RJ Hamster
Leaders, founders, a UV laser, and one really good…
Hello! I am so glad you’re here.
This is my first time writing to you as Executive Director of State Forty Eight Foundation, and I want to start by saying you are why I showed up. I stepped into this role in November 2025 because I believe deeply in what Arizona’s entrepreneurs are building — and in the Foundation’s ability to help more of them do it. Thank you for being part of our community.
Now, let’s get into what’s happening this month — because there is a lot to celebrate!
March marks Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating Arizona’s female founders who are redefining entrepreneurship. From breaking barriers to mentoring the next generation, these leaders are showing up and showing the way. This month, Beyond Business kicks off on March 18 with The Confidence Code: Women Who Show Up Powerfully, a gathering spotlighting women entrepreneurs and the strategies that make them thrive.
This is just the beginning of what’s ahead for SFEF in 2026, and I couldn’t be more energized to build it alongside you.
If something in this newsletter sparked an idea, a question, or a conversation you’ve been wanting to have — reach out. I mean it. I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a small business owner, a community partner, someone who’s been cheering us on for years, or someone who just discovered us — I want to know what matters to you, what you need, and how we can show up better.
We’re building something meaningful here, and the best ideas come from the community we serve.
With gratitude and excitement,
kp@statefortyeight.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
LEADING THE WAY
2026 brings renewed energy and visionary leadership to State Forty Eight Foundation! We’re excited to formally introduce our Executive Committee leadership guiding SFEF this year. This group brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and entrepreneurial insight, helping to shape our programs, events, and grant initiatives for Arizona’s small business community:
Mike Spangenberg – Chairman of the Board
Sentari Minor – President
Dala Al-Fuwaires – Vice President
Ted LeClair – Treasurer
Janis Gallego – Secretary
Check out our full Board of Directors here.
MEET OUR ENTREPRENEURS
Meet the State Forty Eight Foundation grantees and founders shaping Arizona’s future. Each month, we’ll highlight the entrepreneurs building bold businesses and strengthening our local community.
Everything Etched, founded by Tyler Cadwell and Liz Ann Hewett, is a Scottsdale-based custom engraving shop transforming meaningful moments into lasting keepsakes. What began with a personalized wine cork box Tyler etched for his mom has grown into a thriving business creating custom glassware and gifts for companies and events across Arizona. As a 2025 State Forty Eight Foundation grant recipient, Everything Etched secured a new UV laser, expanding their capabilities and bringing on-site engraving to large-scale community events.
Naked Fig Soap, founded by Madeline Harn, is a Phoenix-based business crafting vegan, handcrafted soaps inspired by the Sonoran Desert and the American Southwest. What began as a shared project evolved into Madeline’s full-time path, transforming everyday routines into moments of connection through thoughtfully scented, personalized soaps. As a 2025 State Forty Eight Foundation grant recipient, Naked Fig is expanding studio space, investing in equipment, and building a team to support the next phase of growth.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
We are proud and grateful to partner with OneAZ Community Foundation and OneAZ Credit Union as the official local financial partner of the State Forty Eight Foundation. Their collective support has helped us expand free programming and put more dollars directly into the hands of Arizona entrepreneurs. This partnership means the world to us, and to the community we serve together.
SUPPORT
AROUND ARIZONA
These events are not hosted by State Forty Eight Foundation, but they’re right up our alley, and we think you’ll love them.
March 7 – Prestamos CDFI Presents: Jefa’s Mercado
March 11 – Pitch In, ASU Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute
March 12 – Meet the Hosts of Arizona Tech Week at Venture Cafe Phoenix
March 27 – EmpowHER: A Small Business Start-Up Resource Fair
March 24-29 – TENWEST Festival in Tucson
We want to thank everyone who supported our Statehood Day campaign in honor of Arizona’s 114th birthday. Your donations fuel grants, programs, and resources that help Arizona entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, there’s still time to join us in creating more success stories.
Our mission is to fuel Arizona dreams and drive local prosperity through entrepreneurship.
Update My Preferences | Unsubscribe
© 2026 | State Forty Eight
Can’t see this email? View in Your Browser
