In Arizona, generosity is more than a value; it is a way of life. From boardrooms to classrooms, ballfields to board service, countless individuals quietly give their time, talent, and resources to strengthen the communities they call home.
This Mission Monday column shines a light on those difference-makers. Each week, we spotlight a philanthropic leader or volunteer whose passion for service is creating real, lasting impact across the state. Through their stories, we explore the “why” behind their giving, the mission that fuels their commitment, and the nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to serve Arizona’s most pressing needs. Today, we welcome Becky Cohen-Collins, the Auxiliary Board Chair for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
What inspired you to get involved with this organization, and why has its mission remained important to you?
I have served on the Auxiliary Board, one of Fresh Start’s three boards, for nearly 10 years, and this year, I have the immense honor of serving as Auxiliary Board Chair. I was originally inspired to get involved with Fresh Start because I truly believe that when women thrive, entire families and communities thrive alongside them.
Giving women the tools, confidence, and resources to become self-sufficient creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond any one individual. As the mom of two young daughters, that mission has become even more meaningful to me. I want them to grow up believing that confidence, independence, and the ability to create opportunities for themselves are among the greatest gifts they can have. Being part of an organization that helps women build those same qualities every day is incredibly rewarding, and it’s why Fresh Start’s mission has remained so important to me.
For those unfamiliar, can you share the core mission of the organization and the community it serves here in Arizona?
Fresh Start’s mission is to empower women ages 18 and older with access to comprehensive resources and workforce training programs on the path to self-sufficiency. The majority of these women are mothers, and all of the women who come to Fresh Start are incredibly resilient and motivated to change their lives.
Through Fresh Start’s Impact Program, women receive services across five areas, or “pillars,” on their personalized path to success: Family Stability, Health & Well-Being, Financial Management, Education & Training, and Careers. Together, these pillars form the Bridge to Self-Sufficiency, supporting each woman on her journey toward economic independence and personal empowerment.
What is a program, initiative, or moment that truly captures the impact this organization is making right now?
While Fresh Start’s comprehensive resources are all important in supporting women across different areas of their lives, its current career training programs are making a profound impact in our state by helping build the workforce of the future.
Women need jobs where they can earn living wages to support themselves and their families, while employers growing in Arizona need trained workers more than ever. Through partnerships with educators and employers in our community, Fresh Start is connecting women with career opportunities in some of Arizona’s fastest-growing sectors, including advanced manufacturing, health care, trades, and more.
Women enrolled in these career programs also have access to free résumé reviews and interview preparation sessions at Fresh Start, as well as workshops on financial management so they can learn how to sustainably budget the income from their new careers. Equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to move forward on the path to economic independence, these women change their lives, uplift their families, and strengthen our economy.
Are there any upcoming nonprofit events, campaigns, or initiatives you are especially excited about in the coming months?
I am especially excited about Fresh Start’s Sip & Soirée, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Hosted by the Auxiliary Board and presented by Phoenix Lending Group, this annual luncheon is a fabulous afternoon that kicks off with sipping and shopping from local vendors, activity stations, and much more, followed by entertainment, lunch, and prize raffles.
Proceeds from the event go directly to Fresh Start’s life-changing work, and it’s a great way to have fun with friends while making an impact. Tickets and sponsorships are still available at FreshStartWomen.org/Sip.
How do you balance your professional life with your commitment to giving back, and what advice would you offer to others who want to do the same?
I don’t know if balance is something you ever fully achieve. There are seasons when my job or family takes more of my time, and there have been times when I wasn’t giving back as much as I would have liked. What I’ve learned, though, is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I try to contribute in whatever way I can during each season, and I believe the commitment to showing up, even imperfectly, is what matters most. My advice is to start before you feel like you have enough time. Find a cause you genuinely care about, give what you can, and don’t let the pursuit of perfect balance keep you from making a difference.
If your philanthropic work had a theme song, what would it be and why?
It’s hard to pick just one! I would say “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor. To me, philanthropy is really about showing up for people and reminding them they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. It’s simple, hopeful, and reflects the kind of community Fresh Start works to create.
“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers also has a special place in Fresh Start’s history. It became something of a rallying song when the organization was raising funds for its Resource Center in Phoenix. Now, more than a decade later, the beautiful Resource Center continues to be a beacon of hope and support for so many women across the Valley.
Outside of your work with the organization, what are three local spots that you especially love?
If I had to choose, Sauvage would be at the top of my list. It feels like the perfect neighborhood hangout. My husband and I go there for date nights, with friends, and with our daughters. The staff feel like old friends, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
The Heard Museum is also incredibly special. It does a wonderful job celebrating Indigenous art, history, and culture while creating so many opportunities for community engagement.
And finally, 56th Street Deli. They make some of the best sandwiches. It’s completely unassuming, the people who work there are genuinely kind, and it’s the type of local spot that reminds you why neighborhood businesses are so special.
