PHOENIX (STN)—The latest Mighty Change scorecard from Valley of the Sun United Way transparently examines community progress in key areas such as education, workforce development, health, and housing. It also offers a sobering view of which areas require additional attention.
For organizations invested in social impact, the question isn’t just about acknowledging these somewhat disappointing results—it’s about what comes next.
“It’s a real important time for us to all be real, take a look at these numbers, and think about where we can go together,” said Valley of the Sun United Way CEO Carla Vargas Jasa.
While some areas show improvement, such as efforts to curb chronic absenteeism in schools, other key indicators are not moving in the right direction. Rather than viewing these results as discouraging, Vargas Jasa and Jenny Holsman Tetreault, vice president and associate general counsel at TPI Composites, encouraged leaders to recognize that collaboration is the key to making measurable progress.
“The collaboration that we’ve all engaged with continues to be so critical,” Vargas Jasa said. “Not being discouraged by some of the trends and learning from the bright spots is key.”
Holsman Tetreault agreed, emphasizing that data like the scorecard revealed must serve as a call to action for the entire community.
“In the areas where we’re not going in the right direction, it’s critical that we bring partners to the table,” she said, stressing the need for widespread involvement. “Find something you’re passionate about and give… whether it’s your time, your voice, or your resources.”
Hear how organizations are collaborating to address shelter bed shortage:
Beyond collaboration, Holsman Tetreault and Vargas Jasa emphasized that leaders and organizations must embrace adaptability. Addressing systemic challenges requires creative, solution-oriented thinking, not just more of the same. As an example, Holsman Tetreault explained the critical role childcare industry plays in workforce development.
“Ninety-two percent of childcare centers are owned by women, and 90% of childcare workers are women,” she said. “By investing in childcare solutions, we’re not just supporting kids—we’re supporting women in the workforce and strengthening the economy.”
Moving forward, Vargas Jasa said United Way will be hosting roundtable discussions and listening sessions with nonprofit CEOs and stakeholders to identify collective solutions.
