Creating Future Leaders

In this episode, Jeff Leonard shares the rich history of Immaculate Conception Catholic School's humble beginnings in a farm house to its current location and growth from 10 students to 200.  Leveraging tax credit scholarships, forming relationships, and telling success stories helps the message of Catholic education reach families in Cottonwood and nearby communities.  Tony and Nancy discuss the importance of healthy culture to the strength of an organization.  Nancy, Jeff and Tony reflect on the recent corporate event that was held at Immaculate Conception to spread the word about the corporate tax credit program and how local businesses can support the school through taxes they already have to pay.  Jeff talks about the importance of the individual tax credit and how it has been promoted throughout the years to support IC families and his hopes for more corporate partners to help fund tuition for even more families.  To learn more about Immaculate Conception Catholic School and efforts to raise awareness of the corporate tax credit, check out this podcast.  

In this episode, Creating Future Leaders and The Bishop's Hour collaborate for a spirited conversation about the way Catholic education has impacted the lives of families and society as well as the four unique tax credit programs that allow families to receive assistance to pay for private education in the state of Arizona.  Jennifer and Andrea share their experiences as parents and people of faith.  Deb talks about the individual tax credit process and its impact as well as the corporate tax credit program that makes Catholic education possible for any family that seeks it for their children.  In this conversation the why, how, and what of both Catholic education and tax credits are covered.  As a collaboration podcast, all hosts share their appreciation for partnership with our Catholic affiliates and reveal some new projects coming up this fall.  To learn more, check out this podcast!

In CFL's 30th episode, Amy Pfeifer and Nancy Padberg discuss the impact of educational service organizations on the lives of individuals and communities.  Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona partners with Catholic Education Arizona to provide tax credit scholarships for students in the program that attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.  Amy shares success stories of current students and program graduates.   Students served by Boys Hope Girls Hope can enter the program as early as 6th grade and remain supported until college graduation.  Many Boys Hope Girls Hope students are first generation college students and, through their experience with BHGH, learn the value of service and community.  Catholic Education Arizona and Boys Hope Girls Hope share a common mission in serving the underserved and making quality, private education possible for students who might not have otherwise had the opportunity.   Learn the history of Boys Hope Girls Hope and how their partnership with CEA doubles the impact, changes lives, and creates future leaders together.

Josh Ruggiero wasn't always a Catholic school supporter.  However, after marrying a former Catholic school teacher, taking over the family business, and having a family, he had a change of heart.  In this episode, Josh Ruggiero shares why he, as his uncle did before him, chooses to partner with Catholic Education Arizona for the Corporate Low Income Tax Credit Program to create scholarships for families that seek a faith-based education for their children.  Despite a strong loyalty to his public school upbringing, Ruggiero explains why he chooses Catholic education for his own children and acknowledges the the financial sacrifice families make when they choose Catholic schools.  In Arizona, thanks to tax credit scholarships, Catholic education can be a reality for all families, despite their economic situation.  Josh and Colleen discuss the ease of partnership for corporations, the benefits to businesses that participate, and how CEA and its contributors create future leaders one scholarship at a time.

In this episode, Monica Villalobos and Nancy Padberg discuss the ways both AZHCC and Catholic Education Arizona work to change the future of Arizona by supporting the current and future workforces in different ways and making the needs of the community a priority.  The Arizona Hispanic Chamber looks out for the interests of small but mighty (and sometimes vulnerable) businesses that are owned by or largely serve minority constituents.   Through a common mission and value—supporting quality education for all people—AZHCC and CEA find common ground.  Monica shares insights on the way AZHCC partners with other organizations such as Helios Education Foundation to support educational initiatives in Arizona as well.  To learn more about they ways CEA and AZHCC have joined forces toward a common mission, check out this episode.

Dan Salter and Nancy Padberg, MBA discuss Dignity Memorial as a foundational piece of the communities in Phoenix and as a national company.  Dignity Memorial is a corporate partner with Catholic Education Arizona that supports Boys Hope Girls Hope through CEA’s corporate tax credit program.  Dan speaks to the importance of Boys Hope Girls Hope as an organization that provides hope and opportunity to children who may not have otherwise been able to attend Catholic schools and change the trajectory of their future.  Dan regards Catholic education as the Gold Standard of private education and is proud to be a partner with CEA and a supporter of BHGH.  Dan and Nancy also address the ease and the benefits for corporations that choose to direct their state tax dollars to scholarships for students.  To learn more about corporate partnership with CEA, check out this podcast.

D.J. Cole shares his experiences as a tax credit contributor as an individual and corporate partner, parent of Catholic school children, a Catholic school graduate, and CEA board member with CEA’s President & CEO, Nancy Padberg.  As a corporate partner whose company’s core values align with CEA’s, it makes sense for CCMC to use its tax liability to directly impact the lives of families and give children a chance at a high-quality, Christ centered education.  D.J. talks with Nancy about the progress CEA has made throughout the years and since the corporate tax credit came into existence in 2006.  With the impact that the corporate scholarships make, even more students can experience Catholic school, become service-oriented leaders, and become prepared to make an impact on the world in significant ways, thanks to CEA and their contributors. 

Brad Anderson discusses Cigna’s corporate philosophies regarding the care of the whole person and meeting the needs of customers and employees during the pandemic.  Cigna created resources to help people navigate questions and conflicting information to provide peace of mind and guidance amidst uncertainty in the media and medical community.  Mitigating fear by providing information and support is something that makes Cigna and Brad proud.  Nancy and Brad talk about the values alignment between CEA and Cigna that creates a natural and trusting partnership.  While tax credits are the basis of the alliance between CEA and Cigna, it is the belief in serving the community and care of the whole person that connects the two companies.  Brad shares the importance of trusting the values of the tax credit organization a company chooses as a partner and recommends research before choosing one’s school tuition organization partner.  To learn more about Cigna’s impact on the community, CEA’s mission, and corporate tax credits that create future leaders, check out this podcast.  

In episode 24, Tim Klei shares with Colleen the commitment that his company, Allied Group Sales, has made to the community.  Part of AGS’s “Beyond Business” initiative includes participation in community service and partnership with Catholic Education Arizona.  Tim is a leader who believes in service to the community through his business, which is why it is an easy decision for him to partner with CEA for Corporate Low Income Tax Credit scholarships for children.  He knows first hand the sacrifice, but also the benefits, of sending his own children to Catholic schools.  It is important to him to help other families be able to access and afford faith-based education for their children.  Tim shares his perspective on the ease of becoming a corporate partner and why other businesses who are looking for ways to support their communities should consider corporate tax credit programs as well. 

In episode 23, Kim Kirschner and Deb Preach talk about Individual, Corporate, and Disabled/Displaced Scholarships through The Institute for Better Education (IBE) and Catholic Education Arizona that make Catholic education in Arizona available, accessible, and affordable for any family.  This conversation clarifies how CEA and IBE combine efforts to help families keep contributions focused on children and families while staying within the bounds of the law. Both Kim and Deb have vast experience with the Private Education Tax Credit, from parental perspectives to legislation to working directly with applicants, and running an STO, which makes this conversation  informative and insightful.  Kim shares her passion for school choice and helping families find the education that is most appropriate for their child.  The chemistry and natural friendship between Kim and Deb shines through in this podcast.  Learn how IBE and CEA work together to support families and create future leaders.