Sponsors and Partners

Phonetic Spit programs are supported by community partners and the supporters listed below.


2025 Catalyst Awards Presenting Sponsors


2025 Catalyst Award Recipients


Educator in Excellence


Community Catalyst

Dr. James Blasingame

James Blasingame is President’s Professor of English at Arizona State University where he teaches courses in Young-adult literature. He has served as ALAN President, ALAN Executive Director, co-editor of The ALAN Review, and editor of the “Books for Adolescents” pages of the Journal of Adult and Adolescent Literacy. He has authored or coauthored seven books, 100 author interviews, and 300 book reviews. He specializes in books for LGBTQ, Latinx and Indigenous adolescent readers. 



Dr. Brenda Thomson

Brenda Thomson, Executive Director, is an experienced leader/business manager with expertise in governance, human resources, public speaking, community relations, and cultural competency. She manages the daily operations of the council, development, and advocacy. Prior to joining Arizona Humanities, Brenda served as the Director of The Center for Law Leadership and Management at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU, and Executive Director of the Maricopa County Bar Association. She currently serves on the boards of the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission, Phoenix Burton Barr Library Advisory Board, Carver Museum, and Cultural Center (President), and Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame. B.A. in English, Yale University. J.D., Yale Law School.


Become a supporter.

Through your generous support of Phonetic Spit, you’ll provide opportunities for young people to find and use their voice.

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