Staff

Brenda Thomson

Executive Director

Brenda Thomson, Executive Director, is an experienced leader/business manager with expertise in governance, human resources, public speaking, community relations, and cultural competency. She manages the daily operations of the council, development, and advocacy. Prior to joining Arizona Humanities, Brenda served as the Director of The Center for Law Leadership and Management at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU, and Executive Director of the Maricopa County Bar Association. She currently serves on the boards of the Federation of State Humanities Councils (Secretary), Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission, Phoenix Burton Barr Library Advisory Board, Carver Museum and Cultural Center (President), and Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame. B.A. in English, Yale University. J.D., Yale Law School.

Contact Brenda Thomson at
bthomson@azhumanities.org or call 602-257-0335 x22.

Dyadira Fajardo

Interim Grants Manager

Dyadira “Yadi” Fajardo, Interim Grants Manager, is responsible for grants management, advocacy, capacity building, training, recordkeeping, and reports. She is the staff liaison to the board grants committee. Management of grants includes oversight of project grants, mini grants, and special grants (50th anniversary). Yadi currently serves as a Marketing and Programs Consultant at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. She has worked in nonprofits and museum institutions across Arizona for more than seven years, including Arizona Humanities, Pueblo Grande Museum, Musical Instrument Museum, and the Desert Botanical Garden. From managing adult learning classes to coordinating cultural events, Yadi’s goal is to highlight the rich histories present in Arizona communities and to inspire meaningful educational experiences and cultural awareness. B.A degree in Anthropology, Arizona State University. 

Contact Dyadira Fajardo at
dfajardo@azhumanities.org or call 602-257-0335 x25.

Julianne Cheng

Programs Manager

Julianne Cheng, Programs Manager, is responsible for program development and management, program partnerships and collaborations, educational advocacy and outreach, recordkeeping, and reports. She assists with the development of program marketing materials and social media campaigns. As a graduate student Julianne taught art history and conducted curatorial work at various museums and participated in archaeological excavations in Greece. Julianne is passionate about studying the human experience through the lens of history and material culture. She believes that understanding our past is crucial for cultivating a diverse community. B.A. in History and Art History, University of California, Los Angeles. M.A. and Ph.D. in Art History, Emory University, with a focus on Greek Art and Archaeology.

Contact Julianne Cheng at jcheng@azhumanities.org or call 602-257-0335 x26.

Katherine Sorensen

Marketing Manager

Katherine is a native Phoenician and a copywriter with extensive experience working with startups across various industry segments where she utilized her writing and creative skills to develop content strategies for social media, marketing, and communications. Katherine is also a published poet with work featured in literary journals such as Sonder Midwest and Write On, Downtown. Katherine believes in celebrating the human experience and fosters community with Marigold, a pop-up bookstore focusing on the queer experience that hosts a monthly book club in downtown Phoenix. B.A. in English Literature from Arizona State University.

Contact Katherine Sorensen at ksorensen@azhumanities.org

Stephanie Joyner

Grants Manager

Stephanie, the Pinal County Historical Museum’s first Executive Director, fostered its growth through social media, revenue diversification, launching the volunteer program, and resurrecting the museum’s Meetup group. In 2022 Stephanie received the Individual Award of Excellence from the Museum Association of Arizona and in 2023 the Arizona Humanities Rising Star award.   She has worked with many cultural organizations, including the San Diego Museum of Us, the National Park Service, and NAU’s Cline Library. Stephanie is passionate about museums and her love for the arts started early as a classical ballet dancer. B.S. in Anthropology and International Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, and M.A. in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University.

Contact Stephanie Joyner at sjoyner@azhumanities.org. 

Tiffany Malone

Programs Manager
Tiffany has utilized her rich arts and culture background to curate public programs, exhibits, and events that foster meaningful connections between artists and the community. As a seasoned museum professional, Tiffany has spearheaded innovative projects and special events at the intersection o f Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Medicine (STEAM), fostering advances in program management, creating humanities-focused exhibitions, and expanding community outreach. Tiffany is deeply committed to philanthropy and youth initiatives. She channels her passion into creating transformative learning experiences for youth and adults.
 

Contact Tiffany Malone at tmalone@azhumanities.org.

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