Arizona Legacy Stories
Discover the amazing people making an impact across the desert of Arizona through food, culture, art, and more!
Emily Heller, an energetic and spirited farmer in Arizona, founded Bene Vivendo in 2018 after studying agriculture at the University of Arizona extension programs. The warm and inviting energy she shares with everyone can be felt through her love of growing food and flowers. It’s easy to say, if you’re having a bad day, spending time with Emily and helping around her farm can easily brighten your day and show just how dedicated she truly is. Quickly becoming an icon, inspiring and educating others by simply being good, is what brings good people together around food. If you’re in Phoenix, Arizona, you can find her booth at the Uptown Phoenix Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Miguel Godoy, a community-based muralist and a residential art faculty member at Estrella Mountain Community College, made Arizona his home. Inspired by the expression in hip-hop culture and graffiti, you can find his unique and vibrant mural art style throughout the Phoenix metro area. His work ranges from the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns to community mural pieces at parks in collaboration with schools and cities. Discover the importance of identity through representation and art impact through the beats of Miguel’s story.
Alama Sao is the Founder of the Arizona Association for South Pacific Island Culture and the Director of the South Pacific Island Festival in Chandler, Arizona. There was a hidden need to represent South Pacific Islanders in Arizona that kicked off his pursuit to bring the culture and representation to the public. Having people come from all over, from places like New Zealand, Samoa, Hawaii, Tahiti, and Tonga, to share all aspects of their culture, from dancing to food. The journey of bringing so much joy to so many people and the feeling of being seen wasn’t easy, but for Alama, it was all worth it.
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