Avondale Mayor Pineda / CEO Roundtable
Mayor Pineda / CEO Roundtable — Avondale Innovates
January 28 • 2:00 PM • Avondale Visitor & Conference Center
As a continuation of the Avondale Innovates partnership with Freeway, the City of Avondale is convening an intimate CEO Roundtable hosted by Mayor Mike Pineda. This gathering brings together leaders across government, industry, investors, academia, and founders to align on how we build a thriving innovation economy in the West Valley.
This interactive session goes beyond conversation it’s designed for insight-sharing, collaboration, and clear next steps around talent, capital, workforce readiness, and the role cities play in enabling innovation.
Attendees will hear perspectives on emerging regional opportunities from certifications that connect local talent to companies like TSMC, Intel, and Microsoft, to how Avondale can serve as a launchpad for founders who want to land, build, and expand without leaving Arizona.
Together, we’ll explore how to shift the narrative: Avondale is becoming a place where families can afford to live, companies can scale, and talent doesn’t have to commute out of the region to build meaningful careers.
Agenda highlights include:
Framing & Welcome — Daniela Santangelo
Setting context on innovation pathways, access, and collaboration.Dream Space & Workforce Pipeline — Jennifer Stein & Dr. Rivera
Certifications, learning labs, and tech-ready training opportunities in our backyard.Remarks from Mayor Pineda
Innovation, tech momentum, and how cities create environments where ecosystems thrive.Capital & Investment Landscape — Aaron Favearu
Navigating non-dilutive funding, angel/VC capital, and best practices beyond Arizona.Customers, Partners & Talent — Daniela Santangelo
Practical pathways to growth, visibility, and connection.CEO Roundtable Discussion
60-second intros, followed by shared gaps, opportunities, and actions.
This roundtable is about bringing industry together, listening to community feedback, and identifying actionable steps that accelerate opportunity for founders, employers, and the people who call Avondale home.