InBuckeye Magazine July 2025

BUSINESS

They’re in the mix Buckeye company championing education, workforce development

BY NILAM PATEL

T he Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation is proud to announce that Cathy Brown, co-owner and CFO of Paloma Ready Mix and Materials, will serve as co-chair of the 2025 Heroes of Education Gala. The event, scheduled for Nov. 13 at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, honors people and organizations that have made lasting contributions to education throughout Arizona. Paloma Ready Mix and Materials, a Buckeye-based company, has been a leader in regional economic development and workforce engagement. Under Brown’s financial and strategic leadership, the company has championed community investment and workforce partnerships that support education, infrastructure and sustainable growth for our region. Over the past eight years, Paloma has partnered closely with Buckeye Union High School to launch two innovative internship programs — one serving traditional students and another designed specifically for students with special needs. This long-term commitment to cultivating the next generation of skilled workers reflects Paloma’s belief in the power of education to drive community and economic progress. “Our company is built on the idea that strong partnerships between high schools, colleges and the business community make businesses faster, more nimble and better prepared for the future,” said Brown. “Therefore, Paloma Ready Mix is proud to support initiatives that build stronger communities through education,” she continued. “Our workforce — and Arizona’s future — depend on creating opportunities for students to gain the skills and support they need to thrive.” Brown also emphasized the critical role community colleges play in shaping that future. “Workforce development partnerships between colleges and local businesses are creating real-world impact in communities like ours,” she said.

Brown will co-chair the gala alongside Sherri Thomas, president and founder of Your Leadership Lab. Both leaders serve on the MCCF Board of Directors and share a passion for advancing education and community empowerment. The 2025 gala, themed “Honoring Heritage: Empowering Futures,” will recognize: • Individual Hero Todd Sanders, president and CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce • Corporate Hero Arizona Public Service • Honorary Heroes Ak-Chin Indian Community, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Gila River Indian Community, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community and Tohono O’odham Nation • 10 College Heroes representing each of the Maricopa Community Colleges Since 2006, the Heroes of Education Gala has raised nearly $2.9 million, with more than 88% of every dollar directly supporting student scholarships and emergency assistance across the Maricopa Community Colleges system. The evening begins with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main program at 6:30 p.m. For event details and sponsorship opportunities, visit: MCCCDF.org/Heroes-of- Education-2025.

Cathy Brown and Sherri Thomas

Two standout examples illustrate the reach and value of Maricopa Community Colleges and business collaborations. • Glendale Community College’s Cybersecurity Internship Program has placed student interns with the town of Wickenburg and the Wickenburg Unified School District to build out critical cybersecurity infrastructure. It’s a powerful example of workforce development right here in our West Valley communities. • Developed with key input from industry partners, including McCarthy Construction, a fellow MCCF board member, the Construction Institute at South Mountain Community College is helping students gain real- world skills in an essential field.