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A December Thought on Gratitude & Becoming
This year taught me that becoming isn’t about speed — it’s about intention, clarity, and the lessons that shaped us quietly.
2 min read


Valleywise Health
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.
3 min read


one·n·ten
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.
4 min read


The Power to Live Well
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.
4 min read


Navigating the SNAP Pause:
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.
2 min read


The Heart of Progress
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.
3 min read


Arizona Latin-American Medical Association (ALMA)
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.
4 min read


Restoring the Heart of Health
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.
2 min read


Love in Action
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.
3 min read


A Street Covered in Compassion
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.
3 min read


Christopher Rodriguez
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
5 min read


The Radical Power of Doing What You Love
“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....
2 min read


“The Biggest Lie in Media…Exposure Doesn’t Pay the Bills”
Here’s what happened: When we launched Community Icons , we were told the same thing every publisher hears: “Just grow your audience. If...
2 min read


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


Lessons from the 90+ Generation
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.
3 min read


Eira Rodriguez
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
3 min read


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


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


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


Richard Crews
From Possibility to Leadership Richard Crews is the kind of leader whose roots stretch across boroughs and deserts, from the bold hum of New York City to the sweeping sky of Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Queens and raised under the Arizona sun, Richard grew up straddling two worlds, one steeped in relentless drive and cultural rhythm, and the other in search of its identity. That duality didn’t just shape his worldview. It became his blueprint. "New York never leaves you," he say
3 min read
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