Stronger Together: New Pathways for Youth and the Arizona Leadership Network
Phoenix, AZ | April 12, 2026
At New Pathways for Youth, we have always believed that the most meaningful work happens in community — not in isolation. Real change is built through relationships, through shared purpose, and through the willingness to keep showing up for one another long after any single program or recognition moment has passed.
That is why we are proud to celebrate our President and CEO, Dr. Karen Johnson, as one of the 48 Founding Members of the Arizona Leadership Network — a growing collective of Arizona leaders committed to collaboration, continued growth, and deeper community impact.
The Arizona Leadership Network was co-founded by Angela Hughey, Bettina Nava, and Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman to bring together individuals who have participated in leadership institutes or received community leadership awards — not to rest on those achievements, but to build on them together. Through committees, shared learning, and cross-sector connection, members actively collaborate to cultivate purpose and create ripple effects across Arizona’s communities.
The Founding 48 leaders represent an extraordinary cross-section of Arizona’s civic and professional landscape whose work spans education, entrepreneurship, marketing, and community advocacy. Together, they are not just a network. They are a collaborative force.
For New Pathways for Youth, this kind of ecosystem matters deeply. Our work with young people does not happen in a vacuum. It is sustained by the strength of the partnerships, relationships, and shared commitments that surround it. When community leaders choose to collaborate — across sectors, across experiences, across tables — our youth feel that. They see what is possible.
We sat down with Dr. Karen Johnson to learn more about what this milestone means — for her, and for the mission we share.
Q1: The Arizona Leadership Network brings together leaders from very different sectors and backgrounds. What does that kind of cross-sector collaboration make possible that wouldn’t happen otherwise — and how do you see that connecting to the collaborative spirit at NPFY?
ALN includes leaders who share a commitment to making our state and our community more inclusive, more integrated, and more successful. Phoenix has such a rich diversity of people who are all working toward growth and making an impact. I am honored to be able to meet such thoughtful people who want to make a difference and to engage in conversations about how we can collaborate to make change possible.
Q2: NPFY’s work depends on a strong ecosystem of partners, advocates, and community allies around our youth. How do you see the Arizona Leadership Network strengthening those kinds of collaborative relationships in ways that ultimately benefit young people?
Members of ALN include fellow nonprofit leaders, educators, and influencers—people who have a voice in shaping the environment where our youth live, go to school, and will someday work. I am excited to learn their ideas for how we can all create more opportunities for young people to dream about their futures and to find success for their lives.
Q3: Collaboration requires trust, vulnerability, and a willingness to learn alongside others. What has surprised you most about ALN — and what do you hope it models for the next generation of leaders?
I have been impressed with ALN’s willingness to explore cutting-edge topics and new ideas. They want to challenge our preconceptions, question the norm, and encourage innovation. I am excited to learn alongside other leaders who are curious and who embrace change.
The Arizona Leadership Network is a reminder that no one leads — or serves — best alone. We are proud of Dr. Johnson’s role in helping build this collaborative community, and grateful for every partner who walks alongside us in the work of changing young lives. Learn more about the Arizona Leadership network at https://arizonaleaders.com/
To learn more about New Pathways for Youth, visit npfy.org.