Welcome to the 72nd Far West Teen Conference 2026
Young, Gifted, and Black
Tempe, Arizona

Dear Teens, Advisors, and Jack and Jill Family,

With a heart full of gratitude and excitement, I welcome you to Teen Conference 2026 in
Tempe, Arizona. This year’s theme, Young, Gifted, and Black, is both a declaration and a celebration of identity, purpose, and possibility.

Being young, gifted, and Black means recognizing that your brilliance is intentional. It shows up in your leadership, your creativity, your resilience, your scholarship, your service, and your confidence. As Jack and Jill teens, you represent excellence in motion. You lead with integrity, compassion, and a clear understanding of who you are and what you stand for.

This conference is proudly hosted by our GeoPod Chairs from Phoenix, Sun Valley, and Tucson. Thank you for your vision, collaboration, and commitment to creating an experience that challenges, uplifts, and inspires our teens. Your leadership reflects what ELITE truly looks like in action. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Arizona State University for welcoming us to their campus and providing a space where our teens can learn, grow, and envision their futures.

I am incredibly grateful for our phenomenal Regional Teen Board. It has been a true
blessing and a joy working alongside you to plan this conference. Under the exceptional
leadership of RTP Hayden Hishaw and RTA Lakeesha Alford, you have shown dedication, creativity, and excellence at every step. Your leadership embodies the promise of our future.

As you move through this conference, my hope is that you leave empowered and inspired. I hope you gain clarity in your purpose, confidence in your voice, and deeper connections with peers who share your commitment to excellence. Most of all, I hope you leave knowing that your gifts are meant to be nurtured, shared, and used to make an impact right now.

This experience is a reflection of our ELITE vision, Empowered Leadership, Inspired to
Excel. You are the living expression of that. Remember this as you continue your journey: “Your gifts were given with intention. Walk boldly in who you are and never dim your light.”

Welcome to the 72nd Far West Teen Conference 2026. Lead boldly. Excel always.

With pride and purpose,

RD Monique Arrington
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated
29th Far West Regional Director

Dear Teens, Parents, and Jack and Jill Families,

Welcome to the Far West Region Jack and Jill Teen Leadership Conference! We are
an ELITE Region, where our goal is to bring our teens an experience of Empowered
Leadership Inspired to Excel. We are thrilled to gather with some of the brightest,
boldest, and most promising young leaders from across our communities for an
experience rooted in growth, connection, and purpose.

This year’s theme, “Young, Gifted and Black,” is both a declaration and a
celebration. It affirms the brilliance you carry, the history you inherit, and the
limitless future you are shaping. You stand on the shoulders of trailblazers who
dreamed big and led with courage—and now, the charge is yours to lead with
confidence, creativity, and compassion.

Throughout this conference, you will engage in meaningful conversations, dynamic workshops, and leadership-building experiences designed to challenge your thinking, strengthen your voice, and sharpen your vision. You will be encouraged to explore who you are, what you stand for, and how you can use your gifts to serve, uplift, and inspire others.

To our teens: know that you are seen, valued, and capable of extraordinary impact. 

Your ideas matter. Your leadership matters. Your future matters. This conference is
not just about preparing for tomorrow—it is about recognizing the power you hold
today.

To our parents, teen advisors, and chaperones: thank you for your unwavering
commitment to nurturing leadership, character, and excellence in our young people. Your guidance and support continue to make spaces like this possible.

We look forward to an empowering and memorable conference filled with learning,
fellowship, and celebration. May you leave inspired to lead boldly, dream
unapologetically, and walk proudly in the fullness of who you are—young, gifted,
and Black.

With pride and purpose,

Long Live Jack and Jill,

Tasha B. Penny 
National Program Director 

Dear Far West Teens and Parents,

On behalf of the Far West Region, it is my absolute honor to welcome you to our Teen Leadership Conference here in Phoenix, Arizona! I am beyond excited to gather with so many passionate leaders from across our region for a weekend of growth, connection, and impact.

As members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., we are part of a powerful legacy rooted in leadership and excellence. During this conference, I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone. Engage fully in workshops. Build meaningful connections. Support one another. And Most importantly, remember that leadership is defined by your willingness to uplift others.

I am so proud to serve as your Far West Regional Teen President, and I cannot wait to see the impact we will continue to make together.

In Service,

Hayden Hishaw
Far West Regional Teen President
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.