The Chamber and Foundation are growing and thrilled to introduce you to several new team members:
Alexis Berdine
Communications & Development Manager
Tell us about your professional and educational history?
I graduated from Arizona State University in 2019 with a Political Science degree, as well as a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Go Sun Devils!
Before joining the Greater Phoenix Chamber and Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation as the Communications & Development Manager, I worked in broadcasting as a general assignment news reporter for the CBS affiliate in the Kalamazoo-Grand Rapids, Michigan TV market, and as an investigative reporter for the NBC news affiliate in Tucson.
While in college I had the pleasure of getting to know Arizonans through many reporting, public relations, and other communications-related internships and jobs. Some of these experiences include working for KJZZ Radio, The Arizona Republic Newspaper / AZCentral.com, Cronkite News – Arizona PBS, Arizona Capitol TV, ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, and the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix.
Why did you want to work for the Chamber?
I have always been interested in community-driven communications work and a natural advocate. Having covered Arizona education, business, political, public health, and community issues as a reporter, and having spent time working in the Arizona State Legislature, I already felt invested in the many communities throughout our state. So, when an opportunity arose to join the Chamber and Foundation team I knew it was a perfect fit.
The Greater Phoenix Chamber has played a critical role promoting Arizona’s growth and regional prosperity since 1888… and oh how it has grown since then! It’s incredible to be a part of such a long-standing and impactful leading business organization. Likewise, the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, the Chamber’s giving arm continues to lead its charitable and education initiatives through a focus on education, workforce, development, wellness, and research. Working for these organizations is especially rewarding.
What are your favorite places and things to do in the Valley?
Arizona is such a beautiful state and there is plenty to experience in the Valley! I enjoy going hiking, trying new restaurants, and spending time by the pool.
Shreya Gavasane
Data Analyst
Tell us about your professional and educational history?
Currently, I am working as a Data Analyst with the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. I look after all the data-related analyses and build out the stories in the form of dashboards, graphs, and charts for both the Chamber and the Foundation. Coming to the part of educational history, I hold a master’s degree in engineering management with a specialization in Data Science. I graduated with my Master of Science degree in May 2021 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. During my master’s I worked for 2 companies as a Data Analyst Intern. Moreover, in India, I have one year of experience as a Business Intelligence Analyst. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering. I graduated with my Bachelor of Engineering in May 2018 from the University of Pune, India.
Why did you want to work for the Chamber?
I always wanted to work for a company where my work would make some difference to the community, and I see that happen with the Chamber. The areas in which the Chamber operates (education, workforce, economic development, etc.) matches my area of interest, and the pure intention behind all the work the Chamber does catch my eye, through which I’m getting to learn a lot.
What are your favorite places and things to do in the Valley?
My favorite places in the valley are Papago Park, South Mountain Park, Canyon Lake, and all those places from where we can see beautiful sunsets.
My favorite things to do in the valley are:
- Hiking (next on my list is Camelback)
- Indoor games (Dave n busters and 3D golf)
- Paintball
- Bar hoping.
Kaitlynn Irvine
Business Partnership Manager
Tell us about your professional and educational history?
Graduated NAU 2016, degree: BA Strategic Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations.
Why did you want to work for the Chamber?
I wanted to work for the chamber because I want to make a positive impact on my community. I have a strong passion for supporting the business community as I believe it is the heartbeat of a community’s success.
What are your favorite places and things to do in the Valley?
– Spend a day on the boat at lake pleasant
– Spring Training in Scottsdale
– Going to concerts at AK-Chin Pavilion
Sagee Palavivatana
Development & Events Coordinator
Tell us about your professional and educational history?
In 2015, I graduated from Sacramento State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During my time in college, I also played on the Sacramento State Women’s Golf Team. Once I graduated from college, I decided to pursue a career in playing professional golf. I moved out to Arizona in 2017 and for two years I played local professional events such as the Cactus Tour.
After my time playing, I worked for Scottsdale National Golf Club, in Scottsdale Arizona. While at SNGC, I worked as a Golf Shop Attendant and as the Villa Fitness Center Manager. After many years of working in the golf industry and trying to pursue professional golf, I decided to change careers and try a new path. That’s when I stumbled upon the Greater Phoenix Chamber.
Why did you want to work for the Chamber?
I wanted to work for the Chamber for serval reasons. The first reason was, after playing golf for many years, I’ve always enjoyed planning and organizing my trips. When I found the posting for the Event & Development Coordinator position, I immediately felt like that position would be something I enjoyed doing. Second, after looking into the Chamber and seeing they had a retention rate for businesses of about 80% and above – I knew that the Chamber really cared about everyone else that they worked with. And lastly, the Chamber is all about helping businesses around Arizona and I wanted to be a part of that!
What are your favorite places and things to do in the Valley?
One of my favorite things to do in the valley is EAT! I enjoy finding local and fun restaurants that I can dine in. One of my favorite places would have to be Edelweiss Biergarten. It has many beer options, delicious German/Hungarian food, and on certain nights, there is a gentleman who plays the accordion!
Another favorite place of mine would be the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park. I love how it over looks Tempe and it’s a short walk up the rock!
Allison Seitz
College & Career Coach
Tell us about your professional and educational history?
I am coming from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, where I also worked in youth workforce development. I have a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Arizona – Bear Down!
Why did you want to work for the Chamber?
The Chamber, and especially the Foundation, is growing amazing programs quickly. As someone who had admired ElevateEdAZ from afar for a while, I knew that this was where I wanted to be. I have a passion for education, I love working with youth, and I’m all about connecting my community to opportunities – it was the perfect fit.
What are your favorite places and things to do in the Valley?
If I’m not at work or snuggled up with my dog, you can usually find me at a CorePower Yoga studio. I also love to spend weekends at our family cabin in Pinetop.
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