Dan has devoted over 30 years to public service, serving as Mayor of South Tucson and as a Pima County Supervisor. His leadership has brought lasting improvements to libraries, parks, transportation, and neighborhood development, all while advancing access, representation, and inclusion.
Hon. Mary Rose Wilcox is the first Hispanic woman to serve on both the Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Former County Supervisor Bill Gates served from 2017 until 2025 in Arizona. Currently, he serves as the Director of the ASU Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory and a Professor of Practice at the ASU Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Hon. Mary Murguia, Chief United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Hon. Ronnie Lopez (posthumous recognition)
Valley Metro’s work has transformed transit and strengthened communities across the Valley, from opening the 5.5-mile South Central Extension/Downtown Hub and creating the region’s first two-line rail system to engaging more than 5,000 community members and federal, state, and local leaders in its historic opening, while supporting local businesses with $1.6 million in construction grants. Through innovation, inclusion, and investment, Valley Metro continues to expand access, connect neighborhoods, and honor the spirit of public service that Congressman Pastor embodied.
For 20 years, Helios has worked to create opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary education and achieve educational excellence for all students.
These efforts focus on three key priorities: ensuring that students are reading by third grade, increasing college enrollment, and boosting the attainment of two- and four-year college degrees.
CPLC was recognized for its outstanding efforts in registering voters, engaging them, informing them, and preparing them to participate in the 2022 midterm elections. Their "Latino Loud" campaign focused on both registering new, first-time Latino voters and reaching out to Latino voters who were already registered but had not voted in recent elections.
ALIENTO, along with the Arizona Undocumented Workers Relief Fund (jointly awarded). Both organizations were recognized for their collaborative efforts in providing support to immigrant families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
