Phoenix Vice Mayor Champions Student Advocacy, Civic Leadership

Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien joined high school students from Read Better Be Better’s Pathways to Civic Leadership program for a mock public meeting aimed at building student confidence in civic engagement and public speaking. The culminating event, held in the Phoenix City Council Chambers, simulated a formal public meeting where students presented actionable solutions to real challenges in their schools and communities.

Read Better Be Better’s Pathways to Civic Leadership (PCL) program is a 10-week initiative focused on leadership development, advocacy, and community impact. Guided by a curriculum informed by the Flinn Foundation, students worked to identify challenges in their educational environments and crafted public comments to address those issues.

"Civic engagement starts with knowing your voice has power,” said Vice Mayor O’Brien. “These students are learning that leadership isn’t reserved for elected officials — it begins the moment you stand up for what matters in your community. Empowering young people to use their voices is one of the most meaningful investments we can make for the future of Phoenix.”

O’Brien, a lifelong advocate for education, served as a panelist during the event, providing direct feedback to students alongside Drue Gillentine, High School Program Coordinator for Read Better Be Better, and Mikah Dyer, Vice President of Policy for Arizona State University West Valley Undergraduate Student Government.

“The Pathways to Civic Leadership program is about seeing the growth in these young adults,” said Hayden Nguyen, Program Coordinator for Civic Leadership at Read Better Be Better. “We need to be able to provide the tools so that students can see themselves as advocates, even in spaces like their schools where they might not feel like they can effect change. Their leadership can really make a difference in our local communities because their impact extends beyond just them.”

In addition to serving as Vice Mayor of Phoenix, O’Brien was recently named Chair of the Board of Directors for WestEd, a nonpartisan research, development, and service agency that works to promote excellence, improve learning, and increase opportunities for children, youth, and adults. Her public service also includes two terms on the Deer Valley Unified School District Governing Board, including time as Board President.

Media Contacts:

Christina Estes
Director of Communications, Office of Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien
Christina.estes@phoenix.gov
602-520-2762 call or text

Eva Koelzer
Communications Manager, Read Better Be Better
evakoelzer@readbetterbebetter.org 
602-704-1732

About District 1
District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O’Brien was elected in November 2020 and took office April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit Phoenix.gov/District1.