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Julia C. Patrick
Julia C. Patrick |
“It seems we have lived history at our kitchen table,” she recalls. “Political, religious, cultural, philanthropic and business leaders that have broken bread with us are a gift that I value more each day.” But did these early Phoenicians truly view themselves as leaders? “Certainly not,” she chuckles. “You have to remember that as an emerging city of the desert, everyone had to participate. People knew this special place had immense opportunity, but there was so much to build in both a physical and a community sense.”
“We think we are the first ones here. But, we are not.” She reminds us that, “Ancient people of the desert built a thriving community with a canal system that brought water and sustained life here.” In essence, the Valley was built on a template and Phoenix has literally risen from the ashes of an old civilization. The growth of Arizona has called leaders to serve as stewards of the land and keepers of ancient tribal culture that existed long before. “As we move into the next 100 years, Arizona must develop more leaders that have the fortitude and integrity to set a course of prosperity. This envelopes education, managed resources, philanthropy, culture and commerce.”
As the publisher of frontdoors newspaper, Julia is positioned to be the next leader in a family of Arizonans deeply committed to their home state. “I am fiercely proud of my state and the people who continue to make it remarkable.” Julia adds, “But, we still have more work to do. And, we must call upon new leaders to get their hands dirty.”