AZ Local Legends

AZ Local Legends Our mission is to celebrate diversity and honor the unsung heroes, local legends & rising stars who embody the spirit of moving the needle for positive impact.

We share stories of resilience, kindness, and empowerment to inspire and mobilize others.

06/13/2026

We're teaching balance to adults, but not kids 🧐

In Episode 92, Brady Wald, Principal of Summit School and author of The Principal Diaries, shares why some of the happiest and highest-performing education systems prioritize more than academics.

✨ Brady believes family time, outdoor play, art, music, and physical education aren't distractions from learning- they're essential to it.

➡️ Adults talk about the importance of balance. Brady asks whether we're creating enough of it for our kids.

📺 Watch the full episode on our YouTube now to hear more of Brady's perspective on education and student success: https://youtu.be/bz_JHX86Ax8

06/11/2026

Making people feel seen matters 💚

In Episode 92, Jessica Symmes shares the accomplishment she's most proud of- and it has nothing to do with awards, titles, or recognition.

✨ Instead, it's the way she hopes people feel after interacting with her.

➡️ For Jessica, success isn't measured by what's on a résumé. It's measured by whether someone leaves feeling seen, valued, and cared for.

📺 Watch the full episode on our YT now to hear more of Jessica's inspiring journey in healthcare, education, & leadership: https://youtu.be/bz_JHX86Ax8

06/10/2026

💚 NEW EPISODE! 💚

She started her nursing career the week before the COVID pandemic 🏥

In Episode 92, Jessica Symmes, Family Nurse Practitioner and professor at Grand Canyon University's Honors College, shares what she learned after beginning her nursing career during COVID and spending her days caring for cancer patients.

✨ What she witnessed early in her career continues to influence how she approaches her work and her life today.

This episode was filmed at Foothills Golf Club in Ahwatukee!

📺 Watch the full episode on our YT for more of Jessica's inspiring journey from dancer to healthcare leader: https://youtu.be/bz_JHX86Ax8

06/09/2026

Why this Asian restaurant is known for its meatloaf 😋🍽️

In Episode 91, John Banquil, CEO of Ling & Louie's, a restaurant brand known for blending Asian-inspired flavors with modern hospitality, shares the philosophy behind one of Arizona's most unique dining concepts:

From creative twists on traditional ingredients to unexpected menu favorites, John explains why making bold flavors approachable has been a key ingredient in Ling & Louie's success.

🍜 Their goal isn't just to serve great food- it's to create a menu where everyone can find something they'll love.

Special thanks to our partners of this episode:
• Plumbsmart
• Amy Richardson - Savvy Realty
• Duenas Eden Cravatta Law

📺 Watch the full episode on our YouTube now to hear why one of Ling & Louie's most talked-about menu items might not be what you'd expect: https://youtu.be/RpAMzd17Q64

06/08/2026

Success isn't always measured by sales! 🍽️ 📈

In Episode 91, John Banquil, CEO of Ling & Louie's, a restaurant brand known for blending Asian-inspired flavors with modern hospitality, shares a different way to think about business success:

✨ While most restaurants focus on revenue, profits, and growth, John believes the real measure of success is much simpler.

➡️ Every order represents a person, a family, or a moment that matters- and every success creates an opportunity to give back to the community.

📺 Watch the full episode on our YouTube now to hear why John believes great businesses should focus on impact just as much as income: https://youtu.be/RpAMzd17Q64

06/06/2026

🏡 Most people spend years learning... few ever take action.

In Episode 91, Catherine Bell, CEO of The Titan Impact Group, Financial Freedom Coach, and Real Estate Investor, shares why she created a community focused on doing deals- not just talking about them:

💡 After years of teaching others, Catherine realized that information alone doesn't create results. Action does.

Because the people who create financial freedom aren't always necessarily the smartest in the room, they're often the ones willing to take the first step.

📺 Watch the full episode on our YouTube now to hear how Catherine is helping people move from learning about opportunities to actually creating them: https://youtu.be/RpAMzd17Q64

06/04/2026

Empowering the next generation of leaders 💚

In our latest Episode, 91, Atllas Hopkins, Architectural Designer & Founder of SEED Philanthropy, shares how he created the world's first all-Black youth philanthropy organization:

💫 What started as a vision to help young people serve their communities has grown into an organization that supports student-led nonprofits across the Valley through community outreach, fundraising, and grant giving.

➡️ SEED isn't just teaching students how to give back, it's empowering them to create impact of their own.

📺 Watch the full episode on our YouTube now to hear how Atllas turned an idea into a movement that's helping shape the next generation of community leaders: https://youtu.be/RpAMzd17Q64

06/03/2026

💚 NEW EPISODE! 💚

What does philanthropy actually look like? 🤔

In Episode 91, Atllas Hopkins, Architectural Designer & Founder of SEED Philanthropy, a youth-led community service organization, challenges the idea that giving back is only for the wealthy...

He shares why making a difference can be as simple as serving your community, helping a neighbor, or giving back with the resources you already have.

➡️ What many people see as charity, Atllas sees as a mindset: being willing to serve others with whatever you have to give.

This episode was filmed at Craft 64 in Scottsdale!

📺 Watch the full episode on our YouTube now to hear why Atllas believes anyone can create impact- no matter their age, platform, or bank account: https://youtu.be/RpAMzd17Q64

06/02/2026

The message that stayed with a former NFL player 💯🏈

In Episode 90 of Move the Needle, M^NUP founder Demetris Love shares a powerful story about former NFL player Ray Brown and the impact the M^NUP message has had on his life.

💫 Years later, Ray still wears the band every day, a reminder of the movement’s message around personal responsibility, accountability, and growth.

➡️ For Demetris, M^NUP is about more than words. It’s about creating a mindset people can carry with them every single day.

Thank you to our partners for this episode:
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• .eden.cravatta.law
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📺 Watch the full episode now to hear why the M^NUP message resonates with so many people: https://youtu.be/hTW-vNkqNDc

06/01/2026

The first step to personal growth? It starts with you 👆

In Episode 90, founder of M^NUP, Demetris Love, shares the mission behind his personal responsibility and accountability movement - and why he believes growth, leadership, and success all start from within.

💫 Demetris explains that before we can expect accountability from others, we first have to be willing to hold ourselves accountable.

➡️ Instead of immediately blaming others or external circumstances, Demetris believes real growth starts by asking:
“How could I have done better?”

A powerful reminder that the only person we can truly control is ourselves 💯

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube now to hear Demetris break down the mindset behind personal accountability and leadership (link in bio)!

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