Why Tucson, Why Now?

Some cities have a heartbeat you can feel before you see their skyline. Tucson is one of them. It’s a city defined not by towering skyscrapers but by something far more enduring—its people, its resilience, and the sense of connection that weaves through every neighborhood, from the foothills of the Catalinas to the murals of South Tucson. It’s a place where cultures, histories, and ideas intersect in ways that create a richness few places can match.

The desert itself teaches us what it means to thrive in the face of challenge. Here, life survives—and even flourishes—amid extremes. It adapts, endures, and evolves. Tucsonans know this instinctively. We’ve seen our city meet adversity with grit and ingenuity, whether it’s confronting economic shifts, navigating public health crises, or responding to the growing complexities of our world.

But resilience alone isn’t enough. In a time marked by polarization, burnout, and uncertainty, we need more than the ability to get through—we need the tools and the vision to rise. That’s where Heroic Tucson comes in.

The Heroic Mission

Heroic is a global movement with an audacious goal: to help create a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by 2051. Flourishing is not a vague feel-good idea—it’s a measurable state of living in alignment with our highest values, building strong relationships, maintaining physical and mental vitality, and contributing meaningfully to something larger than ourselves. Heroic blends ancient wisdom with modern science to help individuals, leaders, and communities cultivate the virtues that make this kind of life possible—Wisdom, Discipline, Courage, Love, Hope, Gratitude, Curiosity, and Zest.

Heroic Tucson is the Southern Arizona chapter of this movement, serving not just the city of Tucson but communities throughout the region. Our principal endeavor is simple but profound: educate, connect, and inspire individuals and enterprises to live and lead heroically—together.

Why Tucson?

Tucson is a natural choice for this work. It’s a university city brimming with curiosity and research. It’s a military city where service, leadership, and sacrifice are lived realities. It’s an arts city that understands the power of beauty to shape how we see ourselves and one another. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a city rich in cultural heritage—especially the deep influence of Native American and Hispanic traditions—which gives Tucson its own distinct identity and soul.

Even though I’ve only lived here for just over a year, I’ve been struck by how deeply people are rooted to this place. Again and again, I’ve met Tucsonans who tell me they grew up here, left for college or a job, and couldn’t wait to return. Others came for work, fell in love with the city, and are determined never to leave.

Unlike many places that are a patchwork of transplants, Tucson’s culture runs deep—born of generations who have built their lives here, shaped by a blended heritage, and enriched by those who choose it as their forever home. In this way, Tucson stands in contrast to greater Phoenix, which—though vibrant in its own way—has a more transient, less cohesive cultural identity. Tucson’s cultural roots give it both stability and a sense of belonging that’s rare in today’s mobile world.

Heroic principles thrive in environments like this—where diversity of thought and experience are valued, where community is not just an abstract ideal but a daily practice. By bringing Heroic to Southern Arizona, we’re tapping into a region that already knows the importance of both individual excellence and collective well-being.

Why Now?

Because the challenges we face aren’t waiting. The pace of change is accelerating. Mental health challenges are on the rise. Trust in institutions is wavering. Many people feel disconnected—from themselves, from one another, and from a sense of purpose. In Southern Arizona, as in communities everywhere, there’s a hunger for something that can anchor us in turbulent times and remind us of what’s possible when we act with clarity and conviction.

Heroic offers more than inspiration—it offers a framework. Through practical tools, intentional community, and the shared pursuit of virtue, we can transform that hunger into action. We can equip people not just to survive the challenges of today, but to meet them with strength, optimism, and a willingness to lead.

The Invitation

The launch of Heroic Tucson is not the creation of just another networking group or professional association. It’s the beginning of a movement in Southern Arizona—a gathering of people who are ready to commit to living and leading at their highest potential, and to helping others do the same. Business leaders, educators, military veterans, nonprofit advocates, parents, students, creatives—every voice and every perspective adds to the strength of this work.

Through workshops, community gatherings, and collaborative action, we’ll translate the Heroic mission into tangible local impact. We’ll create spaces where people can challenge themselves and each other, share wisdom, and find ways to contribute to the flourishing of our region—not someday, but now.

The Moment

We stand at a unique point in time. The old ways of working, leading, and living are no longer enough. The problems we face are complex, but so is our capacity for ingenuity and compassion. In Southern Arizona, we have the diversity, creativity, and resilience to be a model for what flourishing can look like—if we choose to build it together.

The desert teaches us that growth is possible in even the harshest conditions, but only if we work with intention. Heroic Tucson is here to help us do exactly that.

Tucson is ready.
Southern Arizona is ready.
The time is now.
Let’s build something heroic—together.

Register for the Heroic Tucson Launch now!

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About the Author

Angela McIllece is a Heroic Coach, certified Heroic Workshop Instructor, and founder of Soul Force Strategies, and Chapter Leader for Heroic Tucson. A military spouse of 30 years, she has moved 19 times to different places across the country and the world—including India and Colombia—bringing a lifetime of adaptability, community building, and leadership experience to her work.  Since moving to Tucson in 2024, Angela has embraced the city’s rich culture and community spirit, and is committed to helping Southern Arizona flourish—one heroic day at a time.