Liz Warren, South Mountain Community College’s Storytelling Institute Director, was recognized as a community trailblazer at the AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute’s 4th Annual Breakfast of Champions on Oct. 16. Warren was one of six honorees who were celebrated for embodying excellence and dedication.
AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute is a Phoenix-based non-profit organization that prepares youth for college admission and beyond, while providing the necessary guidance and resources to achieve success. This year’s Breakfast of Champions celebrated 20 years of the organization’s service to Arizona youth.
Warren’s relationship with AGUILA began several years ago when she first met with the organization’s CEO and founder, Dr. Rosemary Ybarra-Hernandez, to discuss connecting with SMCC’s Storytelling Institute.
In July of last year, Warren was invited to AGUILA’s annual symposium to present a plethora of storytelling activities.
“We had a wonderful time, and the students responded very positively to what they were learning, and to the opportunity to tell their stories,” said Warren.
From there, the Storytelling Institute and AGUILA collaborated on a Veteran’s Storytelling event, where students from AGUILA interviewed veterans and crafted stories that they then shared to the community at SMCC’s Performance Hall.
This valuable connection between Warren, the Storytelling Institute, and AGUILA has created a variety of opportunities for students over the years all while highlighting the significance of storytelling. It is a true testament to the great efforts and commitment that Warren has shown through it all.
When speaking on her achievement at the Breakfast of Champions, Warren reflected on her relationship with Ybarra-Hernandez and what it has meant to her.
“I have so much respect for Rosemary’s work, and that of her team, in building and sustaining the AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute for over 20 years. When you admire someone's work and they recognize yours, that's an honor with lasting impact. It’s something I will treasure,” said Warren.
Warren was honored to have a group of SMCC faculty and staff showing their support at the event, which included SMCC President Veronica Hippolito, Lisa Doromal, Travis May, Chantel Freed, Alice Murillo, Ken Guerrero, and Governing Board member Tom Nerini.