Sun Devil 100 nonprofit leaders pay it forward through 320Live!

This spring, the Arizona State University Alumni Association honored over 200 alumni who own or lead thriving organizations by inducting them into the Sun Devil 100 — a prestigious cohort of entrepreneurs and leaders exemplifying Sun Devil innovation at its finest. 

For many Sun Devil 100 honorees, success doesn't end there. They continue investing in the next generation. 

Among the highly accomplished Sun Devil 100 Class of 2026, three are Arizona nonprofit changemakers gearing up to share their expert insights with alumni and students through 320Live! — a monthly virtual series hosted by the ASU Alumni Association connecting the maroon-and-gold community with Sun Devil 100 honorees.

Focusing on the nonprofit sector, August’s 320Live! session aims to shed light on the journeys of organization leaders. 

Aug. 31 | 4 p.m. MST | Virtual

Featured speakers:

• Fran Mallace, CEO, Make-A-Wish Arizona
• Justin Travillion, COO and CFO, Lauren’s Institute for Education
• Reyna Montoya, founder, CEO and board member, Aliento

Register for the session here.

Fran Mallace — CEO
’82 BS in broadcasting
’07 EMBA

Fran Mallace had long been an executive in the broadcasting industry when, after serving on Make-A-Wish Arizona’s board of directors, she "fell in love” with the mission, team and families impacted by the organization.

“We aren’t just granting wishes; we’re creating hope and joy for critically ill children,” Mallace said. “Hope and joy can change the way a child and an entire family see tomorrow.”

Now, as CEO of the organization, Mallace has been recognized twice as a Sun Devil 100 honoree.

“It is incredibly meaningful because it brings together two important parts of 

my journey: my wonderful experience at ASU and the work I’m honored to do today,” Malice said about being a Sun Devil 100 honoree. “To be recognized by the ASU community reminds me that success isn’t about how far you go; it’s about what you do with the opportunities you’ve been given and how many people you positively impact along the way.”

Question: Why do you believe it is important for alumni to give back to the Sun Devil community through programs like 320Live!?

Mallace: It’s all about sharing lessons learned the hard way, the unexpected turns along the way, the relationships that mattered, and the mistakes that made us better leaders. It’s also about opening doors. One conversation, one introduction, or someone simply saying “I see talent in you” can truly change the trajectory of someone’s career. As alumni, we can be that person for someone else. I love being able to help the next Sun Devil find what they might be looking for.

Justin Travillion — COO and CFO
’09 BS in supply chain management

The nonprofit sector wasn’t always in the cards for Travillion. 

Over the course of his time at ASU, he had worn many hats: He had been a journalism major before switching course to supply chain management. Then, he was on the verge of going corporate until former President Barack Obama convinced him otherwise.

“As fate would have it, President Obama was the convocation speaker at my graduation, and during his speech, he listed some challenges to different colleges,” Travillion said. “When he got to business, he said to help a nonprofit. Something about it just struck a chord with me, and I felt things click.”

Soon after, he accepted an offer to work for Lauren’s Institute for Education — one of Arizona’s largest and most comprehensive developmental disability service providers. 

Since joining Lauren’s Institute for Education, Travillion has been a five-time honoree in the Sun Devil 100.

“Everything has grown from the root of my decision to stick to that calling and endure through the hard times, of which there have been plenty,” Travillion said. “Any time I have put myself out there through programs like this, I end up learning, growing and making unique connections that would otherwise never have happened. The world is full of amazing people, if you slow down enough to notice. I am grateful for any opportunity to learn, grow and give back, and I would encourage anyone willing to listen to do the same.”

Question: What is a life lesson you’ve learned as a result of your journey with Lauren’s Institute for Education?

Travillion: Caring about what you do and working to make a difference really do matter way more than pay and prestige. Work somewhere that matters, somewhere you can be proud of, and let everything else work itself out around that.

Reyna Montoya — founder, CEO and board member
’12 BA in political science
’12 BA in transborder studies

Reyna Montoya left ASU knowing she wanted to make a difference.

As a first-generation and undocumented college student, Montoya had realized the power of shared experiences by connecting with others in similar circumstances at ASU.

“Through my classes, student organizations and meeting other Dreamers, I realized I wasn’t alone,” Montoya said. “I learned that our stories mattered and that we could use them to educate others and advocate for change.”

Later, working for Teach for America, she saw her students experience barriers that mirrored the ones that she, too, had faced as an undocumented student. That experience inspired her to found Aliento, where she and her team work to provide resources, space for healing, and opportunities for leadership development for undocumented students and mixed-status families.

Now, Montoya, a three-time Sun Devil 100 honoree, is looking to continue giving back through 320Live!, where she is hoping to help others recognize the potential in themselves.

“I know firsthand how powerful it can be for students to hear from someone who has navigated uncertainty, built a career, and found ways to turn lived experience into meaningful work,” Montoya shared. “My own journey from first-generation college student, organizer and educator to social entrepreneur and founder of Aliento has taught me that our paths rarely look linear, and that the lessons we gain along the way can help someone else see what is possible for themselves.”

Question: Why do you believe it is important for alumni to give back to the Sun Devil community through programs like 320Live!?

Montoya: I believe giving back to the Sun Devil community is one of the ways we honor the people, opportunities and community that helped shape who we are. As a first-generation ASU graduate, I know how meaningful it is to see someone who has walked a similar path share their experiences, open doors, and remind you that your story and potential matter.

Programs like 320Live! create that bridge between alumni and students, turning individual success into collective opportunity through mentorship, connection and shared knowledge. I give back because I believe deeply in paying it forward and in helping the next generation of Sun Devils see themselves not only as students but as leaders who can create change in their communities and make our world a better place.