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Friends of the Verde River is proud to recognize Alisa Sever, Leader of the Northern Arizona Airbnb Host Community, as this year’s Community Business Partner Award recipient. Alisa played a key role in facilitating a $30,000 Airbnb Community Fund grant, a contribution that will have a lasting impact on the Verde River and the communities that depend on it.
Her leadership helped connect Airbnb’s host community with our mission, resulting in a partnership that strengthens our work in habitat restoration, river health monitoring, education, and community engagement. Alisa’s advocacy reflects the spirit of collaboration and stewardship that makes the Heron Awards so meaningful.
About Alisa Sever
Alisa Sever leads the Northern Arizona Airbnb Host Community and owns High Desert Hosting, a consulting and co-hosting business serving short-term rental owners throughout Sedona, the Verde Valley, and beyond. As an Airbnb Ambassador, she has mentored hundreds of new hosts worldwide, sharing her passion for hospitality and sustainability and fostering collaboration among local hosts. Alisa also operates her own short-term rental, High Desert Vista, in Cottonwood, welcoming guests to a peaceful oasis and often providing chef services. She can also be found hiking or birding at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
The Heron Awards
Each Heron Award is a beautiful, glass-blown work of art crafted by local artists at The Melting Point. These one-of-a-kind pieces symbolize our deep appreciation for those who help Friends of the Verde River protect and restore one of the Southwest’s last free-flowing rivers. They embody creativity, dedication, and the river’s enduring resilience.
We also take great pride in recognizing our partners and supporters during our annual gala, Fiesta de la Garza, where the community comes together to celebrate the people who make our work possible. Alisa’s contributions exemplify the kind of leadership and partnership we are honored to uplift at this special event.
Thank you, Alisa, for your commitment to our mission and for helping ensure a healthy, flowing Verde River for generations to come. Congratulations on your well-deserved Heron Award.
