Alexis Ryland is the Executive Director of The Marshall Foundation, where Main Gate Square’s retail leases fund grants and scholarships that support educational opportunities and community initiatives across Southern Arizona. Since assuming the role in 2025, she has led the Foundation’s real estate strategy, philanthropic investments, and community partnerships.
A graduate of Penn State University, Alexis began her career in hospitality and office brokerage before joining Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR in 2022. She managed the Foundation’s commercial real estate portfolio before transitioning to lead the organization, bringing a unique perspective on the connection between economic vitality and community impact.
Alexis currently serves on the Board of Directors for CREW Tucson and Canyon del Oro Little League and is a member of the Park Tucson Commission. She is also a recent graduate of the Greater Tucson Leadership’s Lead Tucson Class of 2026 and participates in The Chamber of Southern Arizona’s Emerging Leaders program.
Krystal Soto is a longtime Tucson radio personality, sports host, and professional hype woman who has spent more than 20 years talking into microphones and somehow convincing people to listen.
She currently serves as Vice President of the Tucson Sugar Skulls, but you may also recognize her from Arizona Women’s Basketball, Tucson Roadrunners games, or one of the many events around town where she’s been handed a microphone and told, “Just keep things moving.”
When she’s not working, Krystal is a mom of three, a champion of Southern Arizona, and a firm believer that every event is better with good people, good energy, and a little bit of chaos.
She’s thrilled to be part of Runway to Resilience and promises to bring the same energy she brings to a packed arena—just with slightly better shoes.
Vanecia Kerr is President & CEO of the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, where she leads efforts to advance education, financial wellness, housing stability, and health initiatives across Southern Arizona.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and corporate sectors, she has overseen multimillion-dollar programs, supported hundreds of community organizations, and championed innovative solutions to strengthen communities. A nationally recognized leader and sought-after speaker, Vanecia is passionate about creating opportunities that help individuals and families thrive.
Heather Thompson is a dedicated caregiver, single mother of four, and advocate for resilience and personal growth. With nearly 20 years of experience supporting seniors, vulnerable individuals, and families, Heather has dedicated her life to helping others navigate challenges and build brighter futures.
After overcoming significant personal hardships, she found stability and support through TMM Family Services, where she began rebuilding her confidence and pursuing new opportunities for herself and her family. Today, Heather is passionate about sharing her story to inspire others and demonstrate that healing, stability, and hope are possible—even after life’s most difficult moments.
Calline Sanchez, a senior IBM executive with more than 25 years of leadership across mission-critical resiliency, enterprise storage innovation, and global technology services. Calline has held multiple worldwide vice-president roles, guiding flagship IBM portfolios including DS8000, Tape, Backup & recovery, Global Lab Services and delivered IBM TLS Expert Care invention.
She is known for translating complex technical environments into clear, actionable resiliency strategies that help organizations protect their most critical systems. Beyond her global responsibilities, Calline is a prominent technology leader in Arizona, serving on civic and nonprofit boards that strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem. She brings a rare blend of technical depth, operational discipline, and human-centered leadership – making her a trusted advisor to executives navigating high-stakes technology decisions.
Natalie Fernandez brings nearly 30 years of experience in financial services, with a career spanning banking, brokerage, and independent fiduciary advice. With a foundation in education, she is passionate about helping individuals, families, businesses, and organizations gain the clarity and confidence to make informed financial decisions.
A Tucson native and mother of five, Natalie is deeply committed to her community and to advancing financial literacy. She has worked with students, collegiate and professional athletes, women, and community organizations and currently serves on several local boards and advisory groups, including the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson, Pima Community College Foundation, Angel Charity Foundation, and Arizona Bowl.
Natalie has received numerous honors for her professional and community leadership, including recognition by Forbes as a Top Women Wealth Advisor Best-In-State and Top Wealth Advisor Best-In-State, BizTucson’s Women Leading the Region, and Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona’s Woman of Honor.
Guided by her personal motto, “Lead by example,” Natalie brings that philosophy to her work, family, and service to the Tucson community.
