JANUARY 6, 2026
Award honors the leaders whose commitment and compassion continue to guide women toward self-sufficiency and success
PHOENIX, AZ (January 6, 2026) – Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its highest leadership honor, Legacy Luminaries, a new award recognizing the extraordinary contributions of the organization’s most impactful board members and champions.
The Legacy Luminaries distinction honors long-term vision, service, and an enduring impact on Fresh Start’s mission. The name reflects the powerful combination of “legacy” – a lasting influence – and “luminary” – a guiding light. These are individuals whose leadership, generosity, and belief in the potential of women have lit the path for thousands over multiple decades of service.
The 2025 inaugural Legacy Luminary honorees are:
Gena Bonsall – Executive Board Member since 2014, Gala Chair 2015
A leader in development and philanthropy, Bonsall served in many roles in relationship building, community outreach, and development at Arizona State University, Bonsall helped strengthen Fresh Start’s fundraising strategy, cultivated lasting donor relationships, and introduced key supporters who continue to make a profound impact at Fresh Start today. She also helped launch Fresh Start’s first printed annual report and donor tours to engage the community. Her strategic vision and relationship-building have helped ensure the organization’s continued growth and sustainability.
Janet Kizziar – Charter Board Member since 1994
As a founding board member and nationally recognized psychologist, Dr. Kizziar helped establish Fresh Start’s groundbreaking mentoring program, connecting women with mentors to support their personal and professional goals. She has long championed the staff through annual appreciation efforts and personal encouragement, fostering a culture of care and compassion that remains central to the organization’s mission.
Marlene Klotz Collins – Charter Board Member since 1994
A founding force behind Fresh Start, Klotz Collins was an executive at KTVK Channel 3 and played a pivotal role in building community awareness through her media leadership and connections. She was instrumental in securing the transformative $1 million gift from Jewell McFarland Lewis that helped build the Women’s Resource Center that still houses Fresh Start today. Author of The Fresh Start Story, she has chronicled the organization’s inspirational history and celebrates the enduring vision of founders Pat Petznick and the late Beverly Stewart.
Nancy Loftin – Executive Board Member since 2002
As long-time Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Arizona Public Service, Loftin’s deep expertise in governance and corporate leadership has been crucial to Fresh Start’s longevity and success. Loftin has served multiple terms as Board Chair and helped recruit the organization’s last three executive leaders. She is particularly proud of Fresh Start’s ability to evolve through change, including its seamless pivot to hybrid services during the pandemic, and its continued financial strength and mission focus over three decades.
Mary Pahissa Upchurch – Executive Board Member since 2000, Gala Chair 2010
With deep experience in leadership, coupled with corporate and organizational strategy at AT&T and now Gray Decision Intelligence, Upchurch has been a vital strategist and leader in Fresh Start’s growth and evolution. She co-chaired the $7 million capital campaign that built Fresh Start’s Women’s Resource Center and has led key strategic efforts during challenging times. Mary and her Gray DI team have contributed critical research and intelligence in the development and launch of Fresh Start’s award-winning Impact Program, particularly in the Education and Employment pillars, and continue to help the organization target its resources to strengthen employment and workforce outcomes. Upchurch credits Fresh Start’s enduring success to the powerful group of “women helping women” – a spirit that defines her leadership and legacy.
“These incredible leaders have helped empower and lift up generations of women,” said Kim McWaters, President and CEO of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. “Their influence shaped our mission. Their wisdom guided us through change. And their unwavering belief in our future made what once seemed impossible, possible.”
Fresh Start’s mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. For over three decades, Fresh Start has supported more than 65,000 Arizona women. Through our signature Impact Program, Fresh Start offers comprehensive resources, education and training opportunities as well as career services to help women reach their personal and professional goals. For more information, visit freshstartwomen.org or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.