Conversations in Leadership

April 9, 2024 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Four Peaks Tasting Room, Tempe, AZ

Finding Common Ground in a Polarized World

In an era where political conversations are often divisive and fraught with tension, the theme of our upcoming event, “Political Discourse, Finding Common Ground” couldn’t be more salient. How can leaders create bridges amidst the divides? Our round table aims to answer this pertinent question and many more.

Meet Our Esteemed Speakers

Bringing their diverse experiences to the table, our speakers hail from the intersecting worlds of politics, academia, and journalism.

Adrien Fontes, the Arizona Secretary of State, will offer insights into the political mechanisms that can foster unity and the challenges leaders face in the political arena.

Gina Woodall, from ASU’s School of Politics and Global Studies, will provide an academic perspective on the nature of political discourse and the theoretical underpinnings of bipartisan synergy.

Jeremy Duda, an experienced reporter with Axios Phoenix, brings a journalistic lens to the discussion, offering narratives of political change and the role of the media in shaping public discourse.

Moderated By:

Dr. Kate Vawter, Founder & CEO, Ascent Solutions

Dr. Kate Vawter is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and leadership development in Arizona. With a background in higher education and entrepreneurship, she is committed to fostering inclusive spaces and driving positive change. As the founder of Ascent Solutions, Kate nurtures emotionally intelligent leadership and facilitates growth within organizations. Her civic engagement includes formerly chairing Tempe Youth Leadership and the Human Relations Commission, alongside volunteering on political campaigns. Kate’s love for Arizona’s diverse landscapes and cities fuels her passion for creating vibrant and equitable communities where all residents can thrive.

Be Part of the Conversation

This event isn’t just another notch on Tempe’s diverse roster of community happenings—it’s a bedrock occasion where you, alongside local leaders, will dissect the intricacies of political dialogue and leadership practices.

Whether you’re a Tempe Leadership alum or a community member with a vested interest in the principles and practice of leadership, this discussion is poised to offer compelling insights into how leaders can find common ground.

Engage with us at the Four Peaks Tasting Room this April for an evening that promises to inform, involve, and inspire.

Past Conversations

  • 2021: U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods
  • 2020: Former Attorney General, Grant Woods
  • 2018: Tempe Chief of Police, Sylvia Moir
  • 2012: Tempe’s Past and Future Mayors come together for a Conversation in Leadership with High Hallman & Mark Mitchell
  • 2011: “Moving Forward” with Sybill Francis, Sherry Henry, Jeff Van Raaphorst
  • 2010: Former Congressman Harry Mitchell,  Former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano, Cox Communications Executive Ivan Johnson
  • 2009: Arizona Speaker of the House Kirk Adams, Former Arizona State University Sun Devil Football Head Coach Frank Kush, Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor
  • 2008: Former Congressman Harry Mitchell, ASU Athletic Director Lisa Love, Former APS CEO Bill Post