6 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE That is why CFA partnered with Frontdoors on this special issue to underscore some of our state’s shared public values. You’ll find stories that illustrate a range of shared priorities, from education to economic opportunity, environment, civic engagement and beyond. Together, they help amplify CFA’s mission to make Arizona a better place for everyone. “As I mentioned, I’m an optimist by nature, but that feeling has really been deepened by what I know about Arizonans, where their hearts and minds are,” Francis wrote to me in her email. Count that as another thing we have in common. As we discovered on that sunny patio, she and I share common ground. With a penchant for the positive and an inclination for connection, we are on a mission to celebrate Arizona and foster a collective vision for a brighter tomorrow. Cheers to the future ahead! EDITOR’S NOTE I interviewed Sybil Francis, the chair, president & CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona, on one of those perfect Arizona days. Sitting on the patio at the Camelback Inn, she talked about her passions, and especially her passion for Arizona and the “power of positivity.” At the end of our talk, when my tape recorder was off, I mentioned that I, too, was raised by a European mother who grew up on the Continent amid the aftermath of WWII. The next day, I received an email, marveling at how amazing it was to meet a kindred spirit with connections to Europe and the War, all while sitting in the beautiful Arizona setting. “A bit surreal in some ways, don’t you think?” Francis wrote. With that note, we were connected, a deft maneuver Francis employs every day. By focusing on what we have in common, she and Center for the Future of Arizona are bringing Arizonans together to create a brighter future for us all. Instead of focusing on differences — conservative, liberal, etc. — the nonprofit CFA celebrates how much we all share. Its approach is rooted in listening to Arizonans to learn what matters most, sharing data about how Arizona is doing, bringing critical issues to public attention, and working with communities and leaders to solve public problems. It’s an approach not all that different from what we do at Frontdoors , where we strive to be a powerful, positive and hopeful voice in our community, and one that not only informs but inspires involvement and action. Here Comes the SUN KAREN WERNER EDITOR IN CHIEF Karen

Join us in building Arizona’s bright future arizonafuture.org/brightfuture  rizona’s fu ure belongs to all of us. TOGETHER, WE CAN UNLOCK TOMORROW’S POTENTIAL Center for the Future of Arizona is a nonprofi t, nonpartisan “do-tank” driven by the mission of bringing Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for our state. Founded from a love for Arizona and a desire to help our state succeed, we endeavor to make our great state a place where all Arizonans, now and in the future, thrive and enjoy sustained prosperity, unmatched quality of life, and real opportunity.