Tempe Leadership

Applications for Tempe Youth Leadership are still open. To learn more, visit https://tempeleadership.org/tempe-youth-leadership/

Applicants need to be attending a Tempe Union High School District school as a sophomore, junior, or senior and passionate about community involvement.

Day two of Class 42 was packed with energy, insights, and powerful connections!

The cohort kicked things off by unlocking their "Superhero Strengths" before diving into a deep, reflective personal values workshop led by Board President Kate Vawter (Class # # #). The momentum kept building with a standout presentation by classmate Nick Heiser, who challenged everyone to think about how they show up as leaders—are we multipliers or diminishers?

Over a catered lunch from Someburros, the class welcomed eight fantastic alumni back to the table, paving the way for an insightful alumni panel packed with real-world advice on tackling class projects. The day wrapped up with a behind-the-scenes tour of the North Tempe Multigenerational Center and an interactive, hands-on workshop by Sarah Gomez (Class XLI) on the true "how" of seamless collaboration.

From individual strengths to collective impact, Class 42 is building a strong foundation for leading and working together!

Tempe Leadership Class XLII is officially underway!

Day one was all about connection, community, and building a strong foundation for the year ahead.

A huge thank you to the Tempe History Museum for hosting this year’s kickoff. Gretchen Long (Class XLI) helped set the tone for the year ahead, followed by lunch from South Tempe favorite Feta Cowboy and an exclusive behind-the-scenes archives tour led by THM Director Josh Roffler (Class XXIX).

One of the day’s standout moments came when new class member Aaron Villicana gave an impromptu tour of the nearby Edna Vihel Arts Center, a perfect example of the connections that define this community and program.

The afternoon wrapped with a conversation featuring Board President Dr. Kate Vawter (Class # # #) and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, giving class members the chance to connect around the issues shaping Tempe’s future.

A Tempe Leadership tradition, the first day concluded with our “Community Service” gathering! Thank you to Four Peaks Brewing Co. for hosting us at their Wilson tasting room and to all the alumni who came out to welcome Class XLII into the Tempe Leadership family.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next community mixer on November 6.

Here's a photo from our Community Service kick-off last year -- do you recognize anyone?

Our kick-off for Class XLII (42) is tomorrow! Meet us at 430pm at Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe (2401 S Wilson St). All are welcome, whether you're an alumnus or not.

Bonus points if you RSVP --> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tempe-community-mixer-tickets-1998788342739

Tempe's community leaders are gathering. Come meet the newest class, reconnect with old friends, and raise a glass to a great year ahead.

Every year, Tempe Leadership kicks off a new class of community leaders. And every year, we celebrate by doing what Tempe does best — bringing people together.

This is our first Tempe Community Mixer of the year, and we are doing it right. Join us at Four Peaks Wilson St Tasting Room to welcome the incoming Class XLII, reconnect with fellow alumni, and meet the people who make this community what it is.

Whether you went through the program years ago, just graduated this spring, or have never heard of Tempe Leadership but love a good gathering of people who care about this city — you are welcome here. Bring a friend. Bring your partner. Bring your neighbor who keeps saying they want to get more involved in Tempe.

(For those who know, yes, this is "community service.")

No paid tickets required (though we welcome your RSVP). No agenda. Just good people, tasty bites, and a great start to the year.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tempe-community-mixer-tickets-1998788342739

Congrats to Melissa Harlan and Gabe Hagen (class 38) for the Drink Me Tea Room grand reopening! You can also spot Councilmember Doreen Garlid (class 34) in the video 👏
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dcoc3y3jVNm/?igsi=a2VsNTRoM3Nybm5n

Thank you for coming out today to our grand reopening! We are grateful for our amazing community! 💜☕🫖🍵

Applications are open for our youth program!

We are looking for sophomores or juniors who live in Tempe or attend a Tempe high school/charter school. Students must come with an open mind and a willingness to learn not only from their community members, but also from their classmates. There is no fee for students to participate in this program.

Visit https://tempeleadership.org/tempe-youth-leadership/ to find out more.

Applications are open to join the Tempe Leadership Council! Link in bio or copy the link below!
https://forms.gle/MFao38nTyGbq4D1Y8

Mark your calendars! Tempe Leadership graduation for both our Youth and Adult programs is April 17th starting at 5:30, at Tempe Center for the Arts! Come out and support our 2025-2026 classes!