Phoenix (STN) – Ten weeks after the curtain fell on Season 4 of the Valley’s one-of-a-kind local media experience, ‘It Happens at STN’ returned Thursday, September 3, for the sold-out premiere of Season 5.
Tabbed “The Season of Builders,” this season will feature more partners and bigger audiences than ever while keeping its promise to revolutionize how local media can serve, improve, and advance a community — all of which were on full display for the premiere.
Watch the full Season 5 premiere of It Happens at STN
Season 5 opened with ‘Leading in the Moment,’ featuring UMOM CEO Monique Lopez, Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Co-CEO Christina Spicer, and Valley of the Sun YMCA President and CEO Bryan Madden. The panel focused on sustaining momentum on long-term projects.
“It’s important to sort of pay attention to progress, celebrate milestones along the way,” Lopez said, pointing to UMOM’s recent close on a 192-unit affordable housing project and the opening of a redesigned lobby at its shelter. “The space that you walk into represents hope.”
‘The Wellness Collective’ returned with Mercy Care President and CEO Tad Gary, Mercy Care Crisis and Veteran Services Administrator Tenasha Hildebrand, and Solari CEO Justin Chase, spotlighting Arizona’s crisis response system and the growing reach of the 988 crisis line.
“Know it, share it, and use it,” Gary said. “There are people in need. Sometimes we don’t even realize it, but sharing it across the board and telling them about the amazing services that we have here in this county is critical.”
The season’s final panel, ‘The McQuaid Mission,’ brought back Keys to Change CEO Amy Schwabenlender and Director of Strategic Impact Richard Crews, joined by Arizona Diamondbacks Senior Director of Guest Services JT McCreary to discuss how organizational values shape culture and service.
“We’re all seeking more connection that adds value to our work,” Schwabenlender said, encouraging leaders in the room to help connect organizations with shared values.
The premiere also featured the return of Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dr. Monica Villalobos to the STN stage. She previewed the 30th anniversary of DATOS, the organization’s annual State of Arizona’s Hispanic Market event, set for September 28th at Phoenix Symphony Hall.
During the episode, the STN video team took the audience to a pair of organizations with direct ties to this season’s theme. One highlighted HandsOn Greater Phoenix, a volunteer management nonprofit that connects thousands of community volunteers with local nonprofits each year. Another followed Solari’s 911 diversion work, which has helped connect people in crisis to care without always relying on emergency response.
It Happens at STN‘ returns Thursday, October 1st. Tickets are available here.
