INSPIRE: A Celebration of Community Leaders

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

EVENING PROGRAM Event Begins

6:00 PM

Welcome Tonight, we are gathered to celebrate the individuals and organizations making a difference in providing better care for our communities, advancing health equity, and improving health outcomes for every Arizonan.

Land Acknowledgement

6:15 PM

Led by Dwight Francisco The Phoenix metropolitan area has long been known for its original inhabitants, including the Hohokam, Akimel and Tohono O’odham, Piipaash cultures. The land itself was inhabited because of its connection to water which was available by the Salt River and used to nurture crops and fields through out the valley now know as Maricopa County. The land and its ties to water provided past inhabitants and current residents the ability to survive in the Sonoran Desert. Today, we honor the Hohokam way of life by utilizing to this day the very same irrigation canal system to distribute water to the people. We honor the original inhabits of this land and express gratitude for their rich and diverse cultures which still exist.

Program Begins

7:00 PM

Master of Ceremonies: Steve May Honoring the inaugural 2023 Southwest Center Luminary award recipients in five categories – Legacy, Healthcare, Youth, Arts and Culture, and Community. We begin the night with a dazzling performance.

Intermission

7:50 PM

Program Continues

8:00 PM

We draw our program to a close with a memorable performance and the conclusion of the Southwest Center Luminary Awards presentation.

Goodnight

9:00 PM

Thank You! Your presence here tonight demonstrates your commitment to progress and your belief in the power of positive change.

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

WELCOME It is an honor to welcome you to INSPIRE: A Celebration of Community Leaders! 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: six 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 and our ten year anniversary of offering exceptional service to the community at the Parsons Center for Health and Wellness. Most of all we are celebrating the impact of the 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 to 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 the solution.

Jessyca Leach Executive Director

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

INSPIRE SPONSORS This event would not be possible without the genorous support of the INSPIRE sponsors.

Thank you!

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Diane Haller

Abran Villegas

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A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

EMCEE Steve May LGBTQ+ Activist and Trailblazer Steve has been a leader in changing hearts, minds, and the law for over thirty years. He made history by being the first openly gay person in 1998 to win public office in the Arizona State Legislature.

In 2001, he led the final legislative repeal in the US of anti-sodomy laws and during his two-year public battle and prosecution by the Army due to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law of that time, he spoke publicly about the honorable service of gay men and women in the military serving in silence. Eventually, President Bill Clinton ordered that then Lt. May be allowed to remain in the service, making him the first service member legally allowed to “serve and tell.”

Shortly after the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2010, Steve was asked to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in reimagining how they cared for LGBT veterans and their dependents. Since then, he has continued to advocate for veterans. He is now the co-founder and Chief Veteran Advocate at Proven Valor and DD214 Direct, an advocacy and technology firm that has helped hundreds of thousands of veterans solve problems that shouldn’t exist.

He currently serves as Chairman at the Kellenberger Tollefson Center for LGBT Philanthropy at the Arizona Community Foundation, is the President/Chair-Elect of the Executive Board of the Grand Canyon Council Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts), and is on the Board of the Liberian Education Achievement Resource Network.

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

DID YOU KNOW PrEP can be about 99% effective in preventing HIV?*

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that’s taken as part of a routine before you’re exposed to HIV to help reduce your chances of getting it.

Remember that PrEP doesn’t protect against other STIs, so be sure to use condoms and other healthy sex practices.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether PrEP is the best option for your situation.

Scan the code to learn more about PrEP or visit Healthysexuals.com

*When taken as prescribed.

HEALTHYSEXUAL, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. ©2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved.

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LUMINARIES The INSPIRE reception 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.

The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the prestigious 2023 Southwest Center Luminary Award in five categories – Legacy, Healthcare, Youth, Arts and Culture, and Community each representing excellence and achievement in their respective categories.

“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 LGBTQ 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

Legacy Luminary Bob and Renee Parsons

Bob & Renee Parsons are shining beacons of hope in our community. Since establishing The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2012 to provide critical funding at critical times to communities striving to make a difference, the Parsons have invested over $280 million in charitable causes. Their generous support of The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness empowered a coalition of providers to create a safe, welcoming space to deliver services that will help people live longer, healthier lives, and combat the stigma and misunderstanding that surrounds HIV/AIDS. Bob and Renee’s leadership has transformed lives, and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation stands as a catalyst for progress in vital research, access to comprehensive healthcare, and genuine inclusivity. Their light has ignited hope for a world where everyone can thrive with dignity, love, and acceptance.

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

LUMINARIES Healthcare Luminary Nicole Stanton

Nicole Stanton has provided visionary leadership in Phoenix for decades, laying the foundation to make The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness a reality. From leading the coalition of stakeholders to bring this project forward, using her public profile and voice to address discrimination and bullying, acknowledgement and action to create safe spaces for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, to supporting Southwest Center’s annual event, Night for Life year after year, Nicole Stanton has been at the forefront of the movement for LGBTQIA2S+ equality and eradicating HIV/AIDS. transformed lives, and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation stands as a catalyst for progress in vital research, access to comprehensive healthcare, and genuine inclusivity. Their light has ignited hope for a world where everyone can thrive with dignity, love, and acceptance.

Youth Luminary Dr. Veenod Chulani

Dr. Veenod Chulani leads the Phoenix Children’s Adolescent Medicine Program, and is one of only a handful of doctors providing life-affirming services to LGBTQIA2S+ youth, including those seeking gender-affirming care.

Dr. Chulani’s work to create access to care for this community is groundbreaking in advancing health equity. Dr. Chulani is also dedicated to training the next generation of clinicians, creating a ripple effect that will expand the availability of culturally competent care for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

LUMINARIES Arts and Culture Luminary Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee opened the doors to Art of Our Soul on November 1, 2021. After an Emmy Award-winning career in media, Brandon embraced the power of art to help individuals, including himself, heal from trauma and experience joy. Brandon demonstrated incredible courage by sharing his story of addiction and recovery, and creating a safe and welcoming space for others to progress on their own journeys. As co-founder of the Center for Positive Media, Brandon is able to amplify his passion for inspirational story-telling, creativity, and positive impact, inspiring individuals to see that there is light after dark.

Community Luminary Angela Hughey

Angela Hughey founded ONE Community, an organization that has profoundly impacted the Arizona business community’s movement to embrace LGBTQIA2S+ equality. Today, more than 3,500 businesses and over 20,000 Arizonans have taken ONE Community’s UNITY Pledge which is 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.

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

Working with others to influence change and improve lives in Arizona is the driving force behind the Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement. Together, we can mobilize changemakers to reduce the negative effects of chronic health issues, increase health equity, protect mental health, and overcome substance use disorder.

For more information visit azbluefoundation.org.

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We Rise

by Lifting Others Providing customized assistance from our trusted CareTeam to address unique patient needs.

Visit CVSspecialty.com to learn more. ©2022 CVS Health and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. 75-57977B 110322

YOUR ATTENDANCE MATTERS Richard P. Stahl Client Care Fund 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.

Get Involved In Our Mission www.swcenter.org/donate

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

TRUSTED. PROVEN. RELIABLE.

Meet your local banking expert

Kate Hickman Managing Director, Commercial Banking (602) 952-5442 khickman@alliancebankofarizona.com

Industry Experts + Powerful Resources Community association banking, powered by the strength of Western Alliance Bank.

Moving Forward, Together.

Waymo is a proud partner of Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS Waymo is on a mission to make it safe and easy for people and things to get where they’re going. We believe our autonomous driving technology can save lives and improve mobility options for communities.

Learn more about how we serve our communities at WAYMO.COM/COMMUNITY

Connect with us at alliancebankofarizona.com/plus Alliance Bank of Arizona, a division of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC.

PROUD SUPPORTER OF SOUTHWEST CENTER

where pride and care come together The Valley’s trusted healthcare provider since 1997.

Spectrum Medical has proudly led healthcare in Maricopa County for over 25 years. We provide compassionate and inclusive care for everybody, regardless of background. We’re more than just your healthcare provider; we’re your partner in health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

52 E. Monterey Way, Phoenix, AZ 85012 · 602-604-9500

spectrummedicalcareaz.com

M I S S I O N Phoenix Pride unites, educates, and engages people to support and empower the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.

OVER

$1.3 million

back to the community since inception.

$490,500 in scholarships

$869,339

in Community and Partnership Grants.

DONATE TODAY https://phoenixpride.org/get-involved/donate/

I am incredibly honored, humbled, and grateful for receiving this lifechanging award. I will continue to work hard through my field in software engineering, in honor of my family, the LGBT community, and Phoenix Pride who stands with us in support, love, and celebration. Overcoming years of challenges because of my sexuality and identity, I cannot feel more blessed by the beautiful individuals and organizations I encounter who stand in support and unconditional love for us.

Cesar Manjarrez

MARCH 23 & 24, 2024 HERITAGE SQUARE PARK

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS