Carol Royse
The Carol Royse Team
I’ve always been a volunteer, from a young age at church and in Girl Scouts to later serving on multiple boards as an adult. As a stay-at-home mom, I quickly realized I wanted to be more involved in my community, which led me to organizations like United Way, Tempe St. Luke’s, and the Boys & Girls Club, where I served as chair for many years.
That work shaped me. Being on a board means stepping into leadership and honoring a commitment. People depend on you. It taught me dedication, follow-through, and how to lead with both purpose and personality. At my core, it has always been about serving others.
Today, that commitment continues through our support of Save the Family. While I’m not on their board, our team contributes through every home we sell. Last year, we donated $35,000. Their mission, helping homeless families rebuild their lives, is something I deeply believe in.
What brings me the most joy is seeing others succeed. I love mentoring new agents, pouring into them, and watching them grow into their careers. Seeing them find their confidence and build a life they are proud of is what fulfills me. As a woman of faith, I believe that is part of my calling.
One personal milestone I’m proud of is purchasing a home in Maui. It took 20 years of consistent work and intention, and I made it happen in 2023. It is my happy place.
I live by a simple philosophy, treat others with love and integrity. In real estate, people trust us with their biggest asset. If we say we are going to do something, we do it. That is the standard we hold and what makes our team special.
Dr. Annette Hobi
Medical Director, Naturopathic Physician, Founder of Regen 33
I first came to Tempe in 2011 to attend the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, now known as Sonoran University of Health Sciences. What started as a place for school quickly became home. I’ve now been living and working in Tempe for 15 years.
Giving back has always been part of who I am. My grandfather was a newspaper man who believed deeply in taking care of your neighbors, and that perspective has stayed with me. As a physician, I feel a responsibility to support my community in any way I can. Looking ahead, I hope to create a nonprofit rotation to provide care for those who may be underserved within the naturopathic community.
What brings me the most joy is simple. Time in the garden, being around animals, and spending time with children. Those moments of connection and presence matter most.
Tenacity is one of my strongest traits. When I’m searching for answers or solutions, I don’t stop until I find them. That mindset carries into both my work and my life.
One of the things on my bucket list is to travel back to Switzerland and visit the place my grandfather left more than 100 years ago. He came to the United States as an indentured servant and built a life here through hard work and determination. Now, nearly a century later, my son lives in Europe. In a way, that story has come full circle.
One thing people might not know about me is that I’ve taught thousands of people how to dance and even more how to do a cartwheel.
I live by a simple belief. We have two jobs in life: to love God and to love one another. Everything else is just noise.
Nikki Amberg
Councilmember, City of Tempe
I moved to Tempe from Louisiana 28 years ago and have proudly called it home ever since. I’ve raised my children here and truly value being part of this community. My parents instilled in me a deep commitment to service, and that has remained a constant in my life. I’m proud to have passed that on to my children, making it a generational tradition.
I stay involved through organizations like Lost Our Home Pet Rescue and the National Charity League, where my daughter and I served together. At my core, I lead with empathy, always striving to understand others and offer support where I can.
Jodi Polanski
Lost Our Home Founder and Executive Director
In 2008, while volunteering with a rescue and working in mortgages, I kept hearing about pets left behind in foreclosed homes. No one had answers, and that stayed with me. I couldn’t ignore it.
I’ve always believed that when something doesn’t feel right, you step in and find a better way. That belief led me to build something that could respond in moments of crisis.
Seventeen years later, that work has helped over 38,000 pets and 25,000 people.
At my core, I’m resilient—what my husband calls “selectively stubborn.” I keep going, keep adapting, and stay committed to doing things the right way.
Cathariena McCann
Commander, Tempe Police Department
In 2000, when I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, Tempe was the only agency I applied to. I was drawn to its energy, diversity, and strong sense of community, along with the department’s commitment to service and professionalism.
For more than 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving this city and watching it grow. My connection to Tempe is both professional and personal.
My parents shaped who I am. My father spent 37 years in law enforcement and taught me integrity, dedication, and service. My mother instilled empathy and compassion, showing me that character is defined by how we treat others.
Stacia Wilson, Ed.D
Superintendent, Tempe Union High School
I grew up in Tempe, and it has shaped both who I am and the path I’ve chosen. My entire career in education has been rooted here, serving the same community that once poured into me. Tempe is not just where I work, it is home.
My parents were my earliest role models. Their commitment to serving others and supporting underserved communities instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back with purpose.
As an educator, I focus on creating systems that support students from all backgrounds, helping them reach their academic potential while guiding them toward their personal goals. Empathy is at the core of how I lead and serve.
Beyond my work, music brings me joy, especially 80s and 90s R&B. It’s nostalgic, uplifting, and grounding, offering a simple way to reset and reconnect.
McKell Keeney
President, For Our City Tempe
My husband, Dave, and I have called Tempe home for 36 years, where we raised our daughter and three sons. Later in life, I returned to school and graduated from ASU in 2013, a milestone that reflects my perseverance. When I commit to something, I see it through.
Serving others has always been part of my life. Today, I stay involved by cooking and serving I-Help meals with Tempe Community Action Agency, organizing Tempe Interfaith Fellowship events like the National Day of Prayer, promoting JustServe.org to connect volunteers with nonprofits, and leading For Our City Tempe.
Spending time with my six grandchildren brings me the most joy. I also love helping adoptees uncover their biological history and guiding individuals navigating unexpected DNA discoveries.
On my bucket list is writing an inspirational book, creating a timeless song, and traveling to England, Scotland, and U.S. national parks.
I live by a simple belief: treat others with kindness.
Dawn Hocking
Director of Development, The Centers for Habilitation
I grew up in Tempe, still live here, and have worked at TCH for over 35 years. I’m a proud McClintock Charger, and my dad still lives in the home I grew up in.
My parents were incredible role models. Community involvement was simply part of everyday life. They volunteered, supported local organizations, and never missed a moment for our family. I learned early that showing up and giving back strengthens the entire community.
Today, that mindset carries into both my work and my life. For more than 35 years, the individuals we support at TCH have impacted me deeply. Watching them navigate challenges with determination and joy inspires me daily. They’ve taught me about resilience, gratitude, and what it means to truly live in the present.
And now, as a grandmother, I understand a whole new kind of joy. Hearing my granddaughter run toward me yelling “Nanooooo!” is everything.
Chelsie Bruggeman
CEO of MOMentum for Working Moms
I moved to Tempe in 2006 for school, and somewhere along the way, it became home. I fell in love with the city and my husband, and now we’re raising our two boys here. We can’t imagine living anywhere else.
I’ve always been a high achiever and once poured everything into my career. That shifted when I became a mom. I was completely rocked. Balancing career and motherhood in a way I felt proud of was harder than I expected. After my second son, that realization only deepened. I knew working moms deserved more support and real community.
That belief led me to create MOMentum for Working Moms, which has become my life’s work. Today, I support women in advancing their careers while raising families.
I’m driven by passion and determination, and I find joy in Sun Devil Athletics, dancing, and building communities of women who uplift one another.