The co-presenters share a deep history that started in the Phoenix, AZ’s underground music and arts scene. One became a community and cultural activist, advocating for design literacy and justice in the under-served communities of South Phoenix, and the other became an AEC marketing professional, JEDI advocate, and NOMA Arizona board member. Decades later, they reunited to collaborate on initiatives and programs to help fulfill each other’s strategic goals. A 2022 strategic planning session identified the need to serve the needs of community organizations who are doing work that aligns with NOMA Arizona’s mission and values. Doing so helps us expand our existing programs and provide greater access to the communities we most want to reach. The Sagrado was specifically identified as a potential partner because of its cultural and development activism in South Phoenix, a historically red-lined and predominantly Black and Latino area south of downtown. Like NOMA Arizona, the Sagrado’s mission is to provide tools and opportunities that empower community through art, culture and design with a vision to cultivate prosperous communities engaged in conscious development. Together we are working to elevate, educate, and empower through sharing resources, co-facilitating programs, and amplifying each other’s mission.