Our State Team

Patrick Cordes, from a small Nebraska town, served in the U.S. Navy where he gained an education in electronics and computers, leading to a 40-year tech career. He has traveled to 49 states and 11 countries, with highlights including aircraft carrier landings and submarine transfers. Patrick holds two patents for the Sharpat Kit®, which helps teachers efficiently manage student tests. He advises future generations to “Try something!” as it may reveal unexpected career paths. Alongside Sharon, he has directed, judged, and coached in pageantry for over 20 years.

Dr. Sharon Cordes, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of USC, holds a Master’s from San Diego State and a Doctorate Educational Administration from UC Irvine and UCLA. With a 40-year career in K-12 education, she has been a teacher, special education coordinator, principal, and administrator, while also teaching as an adjunct professor. A recipient of the 2007 Distinguished Alumnae Award from UC Irvine and the President's Lifetime Volunteer Service Award, she now enjoys golf, bocce, painting, and reading. Sharon is dedicated to mentoring young women and is delighted to serve the Miss Arizona Volunteer family.

Julie Prescott graduated as a Presidential Scholar and a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in psychology from Hamline University. Julie started her pageant journey as a local winner and state runner-up in the Miss Minnesota America Pageant system and was later crowned Mrs. Minnesota-America. She continued her involvement as local pageant chairperson, emcee, contestant and judges coordinator, and local pageant judge.  She has also judged at the state/regional level for the National American Miss system. Julie worked as a case management coordinator for the Federal Bureau of Prisons for nearly 25 years.

Julie and her husband Dan live in Oro Valley. They have four sons, nine grandchildren, and a rescue dog named Brody. Julie’s passions are baking, reading, playing pickleball, and making sensory quilts for dementia patients.

Joanna Milkovich is a licensed attorney and co-founder of Vectra Pharmacy, one of the 5,000 fastest-growing businesses in America. A passionate advocate for health and wellness, Joanna also dedicates her time as a personal trainer, where she has guided current and former NFL cheerleaders to excel in auditions. Her expertise and influence have made a lasting impact in the field of health and wellness, especially through her work with NFL cheerleaders.

​

With a diverse background spanning business and fitness, Joanna has developed a keen eye for identifying individuals with exceptional communication skills, poise, and confidence. Beyond her professional achievements, she takes pride in being a devoted mother to two children who reside in Dallas and Las Vegas.

​

In her downtime, Joanna enjoys weightlifting, playing pickleball, and relaxing with her cherished dog, embracing a balanced and active lifestyle.

Phoebe Tucker is the Director of the Desert Rose Princess Program for Miss Arizona Volunteer. A recent Arizona transplant, Phoebe brings a background in musical theatre, dance, vocal coaching, and pageantry. She has coached pageant contestants in vocal and stage performance, taught Musical Theatre Workshop and Improv for Saddleback College's College for Kids program, and performed in a lead role in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts. Passionate about mentoring young people, Phoebe is dedicated to helping every Desert Rose Princess build confidence, embrace creativity, and shine both on and off the stage.

​

I especially like the phrase "confidence begins with kindness, creativity, and the courage to shine." It captures the spirit of the Desert Rose Princess Program and could even become a recurring theme in your Princess materials.

Bio coming soon!

Whitney (Thomas) Ford resides in Mesa, Arizona with her husband and three lovely children, Tatum (7), Kennedy (5), and Cameron (3). As a California State University Fullerton graduate, she puts her degree in Communications to use as the owner of Styled By W.I. Family Photo Styling on Instagram and Shiki Co. custom party boxes and apparel for women & children on Etsy. She got her start in pageantry when she won the title of Miss Placentia 2011 and continued that journey when she moved to Arizona as Miss Phoenix 2012. During these two years, Whitney volunteered over 700 hours for organizations in her community, including A New Leaf, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and The Alzheimer’s Association. 

Serving as the Executive Director of the Miss Scottsdale, Phoenix, Maricopa County Pageant for 8 years is one of her proudest accomplishments. Recently she traded in her director hat to be a pageant “momager” to her 5-year-old daughter Kennedy, 2023 NAM Miss Arizona Princess. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, antique shopping, and volunteering with her kids.

Tricia Gleason is a passionate program manager with a knack for transforming challenges into opportunities. Known for strong communication skills and a creative problem-solving approach.