Telling the stories that shape our community.
Advocating for Children When It Matters Most: CASA for Kids of Yavapai County
In moments when a child’s world feels uncertain, one caring adult can make all the difference. That’s the heart behind CASA for Kids of Yavapai County—a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for children in foster care who have experienced abuse or neglect.
CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is built on a simple but powerful idea: every child deserves a consistent, trusted voice during one of the most challenging times in their life.
Turning Adversity into Purpose
For Tesia Hurt, business ownership was born from adversity.
Diagnosed with melanoma at just 29 years old — and again more recently in 2023 — Tesia made a life-changing decision. Instead of stepping away from the beauty industry, she stepped forward with purpose. She opened Beautiful You Spray Tanning & Permanent Jewelry to provide a safer alternative to UV tanning while promoting confidence rooted in inner beauty.
Where Music, Leadership, and Community Intersect
For Brandie Martinez, music isn’t background noise — it’s a through-line in her life.
As Director of Operations for The Loft at Raible Block, a live music venue and event space in historic downtown Prescott, Brandie brings together strategy, hospitality, and creativity to create meaningful community experiences. Located upstairs in the iconic Raible Block building on Cortez Street, The Loft offers an intimate space where artists and audiences connect in powerful, shared moments.
Outdoor Exploration
In addition to its physical health benefits, being active outdoors nurtures mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s the accomplishment of reaching a summit or the serenity of kayaking across a lake, these experiences help young people build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem. Nature offers a powerful space for reflection, creativity, and connection.
The benefits of staying active, exploring the outdoors, and connecting with nature are well-known. These experiences are not just fun—they’re essential for healthy development. Yet, for many children, outdoor adventures remain out of reach. In our community, too many kids miss out on experiencing the outdoors.
Building a Business, a Life, and a Legacy of Resilience
For Tiffany Bustillos, leadership didn’t begin in a boardroom. It started with long days, longer nights, and a determination to build something better for her family.
As the owner of Prescott House Cleaning, Tiffany’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in grit and passion. Just a few years ago, she was balancing a full-time 8-to-5 job while cleaning her church at night and taking on Airbnb clients on weekends. Days off were nonexistent. The pace was relentless, but so was her drive.
Cooling Down the Wild West with Style: Kelly Tolbert of Cold Pony
In a town that knows how to celebrate—from weddings under Arizona skies to lively downtown gatherings—Cold Pony has quickly become a standout presence. Behind the charm, creativity, and craft cocktails is owner Kelly Tolbert, a woman who saw an opportunity to bring something fresh, memorable, and beautifully designed to Prescott’s event scene.
Women Who Lead: Creating Spaces That Heal, Inspire, and Transform
Jenny Rose’s journey is deeply personal. Drawn to Arizona by a desire to be closer to her parents in Prescott Valley, she saw an opportunity not just to relocate, but to reimagine her life. As a single woman, she set out to create a space where she could independently own and operate both a rescue farm and an art studio. That vision has since blossomed into a sanctuary for others.
Sparking Curiosity, Building Confidence: The YES! Explorers Challenge 2026
Through programs led by Yavapai Exploration and Science (YES), students are being introduced to innovation, exploration, and creative problem-solving in ways that are both engaging and transformational. One of the most exciting expressions of that mission is the YES! Explorers Challenge 2026.
New Option for Cervical Cancer Screening: HPV Self-Collection Now Available Across Arizona
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer — yet thousands of women are still diagnosed each year. Barriers like access to care, transportation challenges, cultural or religious beliefs, personal discomfort, and even stigma around HPV continue to prevent many from getting screened.
Now, there’s a new option designed to change that.
Sonora Quest Laboratories has expanded its cervical cancer screening services by offering an FDA-approved HPV self-collection test through My Lab ReQuest™. The new screening option is available at all Sonora Quest Patient Service Centers across Arizona, giving individuals a safe, private alternative to a traditional pelvic exam.



















