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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN Diane Costantino
Managing partner PricewaterhouseCoopers Costantino has been managing partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers since June 2004. She helps her clients with acquisition structuring, global expansion and other complex tax matters. She also gives back to the community through her involvement in Boys and Girls Clubs and United Way. She also received the Spirit of Philanthropy Award for her work with the Arizona’s Children Association. She is a Graduate of the University of Arizona. Surprising fact: “I love being outdoors, am an avid hiker and have hiked the Grand Canyon numerous times.” Biggest challenge: “To succeed as the managing partner required seeking advice from accomplished leaders, prioritizing what I wanted to achieve, collaborating with my partners and developing a winning strategy.”
Debbie Cotton
Interim director Phoenix Convention Center Cotton oversees daily operations of the Phoenix Convention Center, Executive Conference Center, Orpheum Theatre, Symphony Hall and five parking garages. She manages a staff of 240 employees, a budget of $47.5 million, and is the city’s chief representative to the state’s tourism and hospitality industry. Surprising fact: “I have a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing science from Western Illinois University and began my career working for Xerox Corporation.” Biggest challenge: “Stepping up to manage the Phoenix Convention Center in the midst of a global economic crisis that greatly impacted the hospitality industry. Not only did I have to deal with the effects of the economic crisis, but I had to quickly learn about an industry that was new to me.”
Tamika Curry Smith Founder and president The TCS Group, Inc
Curry Smith leads The TCS Group, Inc., a human resources and diversity and inclusion consulting firm. She helps clients resolve human resources and diversity-related issues that impact business and organizational performance. Before founding The TCS Group, Curry Smith was the director of diversity for both Target Corporation and Deloitte Consulting. Surprising fact: “I’m a huge football fan. I love to watch college and NFL games and I’m usually the only woman in my Fantasy Football league.” Biggest challenge: “People assuming I’m inexperienced due to my petite size and young-looking appearance. I overcome those perceptions by being confident, establishing credibility, then showing the value I bring.”
Michelle De Blasi Shareholder Greenberg Traurig
De Blasi focuses her practice on environmental law, with an emphasis on natural resources matters. She advises clients on energy and environmental matters, including traditional and renewable energy project development, environmental permitting and compliance, and greenhouse gas emissions. She is also co-chair of the Arizona Energy Consortium. Surprising fact: “I grew up on a working farm in rural Colorado, but I started my career near the ocean working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.” Biggest challenge: “Finding a good work-life balance as a working mom. There are sometimes challenges, but many rewards, and I’m proud my kids know both are options for them.”
Sara R. Dial
Chief development officer Discovery Triangle Development Corporation Dial is president and CEO of Sara Dial & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in site selection, government relations, and economic and community development. She also helps lead the Discovery Triangle, a nonprofit services company that hopes to form a coordinated, regional force for urban redevelopment. 34 AB | July-August 2013
Surprising fact: “I was a nationally-ranked competitive swimmer as a child. It taught me the skills to be successful in business and life: self-discipline, focus, drive and teamwork.” Biggest challenge: “In 2008, Mayor Phil Gordon challenged me to create a big idea around urban revitalization. After months of research and outreach, the Discovery Triangle, a new approach to regional urbanism, was born. Today, the Discovery Triangle region is thriving.”