Ahwatukee, AZ May 2026

THI S ONE'S FOR THE GIRLS

Partner With Us For Proven Success

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team For Over 40 Years

The Women Who Went Before Us

May brings the festive and flavorful Cinco de Mayo, a chance to honor our mothers, and the somber and reflective Memorial Day that has become a treasured three-day weekend and the unofficial start of summer. It also sees many of our kids graduate from all levels of school and the others happy that the year is done.

Efu Nyaki once said, “Half the world are women. The other half are their children.” It is a profound trib ute to the quiet, enormous power women hold in shaping humanity. This issue is a celebration of that role—past, present and future.

This year, my mother would have been 84. When I look at the world today, I’m struck by how vastly my own youth differed from that of today’s girls—but the chasm between my mother’s generation and the current one is almost unfathomable. In many ways, their daily lives would be unrecognizable to one another.

Yet, across the decades, they remain united by the shared experience of womanhood.

It is our responsibility to bridge that gap. We must lock arms with the girls of today—not just to honor the trailblazers who paved their way, but to share our own lived stories. Our job is to give them the best of both worlds: the cutting-edge tools that will empower them to lead the next generation, and the timeless skills that have long nurtured our families and created community.

In that vein, this issue shares two fabulous women who are making their mark in Ahwatukee. Leslie McReynolds shares her role in helping many families who are struggling with a health crisis and Ana Piña shares her journey to finding her passion, and how it allows her to connect with numerous women.

Cheers to an incredible month full of many celebratory days.

SHERRY YORK, PUBLISHER @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Stanton, Michelle Talsma Everson, Kris Ann Valdez, Patti Noble, Kali Kasorzyk, Beth Del Ville

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephanie Slezak, Patti Noble

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Women’s Health and Dental Hygiene

Women juggle countless responsibilities- whether you’re a working professional or a stay-at-home mom, your role is important. Amid the busyness, don’t forget to prioritize you. Oral health and hygiene are essential to your overall health and wellness. Take a moment for yourself and come meet us a Desert Dentistry. Whether you’re looking to get back on the path to better health or want to brighten and enhance your smile, we’re here to helpevery step of the way. We cannot wait to meet you!

Call Today to Schedule Your Dental Hygiene Appointment or Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

and Evening Appointments

inside the issue

As

Women

business monthly

WOLF Luxury Jewelry Boxes Now at Myranda Fine Jewelry

Just in time for Mother’s Day, luxury jewelry box brand, WOLF, is now available at Myranda Fine Jewelry. Designed to bring both style and function, each piece features a rich forest green velvet exterior with elegant floral embroidery. The thoughtfully designed interiors feature WOLF’s LusterLoc™ lining, which helps prevent tarnishing for up to 35 years under typical storage conditions. The boxes come in three sizes and range from $189-$250. MyrandaFineJewelry.com

Desert Dentistry Welcomes New Provider

Dr. Elyce Cederholm

Dr. Elyce Cederholm, a cum laude graduate of Creighton University School of Dentistry and proud member of the National Dental Honor Society, joins the team as the newest provider at Desert Dentistry. A Washington state native, Dr. Cederholm brings a passion for personalized, preventive care and a commitment to lifelong learning through continuing education in Spear Education and Invisalign. DesertDentistry.com

April - June Promotions

EASING PEOPLES’ BURDENS

As CEO of the

National Kidney Foundation

of Arizona, Leslie McReynolds is devoted to helping Arizonans living with, or at risk for kidney disease

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LESLIE MCREYNOLD

In April, Leslie McReynolds celebrated her 16 year anniversary working with the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona (NKF AZ).

McReynolds, who has been CEO of the nonprofit organization for six years, took some time to answer questions about her life in – and love of – Ahwatukee, the services that the NKF AZ provides and what she loves most about her work.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN AHWATUKEE?

A: I actually grew up in Ahwatukee! My family has lived in the area since I was 6, with my sister and I attending elementary school through high school here. College and then adulthood took me to other cities and another country for a while. Once our little boy came around, my husband and I wanted him to be closer to both sets of our parents and we have now lived in Ahwatukee again for the past four years.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DOES NKF AZ OFFER?

A: Since 1963, the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona has been a source of help and hope for Arizonans living with, or at risk for kidney disease. At the heart of our work is direct emergency patient aid – helping people in financial crisis with rides to dialysis, medication assistance, dental care, rent eviction prevention and more. Last year alone we provided more than 100,000 rides to dialysis, a record year, and the need continues to grow. We also offer free community health screenings in underserved areas to detect kidney disease early, host transplant education

workshops, and run Camp Kidney, a free medically supervised camp for children living with kidney disease.

Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ESPECIALLY ENJOY ABOUT YOUR WORK?

A: I enjoy the opportunity to help people who are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. At the end of the day, we’re all human and life happens to all of us. Illness, financial strain and unexpected hardship are things no one plans for, and everyone deserves compassion and support when those moments come. I feel incredibly grateful to work in a field where the goal is to help lessen someone’s burden when they need it most and help others perhaps prevent that burden from happening. No matter how my own day might have gone, I’m always reminded that many of the patients we serve are facing far greater challenges. If we can make even a small part of that journey easier, then all of this work truly matters.

Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN AHWATUKEE?

A: I love the little corner of the world that Ahwatukee has made for itself, so much so that we returned here to raise our own family. It truly feels like one big neighborhood, and it has a close-knit community feel that makes it a comfortable and safe place to raise a family. The schools here are wonderful, and I give my mom credit for recognizing that and moving us here so many years ago. I also appreciate the longtime, family-owned businesses that have stayed rooted in the community—they give

Ahwatukee so much character. For example, Arrivederci was always for family birthdays and Biscuits is now a favorite pancakes-and-mimosas spot. And being nestled in the foothills of South Mountain makes Ahwatukee feel like its own beautiful pocket of the Valley.

AZKidney.org

Shared Moments, Stronger Connections

WOMEN ARE REDEFINING HOW THEY SPEND TIME TOGETHER

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

Calendars fill quickly, and somewhere between work, family and daily life, friendships can quietly slip to the margins. Dinner and drinks remain the default, but many women are finding routine alone does not always sustain connection. What makes the difference is intention. Doing something together, rather than simply catching up across a table, is reshaping how friendships grow.

The shift is subtle but meaningful. It is less about finding more time and more about making better use of the time that already exists. Even small changes can turn an ordinary plan into something energizing, memorable and worth returning to again and again.

There is a reason this approach resonates. A long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development found that strong relationships are among the most powerful predictors of long-term happiness and health. For many women, friendships offer emotional support, reduce stress and create a steady sense of belonging. When nurtured with care, they become a source of both joy and resilience through different seasons of life.

At its core, the idea is simple: make the time count, and get creative with how you spend it.

MAHJONG NIGHT

A game table has a way of pulling people in. Mahjong, with its rhythm and repetition, offers just enough structure to anchor conversation while leaving space for laughter. One friend can teach the basics or everyone can learn together. Set a standing night, rotate homes and keep the mood relaxed. Add simple snacks, music and a consistent start time so it becomes something everyone can rely on. Over time, the ritual itself becomes part of the connection.

COOKBOOK CLUB

Think of it as a dinner party with a purpose. Choose a cookbook or theme, assign dishes and let the table come together piece by piece. It takes the pressure off hosting while inviting everyone to contribute. The result is not just a shared meal, but a shared experience that lingers after the plates are cleared and conversations carry on.

GET CREATIVE TOGETHER

There is something naturally connective about creating side by side. Whether it is blending a custom lipstick shade, pouring candles, painting ceramics or trying watercolor, hands-on activities invite conversation without forcing it. Jewelry making, floral arranging and beginner calligraphy offer the same easy rhythm. Look for local workshops or recreate the experience at home. The takeaway is more than what you make. It is the memory attached to it and the shared experience of trying something new together.

FARMERS MARKET MORNING

Connection does not always need a big plan. A walk through a farmers market, coffee in hand, can feel unhurried and easy. Locally, many markets wrap early to beat the heat, making morning meetups ideal. Indoor or seasonal markets offer another option as the weather shifts. Conversations unfold naturally between stalls and sidewalks, turning a simple outing into something more intentional.

FIELD TRIP DAYS

A change of scenery can shift a conversation. Plan a casual outing to a nearby trail, art show, garden or local festival. Time spent walking or exploring creates space for conversations to deepen. Without a rigid agenda, people tend to talk more freely and listen more closely, often leading to more meaningful connections.

“Doing something together, rather than simply catching up across a table, is reshaping how friendships grow.”

“For many women, friendships offer emotional support, reduce stress and create a steady sense of belonging. When nurtured with care, they become a source of both joy and resilience through different seasons of life.”

GIVE BACK TOGETHER

Purpose can deepen friendship quickly. Volunteering as a group brings a different energy to time together. Whether organizing a donation drive, helping at a food pantry or supporting a local nonprofit, the experience creates both impact and a sense of shared purpose that lasts beyond the day.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INTENTION

Consistency is often what turns good intentions into lasting connection. The most meaningful gatherings are the ones that repeat, whether it is a weekly walk, a monthly dinner rotation or a standing game night that becomes part of the rhythm of everyday life. It does not have to begin with a big plan. A simple text, an invitation or a yes is enough to get started. What matters is showing up and staying open. When time together includes movement, creativity or shared effort, something shifts. Conversations stretch, laughter comes easier and the connection deepens, not because more time was added, but because it was used with intention.

ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

RADIATION, Resilience REVIVAL

Cancer survivor Ana Piña turned her fashion dreams into a reality

Ana Piña didn’t grow up with much, but her grandma and mom lived by the mindset that, no matter the circumstances, you always had to look your best. So, they thrifted, spending a good deal of time inside Goodwill and Salvation Army.

Once, her mom, Esthela Gniot, even answered an ad in the newspaper that a woman in Paradise Valley was selling off her daughter Jenny’s clothes. Gniot bought the whole lot and exchanged numbers with Jenny’s mom. From then on, whenever Jenny outgrew things, Piña got them.

“I went to school with these fantastic clothes,” Piña recalls. “I loved it because I had these beautiful things and I didn't need, you know, to be very wealthy to obtain a beautiful look.”

Gniot owned a bridal store, and Piña often accompanied her on merchandising trips to Los Angeles. She often found herself mentally redecorating and imagining how she’d run her mother’s store if it were her own.

Piña’s dreams for the future included pursuing a career in fashion and attending the University of Arizona. But at 19, she was diagnosed with cancer—Ewing sarcoma—and spent a year undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

“By the time I was done, I was just turning 21, and I had no idea what I wanted to do anymore,” she says. “Going through all of that just changed so much.”

Unsure of her path forward, Piña enrolled in cosmetology school with her cousin.

Months later, Piña faced another life twist: she was pregnant, despite being told she wouldn’t be able to have children after cancer treatment. In a whirlwind, Piña became a mother, a wife, and a hairdresser.

By 25, she was divorced and raising three children on her own. She put her “miracle babies” first, raising them with the same scrappy determination her mother had modeled.

“I always worked around my kids’ schedule,” she says, choosing jobs that “allowed me to be home right after school and have weekends off.”

When Piña was 34, at the funeral of an old high school friend, she ran into another former classmate from typing class: Alex Piña. They married a year later in 2014 and later welcomed two more children together.

Though her life felt full, Piña was deeply unhappy in her office job. Her husband encouraged her to quit.

“I have no idea what I’m going to do, but it’s got to be better than this,” she remembers thinking.

On her last day, the couple went to lunch. Beforehand, she stopped by a women’s consignment shop to pick up a check.

A “Help Wanted” sign hung in the window. She half-joked that maybe she should apply—it might not pay well, but at least she’d be happy.

Her husband had a different thought. “Why don’t you own a place like this?”

“I would rather be remembered as a kind woman than a super successful businesswoman. You can be both, but at the core of it, if I can’t be kind, then I don’t care how successful I am.”

She thought of her lifelong love of thrifting and consigning and the shop she’d been designing in her head since childhood. Still, she hesitated.

As a single mom, she stifled her dream for so long that it seemed impossible.

We have savings, her husband reminded her.

In November of 2024, the couple signed a commercial lease for a 2,000-square-foot space in their beloved Ahwatukee community.

Piña relied on her resourcefulness to furnish it, sourcing pieces from Facebook Marketplace and stocking inventory from her own closet, as well as her mom's and her daughter’s.

On opening day in March 2025, Piña stared at the empty display cases meant for higher-end items and worried how she’d ever fill them.

She needn’t worry.

Since The Posh Revival’s launch, the Ahwatukee community has rallied behind her.

Her customers have even become like a sisterhood to her. When she fell ill for a month with pneumonia, the women she’d met only recently volunteered to cover shifts—unpaid. Others drop off flowers or treats for her children on hard days.

“People I just met in the last year,” she says in a tone mixed with gratitude and disbelief.

Perhaps they respond to the warmth she leads with.

“I would rather be remembered as a kind woman than a super successful businesswoman,” she shares. “You can be both, but at the core of it, if I can’t be kind, then I don’t care how successful I am.”

At The Posh Revival, she wants customers to feel as though they’ve wandered into a friend’s house to borrow something.

When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it can make your whole day, she says—to capture that, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your grocery or gas money.

The store offers cash for most clothing, and consignment for higher-end pieces, always factoring in what consignors hope to earn. They stock sizes 0-16, with hopes of adding more plus sizes.

In 2025, Phoenix New Times named The Posh Revival as the city’s best women’s consignment shop–not bad for a store less than a year old.

Although Piña loves upcycling highend brands, it’s never been about fashion alone. It’s the courage to pursue a dream. And build a community of supportive women while doing it.

She’s a reminder that reviving old dreams is possible, even when life presents you with decades of setbacks. IG: @ThePoshRevival

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATTI NOBLE

SPRINGTIME cheer

Whether you're catching up with your closest friends on a sunny spring afternoon or savoring a well-spent day with your mom, sister or aunt, there's something special about gathering over a pitcher of crisp, refreshing white sangria. This bright, flavorful, fruit-filled cocktail is the perfect companion for laughter, stories, meaningful conversation, and making memories with the ones who know you best. Cheers to friendship and a glass half full!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (750-milliliter) bottle dry rosé wine, or white wine*

• 1 cup vodka**

• 1 cup sliced or chunked strawberries

• 2 medium limes, sliced into thin wheels, more for garnish

• 2 medium lemons or oranges sliced into thin wheels

• 1 1/2 cups sparkling water, chilled

• Raspberries or Blackberries

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH A VIBRANT WHITE SANGRIA

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a pitcher, add the wine, vodka, strawberries, and citrus fruit slices. Stir well to combine.

2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

3. Pour into glasses (over ice, if desired), ensuring each glass gets strawberry and citrus slices, top with sparking water or seltzer.

4. Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel, and berries.

5. Enjoy with friends.

*Suggested wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier.

**Add extra flavor by using an infused vodka.

Sherry turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Ahwatukee

City Lifestyle

Published by Sherry

EFF ORTLESS MEALS THAT ARE ANYTHING BUT BASIC

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

PERFECTLY

PERSONAL PLATES

If you haven't heard of girl dinner, where have you been? The internet-born concept took on a life of its own for good reason; it perfectly captures that specific kind of meal that is equal parts effortless and satisfying—no recipe required. No real cooking, necessarily. Just a beautiful, intentional spread of things you love, arranged with care and enjoyed without apology.

We're taking the concept and running with it. These four spreads are simple enough to pull together on a weeknight but gorgeous enough to photograph. Because yes, presentation matters, even when dinner is just for you.

WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE WITH RASPBERRIES, HONEY, PECANS & GREENS

Inspired by the whipped goat cheese appetizer from George & Gather in Chandler, this feels indulgent without being heavy. Creamy whipped goat cheese drizzled with golden honey, dotted with raspberries, scattered with pecans and a handful of fresh greens, served alongside thick slices of toasted sourdough. It's the kind of thing that looks like impressive but comes together in minutes. The sweet, salty, crunchy combination is genuinely addictive.

YOGURT PARFAIT WITH A HOMEMADE BLUEBERRY MUFFIN

Creamy yogurt layered with granola, fresh strawberries, blueberries and almonds. And if you really want to commit to the moment, a warm homemade blueberry muffin on the side. This works as breakfast, lunch or an anytime meal when you want something that feels wholesome and a little celebratory at the same time.

DECONSTRUCTED SUSHI ROLL BOWL

All the flavors you love from a sushi roll, no rolling required. Fluffy rice topped with crab, shredded carrots, crisp cucumber slices, and strips of seaweed — it's fresh, light, and surprisingly filling. A drizzle of soy sauce or a little spicy mayo takes it completely over the top. This one is a regular rotation staple waiting to happen.

CHICKEN SALAD BOARD

The board that has everything. Chicken salad alongside hummus and tzatziki, with carrots, cucumbers, grapes, oranges, and a handful of sweets to round it out. It's casual enough for a solo Tuesday night and pretty enough to serve guests without a second thought.

Girl dinner isn't about doing less. It's about doing exactly what you want. These four spreads are proof that simple and stunning are not mutually exclusive.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

events

SUNDAYS

Ahwatukee Farmers Market

Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center | 9:00 AM

Fresh food, arts and crafts, food trucks and more come together each Sunday for this signature weekly community event. The Ahwatukee Farmers Market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through May. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com/Ahwatukee-Farmers-Market

MAY 1ST

Ahwatukee Chamber Red, White and Blue Golf Tournament

Arizona Grand Resort Golf Course | 6:30 am

The event kicks off with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. This year’s theme is “Red, White and Blue” and prizes will be awarded for best dressed foursome, man, woman, and best hat, along with tournament champion and more. A portion of the proceeds with benefit the Ahwatukee Chamber Community Foundation. Visit AhwatukeeChamber.com for more information.

MAY 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND

Movies in the Park

Kiwanis Park

Grab your friends and family, your blankets and a picnic dinner and head to Kiwanis Park to enjoy a free family-friendly flick on Friday evenings in May. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 7:30 p.m.), in the north soccer field (Baseline Rd. and Ash Ave.). Catch “Finding Nemo” on May 1, “Elio” on May 8, “Zootopia” on May 15 and “Zootopia 2” on May 22. TempeTourism.com/events/movies-in-the-park

MAY 3RD

Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen

ASU Gammage

Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire – searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world. How she finds them is a coming-of-age story you've never felt before. The musical is from 16-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys, whose new songs and greatest hits about growing up in New York inspire a story made for Broadway. ASUGammage.com

MAY 13TH-30TH

Ballet in Bloom

Desert Botanical Garden

An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden is back and better than ever. Surrounded by the magnificent desert landscape with the setting sun as its backdrop, this audience favorite now features two ballet experiences as a double-feature event. Enjoy the U.S premiere of Reset, choreographed by Daniela Cardim, alongside Concertante Six Twenty-Two by Lar Lubovitch. BalletArizona.com

MAY 22ND-24TH

Star Wars Return of the Jedi in Concert

Symphony Hall

The Jedi returns like never before. Enjoy “Star Wars Return of the Jedi” on a giant screen in Symphony Hall while you experience every note of John Williams’ masterful score, live. For tickets and information, visit PhoenixSymphony.org.