In Arizona, generosity is more than a value; it is a way of life. From boardrooms and classrooms to ballfields and board service, individuals across the state give their time, talent, and resources to strengthen their communities. Mission Monday shines a light on these difference-makers, exploring the motivation behind their service and the organizations addressing Arizona’s most pressing needs.
Today, we chat with Maddie Lydon, the founder of Lydon Advertising and co-founder of Women in Philanthropy AZ. The new local 501c4 is poised to be Phoenix’s premier philanthropic women’s organization, built by “exceptional women who give boldly, lead with integrity, and show up for their community,” according to Lydon.
What inspired you to get involved with this organization, and why has its mission remained important to you?
I co-founded Women in Philanthropy AZ with my friend Maddie Craigen because we kept noticing the same thing: so many talented professional women in Phoenix wanted to give back, but the traditional ways of doing it felt disconnected from how we actually wanted to spend our time. We wanted something that combined community, real fun (golf outings, social events) with real impact for kids and families here in the Valley. What has kept it important to me is watching that idea actually work. Our members (which we lovingly call our Lady Leopards) show up for each other and for the causes we support, and that keeps growing every month.
For those unfamiliar, can you share the core mission of the organization and the community it serves here in Arizona?
Women in Philanthropy AZ is a Phoenix-based 501c4 that brings professional women together through volunteering, social events, and philanthropy. Our work benefits For the Kids Foundation, our affiliated 501c3 charitable organization, which directs support to children and families in the Phoenix area. Our community is built on the idea that giving back should also mean building genuine relationships. Every event ties back to a purpose: supporting Valley kids and the organizations that serve them.
What is a program, initiative, or moment that truly captures the impact this organization is making right now?
Our Featured Philanthropy of the Month program is a great example. Each month we spotlight a local nonprofit, sharing their story with our members and directing support their way. This past month we featured Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, which supports warrior families through programs like Comfycozy’s for Chemo. Seeing our members rally around a cause they’d never heard of a month earlier, and watching that translate into real support, is exactly the moment that reminds me why we started this.
Are there any upcoming nonprofit events, campaigns, or initiatives you are especially excited about in the coming months?
Yes, quite a bit. We’re gearing up for our first Impact Dinner on September 24, and our Pickleball tournament on October 10, both great new ways for our members and the community to get involved. Each month, we feature a different beneficiary: Arizona Burn Foundation was in August, and Aspiring Youth Academy in September.
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 run my own advertising business, so balance is something I think about constantly. Honestly, it comes down to not doing it alone. Having a true partner in Maddie C., plus a leadership team in Meghann Hanvey and Andrea Lugo, means the work and the vision are shared, not carried by one person. My advice to anyone who wants to give back is to find your people first. Purpose is sustainable when it’s built with a community, not just a to-do list.
If your philanthropic work had a theme song, what would it be and why?
This is a great question. I would say “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, because we’re always trying to achieve progress, not perfection! And it’s a killer karaoke song, which I love to do when I’m not working or fundraising.
Outside of your work with the organization, what are three local spots that you especially love?
For a glass of wine and tasty bite, I love Mixela. You can get anything from sushi to empanadas to the most delicious dessert! For staycations, Westin Kierland is my favorite resort. For coffeeshop vibes and working offsite, I love Lux Central.
