Meet Cultural Coalitions’ newest board member!

Cultural Coalition is pleased to introduce our newest board member, Caroline E. McGroder, Associate at Beus Gilbert McGroder PLLC. A graduate of Xavier College Preparatory, Creighton University, and Phoenix School of Law, JD, her Arizona roots run deep, as does her commitment to giving back to her community.

“Serving on the board of Cultural Coalition is an incredible honor,” shared Caroline. When asked what inspired her to serve on the board, she responded, “The work and dedication of Carmen Guerrero, and the other Board members, to provide art, diversity, life, culture and healing to our community is unprecedented. In a time of uncertainty, challenge and divide, this work provides strength, unity, healing. These moments of connection heal the spirit, soul, and ultimately bind humanity together through the contribution of Cultural Coalition.”

Ms. McGroders dedication to justice for human rights has been a compass of guidance throughout her career. For more than a decade, Ms. McGroder has fought to secure the rights of victims and their families in a number of high-profile, complex catastrophic litigation and wrongful death cases. An advocate for social justice and victims’ rights, Ms. McGroder is both humbled and honored to represent those who have suffered unimaginable tragedy and loss as a result of negligence and is steadfast in her commitment to social advocacy through the civil justice system. Ms. McGroder also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Paralegal Department of Phoenix College where she teaches Legal Writing and Civil Procedure

A firm believer in healing, change, and accountability, Ms. McGroder has made it her life’s mission to stand up for those whose lives have been irrevocably altered by tragedy to ensure their voices are heard and bring those responsible to justice.

In addition to serving as a board member with Cultural Coalition, Ms. McGroder also serves on the Board of One Vision One World, a non-profit dedicated to providing resources and housing to struggling communities in Haiti, traveling frequently to support her work. She is also an active fundraiser for Childhelp, a national non-profit dedicated to assisting children whose lives have been adversely impacted by child abuse and neglect. Previously, Ms. McGroder worked with Elaine, a non-profit dedicated to helping the homeless navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and has spent more than ten years as a volunteer with The Theater Artists Studio.

Community service, giving back in general, is important to Caroline, as it has been important to her family for generations, “Serving my community is a core value instilled through a legacy of family members dedicated to giving back. My grandfather was an immigrant from Ireland and built a life based on serving his community in Buffalo, New York with integrity, respect, dedication and genuine relationship. My father has dedicated his life, as an attorney, advocating for the most vulnerable in our community. For over fifty years, he has given a voice to those that cannot speak.”

Caroline goes on to share how her family’s dedication to the community was a part of her childhood, “Since I was a young child, it was a part of everyday life to assist those in need, and give back to our wonderful community. As young children, my parents took my brother, sister and me to volunteer at local homeless shelters during the holidays, my father involved me in his cases, and my aunt created a theatre program for vulnerable children, which I assisted since I was in high school. I attended Catholic and Jesuit educational institutions during formative years in which a life of service and being a ‘woman for others’ was engained.”  Those experiences left Ms. McGroder with “a profound sense of continuing to use my own skills and knowledge in service of my community.” 

On behalf of the entire Cultural Coalition board, staff, artists, and partners, we are honored and proud to welcome Caroline McGroder as part of our familia.