2017–2019 State Coordinators
Our state coordinators are representatives from our different Arizona NOW chapters state-wide. For a description of the duties related to each position, please see the AZ NOW Bylaws (rev 3-14-15).
State Coordinator for Policy/Spokesperson
Sheila Ogea (East Valley chapter) joined NOW in 1989 after attending an abortion rights rally. Married for almost 50 years to the same man, she has two grown daughters. Past experience includes a run for State Representative and newsletter editor for the Arizona Women’s Political Caucus. She has served two terms as a southwest regional representative on the National NOW Board and is now serving her second term as AZ NOW Policy/Spokesperson. Contact Sheila at PolicySpokesperson@aznow.org.
State Coordinators for Chapter Development
Salie Travis (Inez Casiano/Central Phoenix chapter) and Dorene Campbell (Tucson chapter) have been friends for decades, working together in the same school district and then both retiring separately to Arizona. They even had their baby girls in the same hospital on the same day (though they didn’t meet until years later). After the 2016 election, they both rejoined NOW. Between them, they have 14 grandchildren and a passel of pets. Contact Dorene and Salie at ChapterDev@aznow.org.
State Coordinator for Finance
State Coordinator for Leadership Training
State Coordinator for Legislative Action
Victoria Steele (Tucson chapter) is a lifelong feminist, former State Representative from District 9 in Tucson, mental health counselor, personal life coach, and a recent Congressional candidate. She enjoyed a 25-year career in radio and television news, and is an accomplished keynote speaker, teacher, and trainer who is experienced in presenting on Native American culture, empowering women, and a variety of public policy issues. Victoria is also the cofounder and immediate Past President of the Tucson NOW Chapter. Contact Victoria at LegislativeAction@aznow.org.
State Coordinator for Membership and Newsletters
Cindy Guerra (Inez Casiano/Central Phoenix chapter) has been a NOW member since 1982. She was President of the South Suburban NOW chapter; VP for Chapter Development, VP Action, and President of Illinois NOW. In addition to serving on the National Board and as Great Lakes Region Director to the Board, Cindy served on the Women of Color Committee while on the Board. She has been a feminist since she was 6 years old and will remain a NOW member forever to support women’s rights and civil rights for all. Contact Cindy at Membership@aznow.org.
State Coordinator for Political Action (PAC)
State Coordinator for Publicity
State Coordinator for Records and Meetings
Karen Van Hooft (East Valley chapter) is the Executive Editor for the Hispanic Research Center at Arizona State University. A long-time NOW member and former member of the National Board, Karen continues to contribute her talents and time to AZ NOW. Contact Karen at Meetings@aznow.org.
State Coordinator for Technology and Electronic Media
(aka Social Media and website)
Kathleen Kennedy (Tucson, unaffiliated) joined NOW, like so many others, after the 2016 election. She has been a technical writer and editor in software documentation for over 15 years. Kathleen created the website and chapter logo for the Tucson chapter and manages the website and social media for AZ NOW. She has two grown children and two grandsons. Contact Kathleen at Press@aznow.org.