April brings spring flowers, new faces at the Institute, and a community of civic-minded Americans that keeps on growing. This month, we honor Justice Sandra Day O'Connor —and reflect on what her extraordinary life still calls us to do.
We also welcome two new members of our team, check in on the Civics for Life Community App, and share details on the Legacy Luncheon, our spring Law Fellow, and youth programs with deadlines right around the corner. Scroll on to catch up with everything happening at the Institute this March.
Welcome to the Team: New Institute Staff
Wendy Elliott, Director of Philanthropy
The Institute also welcomes Wendy Elliott as Director of Philanthropy. Wendy brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the role, along with a reputation for building genuine, lasting donor relationships that sustain mission-driven organizations over the long haul.
Over the course of her career, Wendy has helped organizations raise more than $30 million through major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and signature events. Her approach combines thoughtful philanthropic strategy with a strong emphasis on stewardship—ensuring that donor partnerships are not just secured, but deepened over time. We are grateful to have her expertise and energy as part of the team.
Sean Greenwell, Youth Programs Manager
The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute is pleased to welcome Sean Greenwell as its new Youth Programs Manager. Sean brings a wealth of experience in education, civic leadership, and public service to his new role.
Sean's career in education spans more than a decade. He most recently served as a teacher with the Agua Fria Union High School District, where he taught AP and On-Level U.S. History and served as the Agua Fria District Education Association President from 2022 to 2024. Before that, he taught at Tucson Unified School District's Rincon High School and worked as a substitute teacher in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area. He also served as a counselor and advisor for Anytown USA in Arizona for nearly a decade.
Before entering the classroom, Sean served six years in the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Control Watch Supervisor. This experience speaks to his commitment to service, precision, and leadership. We are excited to have him on board as we continue to grow our youth programs and deepen our reach with the next generation of engaged citizens.
The Cowgirl Who Became a Justice
Honoring Sandra Day O'Connor on Her 96th Birthday
She learned to change a flat tire on a Jeep at the age of fourteen, alone, in the middle of the Arizona desert, with a load of lunch for ranch hands waiting on her. She drove through it, changed the tire, and delivered the food. That was Sandra Day O'Connor: practical, unflappable, and utterly determined to finish the job.
March 26, 2026, would have been her 96th birthday. Justice O'Connor passed away on December 1, 2023, but her life's work—on the bench, in the legislature, and in America's classrooms—continues to shape this country. At the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute, we pause every year not just to remember her, but to ask: what does her life call us to do today?
A Community for the Civically Curious
If you've ever wanted a place to geek out about American history, debate the finer points of the Constitution, or just find people who actually get excited about civics, the Civics for Life Community App is your place.
Launched six months ago, the app has now crossed 7,000 users and is growing every day. But it's not a library or a lecture hall. It's an interactive community built within an app for people who are engaged and genuinely curious about democracy, history, and the civic life of our country. Think lively conversations, friendly debates, history deep-dives, and the occasional rabbit-hole discussion about whether a particular amendment needs a second look.
Inside, you'll find quiz questions to test your knowledge, history tidbits that might just surprise you, movie and book recommendations, and ongoing discussions across a range of civic topics in programs like the Public Square, Civics for Life Book Club, and more. Whether you're a history buff, a current events follower, or somewhere in between, there's something worth jumping into.
The app also features a dedicated Teacher's Lounge. In this expanded space, educators can swap resources, share lesson ideas, find discussion prompts, and connect with like-minded professionals across the country. It's the faculty lounge you actually want to spend time in.
The app's second book club met on March 24, and the next conversation is coming this summer. Not a reader? There's plenty more to explore in the meantime.
Capitol Connections: Meet Our Spring O'Connor Institute Law Fellow
Anna Barlin, ASU Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Anna Barlin, originally from Southern California, is a third-year law student at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. At ASU Law, she has pursued coursework aligned with her interests in property law, employment law, renewable energy law and policy, and immigration law.
Anna has been active across a range of initiatives during her time at ASU Law. She previously participated in the school's Marshall Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, coaching Phoenix-area high school students for constitutional law-based moot court competitions. She has also been involved with the Asian American Pacific Islander Law Students Association and has externed with several nonprofit law firms engaged in community-centered legal work.
Following graduation, Anna will join Perkins Coie's Real Estate & Land Use group. The O'Connor Institute is proud to support her work this spring as part of our O’Connor Institute–ASU Law Fellow Program.
Legacy Luncheon 2026: Remember the First Ladies
Join us on Friday, April 24, at the Arizona Biltmore for the annual Legacy Luncheon, presented by the Ladies of the Court. This year's program, "Remember the First Ladies," explores the history and influence of First Ladies in shaping our nation's culture and policy—while honoring America's 250th anniversary. Featured speaker Anita McBride, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush and Executive-in-Residence at American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, brings both scholarly expertise and firsthand White House experience to the conversation.
Friday, April 24, 2026 | Arizona Biltmore Resort, Phoenix
Reception: 11:00 AM | Luncheon Program: Noon – 1:30 PM
O'Connor Institute Ambassadors: Online Civics & Debate Club
High school students in grades 9–12 are invited to join the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors' free, online Civics & Debate Club. Designed to increase civic knowledge, promote civil dialogue, and connect students with civically engaged peers across the country, the club offers a compelling and substantive way for young people to deepen their understanding of America’s government and our history.
This year's theme is The Bill of Rights. Participants explore the history, meaning, and ongoing relevance of our foundational civil liberties through structured discussions and debate.
For seniors pursuing scholarship opportunities or graduation cord recognition, please note that only two meetings remain before the May 8, 2026, deadline. Students interested in qualifying must attend at least two meetings.
A welcoming, nonpartisan space for respectful dialogue, Public Square gatherings bring together lifelong learners, educators, students, and professionals who value civic engagement and shared understanding.
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