Fast Track to Global Connections: Exploring the Global Impact of Racing
Join Global Ties Arizona members and colleagues for an exclusive evening at Phoenix Raceway, where a local track meets a global sport. Hear from CEO Latasha Causey about how Phoenix Raceway connects to the world of motorsports—drawing international and multicultural audiences, showcasing global talent, and contributing to a sport enjoyed in nearly 200 countries. Attendees will experience pace car rides, behind-the-scenes access, and unique networking opportunities, all while seeing firsthand how a local venue fuels international connections.
Event Details
Date: April 1, 2026
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Phoenix Raceway (7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr, Avondale, AZ 85353)
Registration
• $15 – Non-members
• Free – GTAZ Ambassadors
Agenda
5:15 - 5:30 pm - Early check-in (highly recommended so you can make it on time to the pace car rides!)
5:30 - 6:00 pm – Pace Car Rides
6:00 - 6:30 pm – Track Tour
6:30 - 6:40 pm – Light bites & speaking portion begins
6:40 - 7:15 pm – Fireside Chat with Latasha Causey, President & CEO of Phoenix Raceway
7:15 - 7:30 pm – Networking
Fireside Chat Featuring
Latasha Causey
President, Phoenix Raceway
Latasha Causey is the President of NASCAR’s Phoenix Raceway, overseeing the promotion and operation of the modernized facility that is a top motorsports and entertainment destination in the Phoenix, AZ, market. She is the first African American female to hold this role in NASCAR’s history.
Latasha is a Phoenix native and grew up in the West Valley. Prior to joining Phoenix Raceway she was the Community Development Officer for Bell Bank. She worked with key business leaders and community organizations to guide Bell’s efforts in helping minority-owned businesses, nonprofit organizations, underserved populations and neighborhoods. Causey had necessary conversations, in which she actively listened, built trust and took action to come together for the greater good of the community.
Latasha also worked for over a decade at USAA’s North Phoenix Campus. Holding various leadership roles, responsible for strengthening USAA's brand and culture in the Phoenix market. She was also responsible for leading the USAA local Foundation and employee volunteerism in the Phoenix community. During her tenure she was also part of the HR Talent Acquisition team, supporting and leading recruitment efforts across all USAA locations.
Over the last 20 years, Latasha has worked for various financial organizations having a vast knowledge of the Community Development and Human Resources fields. Latasha holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Arizona State University, Master of Arts Degree with a concentration in Organizational Management and Professional Human Resources certification (PHR).
Latasha is very active in the Phoenix community, being named in 2023 Inspiring Sports Executive of the Year by Women in Sports and Entertainment (WISE), in 2021 as one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona, in 2018 Outstanding Women in Business by Phoenix Business Journal. She has been a two time KNOW Book feature, on the cover of 85085 magazine (highlighting her volunteer work with the Girl Scouts) and highlighted in Front Doors magazine for her philanthropic work in the community. She is currently on the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley Board of Directors and the Chair of the Board for Valley of the Sun United Way.
Latasha is married to her wonderful husband Sullivan; they have two beautiful boys, Sullivan III and Maysn.
Moderated by
Jennifer Stein
Director of Economic Development, City of Avondale
Bringing in more than 25 years of experience in public and private sector communications, marketing, strategic planning, management, and community relations, Jennifer Stein is a seasoned Economic Development professional. Currently, she is the Economic Development Director for the City of Avondale. Prior, she served as the Economic Development Director, as well as Communications Director, for the City of Peoria overseeing public affairs, marketing, advertising and tourism efforts. During her time with the City of Glendale, she was instrumental in spearheading the 2008 Super Bowl media efforts, marketing the annual Fiesta Bowl and BCS Championship games, building business and community partnerships in Westgate, and securing record-breaking media coverage. In addition to her experience in the government sector, Stein has also served as a news producer for KTVK-TV Arizona’s Family and a senior account executive for one of the top public relations firms in the Southwest, HMA Public Relations. Now as the Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Avondale, her primary focus is leading a team of experts who specialize in business attraction, development, retention and expansion.
Stein has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Northern Arizona University. She is a member of the International City/County Management Association and Arizona Association for Economic Development. In addition, she is the Economic Development Committee chair for the Greater Phoenix Economic Development Council (GPEC) and serves on the GPEC and Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
About Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix Raceway is a premier motorsports venue located in Avondale, Arizona, known for hosting world-class NASCAR, IndyCar, and other racing events. With a rich history spanning decades, the raceway offers an exciting blend of speed, strategy, and entertainment. Beyond racing, Phoenix Raceway serves as a hub for community engagement, providing tours, educational programs, and special events that bring people together to experience the thrill of motorsports firsthand.
