies, reading, traveling, hiking, and exploring the amazing beauty unique to Arizona. She cherishes time with her children, friends, and relatives. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she resides in Chandler with her two teenage children.

Ayensa I. Millan has years of experience handling criminal and immigration matters and is the founder of CIMA Law Group, PC. Her commitment and dedication stem from her own personal experiences; knowing firsthand the struggles and needs of the immigrant community. Ayensa volunteers with various community organizations and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers. She also hosts two radio shows giving legal advice and information on criminal and immigration matters.

Brint Milward is a professor at the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona. He holds the Melody S. Robidoux Foundation Fund Chair in Collaborative Governance. He was Director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse that was co-chaired by President George Herbert Walker Bush and President Bill Clinton. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and in 2010 won the NASPAA/ASPA Distinguished Research Award. He won the 2019 H. George Frederickson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Management Research Association.

Thom Reilly is a professor in the School of Public Affairs and co-director for the Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy at Arizona State University. He is the former chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, chief executive officer/county manager for Clark County, Nevada (the Las Vegas Valley), and head of the child-welfare system for Nevada. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Kim Russell is of the Bitter Water People, born for the Tangle People. Her maternal grandmothers are from Chinle, Arizona and her paternal grandmothers are from Tuba City, Arizona on the Navajo Nation. Ms. Russell is the Executive Director of the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care, an independent state agency whose mission is to advocate for increasing access to high-quality health care programs for all American Indians in Arizona. Kim has worked with Tribes, Tribal Organizations, the Indian Health Service, and Urban Indian Health Programs to advance their health agendas and priorities her entire career. Ms. Russell received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Health Administration. Kim enjoys spending time with family and traveling.

Wendy Valenzuela works for Arizona Public Service as the Government Affairs Representative for State & Local Affairs. Prior to her role at APS, Wendy served as Chief of Staff for a council office at the City of Phoenix for two years. She serves on the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Executive Leadership committee, the Maricopa Community College Foundation Board, and the Phoenix Theatre Board.