Some conversations don’t happen often enough in business.

They are running businesses, managing teams, making decisions that carry weight, and contributing to the strength and growth of our region in meaningful ways.

They are not at the beginning of the conversation around leadership. They are in the middle of it.

And in many cases, they are navigating that responsibility in real time—balancing growth, managing complexity, and moving their work forward without much pause. The pace is steady, the expectations are high, and the decisions they make have real impact.

This is the reality that shaped Whole Women, Strong Leaders.

In partnership with the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce, we are bringing together a regional group of women leaders for a conversation that reflects what leadership actually looks like at this level. The intention is not to create another event built around general ideas or surface-level advice. It is to create space for a more grounded and relevant discussion—one that aligns with the work women are already doing across business, healthcare, and community leadership.

We are honored to welcome Jan Lesher as our keynote speaker. Her leadership experience brings depth and perspective to the conversation, offering insight into what it means to lead across seasons, responsibilities, and evolving challenges. She will be joined by a panel of women who are leading within their own organizations and industries, each bringing practical experience and a clear understanding of what leadership requires in practice.

This event is designed to support women who are already carrying responsibility and making decisions that matter. It is not about adding more to an already full schedule. It is about creating an opportunity to step into a room where the conversation reflects the level at which they are already operating.

Because leadership does not happen in isolation. It happens in the middle of ongoing work, competing priorities, and continued growth. And there is value in being in a space where that is understood, where insight is shared from experience, and where the conversation is both practical and relevant.

Our partnership with the Greater Vail Area Chamber reflects a shared commitment to supporting leaders across our region in ways that are meaningful and aligned with the realities of business today.

We look forward to welcoming our community to Whole Women, Strong Leaders and to creating a space where the conversation reflects the work already being done.


September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
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