but sees a lot of road ahead until we are a truly inclusive community. “When real data and numbers and percentages are shown about how our state is made in terms of cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, lifestyle and races, you would think that Arizona is a melting pot,” he said. “In reality, the melting pot is simply a bowl that’s never been mixed.” Another unique perspective comes from Mesha Davis, an African-American woman who is CEO of the Arizona Foundation for Women and has worked closely with the LGBTQ community as well. “As far as becoming more diverse, for African Americans, the scale teeters,” she said. “I have encountered many African Americans who move to Arizona but leave within six months to a year. When I asked them why they left, or are leaving, they share that they didn’t feel connected to Arizona and those living here, or it was a culture shock due to the lack of seeing other African Americans and ethnic cultures.” But Davis said she has enjoyed some wonderful experiences when it comes to diversity and inclusion in Arizona — despite the trepidation of some about our state’s growth in general. There has been some progress — it’s a process, De las salas said. “Slowly, we have seen the Hispanic community (those who speak Spanish), Latinos (those from Latin America), Native Americans, African Americans, Asians, gay and lesbian people, disabled individuals, veterans, single mothers and many others taking a prominent seat at the tables at which conversations and discussions about their own home are happening,” De las salas said. “All sorts of dialogue, conversations and action-producing meetings are happening Mesha Davis, CEO of Arizona Foundation for Women ( right ), works to advance the status of all Arizonans. She is shown here with Kim Hartmann (board chair of Arizona Foundation for Women), Marilyn Seymann (founder of the organization) and Dr. Ken Snyder (dental director of St. Vincent de Paul). 30 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | SEPTEMBER 2018

here in the place where they live to help participate in the future of our ‘home.’” Davis said she believes that people from diverse backgrounds are finding their own communities in our state — she mentioned the LGBTQ community and women in our state as examples — but the communities could benefit from more interaction. “Arizona still has a way to go in attracting diverse populations,” Davis said. “Like Minnesota or Washington, we don’t have a great pool of corporate headquarters or tech jobs that attract a variety of individuals. I have not truly noticed or been exposed to many cultures actually coming together, but as individuals of various backgrounds move to Arizona, I do feel they often find others like themselves and continue to build on their personal culture and community.” At the end of the day, De las salas is optimistic about our state’s future when it comes to being an inclusive, accepting place to live — but with a big “If.” “I believe Arizona will continue to evolve in diverse directions and benefit from the natural enrichment in every corner of society — IF we include everyone, IF we hear what each community has to say, IF we listen, and IF we stop building walls,” he said. Tom Evans CONTRIBUTING EDITOR @TEvans927 NEXT DOORS CONTINUED The Rayvan Group Be A Changemaker 928.482.5919 | TheRayvanGroup.com I ’m Jarrett Ransom, and I’ve been coaching nonprofit leaders just like you for nearly 20 years. I’ve been fortunate to help all types of nonprofits — from start-ups to multi- million dollar enterprises — create sustainable fundraising strategies. At The Rayvan Group, we help nonprofits design or re-design fundraising strategies that do more than keep their doors open. We help accelerate nonprofits to the next stage in their evolution, and prepare them for a future of growth and success. • Fundraising • Big-picture strategy • Leadership and management • Donor stewardship • Donor cultivation You have a purpose and passion to leave the world a better place. You are committed to finding a solution to your community’s problem. You don’t have to do this alone. If you want to fast-track your success, schedule your free consultation with me or one of my strategists TODAY! Elevate Your Nonprofit — And Your Impact — To The Next Level