As a community who thrives on our small business, not everyone can afford to break into the business owner world on their own. That’s where franchise ownership helps entrepreneurs find their success as a small business owner. There are many around town from yoga studios, gyms and coffee shops to even my magazine Scottsdale City Lifestyle. A local one that I use often for my kids is Sit Still Kids. A hair salon catered towards kids. Today I have Co-Owner, Amy LecLerc here to talk about the power of franchise ownership and her purpose to help women become business owners.

Seven years ago Dr. Gerd took over as President & CEO of Scottsdale Arts. In that time he has revamped the Civic Center, brought in more festivals, shows and performances. Increased our outdoor art throughout the city and on our side streets. And today he’s going to talk about the importance of art when it comes to a thriving community.

From April 28, 2025:

Veronica Aguilar, an Arizona native and first-generation college student who holds a business degree and an MBA from ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business. She is the Vice President of Recruitment at Teach For America (TFA) and the founder and chair of Young & Empowered Women (Y&E), a nonprofit uplifting diverse female leaders across Arizona. Veronica’s personal commitment to TFA’s mission to ensure all children receive an excellent education began 13 years ago as a corps member teaching 4th grade. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Veronica launched Young & Empowered Women, which has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving over 200 members—67% women of color and 60% first-generation college graduates. Her leadership has earned honors including Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the 2022 ATHENA Young Professional Award. Veronica is here to talk about how education can really empower women to achieve their full potential.