Roadtrip Nation and Arizona university students interview local professionals as they document the challenges of charting their career paths.
That prospect greeted Donna Werking, owner of Northern AZ Social, LLC, when a video production crew and three Arizona students rolled into Prescott May 15 for marketing and advertising mentorship.
Driving the documentary was Roadtrip Nation, an educational production company based out of Costa Mesa, California, in partnership with the Helios Education Foundation, headquartered in Phoenix. Roadtrip Nation’s content is carried by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Producer Kyle Cadotte had discovered Werking through a feature on Shoutout Arizona, a web-based dialogue promoting conversations about life, work, parenting, finances and more as the heart of community-building (shoutoutarizona.com/?s=donna+werking).
“As a marketing specialist and business owner, Donna’s interests aligned with two of our student Roadtrippers’ interests,” Cadotte explained. “I also felt Donna’s connection to Arizona, and her dedication to serving Prescott’s businesses was an important story to showcase in the series. I spoke with many potential leaders to produce this show, and Donna stood out as an authentic and passionate leader. She was incredibly welcoming to our crew and went above and beyond to make our time in Prescott memorable.”
Those two Roadtrippers were Jasmin Esmeralda Menjivar, born and raised in Phoenix, who earned a bachelor of science degree in biomedical science with a minor in chemistry from Northern Arizona University; and Ezequias Fuentes, from Tolleson, in his third year at Arizona State University in Tempe. An all-student cast of three was chosen with the help of Arizona non-profits.
“This story is told through the lens of these three Arizona students who are each facing the challenges of figuring out their educational path in the years after high school,” Cadotte explained. “Most importantly, their stories and experiences will show that there are a range of accessible post-secondary pathways – through certifications, community college, and colleges and universities – that can help them get to where they want to go, no matter their starting point or background.”
Werking said she was honored to have such great opportunities cross her desk, and especially those that may influence our youth in determining their path. “I was glad to be able to offer some insight on entrepreneurship and the marketing industry, while at the same time presenting a few life tips.”
Werking chose to share the limelight with other area businesses to broaden the students’ exposure to working professionals. “I felt it would be an added value for Northern AZ Social to host a lunch with some local industry specialists to offer the students further enrichment.”
She brought together a panel of professionals including Bree Hinkel, owner of Prescott Woman magazine; Tricia Lewis of Lewis Marketing/Tourism and Economic Development of Cottonwood; Tricia Reed, graphic designer with Northern AZ Social; Jeremiah Sawyer from Motion Candy (Video) Productions; and Lifestyle Photographer Valerie Fox. The recording began at 9 a.m., and wrapped up around 12:30 p.m. on that mid-May Saturday at The Raven Café.
“That was an exceptional occasion for the Roadtrippers,” Cadotte said enthusiastically. “We were all so thrilled that [Donna] not only shared wisdom with the Roadtrippers, but also opened the door for them to meet other professionals.”
Fuentes praised Werking for her professionalism and extraordinary support. “Not only did she expose us to her and what she does, but connected us with a lot more leaders in the town. She definitely wanted to give us the best experience and advice, and I thought that was amazing and a true leader.”
Fellow Roadtripper Menjivar explained that “right from the start with Northern AZ Social, I noticed that they are powerful and empowering women. Hearing each of their stories, I noticed that I had much to learn from life. From starting with small projects, 8-to-5 jobs, and now owning their own companies, it is amazing how hardworking their team is. I am grateful to have met them and would love to catch up someday.”
Werking had honored her mother via Shoutout Arizona in the interview that sparked her participation in the documentary.
“As an adult, I understand the sacrifices my mother made to become a U.S. citizen,” she said. “She escaped a desolate farm town in rural Thailand and left her eight siblings behind at the young age of 21 to build a better future in America. Today, I can only imagine the difficulty of this feat, the courage it must have taken to give us a chance to be better. My mother will forever be my hero for giving me the opportunity to have the life I have today.”
A philanthropist since moving to Prescott in 1995, Werking said she was young, hungry and motivated to help others. “In my 20s, I worked for a sports organization and I was introduced to corporate practices, tight deadlines, spontaneous demands and long work hours. I not only built my reputation with this career path, but my exposure to this environment made it much easier for me to launch Northern AZ Social, LLC in 2015. Reputation is your brand in a small town.”
The Arizona Roadtrip is slated to air in Spring 2022 on PBS and in the Roadtrip Nation Archive at https://roadtripnation.com/roadtrip/watch. Details will be posted on the website, along with current content for teachers and parents in helping students build courage and confidence at
https://go.roadtripnation.com/resources. QCBN
By Sue Marceau, QCBN
