TYP ENGAGE | Who Does What? Understanding Local Government

TYP ENGAGE is your platform for civic thought leadership, connection, and action. This fall, we’re breaking down the systems that shape our daily lives—from Governor to school board—and empowering young professionals to navigate them.

With a focus on local hot-button issues like housing affordability, public education, infrastructure, and water sustainability, we’ll explore which government offices control what—and how you can hold them accountable.

From an 8th-grade-style civics crash course to a live panel of changemakers to a hands-on action planning activity, in partnership with the League of Women Voters, this event is designed to inform, inspire, and activate your civic voice.

Agenda:

• 3:30 - 3:45: Attendee Arrival + Networking
• 3:45 - 4:00: Welcome Remarks
• 4:00 - 4:30: Civics Refresher: How Government Actually Works
• 4:35 - 5:30: Panel: Who Does What—and How to Make It Matter
• 5:30 - 5:40: Break + Informal Networking
• 5:40 - 6:40: Advocate Like a Local – Issue-to-Action Workshop
• 6:40 - 7:00: Closing Reflections + Takeaways
• 7:00 - 7:30: Optional Off-Site Happy Hour

Registration:

• FREE for TYP Members (Members use your email address as the promo code to unlock ticket)
• $30 for Community Members

Ticket purchase includes admission and complimentary refreshments.

About Our Speakers:

Session 1: Crash Course: Government 101

Gayle Sueskind

Gayle Sueskind is a dedicated middle school educator with a passion for civic engagement and student empowerment. With several years of classroom experience, Gayle has developed innovative, game-based lessons that inspire students to connect history, government, and citizenship to the real world.

Beyond the classroom, Gayle serves as a mentor through the TYP–C2C Thriving Futures mentorship program, Her commitment to mentorship and civic education reflects her belief that teaching is not just about knowledge, but about shaping informed, engaged citizens who contribute meaningfully to their communities.

When she’s not in the classroom, Gayle enjoys connecting with other educators to share ideas that make social studies engaging, relevant, and empowering for the next generation of leaders. She’s also a fan of all things trivia and can often be found cheering on her favorite Tucson sports teams.

Session 2: Panel Discussion: Who’s Really in Charge of What?

Nancy Gutierrez, Assistant Minority Leader, AZ State House LD18

Representative Nancy Gutierrez is the Assistant Leader in the Arizona State House of Representatives. She serves as the Ranking Member on the Education Committee and is on Appropriation Committee. Nancy grew up in Arizona and attended NAU earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a math emphasis. Nancy and her husband, Andy, moved to Tucson in 2007 and have raised their two daughters there. Nancy began teaching in 1994 and has been teaching at Tucson High since 2013. She is a proud member of the Arizona Education Association. She fights for public education from preschool to higher education for all students, reproductive healthcare and equity, LGBTQ+ rights, to protect our precious water and works to pass sensible gun legislation in order to keep our schools and community safer.

Patrick Robles, Southern AZ Director for Senator Ruben Gallego

Of, by, and for the community, 23-year old Patrick Robles is actively advocating and fighting for the community that built him. Patrick is the Southern Arizona Director for the Office of U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego. Previously the Southern Arizona Political Director for the Harris-Walz campaign, Patrick was tasked with organizing medium to large scale campaign events in the region involving national and local surrogates. Prior to that, he was the Business and Community Relations Coordinator for the Southern Arizona Office of Governor Katie Hobbs, where he worked to build relationships and engage with community and business stakeholders on policy issues related to the Governor’s priorities.

A native Tucsonan raised in the Southside of Tucson, Patrick is a product of Sunnyside Unified School District public schools and a recent graduate of the University of Arizona, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Public Management and Policy with a minor in Pre-law. Patrick served as the student body president at the University of Arizona, where he represented and advocated for the student body on key issues. Before serving as student body president, Patrick was the youngest member of Pima County Attorney Laura Conover’s Senior Leadership team where he served as Community Outreach Coordinator. Prior to that, he was the youngest staffer to former Pima County Supervisor Ramon Valadez.

Patrick is a Tucson 40 under 40 honoree, TEDx Talk speaker, and was most recently featured on the PBS mini-documentary ‘Patrick Robles for the People.’ He serves on the board of the Sunnyside Foundation, enjoys spending time with his family and friends, checking out local eateries, and volunteering in our community.

Jen Allen, Pima County District 3 Supervisor

Jennifer Allen is a life-long organizer and advocate who has led local, state, and national organizations dedicated to environmental and social justice. She served as Executive Director of ACLU of Arizona, Senior Vice President at League of Conservation Voters, the Founding National Director of Chispa, the Founding Executive Director of Border Action Network, a staff member at Western Shoshone Defense Project, and on the boards of Las Adelitas Arizona and GreenLatinos. Combining years of community organizing and policy advocacy, Jen is a champion for human dignity and protecting our lands, air, and water for generations to come.

Jennifer has called Pima County home since 1993. She is the dedicated mamá of a bilingual son who attends a TUSD middle school, the partner of a City of Tucson employee, sister of a union truck driver, and daughter of parents who taught her the values of compassion and hard work. From immigration to protecting our democracy to climate change and more, Jen brings to the role of County Supervisor a commitment to serving all the constituents of Pima County's largest, most rural and beautiful district.

Matt Kopec, Amphi School District Board

Mr. Matthew A. Kopec is a native of Tucson and proud product of public schools. He holds a degree from the University of Arizona in Political Science & Sociology and currently works as the Public Health Policy Manager at the Pima County Health Department.

He serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping children who have been victims of abuse and neglect. In that role, Mr. Kopec helps oversee an approximately $1 million budget. He is also a Board Member of La Paloma Family Services, the children’s foster care and group home provider of La Frontera. In addition, he is also a board member for local non-profit Literacy Connects.

From 2016 to 2017, Mr. Kopec represented Legislative District 9, which includes part of Amphitheater Public Schools in the 52nd Legislature. Two of his proudest accomplishments during his tenure were the restoration of state funding for Career and Technical Education Programs and expanding KidsCare, the medical insurance program for children from lower income families. In 2018, before his election to the Board, Mr. Kopec served on the district’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Moderator & ENGAGE Title Sponsor: Councilmember Rocque Perez, Tucson Ward 5

Rocque Perez serves as a Tucson City Council Member and Chair of the Southern Arizona Education Council, formerly known as the Metro Education Commission. With professional roots in higher education, he has dedicated his career to helping learners achieve their aspirations to attend college and pursue careers of service. He is a proud graduate of the Civic and Political Leadership Academy of Greater Tucson Leadership and a member of Tucson Young Professionals.