Piper Conversations
Piper Conversations
Piper Conversations are informal gatherings of community partners, grantee organizations, and invited guests to hear from and talk with a range of thought leaders, authors, and experts in a conversational environment and gain insight and inspiration.
Piper Conversations are part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to help local nonprofits build their capacity and expertise, identify problems and find solutions, and become more stable and effective.
Following is a recap of select Piper Conversations.
Committed to the Calling:
Florence Nightingale’s Evolving Legacy
April 13, 2026
How can Florence Nightingale, a founder of modern-day nursing, remembered as “The Lady With the Lamp,” be of relevance today? Learn about Nightingale’s extraordinary life and how her legacy continues to serve as a beacon and source of learning and inspiration for the today’s nursing profession.
CEO
Florence Nightingale Foundation
President
NurseTRUST
Author and Professor Emerita
Arizona State University
Dr. Barbara Hatcher
Board Member
NurseTRUST
Looking Back:
Things I Would Say to My Younger Self
January 9, 2026
Hear from some cherished community leaders who have made an everlasting mark thanks to their leadership and dedication to the humanity, prosperity, and well-being of Arizona. After decades of service, now retired or serving in advisory roles—what lessons have they learned, what might they change or do differently, or not? Piper Trust CEO Steve Zabilski facilitates a lively discussion of reflection and sharing.
President Emeritus
Valleywise Health
Senior Fellow
The Aspen Institute
Founding Trustee
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Board Member
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona
Senior Pastor Emeritus
First Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix
AI Essentials for Nonprofits: Harnessing and Shaping Technology for the Greater Good
October 3, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already transformed the way we live, work, and connect. The question now is not whether AI will shape our future, but how we can collectively ensure it makes our lives, our world, and our society better. This session introduces AI in simple, accessible terms—what it is, how it works, and why it matters—and explores the opportunities and challenges it presents, with a focus on the nonprofit sector. Learn about how nonprofits can use AI mindfully to strengthen operations, expand outreach, and enhance impact, as well as the vital role nonprofits can play in advancing the mindful, responsible, and ethical use of AI for the greater good.
Dr. Pei-yu (Sharon) Chen is the Red Avenue Foundation Professor and Chair of the Department of Information Systems at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business, where she also co-directs the Center for AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) for Business and Society, also known as the Mindful AI Center. She is a Distinguished Fellow of INFORMS–Information Systems Society, the highest recognition of scholarly contribution in her field.
Professor and Chair, Department of Information Systems
Arizona State University
Called to Serve:
Florence Nightingale & Virginia Galvin Piper
June 13, 2025
Melissa Pritchard is the award-winning author of twelve books, including “Devotedly, Virginia,” the biography of Virginia Galvin Piper, and “Flight of the Wild Swan,” a historical fiction biography of Florence Nightingale.
Born a century apart, British icon and founder of modern-day nursing, Florence Nightingale, and Virginia Galvin Piper, visionary leader and beloved Arizona philanthropist, share an abundance of spiritual and humanitarian qualities. In their unique responses to the call to selflessness and servant leadership, we can find inspiration and strength to conduct our own lives with even greater generosity, compassion, and joy.
This conversation includes a special interview with Paul Critchfield, a Founding Trustee and nephew of Virginia Piper.
Author and Professor Emerita Arizona State University
Founding Trustee Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
9 Innings with Derrick Hall:
Leadership Lessons from an Arizona Ace
February 21, 2025
Derrick Hall, President and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is known for building a world-class organization within the global sports industry. His leadership and acumen have resulted in countless honors and, overall, an unparalleled culture of achievements, care, and commitment that runs throughout the entire Diamondbacks’ organization. From the team and employees to the fans, partners, and philanthropic efforts–there is a unified and unique drive by all to do well and do good.
This special conversation, led by Piper Trust CEO Steve Zabilski, touches on Hall’s Circle of Success, B-U-I-L-D Values, and spirit of innovation, as well as stories from inside baseball.
President, CEO and General Partner
Arizona Diamondbacks
Succession Planning & Co-Leadership Models:
Lessons from Our Community
October 4, 2024
Local nonprofit leaders share ideas and perspectives about leadership transitions—what works, recommendations, and options for effectively leading an organization through a significant transition.
The conversation is moderated by Julia C. Patrick, CEO of American Nonprofit Academy.
Retired CEO
Foundation for Blind Children
Co-CEO
Girl Scouts-Arizona
Cactus-Pine Council
Executive Director
Black Theatre Troupe, Inc.
CEO
American Nonprofit Academy
