Guiding Growth

2024 CANDIDATE EDITION

With a dynamic career spanning over two decades in the energy, water, and infrastructure sectors, I currently lead as a Senior Engineer within the Electric Vehicle (EV) group at Salt River Project (SRP). At the forefront of SRP's managed charging initiatives, my role is crucial in shaping the future of electric vehicle integration. My work is driven by a passion for innovation and sustainability, evidenced by significant achievements, including being named in the Phoenix Business Journal's 2018 40 under 40 for my impactful leadership and my involvement as a member of the 2023 class of the Flinn-Brown Fellowship through the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.

My professional journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure development complexities. As a registered Professional Engineer, Certified Energy Manager, and Certified Demand Side Manager, I specialize in leading complex projects to fruition. My approach combines advanced business analytics and systems engineering principles to address the pressing challenges of energy and water resource management. Outside of SRP, I contribute my expertise as the Chairman of the Planning Commission for Gilbert, Arizona, guiding urban planning and community development towards sustainability. Furthermore, as the Founder and former President of Nexus Integrated Solutions, I played a pivotal role in establishing the firm as a leader in sustainability solutions in Arizona. My transition to a private investor and shareholder status allows me to focus on strategic projects at SRP and continue my extensive civic engagement, reflecting my unwavering dedication to making a lasting impact on the community and the environment.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

2024 CANDIDATE EDITION

Scott Anderson, a dedicated Gilbert resident of over 30 years. Since settling in 1988 with his wife EJ Anderson and their five children, Scott has been deeply involved in town affairs. As the visionary behind the Gilbert Riparian Preserves, he is steadfast in his commitment to preserving Gilbert's status as a nationally acclaimed community and a top-tier destination in Arizona.

With three decades of experience in local governance, Scott brings a wealth of expertise in land use, city planning, sustainability, and essential municipal processes. His track record is adorned with accolades for his innovative projects and programs, demonstrating his ability to lead with creativity and efficiency. 

Scott holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography and International Relations from Brigham Young University, along with a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. Trust in Scott Anderson to continue shaping Gilbert's future with his unwavering dedication and proven leadership.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

2024 CANDIDATE EDITION

Kenny Buckland has spent the last 40 years refining his leadership skills. He began as a teenager managing the family business, progressed to become the second in command of a large police department, became a leader in long-range surveillance technology focusing on protecting our borders, and served as a global crisis manager. Currently, he serves as the senior director of sales in a second chance company, driven by purpose and duty as his North Star. Kenny firmly believes that leadership is the cornerstone of success. With a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Kenny is well-equipped for his roles. He is a graduate of both the FBI National Academy Command College and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Kenny holds a third-degree black belt in Judo and has dedicated many years to coaching youth and adults in martial arts.

Kenny’s wife of 10 years is also a public servant, currently serving as the Chief Deputy to the Maricopa County Assessor. Together, they have a blended family of five adult children, including one in neurosurgery, two serving our country in the United States Air Force, and two currently pursuing higher education. They also cherish time with their two grandchildren, making the most of every opportunity to be together despite their family being spread across the nation and world.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Pearlette J. Ramos, Ph.D., J.D. is a lawyer, transformational leader, social justice advocate, and entrepreneur with more than 25 years’ experience in activism, change and strategic management, and DEI consultation.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio and raised in the housing projects, Pearlette’s childhood home was poverty- stricken and riddled with substance abuse, domestic abuse and untreated mental illness. Due to the trauma, she fled her parents’ home when she was 15 years old. Within twelve months she was pregnant, married and a high school dropout. During her 20s, she struggled as a single mom who worked three jobs at a time just to make ends meet. These challenges prompted her to attend college-then law school school—where she dreamt of changing the laws and systems that disproportionately impacted women and children.

Dr. Ramos serves as the senior director for the Office of Justice and Civil Rights for the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, the largest state agency with more than 17,000 employees serving approximately 2 million clients. She also leads Pearlette Ramos LLC as well as Sisters Talk About Race, an Arizona nonprofit she co-founded, which is committed to connecting, educating, and activating women to end systemic racism and ensure justice. She is committed to breaking cycles of poverty, advocating for justice and strengthening the health and vitality of communities.

Dr. Ramos is producing her first social impact film, Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, which explores the life stories of three women of color who collectively overcame poverty, abuse, systemic racism, and political occupation as they brave their biggest physical obstacle yet—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The documentary uses the imposing Mt. Kilimanjaro as both a physical structure and metaphor for conquering battles that seem insurmountable --like overcoming trauma, ending violence, and ensuring justice.

See https://threeextraordinarywomen.com

After graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Law (1995), Dr. Ramos practiced law as a civil litigator prior to attending Saybrook University where she earned a doctorate degree in psychology. Her dissertation, Well-Being: A Study of Attorney Believes, Attitudes, and Perceptions (2012), takes a critical look at the factors that influence well-being among Arizona lawyers. When she isn’t cherishing time spent with her two adult daughters, Dr. Ramos contributes her talents to various community organizations including serving as the president of the Arizona Black Bar, vice chairperson of OneAZ Credit Union, and member of the Avondale Neighborhood and Family Services Commission, Arizona Lawyers for Equal Justice, State Bar of Arizona’s Council on Minorities and Women in the Law, Phoenix Rotary 100, and the Arizona Center for Civil Leadership (Flinn Brown).

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Sharon Kotsonas is very active in her town of Gilbert, AZ where she is considered a social entrepreneur and a community leader. In 2019 Sharon launched her nonprofit, Weekly Collective Volunteers Inc., which provides various support services to people facing economic adversity, physical and mental health challenges, or other obstacles. Her initiative aims to make people seen, heard, and supported.

Sharon is affectionally referred to as a love evangelist and a servant leader, amongst her faith-based community and her close friends. She genuinely cares for the well-being of others and supports programs that promote emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. Sharon is engaged in the Town of Gilbert Behavioral Health Coalition, as well as For Our Town of Gilbert, to mention a few of the organizations she continuously invests her time and resources. Her dedication to helping others find healing and hope has led her to facilitate support groups for Hurting Moms and Grieving Moms.

In 2015 Sharon lost her 23-year-old son, Nicholas, to a drug overdose. Her faith, family and friends have been the main support through her healing journey. “Investing in the health and happiness of others around me brings me joy, encouragement, and purpose.”

Most recently, Sharon accepted an invitation from the National Latinas Professional Association to join their Mental Health Awareness Week National Steering Committee. Sharon looks to collaborate with them to raise awareness, advocate for change, and champion mental health awareness among Latinas. “My hope is that my unique experiences and perspective would help shine a light on mental health awareness for Latinas nationwide.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Damir Ljubovic grew up in Bosnia and Saraeeayvo and moved to America in 1995 as a refugee of the Civil War. Starting over in America, he moved to Arizona in 2002 and, in 2014, chased the American dream by starting his own business alongside his wife while raising three children. 365 Mechanical has been in business for ten years, helping commercial and residential customers with their HVAC needs. Our main mission is to provide customers with facts related to issues they face so that they can make intelligent decisions about their new purchases.

Today, Damir continues to operate 365 Mechanical, but considers the success of his children to be his greatest accomplishment.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Ellen Marrs, a three-time Boston Marathon finisher and mother of seven, is a seasoned entrepreneur, renowned author, record-breaking fundraiser, and sought-after speaker. Her journey reflects a life dedicated to setting and achieving audacious goals, a commitment exemplified by accomplishments such as running the Boston Marathon thrice, balancing life with a family of nine while traveling the United States full-time, and publishing inspiring works that motivate and compel others to pursue a life filled with dreams come true. Now, her favorite accomplishment is having a small role in the success of her clients and fellow goal getters.

As the founder of Goal Getters Global, Ellen leads a thriving online training community and membership that empowers individuals, non-profits, and businesses to transform from distracted and discouraged goal setters into focused and fearless goal GETTERS. Noteworthy success stories from her community range from remarkable weight loss achievements to unprecedented business growth and recognition, demonstrating Ellen's ability to guide others toward realizing their biggest aspirations.

Ellen's impactful coaching has propelled numerous clients to professional triumphs, evidenced by testimonials in various domains, including weight loss, fitness challenges, and financial freedom. Her core philosophy, encapsulated in "acceleration through appreciation, " resonates through her signature class, "Gratitude: The Missing Link," emphasizing the power of gratitude in fostering relationships and achieving goals.

Recognized for her achievements, Ellen has been featured on esteemed platforms such as FOX 10 TV, the Boston Athletic Association, Boston University News Service, Voyage Phoenix, KPRL Radio, and Networking Times magazine. As a motivational speaker and mentor, she captivates audiences with her compelling journey, inspiring them to overcome challenges, pursue dreams, and achieve goals with unwavering passion.

Ellen's commitment to philanthropy is evident through her record-breaking fundraising for organizations like the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation and the 261 Fearless non-profit. Her upcoming book chronicles her remarkable six-year journey to conquer the prestigious Boston Marathon, providing further insight into her tenacity and resilience.

In her pursuit of life's goals, Ellen doesn't just set benchmarks; she sets and achieves audacious milestones, leaving an indelible mark on those she touches. Connect with Ellen to unlock your potential and join the global community of fearless goal GETTERS.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

A native of Gilbert - who was born to a native of Gilbert - this guest has both roots and recognition in the Town as the third son of Marvin and June Morrison. Alongside his siblings and cousins, he has actively engaged in the development of the master-planned community known as Morrison Ranch. With a Masters in Theology and a Doctorate in Ministry, he considers his Christian faith to be the most formative aspect of his life, and his service to community is testament to his priorities. He has served on many Advisory Councils and Boards, including Gilbert Talks, East Valley Partnership, Dignity Health, and Gilbert Leadership - he is a graduate of Class 3. But he considers being a husband and father of three the greatest privilege of his life.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Tiffany Shultz is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and a strong commitment to her community. A proud graduate of Arizona State University, Tiffany has called Arizona home throughout her life. Her journey began in broadcast journalism before transitioning to a successful career in public relations.

Tiffany's professional trajectory took an exciting turn as she shifted her focus to organizing large-scale festivals, showcasing her versatility and ability to manage diverse events. Notable among these festivals are "Bacon Blues and Brews" and "Vintage & Vino," where she likely demonstrated her skills in event planning and coordination. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tiffany is a dedicated wife and mother. Married for sixteen years, she and her family have been residents of Gilbert since 2007. This commitment to her community extends beyond her personal life into her professional endeavors.

Tiffany is the proud owner of "Sip & Shop," a business that has flourished under her leadership for three years. What began as a popup at SanTan Village Mall has now expanded to two stores, with plans for a third location. This growth is a testament to Tiffany's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.

Beyond her role as a business owner, Tiffany actively contributes to the community in various capacities. She serves as the president of the Higley School Board, highlighting her commitment to education and community development. Additionally, Tiffany is involved with the Gilbert Leadership Board and is a Gilbert Leadership Class 29 graduate, showcasing her dedication to fostering leadership and growth within the community.

Recognized for her achievements, Tiffany was named in 2016 by the Arizona Republic as one of the "Top 35 Under 35." This accolade underscores her significant impact and leadership within her community. Tiffany is excited about her continued involvement in the Gilbert community. Her multifaceted roles, professionally and within community organizations, reflect her passion for making a positive impact and contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Gilbert.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

This podcast recording includes subject matter regarding acts against children that some may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Dania Blanco founded Cosmiix Artistry in 2010. She was still working full-time as an investigator for the Town of Gilbert and raising three kids. Her artistic career started out in the film industry, working on commercials and editorial shoots during any free time she had. In 2014, she resigned from her position at the Gilbert Police Department after almost 19 years of service to pursue her dreams full-time. Dania focused more on bridal makeup, eyelash extensions, and permanent makeup, slowly enriching her skills. Since taking that risk, she has grown her business far beyond what she could have ever imagined. In August of 2022, Dania opened her storefront in Gilbert, Cosmiix Beauty Labs.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy