About Us

 Shelley comes from a long lineage of educators and visionaries.  Her grandfather Rexford Hall was on the El Cajon Elementary District Board of Governors and founded Grossmont College in El Cajon.  As a member of the Yuma Education Advocacy Council and the Yuma Union High School Governing board, she understands the vital importance for children to begin learning at birth. Shelley has worked to engage community stakeholders in investing in prekindergarten programs in our community.  Shelley acknowledges the growth of San Luis and the need to invest in our young families and children.  She brings key partners to and stakeholders to the conversation and the business model. The Southwest Arizona Education Center is a legacy she is establishing for the future success of the southwest region. She understands the importance for families to have the hope for the future for their children and the positive economic impact to the communities.  

 Shelley serves as Chair of the Southwest Arizona Town Hall, the Yuma Education Advocacy Council, Education Forward Arizona Board of Directors, Board of Trustees for the Foundation of Yuma Regional Medical Center, member of the Foundation of Yuma Regional Medical Center Pediatric Oncology Fund Committee, Yellow Ribbon-Suicide Awareness Committee, Arizona House of Representatives Teen Mental Health AD HOC Committee, Chair, Board Member and Governance Committee of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Corporation, Board Member Arizona Business & Education Coalition, Director of the Yuma Youth Leadership Council, Director of Yuma Youth Town Hall, Chair of the Yuma Union High School District Bond Campaign, Yuma Union High School District Governing Board Member, Board Member of the Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma, the Yuma County Education Foundation, Chair of the Yuma County Drug Free Community, the Yuma County Anti-Drug Coalition, the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, Yuma Leadership, Board of Directors of the Evangelical Free Churches of America, Founding Board Member and Elder of Journey Church, volunteer and advocate for Healing Journey, founding Board Member of AdvoKATE Foundation, founding member of San Luis Rotary, Member of Yuma County Food Incubator, Past Board member of Arizona Town Hall, the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, the Rio Colorado Commission, the Arizona Mexico Commission, the Yuma Executive Association, Expect More Arizona and Expect More Arizona CEO Council. Mellon is also the recipient of the International Athena award, Yuma County Citizen of the Year, Arizona Community Foundation Outstanding Leader, Yuma County Chamber Member of the Year, and Arizona Businesswomen’s Territorial Charter Chapter Her Story Recipient, recipient of the 48 Women, Arizona's Most Intriguing Women of the Decade.  Colin and Shelley are grateful to be able to raise their three children on their farm in Yuma. Tanner-Graduate of Purdue University, Masters Krannert School of Management, Mckenna-Graduate of Cornell University, Dual major, Communication and International Agriculture and Rural Development, and Walker- ASU WP Carey Business School and Barrett’s Honor College, Majoring in Economics.  

 For the past four decades, Russ Jones has been the head of R.L. Jones Customs Brokers. During that time, the company has expanded and along with its sister companies dealing in warehousing, freight forwarding, logistics, property management, and insurance services, now has offices throughout California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. His activities have not been restricted to his business interests. Additionally, he has been elected thrice to the Arizona State House of Representatives, bringing his special expertise on Customs and border issues, along with transportation, agriculture and educational concerns to the Capitol and Chairing the Agriculture and Water Committee After leaving legislative office, he not only continued in his primary professional activities, but, along with his wife, Janet, has been awarded the prestigious Philanthropists of the Year Award for their untiring efforts to promote the arts and educational opportunities for all, and with contributions to the efforts of the Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma (ACF of Yuma). In addition to his local philanthropic activities, Mr. Jones is Chair Emeritus for the U.S./Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership Group, taking an active interest in matching the needs with the funding required to make dreams possible for those on both sides of the border. Also, he is the Past Chairman of the Border Trade Alliance (BTA), promoting cooperation and understanding between the business communities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, influencing public policy and private sector initiatives for same. While sitting on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Power Authority, dealing with the water and power needs of Arizona, he still made time to spearhead the successful Yuma County JTED efforts, to establish a JTED to allow children and young adults to get the training and experience they need to make a meaningful contribution to their communities in the future. Rev. 02.23.23 cj Page 2 of 2 Community development has been an ongoing endeavor with his participation in statewide, countywide and local economic development projects. Sitting on the Board of Directors for the Arizona/Mexico Commission (AMC) for nearly forty years, having been appointed by eight (8) Governors from Governor John “Jack” Williams to most recently being reappointed by Governor Doug Ducey, he has been an integral part of both state and international policymaking. Mr. Jones has twice been awarded with the Tony Certosimo Award, which is the highest award the AMC bestows upon an individual. He has sat on the Advisory Board for the Arizona Department of Commerce, the respective Boards of Directors for the Arizona International Development Authority, Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC), San Luis Economic Development Commission, the Yuma and San Luis Chambers of Commerce, as well as his participation on issues dealing with the San Luis Ports of Entry and the development of the original and new Industrial Parks that service those ports. Additionally, he was a founding member of 1st Bank Yuma, a thriving community bank that has grown to serve the needs of local communities in Yuma, San Luis, and Nogales, Arizona, and, more recently, the Co-Founder of the Scottsdale Community Bank. As an Army veteran and currently an officer in the Civil Air Patrol, his attention to the welfare of his local community, whether it is a search and rescue mission, or being a founding member of the committee to incorporate the Town of San Luis, Arizona, and San Luis Frontera Rotary Club, or in his Executive Committee of the Grand Canyon Council District Advisory position with the Boy Scouts of America and the Gila River District Chair, his devotion to the community is well known. Some of Mr. Jones’ honors include being awarded the 2022 Yuma County Chamber Businessman of the Year, being inducted into the Arizona Western College Hall of Fame in 2022, and being inducted into the Yuma County Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 2023. Although many of his activities have been mentioned here, it only scratches the surface of his vast body of good works that he has performed for the United States and portions of Mexico as well.  

With over 12 years of experience in early childhood education, Anayeeli Avila Robles leads the Southwest Arizona Education Center (SAEC) with a clear vision: to transform how early education is perceived and accessed in Southwest Arizona. Her commitment to the holistic development of every child has been the driving force behind the creation and growth of SAEC as a leading educational center in the border region.

Anayeeli holds a strong academic background, including a Master’s degree in Education with specializations in Leadership, Educational Technology, and Special Education from Atlantis University, as well as a Master’s degree in Teacher Education from the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Training from the Universidad del Estado de Sonora, along with key certifications such as the Director Certificate from the Child Care Education Institute and the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from Arizona Western College.

Her professional career began as an assistant teacher. Through dedication and strong leadership, she has served as lead teacher, program director, and currently as executive director. One of her most significant achievements has been leading the opening of SAEC and guiding its development into an inclusive, safe, and culturally competent educational model.

Anayeeli is a strong advocate for collaborative leadership, data-informed planning, and evidence-based educational practices. She actively promotes the strategic use of technology as a tool for both learning and educational management. She has also served as a mentor for aspiring educators, supporting many of them in obtaining their CDA and advancing their professional growth.

Her current goals include achieving a 5-star Quality First rating for SAEC and, in the long term, expanding the model to other communities in need of accessible, high-quality early childhood education.

Her work is grounded in values such as equity, compassion, excellence, and purposeful innovation. Every decision she makes is centered on the well-being of children and families, with a firm belief that inclusive and transformative education from the earliest years is essential to building stronger and more just communities.

 Reetika Dhawan is an accomplished individual with a diverse background in education. Holding both Master's degrees in Physics and Applied Math, she is currently seeking her doctorate in Instructional Design. As CEO of Entrepreneurial College and vice president of Workforce and Healthcare at Arizona Western College, her current role has given her many unique opportunities to engage in transformative leadership. She has also served on numerous boards, receiving multiple accolades for teaching and administration, including the Vice President Innovation Award, Teacher of the Year, Heart of Yuma Leadership Award, etc. Reetika is passionate about education and making a difference in the lives of others.  

Alejandro was born in Arizona, but his family moved to Mexico when he was at a very young age. His mother was a teacher and his father was in the agriculture business. Alejandro was raised in Mexico but moved back to Arizona where he finish high school, and later attended college where he studied business administration. At the age of 20 years old, he enlisted in the ARMY, did a tour of duty in Iraq, and was honorably discharged a few years later. After that, he returned to Arizona and continue attending college at Arizona Western College, while at the same time working for the Saguaro Foundation for 6 years. The Saguaro Foundation serves both children and adults who have disabilities, and the behavioral health community by promoting general well-being and enhancing the quality of life. Soon after his time there, Alejandro started working with Shelley at RL Jones Insurance, he began in the accounting department, later moved to oversee Human Resources and currently works as the director of operations. Now married with 2 children, a 13-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. 

Alejandro is HRCI certified to work as a human resources generalist, he has many licenses and trainings in many fields such as HR, traditional and digital marketing, management and leadership. He also volunteers in a program called Yuma Youth Leadership; a local program that helps high school students experience a variety of possible career pathways. They are challenged to think and plan for their future. These are some of the decorations he received while in the ARMY are the National Defense Service medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, army service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon