Stories

“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...

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

Guided by Grace, Grounded in Loving Service For nearly five decades, Sister Margaret Mary McBride, RSM, has been the living embodiment of mercy, compassion, and servant leadership within the halls of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Her story is not just one of religious vocation or career progression; it is a testament to what it means to show up, every single day, for those in need. Sister Margaret’s journey began in the Bay Area with the Sisters of Mercy, where sh

A Legacy of Leadership, Equity, and Community For over three decades, Elizabeth McNamee has stood at the intersection of healthcare, community, and systems change, quietly shaping the future of public health in Arizona and beyond. Her work has never been about recognition or accolades. Instead, it has always been about impact. Elizabeth began her journey to practice medicine, but during her early studies, she discovered something even more powerful: public health. She quickly

Transforming Care through Heart, Hope, and Humanity For decades, Marisue Garganta has been a quiet force of change, linking healthcare systems to the very heart of the communities they serve. Her story isn’t one of climbing the corporate ladder for prestige. It’s one of purpose. One that began at home, where she supported her visually impaired mother, unknowingly preparing for a lifetime of service centered on empathy, resilience, and connection. Marisue describes herself as

A Life of Purpose, Faith, and Unwavering Service Some are born to follow a path. Others, like Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz de Valdez, are born to create one. As a proud member of what she calls the “generation of change,”  Dr. Ortiz de Valdez courageously pursued a career in medicine when only a third of medical students at the University of Guadalajara were women. Armed with conviction, faith, and grit, she not only became a doctor but a relentless advocate for health equity in Arizo

Leading with Compassion, Living with Purpose For over three decades, Anna Alonzo has been a guiding light in Arizona’s public and community health landscape, championing equity and compassion for those most often overlooked. But long before she was mentoring future leaders or chairing the University of Arizona Cancer Center Community Advisory Board, Anna was a young girl shaped by the legacy of service that pulsed through her family. Raised by a father who was a lifelong educ

Did you know volunteering just two hours a week can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve your mood? Backed by research from Harvard and the NIH, this simple act of service can lead to big health benefits. Discover how small actions can lead to lasting impact—starting with you.

Dora Basaca is a photographer whose passion goes beyond simply taking photos; she captures moments that become stories, memories, and...

Clayton Davenport’s inspiring journey from finance to nonprofit leadership is a testament to the power of following one’s heart. Driven by a passion to empower LGBTQ+ youth, he transitioned into the nonprofit world, dedicating himself to building supportive, inclusive communities. Clayton’s work fosters safety, acceptance, and growth for young people, inspiring them to live authentically. His commitment reminds us that true leadership comes from serving others with compassion

This feature explores the real impact of programs supporting minority-owned businesses, told by those leading the work and those living it.

Dr. James Goldman is not just a highly skilled Ophthalmology Surgeon—he is a true healer whose dedication goes beyond the operating room....

Phoenix is no stranger to the impacts of climate change. As one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the U.S., it faces unique...