Laura Valdo, Phoenix Executive Director
laura@girlsforachange.org, 602.677.9428

Laura joins the GFC staff with a background in non-profit fundraising and partnership development. Prior to accepting this position, she was the Development Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, a one to one mentoring organization that helps children realize their potential through professionally supported volunteers who care about them. During her tenure, Laura was able to create and significantly grow a major gift plan, as well as partnering with Valley corporations on projects. She was also instrumental in several large successful fundraising events and implemented a planned giving program within the agency.
   
Prior to her position at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Laura worked as Development Coordinator for The Centers for Habilitation, a non-profit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to succeed in life. During her time at TCH, Laura helped to plan and execute a $2 million capital campaign, as well as coordinated several fundraising events.

Laura graduated magna cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in Justice and Social Inquiry from Arizona State University. Laura’s course of study focused predominately on restorative justice and crime causation. During her time at ASU, she worked as an intern in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and was a teacher in the Advanced Writing Mentorship Program, helping graduate and doctoral students with dissertations and thesis papers.

Meghan Arrigo, Western Region Program Director
meghan@girlsforachange.org, 602.680.8182

Meghan is the Western Regional Program Director.  She is located in Phoenix, AZ. Meghan is overseeing the management of more than 40 Girl Action Teams, 80 Girl Action Team Coaches, and collaborating with more than  50 schools and organizations throughout Arizona and the Bay Area in California.

Prior to moving to Phoenix, Meghan lived in Grand Rapids, MI. She worked as the Marketing Coordinator for Bethany Christian Services, the largest national adoption and family services agency in the United States. She was responsible for consulting with over 70 branch offices on marketing projects, goals, and execution. She also volunteered as an after-hours pregnancy counselor at Bethany. She consulted young women facing untimely pregnancies, answered questions about their options, and connection them to resources in their communities. Meghan was also a proud volunteer and mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters. She spent time meeting with her little sister, working on self-esteem, family matters, school, and having fun.

Prior to working in Grand Rapids, Meghan worked at the Lansing Housing Commission, Section 8 Department. She worked with low-income housing resident, helping program participants secure housing and understand federal housing rules and regulations. In 2003, Meghan traveled to India where she spent time studying in New Delhi at Lady Irwin College. Upon completing her studies, she participated in an internship with INHERE, a nongovernmental organization working in the foothills of the Himalayas. She spent her days working and studying the women’s self-help groups, focusing on income generation and micro-loan programs. Meghan graduated from James Madison College, a public policy college at Michigan State University. She has a degree in International Relations and Social Policy. During her years in college, Meghan also worked as an Urban Program Coordinator for the Boy Scouts of America. She coordinated summer scouting programs for boys living in economically and socially depressed areas of the city.