Aly Plaza is a powerful advocate for students and families who has turned past challenges into purpose. She is the founder of Desert Heat Elite, an elite cheer program based out of Dancers Workshop that goes far beyond athletics, helping students build discipline, confidence and pathways to college. Aly is also bringing an exclusive, invitation-only cheer camp to Yuma this summer featuring a special guest from a popular Netflix series. We’re diving into youth development, education, family support, college opportunities through cheer and how showing up for young people can change lives.

Elevate Southwest President and CEO Jerry Cabrera and Entrepreneurship & Innovation Coordinator Aaron Ruiz join us in the studio. Aaron Ruiz is the driving force behind Elevate Southwest and one of the leaders helping ignite STEM education and innovation in Yuma County. Through initiatives like AZ Tech Week, Aaron is working to connect students, entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations to real-world opportunities in technology, workforce development and education. With events happening the week of April 7th, we’re talking AZ Tech Week, community-led innovation, youth exposure to STEM careers, pitch events, tours, hands-on experiences and why it takes the entire community to build the future of Yuma.

Courtney Fisher Sellers is a business owner, mom of four adult children and the heart behind Desert Buzz Café, Border Grinds, Pueblo Pizza and FNL in San Luis. Beyond business, Courtney is open about mental health, vulnerability and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Her story centers on healing, compassion and connection, and using her voice to remind others they are seen, they matter and they don’t have to walk alone. We’re diving into mental health, resilience, leadership and leading with honesty.

Born in Ventura and raised in Yuma, Isaac Liggett is the owner of Liggett Electrical Services and Vice President of the Yuma Southwest Contractors Association. From growing up with a single mom working multiple jobs, navigating continuation school, and working multiple jobs as a teenager, he found direction through the trades. Isaac entered the IBEW apprenticeship, built real skills, started his own company in 2014 and now focuses on opening doors for youth through hands-on career and trades opportunities. We’re talking work ethic, second chances, entrepreneurship and why the trades can change lives.

Emily Marasso is a mom, fire wife, business owner, and creative entrepreneur originally from Southern California and now based in Arizona. She owns Leaf and Lash Studio, specializes in lash extensions, and works in marketing and media helping brands tell stories that actually connect. Emily is big on creativity, community, and mental health, and she brings a real, grounded perspective on balancing business, family, and self-care. We’re diving into entrepreneurship, authentic marketing, mental health, and building a life that leaves room for creativity and connection.

Thomas Strausbaugh is the pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Yuma, known for teaching the Bible in a clear, practical way that connects with everyday life. Beyond the church, Thomas runs Honest Abe Coins and works in estate sales, buying and selling coins, collectibles, and precious metals. Through that work, he’s built relationships across the community and gained a unique perspective on Yuma’s history, people, and stories. We’re talking coin collecting, what to look for, how prices rise and fall, market trends, and some of the most interesting things people bring through the door.

Myriah Farrar is the founder of Dancers Workshop of Yuma, which she opened in 2006 with grit, heart, and a vision that started small and grew into one of Yuma’s leading dance and gymnastics programs. Her leadership has helped shape confident, disciplined, and driven young performers (JAMS) across the community.Alli Bohner is the Director of the DAZZLERS Acrobatics and Tumbling Program, leading nationally ranked teams currently sitting 1st and 2nd in the nation. A Yuma native and longtime coach, Alli brings structure, purpose, and heart into everything she does.

Carol Smith is a Yuma native, registered nurse, and Yuma City Council Member with nearly 12 years of experience caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Her work in healthcare, education, and public service gives her a unique, grounded perspective on public safety, wellbeing, and the future of Yuma. She is proud to be part of the City of Yuma's first Youth Government Program.

Mrs. Ruby Ramirez is the owner of Bake It Good (formerly Ruby's Sweets) in Yuma. As a young girl, she was inspired to cook by her mother and Food Network shows like Cake Boss. Now, she bakes for her family, friends, and community. Ruby brought us Valentine's treats. She also brought her husband—her taste-tester and greatest supporter— with her. He is the owner of Whack Shack, Yuma's first mobile golf simulator rental.

Tom Hurt is the Yuma County School Superintendent and a longtime educator whose career has spanned decades in classrooms, campuses, and district leadership. From serving as a principal at Vista High School to helping shape academic systems across multiple school districts, Tom has focused on one thing throughout his career: improving how schools serve students. In today’s conversation, we’re talking about academic leadership, his time at Vista High School, and the implementation of block scheduling — why it mattered, what problems it was designed to solve, and how changing the structure of the school day can impact student engagement and learning. We’re also diving into his current role as superintendent and the challenges and opportunities facing schools across Yuma County.