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30th anniversary Pearls of Wisdom
On March 27, 2024, we recognized 30 years of legacy leadership and celebrated 6 exceptional local leaders. Thank you for sharing your pearls of wisdom with us and creating a room of love and empowerment.
Check out our event photos! (Use password YWCA2024)
This year, we celebrated Tribute to Leadership’s 30th Anniversary. 2024 marks 30 years of recognizing remarkable women who pave the way for equity, justice, and prosperity for people of color, women, and girls.
30th anniversaries are traditionally celebrated by gifting pearls. This year’s Tribute to Leadership and corresponding Women’s Empowerment Month featured many pearls of wisdom shared by inspiring women and leaders across the Valley.
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2024 Honorees
The honorees are selected for embodying the mission of YWCA: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
About the Dorothy Willey Award:
YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix’s most prestigious award is named for its first recipient, Dorothy Willey. Dorothy Willey was a member of the YWCA since 1933 in Texas, to Clevland, and landed in Phoenix. As a young woman, she was president of the YWCA’s Girl’s Business Club. She served on numerous YWCA committees, on the Board of Directors, and as President of the Board of the Cleveland YWCA. She served on the YWCA World Service Council, the fundraising arm for the national YWCA. We present the Dorothy Willey Award to the woman who most closely exemplifies her spirit of service and dedication to YWCA.
Maria is an unwavering advocate and dedicated supporter of YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix. Serving two consecutive three-year terms on our board, she dedicated two full years as the Board Chair and concluded her service as the Advocacy Committee Chair. Maria played a pivotal role in the comprehensive update of our bylaws and articles of incorporation. These revised documents now serve as the foundation for fostering inclusion and equity in our organizational governance. Maria’s commitment extends beyond administrative contributions; she has a deep passion for mentoring young lawyers, with a particular focus on empowering young women in the legal profession. Recognizing the unique challenges they face, Maria initiated a Lean In circle where members collaboratively address and tackle issues pertinent to women lawyers. Her overarching mission is to empower individuals to discover their strengths and to tirelessly advocate for justice and equality for all.
 In her role as the Bilingual Youth Enrollment Manager at NPFY, Nina has shown a commitment to empowering BIPOC youth and families. She’s led initiatives to support Latinx families and to reframe Latinx family traditions towards the preservation of culture and resilience for bicultural children and families. Outside of NPFY, she has actively participated in the creation of a teen pre-court youth diversion program with Black Lives Matter Phoenix Metro, aiming to intervene in the vicious cycle of incarceration that BIPOC youth living in poverty often find themselves in. Nina has actively participated in multiple social justice calls-to-action and has sat in meetings with several local social justice organizations since 2010; this is the first where she is a leader in the creation of an initiative that could transform the lives of many young people impacted by the juvenile justice system.
As the first Black female at Kroger to be named district manager in 2007 for the Columbus, Ohio, division; the first Black woman to be named retail division VP; and the first Black woman ever to be named a division head as the president of Fry’s (her current position), Monica Garnes has been empowering women and expanding DE&I opportunities throughout her career. She leads by example, with grace, humility, kindness, and accountability – traits that everyone can look up to. Her life is full of overcoming adversity and uplifting others in the arenas of race and gender equality, which have been demonstrated by some of her recent accomplishments and impactful work, including receiving the NAACP Community Service recognition for Fry’s in 2021, which supports NAACP’s mission of advocating for economic empowerment, employment opportunities, affordable housing, criminal justice, and civic engagement.
A native of Sinaloa, Mexico, Carolina has devoted her career to combating racism and championing women’s empowerment. She has especially felt called to create greater equity and justice for immigrants. Before DACA existed, Carolina spent a great deal of her time addressing the inequity that existed for undocumented students seeking a college degree. She was a board member for ScholarshipsA-Z, a non-profit focused on identifying scholarships that support college attendance for undocumented students in Arizona. She then spent a large part of her career dedicated to creating pathways for first-generation and students of color to attend college. She worked at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University to help low-income students, so often students of color, know that college was within their reach. In her current role, she is battling for the elimination of racism in policy through civic engagement. Carolina has helped Latinos vote in record numbers.
As a first-generation college student, Vanessa approaches her work and commitment to the community from the lens of, “How can we support those looking to impact the socioeconomic trajectory of their families/community?” It’s not just access to resources, she also recognizes and understands how these students and families may deal with imposter syndrome and what we are doing to guide and mentor them. Serving as the Deputy Vice President for Outreach at ASU, Vanessa’s portfolio focuses on developing and activating strategic partnerships to advance the educational attainment and economic trajectory of Arizona students and families by providing access to resources and support focused on equitable education attainment. She led the launch of WeGrad Digital in 2022. WeGrad is a family education and engagement program designed to elevate the academic success of multicultural students in underserved communities by engaging the entire family in the education pathway of their children.Â
Dr. Westenberg has been a decades-long advocate for equity for both women and marginalized communities. She currently serves as the VP for Political Action of the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP, she is a distinguished leader in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Phoenix Chapter–currently co-charing the Advocate for Social Justice committee, as well as the chair for the annual HBCU College Fair (an event she has organized for 21 years). She is a member of the Phoenix chapter of The Links (an international, nonprofit organization and one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry). She is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women. She has organized countless events over the years from Hip-Hop to Vote summits to MLK Youth Celebrations. She is a powerful voice for advocacy in political chambers, college campuses, protest groups, boardrooms, and private meetings.
Event Committee
In honor of 30 years of women, we are excited to announce our event tri-chairs for this year’s Tribute to Leadership Awards!
Dr. Kenja Hassan, Sarah Krahenbuhl, and Jennifer Sanchez bring years of experience, advocacy, and grace to YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix as supporters and volunteers. We are thrilled to have them at the helm of this event.
2024 Nominees
Equality Health, Director, Health Equity & Community Partnerships
Arizona State University Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, Director
Foundations for Senior Living, Communications Manager
Southern California Edison, Chief Customer Officer
Jaburg Wilk, Attorney
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, former Attorney
Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates, Career Pathways Coordinator
New Pathways for Youth, Bilingual Youth Enrollment Manager
Fry’s Food Stores, Division President
Dress for Success, Director of Operations
Million Dollar Teacher Project, Executive Director
Arizona Council on Economic Education, Director of Operations
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., Interim President and CEO
Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, Retired Juvenile Mitigation Specialist
Mi Familia Vota, State Director
Arizona State University, Deputy Vice President
Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine, Co-CEO
Desert Star Family Institute, Owner & OB/GYN
NAACP, Maricopa County, VP
AZ Department of Health Services, Office of Health Equity – Manager
2024 Review Committee
Huge thank you to our review committee for your time and efforts to help us select the 2024 Tribute to Leadership Honorees!
Puerto Vallarta Paradise Drawing
Congratulations J.J. Mattison!
Prize includes:
- Two round-trip airline tickets to enchanting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! Courtesy of Southwest Airlines.
- Luxury accommodation (up to 4 guests) at Velas Vallarta (stay includes Villa plus Room) for an unforgettable 8 day/7 night stay.
- Transportation to the airport upon departure.
- Valued at $5,100!
Generously empowered by Southwest Airlines.
Empowerment Pearl Charm Bracelet
Purchase a keepsake from this inspiring event! By choosing this pearl bracelet, you are not merely acquiring a piece of jewelry; you are committing to and supporting this mission of empowering women and eliminating racism. Each time you wear it, you will be reminded that you are Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.
Just $30 each!
Every cent supports YWCA’s mission.
Become an Event Partner
In 2024 our partners will receive various marketing, branding & recognition opportunities, tickets to 30th Tribute to Leadership Awards, and other creative opportunities to partner with us all March long!
Sponsorship opportunities can be secured by paying online or requesting an invoice HERE.
To learn more about partnership opportunities and benefits contact Genevieve, YWCA Advancement Director, at genevieve@ywcaaz.org or call 602.320.7283.
We look forward to exploring possible ways to partner to support our community. Thank you for all that you do!
Thankful for our Partners
About the Awards
YWCA’s Tribute to Leadership Awards Program is an annual celebration that acknowledges the remarkable achievements of leaders in our community. These individuals are committed to enhancing the lives of women, girls, and people of color through their unwavering dedication to leadership, advocacy, and community service. Over the years, we have proudly honored 264 extraordinary individuals, and we are just getting started!
For three decades, YWCA has been a beacon, illuminating the path of justice and community service by celebrating outstanding women and their contributions. Each year, we come together to raise awareness and appreciation for the diverse and invaluable contributions of women leaders.
eligibility requirements
To receive the prestigious YWCA Tribute to Leadership Award, our honorees embody the mission of YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. These selected honorees generously contribute to their communities, set the gold standard for equity in leadership, and transform the Valley into a better place for all to thrive.
Anyone in the community may nominate a deserving leader, there is no limit to the number of nominations you may submit. The best nominations are from community partners and colleagues who know and are known by the nominee.
To be considered eligible for a Tribute to Leadership Award, the nominee should:
- Work primarily in the metropolitan Phoenix area or have made a significant impact on the Phoenix community.
- No currently be employed by YWCA or serve on its board.
- Not be actively running for a political/elected office.
- Plan to attend the 2024 Tribute to Leadership Awards on March 27th and make an effort to rally your friends to join.
EXAMPLES: Educators, advocates, artists, student leaders, athletes, activists, business leaders, entrepreneurs, public policy advocates, medical professionals (including spiritual care and mental health), non-profit leaders, and many more.
judging criteria
Nominations are thoughtfully reviewed by a panel of Tribute to Leadership Legacy Honorees, who are esteemed past winners. The evaluation will focus on the following key criteria:
- The nominee’s leadership and impact within the community, their organization, or their industry.
- The nominee’s exemplification of the YWCA’s mission: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
- The authenticity of the nomination. We encourage you to provide detailed and heartfelt responses.
Previous Awards
2023 Tribute to Leadership Nominees
Jobs For Arizona’s Graduates, President
Intel Corporation, AZ Community Affairs Manager
Esperanca, President & CEO
Refugee Aid, Director/Founder
Beus Gilbert McGroder, Associate Attorney
FirstBank Phoenix Metro, Vice President
Atabey Outdoors, Founder/CEO
HandsOn Greater Phoenix, CEO
Social Roots, LLC., CEO
YWait, Founder
Maricopa County Community College District, Sr. Administrative Specialist
Dianne L. Post, J.D., Attorney at Law
South Mountain Community College, Geoscience and Sustainability Professor/Astronaut
Integrated Mental Health Associates, Co-Owner
SARSEF, Programs Manager
Chase Bank, Vice President Sr. Business Consultant
Arizona State University, Social Embeddedness Analyst
Trulieve, Marketing Manager
New Pathways For Youth, Communications Manager
Valle Del Sol, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
St. Vincent de Paul, Shelter Program Manager
Lights Camera Discover, Executive Director
Phoenix College, Counseling Faculty
Stella Spirit Organization, Executive Director
Thank you to our 2023 Presenting Sponsors
THANK YOU for attending, volunteering, and otherwise supporting our 28th annual Tribute to Leadership Awards. We shared drinks, laughs, tears, and meaningful connections in celebration of four trailblazing honorees.
Select the buttons below to see all the fun we had.
Legacy Honorees
If you are a Tribute to Leadership Legacy Honoree, we want to hear from you! Please complete this short questionnaire.
1994
Judge Silvia Arellano
Jana Bommersbach
Deborah Brown
Pam Del Duca
Carolyn Desjardins
Mickey DiBartholomeo
Lorraine Frank
Donna Horne
Mary Lynn Kasunic
Jannie Lathan- Maxwell
Rev. Canon McClain
Grace Voss Frederick
Dorothy Willey
1995
Joan Brainard
Linda Brock Nelson
Sharon Harper
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack
Elizabeth Lenci-Downs
Wauneta Lone Wolf
Carol Peck Ph.D
Virginia Sterling
Mary Jo West
Cecile Woodward
1996
Phyllis Biedess
Jill DeMichele
Susan Edwards
Margaret Goldman
Paula Haflin-Moore
Michele Halyard M.D
Eleanor Klein
Anita O’Riordan
Ann Smith-Hart
Susan Stephens-Groff M.D
Mary Tang
1997
Sandra Gendler Ph.D
Christine Iijima Hall Ph.D
Marjorie Kyle Ph.D
Linda Macleish-Jensen
Lucia Madrid
Muriel Magenta
Janet Napolitano
Liz Topete-Stonefield
Amy Torres
Linda Vollstedt
Annette Zaccari
1998
Kauthar Hawkins
Virginia (Vicki) King
Mary Ann Lavine
Beth Meyer-Lohse
Jadel Roe
Adrienne Scheck Ph.D
Sharon Shore
Christine Wilkinson Ph.D
Phoenix Mercury
1999
Cathy Davis
Terri Fields
Bettye Jackson
Pamela Martin
Kathleen Mitchell
Helen Osman
Clyda Jean Owen
Jean Reed Roberts
Sheryl Sculley
Russel Walker M.D
2000
Peggy Bilsten
Winifred Doane Ph.D
Gail Gesell
Marcia Hopp Newman
S.S. Sangeet Kaur Khalsa
Patsy Lowry
Carmen Martinez Franco
Catherine Mckee (Olesen)
Pat Petznick
Beverly Stewart
Charli Turner Thorne
2001
Mary Anderson-Rowland
Janet Arnold (Rees)
Sharon Austerman
Betty Fairfax
Jean Fairfax
Anita Favela Luera
Linda Hunt
Janet Kizziar
Denise Meridith
Diane Rutherford
Mayor Elaine Scruggs
2002
Rochelle Balch
TJ Cohen
Judge Elizabeth Finn
Debbie Gaby
Billie Harris
Elaine Maimon Ph.D
Dr. Christine Marin Ph.D
Luz Sarmina-Gutierrez
Sue Sisley M.D
Marissa Theisen
Mary Titla
2003
Sandy Cowne Miller
Sylvia Echave Stock
Kathleen Goeppinger Ph.D
Kathy Haake
Fatimah Halim-Washington
Kathern Lee Plenge M.D
Tammy Linn
Carol McCall
Jannah Scott
Julia Wilmot
Sister Lynn Winsor, BVM
2004
Yolanda Collazos Kizer
Rebekah Friend
Kerry Graham
Kathy Hotchner
Dana Jamison M.D
Marlene Klotz Collins
Robin Krause Blitz M.D
Carrie Martz
Nancy Roach
Judge Jean Williams
Mary Wong
2005
Leslie Baxter
Deborah Carstens
JoAnn Garcia (Cruz)
Karen Hardin
Karlene Keogh
Georgia McGraw
Karie Montague
Susan Paull
Armaity Vaghaiwalla Austin M.D
Carolyn Warner
Linda Wells
2006
Joanna De’Shay
Janet Elsea
Christine French
Pamela Klonoff
Nona Lee
Linda McCay Pope
Jana Monroe
Stella Paolini
Marilyn Seymann Ph.D
Grace Wright
2007
Heather Cunliffe
Karen Ewing
Carol Kamin
Michelle King Robson
Kimber Lanning
Jessica Livingston
Cassandra Mason-Motz
Jewell Parker Rhodes
K Royal
Senator Kyrsten Sinema
2008
Randy Baca
Deborah Black
Debbie Castaldo
Malissa Geer
Virginia McElyea
Hope Ozer
Joan Rankin Shapiro
Judge Barbara Rodriguez Mundell
Irene Stillwell
Karen Woodford
Diana Yazzie-Devine
2009
Laya Gavin
Saundra Johnson
Janet Mackay Burke
Deb Moore
Barbara Ralston
Marie Sullivan
Cyd West
Debra Williams
Karen Zalesky
2010
Deborah Bateman
Teniqua Broughton
Abbie Fink
Kelly Hsu M.D
Sheila McInerney
Norma Ory
Stella Pope Duarte
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo
Linda Volhein
Yvonne Watterson
Jeri Williams
2011
Jennifer Barnes
Karen Fletcher
Pam Gaber
Tracee Hall
Susan Klecka
Carolyn Manning
Honorable Ruth McGregor
Ann Meyers Drysdale
Frances Mills-Yerger
Nicole Stanton
Gerda Weissmann Klein
2012
Tina Brown
Karen Callahan
Carol Dahl
Dr. Regina Edwards
Diane Enos
Sue Glawe
Jodi Liggett
Darlene Newsom
Eddie Sissons
Debbie Waitkus
2013
Michael Barnard
Karen Churchard
Dean Coonrod M.D
Angela Hughey
Andy Kramer Petersen
Pat Little-Upah
Paul Luna
Pam Overton Risoleo
Jaye Perricone
Julie Sullivan
Diana Taurasi
2014
Alejandra Amarilla
Pamela Conboy
Cindy Hensley McCain
Chevy Humphrey
Karen Johnson
Martha Kuhns
MaryLynn Mack
Dr. Joel Martin
Leon Silver
Honorable Roxanne Song Ong
2015
Hilary Barnes Esq
Shelly Cohn
Robbin Coulon Esq
Rachel Gutierrez
Bruce Liggett
April Osborn Ph.D
Patricia Rourke
Alice Wells
Patty White
Dana Wolfe Naimark
2016
Tracy Bame
Susan Berman
Jan Blaser-Upchurch
Ashley Bridwell
Dana Campbell Saylor
Connie Mesa
2017
Michelle Bravo
Carole Coles-Henry
Diana Gregory
Kara Kalkbrenner
Catherine Scrivano
Julie Ward
2018
Tiffany Fisher
Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick
Christy Moore
Dr. Elsie Moore Ph.D
Kathleen Pechman
Jenny Poon
Reda Riddle-Bigler
City of Phoenix
Dignity Health
Freeport McMoRan
Medtronic
2019
Jo Ellen Caldwell
Paula Cullison
Alejandra Gomez
Annie Groth
Carrie Young
American Family Dreams Foundation
AZCREW
Cox Communications
Fry’s Food Stores/Kroger Foundation
2020
January Contreras
Amalia Luxardo
Mary Mitchell
Margaret Tyndall
2021
Recognized Legacy Honorees:
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, 2010
Deborah Bateman, 2010
Jannah Scott, 2003
2022
Gizette Knight
Dr. Pearlette J. Ramos
Charissa Sundust
Carol Ackerson
2023
Oana Constantinescu
Graciela Garcia Candia
America Miranda
Dianne Post
2024
Maria Crimi Speth
Nina Franco
Monica Garnes
Carolina Rodriguez Greer
Vanessa Ruiz
Dr. Camilla Westenberg
There are many ways to get involved with YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix
Your voice matters as we stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. Whether you have time, talents, or treasures to contribute, learn how you can plug in to the YWCA community.
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