Coral For Arizona

This afternoon, I had coffee with Steve Peru, who was recently appointed to the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). I was grateful for the opportunity to sit down with him and learn more about his new role and the work he will be doing. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with Regent Peru, which brings more than three decades of experience in Arizona across local government, education, and nonprofit leadership. In addition to discussing ABOR, we talked about the release of my book, A Conversation with Alma, and the importance of understanding who you are and why you think the way you do. I have valued Regent Peru’s mentorship over the years, so it was especially meaningful to hear how much he enjoyed my book. I look forward to seeing all he will accomplish in his new role on behalf of Arizona.
https://www.azregents.edu/news-releases/abor-welcomes-new-regents-dr-michele-halyard-and-steve-peru-board

Sunnyside has some great workshops and meetings happening throughout May, and every single one is open to the public. Come join us and be part of the conversations that shape our community.

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to serve as the featured speaker at the Prescott Association for University Women’s (AAUW) general meeting. It felt like a homecoming of sorts, as I had the honor of speaking to the group several years ago while I was in office. My remarks highlighted the work I’m doing now as Northern Arizona Director for U.S. Senator Mark Kelly and focused on the importance of education, history, empathy, and working together toward common goals. I appreciated the chance to reconnect with this incredible group of women.
https://prescott-az.aauw.net/

Congress must act to fund restoration of burned North Rim | Opinion by Ethan Aumack, the executive director of the Grand Canyon Trust. AZCentral 5/8/2026

“The Grand Canyon is a national heritage site that unites Americans. It is facing challenges unprecedented in its history as a national park, challenges that call on us especially in these times to work across differences that could otherwise divide us. As with all Arizonans, we will stand with Senators Kelly and Gallego and Rep. Eli Crane as they work together to champion the Grand Canyon in Congress and secure the funding the park so desperately needs to rebuild.”

Congress must act to fund restoration of burned North Rim | Opinion The devastated North Rim of the Grand Canyon needs Congress to authorize restoration funds. Without it, Arizona's tourism industry is damaged.

Another great workshop happening at the Market of Dreams in May!

I love my hometown, the work I get to do, and the team I get to do it with — so having Flagstaff chosen for our annual TeamKelly Retreat felt like the universe circling back on itself, placing us exactly where we were meant to be.

For two days, the city moved around us like a story — pine‑scented, rain‑washed, a little wild, small-town urban.

We began on the historic Southside at the Annex, warm light spilling onto the sidewalk, voices rising like a toast to the place and people that raised me. We ended at NiMarco’s, then drifted to the Monte V for one last goodbye, and finally to Late for the Train — hands wrapped around hot cups, morning steam curling into the cool Flagstaff air like a quiet blessing that was felt with gratitude.

And in those 48‑ish hours, the high country showed off.

We stood at the rim of the Grand Canyon, learning the stories of the Indigenous peoples who have called that sacred expanse home since time immemorial — a reminder that this land holds memory deeper than stone.

We visited the Museum of Northern Arizona, following the lines of the Colorado Plateau and learned about the B612 Foundation and their work centered on asteroids — science braided with starlight.

We touched the telescope at Lowell that first found Pluto, a moment that felt like placing a hand on the pulse of the cosmos.

We learned Route 66 history at MotherRoad, the hum of the old highway still alive in the walls of JD’s Speakeasy. And we walked with Nick from Flagstaff Freaky Foot Tours, the city shimmering under a soft drizzle, stories of architecture, history, and ghosts following along with us.

Some of us saw these places for the first time. All of us carried something new away — a spark, a story, a sense of belonging. The DC team, the Arizona team — all of us together, rooted in purpose, grounded in this place.

I am grateful to be a daughter of Arizona. Proud of my hometown. And so deeply, fiercely thrilled that TeamKelly landed here — in the place that raised me.
There is no place like home.