Not everyone has a day named after them. But Rhonda does. September 27th to be exact. In a Mayor’s proclamation, the day was noted in celebration of Rhonda’s efforts to connect people and build community. She’s been called “cupid”, a connector, a collaborator – all with the intent for what becomes possible when people are connected in community.

This high-energy dynamo offers strategic insights and expertise to social impact organizations and businesses in culture, social responsibility, collaborative partnerships, community relations, marketing, communications, program and event development and coordination, strategic planning, fund development, branding and positioning, media relations, speech and image coaching and board and leadership development.

Yet as the world welcomes in the 2020s, Rhonda is calling on her years of expertise to refocus her efforts on community building, coalition shaping, and consumer actions with an eye toward the power of women, healing humanity and, of course, the planet.

Her ideas have often been leading-edge to the cultural change that follows. One notable concept was the development of a community gathering place in an urban setting meant to showcase the region with a unique focus on connecting people. A six-year effort ended when the city abruptly determined a different direction. The input from hundreds in the tech, arts, small business, economic development and education communities reinforced her early vision – one that the world needs more than ever – a place where ideas, knowledge and connections shape the day. For more than 13 years she has hosted a monthly salon for a group of dynamic business and community women where quality conversation, wine and wisdom shapes the night. More than 200 women have been a part of this gathering since its inception.

Rhonda was also part of the development of Arizona Gives Day – an online giving day to support nonprofits. She challenged the messaging and the model, like she’s challenged nonprofit and foundation leadership, around the transactional nature of philanthropy and urged relationship development at every turn.

Tapping the varied experiences of a few decades of work and adventures, Rhonda adeptly meshes her past with her inspired and informed inputs. This creates her unique ability to see trends, connect dots and guide people and organizations down a path that is relevant and workable for their needs. While practical, she never shies from pushing boundaries – and that includes personal comfort zones or business silos.

Rhonda’s journey started with her first stop in television news in the small town of Greenwood, Mississippi. There, eyes widened, she refined her ability to ask critical questions.

Now her questions turn to challenging old norms, systems and cultures. How can we, together, fix the messes of the past generations for our children to not only survive, but thrive? How can we build connections on a larger platform to move the masses for change?

Rhonda is happily a mom first, a connector, a cheerleader, a community builder, an advocate, nudge, confidant, and dedicated, creative and passionate leader seeking to work with others who are also driven toward urgent and thoughtful change.