The hard work of expanding equity and inclusion is furthered by those engaged with the many diverse members of our community. As the Executive Director of Metropolitan Pima Alliance (MPA), Allyson Solomon works tirelessly to promote collaborative real estate development policies, build partnerships, and find common ground. With a background in government, public policy, and non-profit work, Allyson is passionate about empowering women and supporting young talent in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction and real estate.
Allyson's journey began during her time at the University of Arizona, where she discovered her passion for government and public policy while serving in the Arizona Student's Association (ASA). Her involvement in student leadership led her to engage university students in voter participation and lobby for policies that benefited her fellow students.
After graduating, Allyson combined her lobbying experience with her desire to make a positive impact on the community, starting her career in the non-profit sector. She joined the Tucson Metro Chamber before eventually becoming the Executive Director of MPA in 2018. In her role, she actively advocates for building a community that attracts and retains young professionals in Tucson. One of her notable achievements is the launch of the Immersion program, a non-partisan leadership development initiative that provides comprehensive knowledge about Southern Arizona's construction, real estate, and development sectors. The program fosters collaboration and bridges the gap between the public and private sectors.
As a firm believer in the power of mentorship, Allyson acknowledges the impact of influential women on her professional development. T. VanHook, the former President of Habitat for Humanity, encouraged her to break free from limitations and embrace growth opportunities. Robin Shambach, a former MPA board member, challenged traditional gender norms in the Land Use and Development field and taught Allyson the importance of finding balance without compromising her values.
Allyson's commitment to equity and inclusivity is evident in her work. She believes that we have made significant progress in recent years, but there is still more to be done. At MPA, she focuses on connecting the public and private sectors and creating spaces where diverse voices are heard. By offering meetings and conversations in varying formats, accommodating different schedules, providing bilingual materials, and ensuring equal access for all, Allyson aims to encourage participation from demographics that have been traditionally underrepresented.
Allyson emphasizes the distinction between equity and equality. While equality strives to provide the same opportunities to everyone, equity acknowledges and addresses the unique barriers faced by individuals or groups. She believes that by creating environments that level the playing field and empower underrepresented communities, true equality can be achieved.
Encouraging diverse, equitable, and inclusive leadership brings numerous benefits to communities, schools, and businesses. Allyson asserts that embracing equity allows individuals to use their voices and contribute to finding solutions that benefit everyone. By valuing diverse perspectives and experiences, we can tap into a wealth of knowledge and foster a sense of belonging for all members of our community.
Allyson finds fulfillment in her role at MPA, where she has a meaningful impact on the Tucson community. Facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and tangible progress energizes her. Through her dedication and passion, she is making strides in moving Tucson forward and creating a better future for all.
Allyson Solomon's journey exemplifies the transformative power of inclusive leadership. Her commitment to empowering women, supporting young talent, and advocating for equity serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders. Thank you, Allison, for your work to #embraceequity and inclusion, recognize diverse perspectives, and create spaces where everyone's voice is heard. Together we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for all!
