Scholarship & Mentorship Program
Increasing post-secondary education and achieving economic security can have far-reaching, multi-generational benefits for families and communities. The Positive Paths Scholarship and Mentoring Program helps improve college completion for women, contributes to the growing demand for highly educated workers, and reduces public benefits spending. Positive Paths has distributed more than $500,000 in scholarship funds to approximately 150 East Valley women who are pursuing post-secondary education and training.
In addition to the distribution of scholarship funds, each woman selected for this program is provided with one-on-one mentoring. Mentors are professionals, often with experience in the chosen career path of the scholar with whom they are matched. Mentoring has proven to be a critical element of success for our scholars as it provides our women with opportunities to broaden their perspective, build social capital, navigate organizational politics more strategically, and develop their confidence.
The online application for the Scholarship and Mentoring Program is generally open from March through mid-May each year. We recommend that applicants read the Overview of the Program and Criteria for Eligibility document and the Frequently Asked Questions document to learn more about the program and the process for applying before starting the online application.
Professional Development
In addition to our signature Scholarship and Mentoring Program, Positive Paths provides workshops and events accessible to all East Valley women. These events provide networking opportunities with industry professionals and community leaders, while helping women attain the additional knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional success.
Topics that have been covered in past professional development events include developing a professional image that is appropriate for one’s career field, resume writing and interviewing, time management, financial planning, decision-making skills, speed mentoring, and more. Often these events provide information about academic and career-related connections and resources within our community. In short, we amplify the ability for women to obtain and maintain successful employment.
Anna Maria Chavez, Esq
2026 Keynote Speaker
Women's Impact Network (WIN)
The third annual WIN program, scheduled on August 10, follows two sell-outs. The conference presents professional development opportunities for women from throughout the Valley, offering a fast-paced day of networking, a keynote from a well-known business expert, a panel discussion of four leading businesswomen that includes audience Q&A, speed mentoring, and exhibitions by women-owned businesses, presented by APS. As many as 200 businesswomen and women-owned business representatives will attend.
Our stellar keynote speaker, Anna Maria Chavez, Esq., will share her wisdom as a successful business leader. Ms. Chavez became President & CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation in February 2023, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience across education, government, technology, and nonprofits. Raised in Eloy, Arizona, by Mexican-American parents, she developed a passion for community leadership early on. Chávez earned her undergraduate degree at Yale University and a juris doctorate from the University of Arizona.
Her career includes roles in President Bill Clinton’s administration and service under Arizona Governors Jane Hull and Janet Napolitano. Chávez later became CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA and the National School Boards Association. Before joining ACF, she was Chief Impact Officer at EdTech company Encantos. Recognized globally, Chávez was named one of Fortune’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders in 2016 and Forbes’ Top 50 Over 50 Women Leaders in 2021. Her career reflects a commitment to servant leadership and transformative impact.
Presented by Positive Paths, we believe that empowering women is not charity, it is community transformation. Education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, particularly for women with children. Our WIN program presentations provide key examples delivered in person by successful and inspiring businesswomen, giving our audience both information and motivation to move forward.
Date: Monday, August 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. (Registration & Networking) to 1:30 p.m.
Venue: SRP PERA Club - Sandhill E & W Ballroom
SRP Conference Center
1 E Continental Drive
Tempe, AZ 85288
Tickets will not be for sale at the venue!
Sponsored by
Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support of Positive Paths and your professional development!
