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7:00 AM - 10:00 AM MT
Location: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ 85382
Impact Series West Valley Workforce & Childcare: Early Childhood Resources as a Critical Imperative
6/4/20257:00 AM - 10:00 AM MT
Location: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ 85382
Event Description
Glendale Chamber of Commerce Impact Series West Valley Workforce & Childcare: Early Childhood Resources as a Critical Imperative
Summary:
As a business leader, you're invited to join us for an exclusive event focused on understanding the crucial link between early childhood education and the future workforce. Presented by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, this forum will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities related to early childhood education and how they impact businesses of all sizes. Addressing this issue isn’t just about the future workforce—it’s an urgent economic imperative for today’s workforce and our prosperity now!
Key Takeaways:
🌟 Understand the Impact: Learn about the critical issues in early childhood education and how they influence the development of a future workforce.
🗣 Business Relevance: Hear from industry leaders about the direct impact of early education on business growth and sustainability.
🤝 Collaborative Solutions: Explore ways to collaborate with local educational institutions to support community growth and business success.
🔗 Engage with Experts: Connect with educators, policymakers, and fellow business owners to discuss strategies for enhancing early childhood education.
Details:
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Title Sponsor - $10,000
Meal Sponsor - $3,000
Supporting Sponsor - $1,000
Table Sponsor - $500
Nicole Yezzi Community Engagement Coordinator | First Things First
Nicole Yezzi is a dedicated Community Engagement Coordinator for First Things First, where she has contributed for over nine years. A proud Arizona native, Nicole graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and Women's Studies. With a passion for supporting youth, she has built a career spanning more than two decades in non-profit and government sectors, consistently striving to make a positive impact in the community.
Dr. Jennifer Cruz Superintendent | Pendergast Elementary School District
Dr. Jennifer Cruz currently serves as Superintendent of the Pendergast Elementary School District. Her experiences are varied and include serving as a teacher, principal, Director of Innovation, adjunct professor, leadership consultant, assistant superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer. Serving students furthest from opportunity has always been an important focus of Jen’s career in education.
Lori German Deputy Director | City of Glendale Economic Development
Lori joined the City of Glendale in 2017 and currently serves as Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Development, where she leads the Economic Development, Tourism and communications divisions. With a background in marketing, communications, and a passion for purpose-driven work, Lori oversees business assistance, attraction, retention, and expansion efforts while promoting Glendale as a top destination for both business and leisure. A native of Puerto Rico and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Arizona State University, Lori has previously worked with global organizations such as Miss Universe and the American Heart Association, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Legal Studies at the University of Arizona.
Sintra Hoffman President and CEO | WESTMARC
Sintra Hoffman is the President and CEO of WESTMARC, representing the West Valley of Metro Phoenix, covering 15 communities and over 3,000 square miles with 1.9 million residents. With 25 years of experience in leadership across federal, state, local, and non-profit sectors, she excels at convening stakeholders to foster economic growth and enhance community life. Previously, she served as Assistant Division Director at the Arizona Department of Transportation and spent 10 years with the City of Surprise, focusing on policy development and economic sustainability.
Theresa Christensen Program Administrator | Bright Beginnings
Theresa Christensen of Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare brings over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, her career journey she started as young mom of 18. She is passionate about creating high-quality learning environments that foster children’s development, well-being, security and love of the world around them. With a diverse a background in clinical psychology and family counseling, she is dedicated to supporting both children, families and educators in building strong, thriving communities, through a love of our littlest learners.
+ more to come!
For additional information, please call the Glendale Chamber at 623-937-4754.
All event attendees by registering agree that their image and person may be photographed or videotaped as part of the audience. The Glendale Chamber reserves the right to use any images or video captured during its event for promotional purposes and marketing purposes.
Summary:
As a business leader, you're invited to join us for an exclusive event focused on understanding the crucial link between early childhood education and the future workforce. Presented by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, this forum will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities related to early childhood education and how they impact businesses of all sizes. Addressing this issue isn’t just about the future workforce—it’s an urgent economic imperative for today’s workforce and our prosperity now!
Key Takeaways:
🌟 Understand the Impact: Learn about the critical issues in early childhood education and how they influence the development of a future workforce.
🗣 Business Relevance: Hear from industry leaders about the direct impact of early education on business growth and sustainability.
🤝 Collaborative Solutions: Explore ways to collaborate with local educational institutions to support community growth and business success.
🔗 Engage with Experts: Connect with educators, policymakers, and fellow business owners to discuss strategies for enhancing early childhood education.
Details:
- Check-In & Workforce Fair: 7:00am - 7:30am
- Program: 7:30am - 9:30am
- Workforce Fair: 9:30am - 10:00am
- Member Pricing: $50 per ticket ($60 if bought after 5/14/25)
- Future Member Pricing: $60 per ticket ($70 if bought after 5/14/25)
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Title Sponsor - $10,000
- Company name in title of event
- Representative to speak 2-3 minutes at program
- Table of Eight
- Company logo featured on all event marketing
Meal Sponsor - $3,000
- Table of Eight
- Company logo featured on all event marketing
- Podium recognition
Supporting Sponsor - $1,000
- Four tickets
- Company logo featured on all event marketing
- Podium recognition
Table Sponsor - $500
- Table of Eight
- Recognition on the program
Nicole Yezzi Community Engagement Coordinator | First Things First
Nicole Yezzi is a dedicated Community Engagement Coordinator for First Things First, where she has contributed for over nine years. A proud Arizona native, Nicole graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and Women's Studies. With a passion for supporting youth, she has built a career spanning more than two decades in non-profit and government sectors, consistently striving to make a positive impact in the community.
Dr. Jennifer Cruz Superintendent | Pendergast Elementary School District
Dr. Jennifer Cruz currently serves as Superintendent of the Pendergast Elementary School District. Her experiences are varied and include serving as a teacher, principal, Director of Innovation, adjunct professor, leadership consultant, assistant superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer. Serving students furthest from opportunity has always been an important focus of Jen’s career in education.
Lori German Deputy Director | City of Glendale Economic Development
Lori joined the City of Glendale in 2017 and currently serves as Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Development, where she leads the Economic Development, Tourism and communications divisions. With a background in marketing, communications, and a passion for purpose-driven work, Lori oversees business assistance, attraction, retention, and expansion efforts while promoting Glendale as a top destination for both business and leisure. A native of Puerto Rico and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Arizona State University, Lori has previously worked with global organizations such as Miss Universe and the American Heart Association, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Legal Studies at the University of Arizona.
Sintra Hoffman President and CEO | WESTMARC
Sintra Hoffman is the President and CEO of WESTMARC, representing the West Valley of Metro Phoenix, covering 15 communities and over 3,000 square miles with 1.9 million residents. With 25 years of experience in leadership across federal, state, local, and non-profit sectors, she excels at convening stakeholders to foster economic growth and enhance community life. Previously, she served as Assistant Division Director at the Arizona Department of Transportation and spent 10 years with the City of Surprise, focusing on policy development and economic sustainability.
Theresa Christensen Program Administrator | Bright Beginnings
Theresa Christensen of Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare brings over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, her career journey she started as young mom of 18. She is passionate about creating high-quality learning environments that foster children’s development, well-being, security and love of the world around them. With a diverse a background in clinical psychology and family counseling, she is dedicated to supporting both children, families and educators in building strong, thriving communities, through a love of our littlest learners.
+ more to come!
For additional information, please call the Glendale Chamber at 623-937-4754.
All event attendees by registering agree that their image and person may be photographed or videotaped as part of the audience. The Glendale Chamber reserves the right to use any images or video captured during its event for promotional purposes and marketing purposes.