A Look Back At The Progress, Expansion, and New Voices
By Jennifer Conrad, Founder & CEO / Editor-in-Chief
As we head into Arizona Ascent’s two-year anniversary this January, this past year stands out as the clearest turning point since launching the magazine. 2025 was the year everything came into focus — our identity, our voice, our partnerships, and the impact we want to make across Arizona. It was a year of expansion, but it wasn’t chaotic. It felt aligned, intentional, and earned.
One of the biggest milestones was completing our full rebrand of Arizona Ascent, giving the magazine a clean and elevated identity that reflects who we’ve become. The new design didn’t just refresh our look it clarified our direction. It helped us show up stronger for the community we serve and set the foundation for the future we’re building toward.
Another defining moment was the launch of the Business Impact Awards, our first statewide recognition program highlighting the companies and leaders shaping Arizona’s future. The energy in that room was something I’ll always remember founders, executives, and creators coming together to celebrate the work they’re doing in real time.
We moved from covering impact to actively championing it. That difference matters. 2025 was also the year we expanded into new editorial territory by launching our partnership with Silicon Oasis, allowing us to broaden our coverage of Arizona’s rapidly growing tech and innovation sectors.
This collaboration strengthened both teams and opened a new channel of storytelling that reflects where the state is headed. It was bold, timely, and exactly the kind of move that positions us for long-term growth.
These aren’t just articles; they’re snapshots of a state in motion.And if I’m honest, this year wasn’t just about wins. It also required growth, refinement, and learning to trust where we’re headed. But the challenges shaped our clarity. They sharpened our voice. They made the wins big and small feel even more meaningful.
Now, as we step into our two-year anniversary in January 2026, I can honestly say I’ve never been more excited about where we’re going. Arizona Ascent is growing, steady, and aligned. And the story we’re telling the story of Arizona’s business community is getting stronger every month.
Thank you to our readers, partners, contributors, and the leaders who let us tell their stories. This magazine exists because of you. Here’s to an incredible year behind us, and an even bigger one ahead.
Inside the organization, this year was just as meaningful. We welcomed three interns who played a direct role in shaping our issues and expanding our voice:
- Sylvie Stephens, who brought depth, clarity, and strong editorial instincts.
- Ian Sanchez, who elevated our visuals and design through thoughtful layout & branding.
- Kayla Johnson, who expanded our reach through interviews, features, and video storytelling.
Their work added texture and dimension to the magazine, and I’m proud of what they contributed.
and The Conrad Group.
We also welcomed Emily Call into her role as Chief Revenue Officer, and her impact was immediate. Emily brings strategy, clarity, and a deep understanding of how to build relationships and revenue in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Her leadership strengthened the magazine’s direction and helped anchor our growth throughout the year.
As we selected the defining stories of 2025, we focused on the ones that captured momentum companies scaling, industries evolving, leaders making bold moves, and communities creating new opportunities.
These aren’t just articles; they’re snapshots of a state in motion.And if I’m honest, this year wasn’t just about wins. It also required growth, refinement, and learning to trust where we’re headed. But the challenges shaped our clarity. They sharpened our voice. They made the wins big and small feel even more meaningful.
Now, as we step into our two-year anniversary in January 2026, I can honestly say I’ve never been more excited about where we’re going. Arizona Ascent is growing, steady, and aligned. And the story we’re telling the story of Arizona’s business community is getting stronger every month.
Thank you to our readers, partners, contributors, and the leaders who let us tell their stories. This magazine exists because of you. Here’s to an incredible year behind us, and an even bigger one ahead.
