Education Forward Arizona Welcomes Two New Board Members
Teniqua Broughton and Jason Coochwytewa bring fresh perspective to the organization
Education Forward Arizona is pleased to announce the addition of two distinguished individuals to the organization’s board of directors. Teniqua Broughton and Jason Coochwytewa are eligible to serve up to three consecutive terms of three years each on the board.
“We’re so grateful to have Teniqua and Jason join the already deep bench on our board of directors,” shared Rich Nickel, Education Forward Arizona President and CEO. “They are so knowledgeable and well-positioned to help us move education forward in Arizona. We know that everyone benefits from a strong education system, and having these new perspectives and voices will be instrumental in ensuring every Arizona resident has the opportunity to learn and grow, all the way from the early years through college and career.”
Teniqua Broughton, CEO of The State of Black Arizona has more than two decades of experience empowering marginalized communities. In her role at The State of Black Arizona, Broughton is advancing the organization’s mission of using actionable data to motivate the community, unite new partnerships and relationships, and create solutions. Her expertise in educating communities and growing civic leaders is unmatched.
And her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Broughton has been awarded the Phoenix Titan 100 of Industry in 2022 and 2023, recognized as a titan, a person of exceptional importance and reputation in their industry. Broughton has been honored with Arizona State University’s 2021 MLK Community Servant-Leader Award, Phoenix Business Journal’s Most Admired Leader accolade and in 2017, her peers selected her as the recipient of the Arizona Champion Award for the Central Arizona region from the Flinn Foundation’s Arizona Center for Civic Leadership for her significant contributions to civic leadership.
Broughton holds a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision; a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in educational psychology; and is certified as a nonprofit accounting professional (CNAP); in nonprofit leadership and management; and equity and inclusion.
“Education Forward Arizona’s commitment to shaping the future of our communities by championing equitable access to education not only impacts individual lives but also strengthens the fabric of our entire state,” Broughton stated. “This work aligns with my passion, and I’m honored to be part of an organization that is truly making a difference.”
Jason Coochwytewa is a distinguished community leader with over 30 years of experience. He currently serves as CEO of Urias Communications, a communications and public relations agency. Under his leadership, the firm delivers strategic guidance and expert advice to its diverse clientele, with a niche in working and connecting with emerging markets.
Of Hopi and Isleta heritage, Coochwytewa is deeply rooted in his Native American culture and has strong connections with Tribal communities and organizations across the United States. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and actively contributes to numerous statewide and national organizations, including serving on boards with the Arizona Science Center, Grand Canyon Conservancy, Western National Parks Association, American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Arizona, and the Arizona Secretary of State’s Business Advisory Council. He is a graduate of Valley Leadership, Class 26, and a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership.
Coochwytewa’s contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition from the Phoenix Business Journal and the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. He has also been honored as the Outstanding American Indian Man of the Year and received 2023 Business of the Year accolades from the Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards.
Reflecting on joining the Education Forward Arizona board, Coochwytewa remarked, “Becoming part of this board is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m excited to contribute to the organization’s impactful statewide initiative that prioritizes equitable access to education for all Arizona students. It is essential that this remains a priority for both our communities and our elected leaders.”