“Dr. Robert Flinn was very innovative. And Irene Flinn was a lover of the arts,” McLeod said. “Everything we do is clearly directed toward our mission. Across all of our programs, we focus on creating leadership and convening conversations in order to cause something to happen that otherwise might not have.” Flinn Foundation serves the entire state. “Currently,” McLeod said, “a Flinn grant is assisting ASU’s Luminosity Lab to find novel ways to sanitize personal protective equipment. F.A.B.R.I.C. (the Fashion and Business Resource Innovation Center) in Tempe received another grant to make specialized hospital gowns. We also funded much of the testing currently being done for COVID, particularly in Native populations.” Their scholarship program was set up so that Arizona would retain the best and brightest students at its state universities. Because of its success, some of those students have gone on to be Rhodes and Fulbright scholars. And the Arizona Board of Regents counts two Flinn Scholars among its members. Likewise, their Center for Civic Leadership has produced many of the candidates running for public office this year. McLeod’s next project is focused on improving the continuity between their programs. “Why couldn’t Flinn scholars also become civic leaders?” she asks. “Why couldn’t civic leaders participate in a program with bioscience? I think moving horizontally between our programs has lots of exciting opportunities.” Through its programs, the Flinn Foundation aims to advance the state’s bioscience sector, provide a top-notch education to high-achieving students at an Arizona public university, boost the fiscal and creative capacity of the state’s arts and culture organizations, and develop future state-level civic leaders. NOV/DEC 2020 | 20 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA

Judy Pearson | CONTRIBUTING WRITER There are several reasons why the Flinn Foundation is unique among Arizona’s many esteemed foundations. Some of the most noticeable are found in its list of core values: candor, trust, innovation, empathy and fun. Trust and innovation are common values, but the other three stand out and beg the question, why? “Candor because it’s important to get to the point, whether that’s making a statement or pursuing a goal,” McLeod said. “Empathy because giving grants is one thing, but we don’t just want to pass out money. We want to work with grantees to understand them and fill a need that will really help advance something, striving to do it through a lens of equity. And fun? Who doesn’t want to have fun!” Their COVID Zoom staff meetings have featured themes that put fun in the spotlight. Bringing a picture of their pet (or putting that pet on camera), wearing a funny hat, sharing a much-loved artifact in their home, or showing pictures from summer vacations — each of these has been a great way to de-stress and remember the importance of laughter. Fun seems to be a recurring theme for McLeod, not just during challenging times, but any time. Going back to that lunch with her friend, now nearly five years ago, she recalled the ingredients for whatever her next step might be. She didn’t want to leave APS just for the sake of leaving; she loved her job. “I wanted something on my horizon that would meet my needs and objectives,” she said. “And be a lot of fun!” It appears that mission has been accomplished. To learn more about the Flinn Foundation, go to flinn.org . SHE CAN’T FIGHT ABUSE. BUT WE CAN. YOUR TAX DOLLARS CAN SAVE LIVES. Abuse and neglect are all too real in Arizona. But this tax season, you can help. Take advantage of the Arizona Income Tax Credit for Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organizations. YOU CAN SAVE UP TO $1,000. HERE’S HOW: 1. DONATE at GenJustice.org/donate or text “GenJustice” to 41444. 2. CLAIM the tax credit on Form 352 with GenJustice Qualifying Number 10053. Want to make an impact? Scan this QR code to donate. Half Page Vertical: 3.625” w x 10.25” h, no bleed