Category: Advocacy

Despite infrequent spottings, the United States’ last remaining jaguar is thought to call the tall peaks of southern Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountains home.

“Sombra” (Spanish for “shade”), as the male cat is known to wildlife researchers, wanders around hunting for food and searching for a mate – which, without the Northern Jaguar Project, might presently elude him.

The Tucson-based nonprofit remains mission-driven to preserve and recover the world’s northernmost population of the panthera onca (also called tigre americano) by restoring its natural habitats in hopes of more cats wandering north from Sonora, Mexico, where a small population of these endangered cats survives.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

Next month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona will celebrate 60 years of youth mentoring at their Diamond Jubilee, slated for Sept. 23 at the Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort.

In keeping with their mission – to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships aimed at igniting the power and promise of youth – the nonprofit is enrolling mentors for the 2023-24 school year.

Keen on helping a young person graduate on time with a plan for their future? Contact susanc@soazbigs.org to learn about meaningful matches between adult volunteers and students at Tucson Magnet and Sunnyside High Schools and Apollo Middle School.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

Many hands make light work at Gospel Rescue Mission of Tucson – a powerful team on a mission to help others find hope and restoration.

Lend an ear to learn more about their newest project, “HOMELESS TO WHOLENESS,” a bi-weekly podcast built around inspiring stories of individuals like Mary who, in 2019, was living in a literal tunnel.

“I was angry and bitter … all the doors were slamming in my face, and I couldn’t get help from anyone,” she says of having overcome epic challenges and finding new life in the legacy of hope, shelter and transformation at Gospel Rescue Mission.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

Jessica Cox believes in a future where people passionately pursue their dreams by employing resilience to overcome any challenge. PS: She’s speaking from experience.

After being born without arms, Cox became fascinated by the human body’s limitless ways of adapting – as evidenced by her own adaptive capabilities: using her feet in ways others utilize their hands.

After becoming the first armless pilot in aviation history (and earning a Guinness World Record medal to boot), Cox inspires others to achieve the seemingly impossible. She is a staunch advocate for and mentor to people with disabilities – in particular children and their families.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

In 1993, a year after surviving an abusive relationship and recognizing that there was little understanding about or resources for domestic violence in LGBTQ relationships, Lavina Tomer started an LGBT Domestic Violence Project – now the SAAF Anti-Violence Project.

Since then, she has provided training on LGBTQ domestic violence and is a leading LGBTQ activist and advocate.

Lavina received the Arizona State Attorney General’s Office 2000 Distinguished Services Award and the 2000 Victim Witness Award. Currently, she serves as the volunteer Executive Director of Southern Arizona Senior Pride.

Follow Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse for more stories of influential women throughout March.

– Margaret Willard, The Arizona 100