PHOENIX (STN) — In front of a packed and energetic live studio audience in downtown Phoenix, the March episode of âIt Happens at STNâ delivered insightful discussions on workplace evolution, maternal healthcare, education, corporate and nonprofit partnerships, and innovative housing solutions.
With the gig economy reshaping employment, UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder, COO Monique Lopez, and Francisco Avalos, Senior Public Policy Manager at Lyft, explored how companies can adapt to a workforce balancing traditional roles with side jobs. Rather than resisting this shift, organizations are learning to embrace it, setting clear expectations while allowing employees to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.
In the return of âThe Wellness Collective,â LaToya Taylor of Mercy Care shared her personal experience with childbirth complications, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to listen to mothers. Joined by Shadie Tofigh from March of Dimes and Rachael Sally from AHCCCS, a panel examined barriers to maternal healthcare, particularly for communities of color and rural populations.
The episode also spotlighted education and workforce development through a conversation with leaders from the Arizona Business and Education Coalition (ABEC). Schools partnering with businesses help students gain early exposure to career opportunities, ensuring they make informed choices about their futures.
Then, Scott Vanderpool, Phoenix President of Bank of America, and Shelby Pedersen, CEO of ICAN, took center stage to discuss corporate social responsibility and explain that true partnership between businesses and nonprofits must go beyond financial donations and requires alignment with community needs.
As housing challenges persist, innovative models like Eden Village offer new solutions. Leaders from Meadows Bank and Eden Village discussed how Arizona can replicate proven housing initiatives to provide long-term stability for those experiencing homelessness.
Rounding out the episode, Amy Schwabenlender, CEO of Keys to Change, reflected on two decades of impact at Key Campus, a central hub for homeless services in downtown Phoenix. She urged community leaders to step forward and help expand this model to other regions, reinforcing the need for bold action in addressing housing insecurity.
Watch ‘It Happens at STN’ Episode 6, Season 3:
Here are the highlights from the March 2025 episode
4:30-17:30
Navigating the rise of side hustles in todayâs workforce
As more professionals juggle multiple jobs, how can organizations adapt? UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder, COO Monique Lopez, and Lyftâs Francisco Avalos tackle the rise of side hustles and their effect on business operations. They explore transparency, company culture, and how employers can create alignment while supporting employeesâ passions without sacrificing productivity.
20:06-23:43
A story of survival and advocacy
Mercy Careâs LaToya Taylor opens up about her own life-threatening childbirth experience and how it shaped her passion for maternal healthcare advocacy. She highlights the critical need for doctors to truly listen to mothersâespecially minority women, who face significantly higher risks during childbirth.
23:45-39:09
Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis
Maternal health disparities are at a crisis level, but solutions exist. Shadie Tofigh, Rachael L. Salley, and LaToya Taylor join The Wellness Collective to explore the critical need for access to care, the role of doulas, and the impact of policy on maternal outcomes.
40:41-45:20
Building Arizonaâs future through education
The Arizona Business and Education Coalition (ABEC) is strengthening the future by bridging the gap between schools and businesses. ABEC explains how hands-on career exposure and collaboration empower students to thrive.
45:43-54:50
How businesses and nonprofits create lasting change
True partnerships go beyond writing checksâit’s about strategic alignment, shared resources, and real impact. Bank of America Phoenix President Scott Vanderpool and ICAN CEO Shelby Pedersen discuss the power of collaboration between businesses and nonprofits, how funders can move beyond transactions to transformational partnerships, and why an abundance mindset is key to collective success.
55:35-59:40
Meadows Bankâs bold approach to housing solutions
How do financial institutions go beyond transactions to create lasting impact? David Scott of Meadows Bank shares how their community initiative is uniting nonprofits, business leaders, and policymakers to tackle homelessness. Joined by Rick McClellan of Eden Village and Anette Sellers of New Leaf, Scott highlights replicable housing models, volunteer-driven support, and the collaboration required to find sustainable solutions for those in need.
59:42-1:08:00
20 years of impact: Keys to Change and the future of homeless services
Amy Schwabenlender, CEO of Keys to Change, takes the stage to celebrate 20 years of Key Campus and honor the incredible frontline workers who make it all possible. In an emotional reflection, she highlights the need for new regional solutions to address homelessness across Maricopa County and challenges community leaders to help expand the proven campus model.
