Circular Arizona hosts Southern Connection event in Tucson
Tucson, Arizona — On Thursday, Nov. 13, Circular Arizona hosted its 2025 Southern Connection event at City of Tucson Fire Central, bringing together sustainability professionals, educators, local leaders, and community members for an afternoon of learning, connection, and hands-on inspiration. The event featured a locally catered lunch, an engaging speaker lineup, and a special tour highlighting one of Tucson’s most celebrated school-based sustainability programs.
Held in downtown Tucson, the lunch-and-learn spotlighted circular economy efforts across Southern Arizona and offered attendees the chance to explore community-driven solutions shaping the region’s future.
Following the presentations, guests toured Manzo Elementary School’s award-winning School Garden Program — a nationally recognized model for experiential sustainability education developed in partnership with the University of Arizona. The program integrates gardening, composting, aquaponics, and rainwater harvesting directly into classroom learning, demonstrating how early education can cultivate lifelong stewardship.
Speakers included:
Natasha Winnik, Founder of Originate, shared her extensive experience in natural building materials, from strawbale construction to earthen plasters, and highlighted how sustainable design choices can support healthier communities and environments.
Adrienne Ledford, Director of Treasures 4 Teachers of Tucson, shared how the organization supports educators through free and low-cost classroom supplies sourced from donated and repurposed materials. With more than 12 years of leadership at the nonprofit — and over two decades in special education — she highlighted how Treasures 4 Teachers lightens the financial burden on educators, diverts valuable materials from landfills, and connects businesses, volunteers, and teachers to advance reuse and creative learning in classrooms across Southern Arizona.
Katie Gannon, Executive Director of Tucson Clean & Beautiful, discussed the organization’s 40-year legacy of community-powered environmental action — from urban forestry to zero waste education — and emphasized the power of volunteerism in creating vibrant, resilient neighborhoods.
Vanessa Gallego, Chief Operating Officer of Recyco, Inc. and local environmental and mobility advocate, spoke about her family business’s 40-year history in metal recycling and her leadership roles advancing climate action, mobility justice, and land stewardship across the region.
Karen Wilhelmsen, Environmental Education Program Manager for the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality, highlighted her decades of work in environmental outreach, including programs that engage youth, adults, and county employees in air quality education, climate awareness, and sustainable transportation initiatives.
Dr. Ilse Rojas-Hamilton, Associate Director of the University of Arizona Office of Sustainability, presented on campus-wide climate action, data-driven sustainability reporting, and the Compost Cats Program, sharing how experiential learning and university-community partnerships are reshaping sustainability culture in Tucson.
Attendees discussed opportunities to accelerate circularity across various sectors, including education, local government, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy. The visit to Manzo Elementary provided an inspiring glimpse into how hands-on, student-led sustainability initiatives can enhance both environmental outcomes and community well-being.
A special thank you to the City of Tucson for hosting us!
Circular Arizona hosts regional events, such as the Southern Connection, to help fulfill its mission to “foster an equitable circular economy and connect Arizonans through innovation, education, and collaboration.”
Circular Arizona envisions an equitable circular economy for a sustainable Arizona. Learn more about our mission and programs at CircularArizona.org.
Media Contact:
Ryan Gurr
Circular Arizona
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