EVENING PROGRAM
Event Begins
Welcome
6:00 PM
Tonight, we are gathered to celebrate and more than that commit to supporting affordable, affirming, and inclusive healthcare to those who need it most, including our 2SLGBTQIA+ community here in Arizona.
Ballroom Opens
6:45 PM
Welcome distinguished guests and esteemed community members! We are delighted to have you with us this evening. Please proceed to the ballroom to commence our program.
Land Acknowledgement
Led by Holly Figueroa, 2024 Luminary Award Recipient.
Program Begins
Your Host for The Evening: Angela Hughey
7:05 PM
7:10 PM
Honoring the 2024 Southwest Center Luminary Award recipients. The evening will culminate with a special presentation by Jessyca Leach, Executive Director of Southwest Center, who will reveal an exciting new initiative for the organization.
Celebration
8:10 PM
Celebrate with us on the dance floor with music from DJ Rafael of Mobile Magic Sounds and a live performance by Kaptive Music. Let’s make it a night to INSPIRE!
Goodnight
Thank you! Your presence here tonight demonstrates your commitment to progress and your belief in the power of positive change. 9:30 PM
WELCOME
It is an honor to welcome you to INSPIRE: A Celebration of Community! It’s been a joy to watch this event come to life, and we are so thankful to share this momentous occasion with you.
Tonight we are celebrating many things: four outstanding community leaders whose exceptional achievements align with the Southwest Center’s mission – to remove obstacles in healthcare so that every Arizonan can enjoy their very best health. Most of all we are celebrating the impact of Southwest Center.
We are committed to ensuring individuals across our community have access to affirming healthcare and wellness, regardless of their ability to pay. That is why we continue to extend our delivery of services and our impact throughout the Valley.
In many ways, we are still the same organization as that founded in 1990 with a commitment to HIV prevention, testing and care; – that it remains the heart and soul of our work, and we will always be dedicated to eliminating HIV. To meet these goals, the Southwest Center must provide a safe space for those most in need of culturally- reactive care and access to comprehensive health and wellness services.
By attending tonight, you are helping the Southwest Center continue to provide affordable, affirming, and inclusive health and wellness services through the Richard P. Stahl Client Care Fund.
We offer our heartfelt appreciation to the many individuals, businesses, foundations, and agencies who utilize our programs and services, refer clients to us, provide valuable support, and partnered with us to ensure we may continue well into the future. Thank you for being a part of our mission.
Jessyca Leach Executive Director
INSPIRE SPONSORS
This event would not be possible without the generous support of the INSPIRE sponsors. Thank you!
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
EMCEE
Angela Hughey
Cofounder & President, One Community & One Community Foundation
Recipient of the 2023 Southwest Center Luminary AwardCommunity
Angela Hughey exemplifies leadership through her work within the LGBTQ+ community and the broader business and political communities in Arizona. Hughey’s leadership and diligent efforts have direct statewide economic development impact. She co-founded ONE Community in 2008 with the goal of engaging socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who support and promote diversity, inclusion, equity and equality for all Arizonans.
In 2013 Angela and the ONE Community team launched the UNITY Pledge a concerted effort by Arizona businesses and individuals to advance workplace equality and equal treatment in housing and public accommodations for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) individuals and their allies. More than 3,300 businesses and 20,000 Arizonans have taken the UNITY Pledge; the largest equality pledge in the nation.
Combining her vision, intellect, and tenacity, along with her ability to dialogue with anyone — no matter where they fall on the political spectrum — Angela has elevated the public conversation about LGBTQIA2S+ equality and moved the needle on attitudes and policies in Arizona.
LUMINARIES
INSPIRE recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, generosity, and impact to our community. The event also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the power of community and the progress that is possible through collaboration and shared purpose.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that we congratulate this year’s honorees. Their outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication have not only elevated the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but also forged a path toward greater equality for everyone. Each recipient embodies the values and spirit that define the Southwest Center and we are immensely grateful to call them our friends and partners. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued impact on our mission.” — Jessyca Leach, Executive Director, Southwest Center
MAYOR KATE GALLEGO
Building the Phoenix of the Future
Recognized for her unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and advancing healthcare equity. Since her early days serving Phoenix on the City Council, Kate has been focused on creating a welcoming, thriving city with ample high-wage jobs and opportunities for all.
As mayor, Kate spends every day focused on getting things done for Phoenix families. She is the second elected woman mayor in Phoenix history and one of the youngest big city mayors in the nation.
“Our community is so grateful for Mayor Gallego’s unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and her dedication to advancing healthcare equity for all. Her support continues to inspire us, and we are honored to celebrate her ongoing leadership,” said Jessyca Leach, Executive Director of Southwest Center.
LUMINARIES
Bré Thomas, CEO of Affirm
Honored for expanding access to reproductive healthcare and education. Bré brings over 30 years of dynamic and proven leadership experience working with non-profit organizations, state agencies, youth and families, as well as electoral campaigns. Bré has been pivotal in the stewardship of Arizona’s Title X program, the nation’s family planning program. Her work continues to shape and elevate the discourse on sexual and reproductive rights for all.
Christy Moore, Founder of Social Spin
Recognized for providing accessible, affordable laundry services and improving community wellbeing. Founded in 2017, Social Spin has grown into a community of champions under Christy’s leadership. With twenty years of non-profit experience, Christy has dedicated her career to social work and community improvement.
Holly Figueroa, Tribal Liaison at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Recognized for leadership in improving health outcomes in tribal communities. Holly is a member of the Hopi village of Sipaulovi, and serves as the Tribal Liaison for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice, supporting 17 tribal nations within the service area by improving access to care, prevention, education, and reducing health disparities. Holly is a dedicated ally and advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, working to create safe and inclusive spaces for all.
Richard P. Stahl Client Care Fund
With gratitude and pride, the Affirm team celebrates Bré on this well-deserved honor. With her work at Affirm and her years of public health advocacy, Bré has expanded access to essential care for all in Arizona. Her legacy of leadership inspires us in our continued efforts. LEARN MORE ABOUT AFFIRM @AffirmAZ / affirmaz.org
Thank you for supporting healthcare for all.
Your support empowers Southwest Center to continue providing affordable, affirming, and inclusive health and wellness services to those who have faced discrimination in healthcare, such as LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people of color, those affected by HIV, and the uninsured and underinsured. Event proceeds support the Richard P. Stahl Client Care Fund, providing critical support through free and reduced-cost healthcare to clients experiencing financial insecurity.
HONESTLY
there are things everyone can do to help prevent HIV
No one wants to think about HIV, but there are things everyone can do to help protect their sexual health. Things like using condoms and lube, getting tested regularly for HIV and other STIs, talking to your partner(s), and if you are HIV-negative, asking your healthcare provider about PrEP.
Talk to a healthcare provider and learn more about your HIV prevention options at
WE’RE DELIVERING A SMOKE-FREE FUTURE, FASTER.
At Philip Morris International (PMI), we’re on a mission to improve public health in the United States by providing better alternatives to the nearly 30 million legal-age consumers who smoke or use other traditional tobacco products.
Since 2008, PMI has invested $12.5 billion globally to develop science-backed, smoke-free products that can help people leave cigarettes behind for good.
