Stories

Imagine building a company not by being the loudest in the room, but by listening most deeply. For nearly three decades, Jonathan Keyser has led with a belief that challenges convention: success does not require ruthlessness. Shaped by family, guided by conscience, and grounded in service, his leadership reflects a quiet discipline—one that prioritizes people, integrity, and lasting impact over recognition or force.

This year taught me that becoming isn’t about speed — it’s about intention, clarity, and the lessons that shaped us quietly.

At the Diane and Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center, healing goes far beyond medicine. Guided by Dr. Kevin Foster, Valleywise Health offers compassionate care that restores lives, families, and hope. From prevention to recovery, every act of healing becomes a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring power of humanity.

For nearly three decades, one·n·ten has opened doors of hope for Arizona’s youth, creating spaces where belonging leads to confidence and connection. Through mentorship, leadership, and community, they remind us that when young people are supported, they don’t just find direction—they discover who they’re meant to be.

The Davis Phinney Foundation is redefining what it means to live well with Parkinson’s. Founded by Olympic cyclist Davis Phinney and his wife Connie, the Foundation empowers individuals and families through education, community, and hope. From mentorship programs to groundbreaking bilingual resources, their mission is clear—to help people everywhere find strength, purpose, and joy in every day.

The USDA has announced it cannot guarantee November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing shutdown, leaving millions uncertain about how to put food on the table. Community Icons Magazine is sharing trusted resources and clear next steps to help families stay prepared. From national hotlines to support for Arizona food banks, this guide is about solutions, not fear —because no one should face hunger alone.

At the heart of Arizona’s economic growth stands the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a force that empowers entrepreneurs, shapes opportunity, and builds legacy. Through advocacy, data, and connection, the Chamber continues to redefine progress, turning possibility into prosperity for communities across the state.

For more than 30 years, the Arizona Latin-American Medical Association has empowered future healthcare leaders through education, mentorship, and compassion. From free community health fairs to scholarships that change lives, ALMA continues to light a path toward equity, access, and a more inclusive future in healthcare across Arizona.

In Arizona, a person’s zip code can still determine how long they live. Equality Health Foundation is changing that reality by building bridges of compassion, connection, and equity. Through data-driven tools and heartfelt community partnerships, the foundation is redefining what it means to care; one neighborhood, one family, and one act of humanity at a time.

For more than four decades, Duet: Partners in Health & Aging has embodied what it means to serve with heart, transforming lives through compassion, dignity, and hope. Founded on the simple idea of one person helping another, Duet continues to remind us that love, when put into action, has the power to restore connection, purpose, and humanity for us all.

What began as one man’s simple act of kindness has become a movement of dignity and hope. Through his mobile shower and laundry trailers, Robert Thornton and Cloud Covered Streets are proving that sometimes the smallest gestures, clean clothes, a warm smile, and a kind word can change a life forever.

Watch Christopher's storytelling feature and discover the heart behind Ability360. Leading with Purpose. Living with Heart. For Christopher Rodriguez, advocacy is more than a profession; it’s personal. It’s the quiet echo of a childhood shaped by love, perseverance, and the lessons learned from his brother, T.J., who has intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before Christopher ever led a team, directed a policy, or shaped a national conversation, he was a younger broth

“Do what you love.” It’s advice we’ve all heard. It's tossed around like a shortcut to happiness, but rarely do people discuss the cost. Doing what you love is not easy. It will test you. It will take your late nights, your weekends, and every ounce of energy you think you have. And yet, if it’s truly what you love, you’ll keep coming back to it. For me, that love is Community Icons . On the surface, it appears to be a publication. But to me, it’s something much deeper. It’s

Here’s what happened: When we launched Community Icons , we were told the same thing every publisher hears: “Just grow your audience. If you hit big numbers, the advertisers will come.” On the surface, it sounds logical. More followers. More clicks. More eyeballs. Surely that equals more revenue, right? But we quickly saw the flaw in that formula. Chasing mass reach might inflate metrics, but it doesn’t build meaningful relationships. It doesn’t earn trust. And it certainly d

Sometimes, healing begins with a single stitch. For one retired accountant, turning to her hands and heart helped her knit her way out of...

In Laguna Woods, California, a quiet revolution in aging is unfolding. Backed by decades of research and captured by 60 Minutes, the 90+ Study reveals what it truly means to thrive in our later years, not through perfection, but through purpose, connection, and resilience. These Icons remind us that longevity isn’t just about living longer, it’s about living deeply, with intention and grace.

A Life Teaching, Leading, and Believing Eira Rodriguez didn’t just teach math; she shaped futures, nurtured confidence, and poured heart into every equation. For over 30 years, she brought numbers to life for thousands of students, proving that mathematics isn’t just about correct answers; it’s about perseverance, self-belief, and seeing possibilities where others see limits. Born in Cananea, Sonora, and arriving in Phoenix just before turning four, Eira’s early experience in

Precision, Compassion, and Community Before he ever wore a white coat or picked up a scalpel, Dr. Brandon Fornwalt stood in the halls of...

A Mother's Fight, A Miracle Born When Karly Walter discovered she was pregnant in June 2023, she imagined a journey filled with...

The Quiet Strength of Caregiving Scott Drysdale never expected to become a full-time caregiver, but love has a way of reshaping every...