NOV/DEC 2021 | 66 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA KIESHA McFADDEN CHECKING IN WITH... ARE RATES ON THE RISE ??? Though rates may be on the rise, the Arizona purchase market is still HOT HOT HOT! Check out some of Arizona’s most affordable cities to live in. 1. TUCSON Home to the University of Arizona, much of Tucson’s economy revolves around the college itself, though several large companies have a presence there. 2. MESA Located about 20 miles east of Phoenix, Mesa is known for its coffee shops and parks. A number of large companies are located there as well. 3. PHOENIX The city has numerous performing arts venues, museums and restaurants, which are a draw for young professionals in particular. 4. TEMPE Located about 15 minutes from Phoenix, Tempe is home to many restaurants and parks. Several financial institutions with a presence in Tempe contribute to its economy. 5. SCOTTSDALE Another vibrant city known for its restaurants, bars and parks, Scottsdale is home to young professionals and retirees alike. Its economy is centered on tourism. LET’S LEND A HAND TO ARIZONA HELPING HANDS Arizona Helping Hands has made the holidays joyful for children throughout the state since 1998. Its mission is to provide essential needs for children in foster care through programs promoting safety, permanency and health. During the holidays, they donate toys, clothes and smiles to children in foster care. For more information on hosting a Holiday Toy Drive, email Lisa Herz at: lherz@azhelpinghands.org 16930 E. Palisades Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 NMLS #1467650 KIESHA MCFADDEN 480.252.9365 Kiesha@TolisMortgageUSA.com NMLS #198458

1 P.M. >> SERVICE RUNS IN THE FAMILY My involvement in the community stems from my parents, who were amazing. It is part of my nature and what I grew up with. I remember my mom serving as a neighborhood captain collecting change for the March of Dimes when I was little. She was involved with the United Way through her employer. We would talk about it during dinner because that’s just what you did. My dad and his former roommate in college served as volunteer leaders of the annual fundraising drive for the university. Right out of college, I was asked to serve on the ASU Alumni board and, strangely enough, I am now the paid person in charge. I was at least 15 years younger than others on the board, but I loved it and found it fascinating. My involvement throughout the years has included the local American Red Cross. I was appointed to the Red Cross National Board of Governors, where I assisted in fundraising for Hurricanes Katrina and Charley disaster relief efforts and the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation board. I currently volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona and serve on their National Council, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Arizona Business Leadership Association, Valley of the Sun United Way and the Japanese American National Museum based in Los Angeles. As we volunteer, we learn much more than we contribute. We learn about the organization, what they offer and how they help the community. We become a part of advancing their mission and spreading the word. 4:30 P.M. >> HAVING A BALL DURING THE HOLIDAYS In addition to celebrating all the holidays, sports are embedded in my life. My father was the last faculty at ASU who was also a coach. So, if you ask me what I do in my spare time, I am all about collegiate and secondary sports. I attend all the football and basketball games and have season tickets to baseball and softball. I provide oversight of the Sun Devil Athletic Board and served as interim athletic director three times. If there are speed channels on the TV, they would be to all the sports channels! December is the time for bowl games, and ASU hopes to be in one. While I would like to take a break between Christmas and New Year’s, that does not happen if we’re preparing for a bowl game. Each year, I host an open house on behalf of the alumni association board for board members, partners and friends. I love entertaining and decorate our house to the hilt over Thanksgiving weekend. Each ornament on our tree is special and has a story, whether it was something my sister or I made growing up or a gift from my grandparents or parents. My family, which includes five great-nieces, are always at our home for the holidays. Our tradition is to celebrate life, the holidays and people. To learn more, go to asu.edu . Whether she is speaking at the Legends Luncheon ( above left ) or celebrating with recent graduates ( above right ), Christine Kajikawa Wilkinson remains a dedicated ASU booster. OFFICE DOORS { valley changemakers } FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 67 | NOV/DEC 2021 Christine with her husband, Don Wilkinson, at the Great Wall of China.