The Champions for Children Awards Luncheon is the annual fundraising event for Children’s Action Alliance (CAA). This annual gathering brings together leaders, advocates, and community members who share a deep commitment to ensuring every child in Arizona has the opportunity to thrive.

Each year, we honor individuals and organizations whose advocacy has made and continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families. It’s an inspiring afternoon of connection, celebration, and purpose, marking our most important fundraiser of the year.

What to Expect

When: Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Where: The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain
1611 E Dobbins Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Event Highlights

Honoree Awards: Celebrate this year’s Champions for Children, leaders in our community who believe that every child matters as they challenge narratives and create opportunities for Arizona’s children and families

Live Performances: Each year, we feature a local youth performance that embodies the spirit of passion and joy that inspires our work

Lunch and Community Gathering: Enjoy a shared meal with the opportunity to connect with fellow advocates, policymakers, and supporters of children’s rights

Year in Review and Mission Spotlight:  Learn more about our policy wins and our tireless defense, coalition efforts, and community partnerships that defined CAA’s impact this year

Introducing the 2025 Champions for Children honorees

Honorable Mary Rose Wilcox, Lifetime Achievement Award 

Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, Jacque Steiner Public Leadership Award

The Vitalyst Health Foundation, Organizational Leader Award

Our 2025 Outstanding Leader Awardees

Ticket Options

• Individual Ticket: $100
  Includes full luncheon program and lunch

• Pair of Tickets: $150
  Full program and lunch with an extra ticket to bring a guest and experience the event together

• AZ Guardian Donor Ticket: $250
  Includes one ticket, lunch, and recognition as a sustaining supporter of CAA’s mission. Donors at this level will be acknowledged as part of our AZ Guardian Donor Circle

Our Impact

CAA works as an independent voice to advocate for policy changes that protect the well-being of every child in Arizona. From defending Medicaid and SNAP to expanding access to early childhood education, our work creates lasting change for families.

Your support at the Champions for Children Luncheon helps fund:

• Legislative advocacy for children’s health, safety, and education

• Data-driven policy research and community-informed solutions

• Public policy campaigns that inform, mobilize, and empower families

• Coalition building across political, regional, and cultural lines

Together, we are prioritizing kids to create an Arizona where all children and families can thrive.

Get Involved

Whether you become a sponsor, purchase a ticket, or donate to our organization, your participation supports the work ahead. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, offering visibility, impact, and meaningful engagement with our local and national partners.

To learn more about how you or your organization can get involved, please contact us at caa@azchildren.org

The Inaugural Families First Forum is in the books! Children’s Action Alliance and the Arizona Center for Economic Progress joined forces with Wildfire and the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers to host the Families First Forum on November 14^th at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

The forum brought together many amazing Arizona leaders from various policy and service delivery areas to learn about one another’s issues and priorities so we can champion solutions for children and families together. This is especially necessary as we prepare to defend essential services that make a difference for struggling Arizonans.

We were honored to have Bryan Samuels, the Executive Director of Chapin Hall, join us as our keynote speaker. Bryan shared data that makes it clear that keeping families out of economic crisis helps keep families out of the foster care system.

Throughout the day, we built on themes of data, lived experience, and listening to one another to learn how our work is connected, in part because we all share a commitment to serving the same Arizonans.

Thanks to all who attended the Families First Forum as we work towards stronger coalition work.

And thank you to the Arizona leaders who joined us as speakers:

• Adriana Garcia Maximiliano, To the Max Strategies LLC
• April Bradham, Arizona Food Bank Network
• Athyna Rock, Northern Arizona Council of Governments Head Start
• Chris Gilfillan, Living United for Change in Arizona
• Claire Louge, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona
• David Gonzalez, Southwest Human Development Head Start
• David Higuera, Children’s Action Alliance Board of Directors
• Dulce Quevedo, AZ Head Start Association Parent Advocacy
• Geraldine Miranda, Arizona Center for Economic Progress
• Jacob Holley, Fostering Advocates Arizona
• January Contreras, Children’s Action Alliance
• Jessica Yanow, Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers
• Joseph Palomino, Arizona Center for Economic Progress
• Kelly McGowan, Wildfire
• Lisa Florian, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
• Lupe Reynoso Jimenez, Aliento
• Matt Jewett, Children’s Action Alliance
• Mike Renaud, Valle Del Sol
• Teniqua Broughton, The State of Black Arizona

Thanks also to our sponsors:

• Latinas in Philanthropy and Service
• Child Abuse Prevention Arizona

We have a lot of work to get done together and our partnerships matter more than ever. Our great thanks to everyone who made the forum happen. We will continue to build on this foundation to collectively drive a policy agenda that supports children and families in Arizona.

We are so thankful to everyone who helped make the 2024 Champions for Children Luncheon a remarkable success. Whether you attended, sponsored, donated, or supported us, your contribution makes a difference!

To those who attended, thank you for your presence and dedication to supporting our work to strengthen Arizona for children and families.

Congratulations again to our 2024 Champions! We are honored to celebrate their commitment to service and the significant impact their leadership has had on the lives of Arizona children and families.

Our sincere gratitude to our incredible sponsors. Their support is foundational to this gathering and to our ability to carry out our mission.

And a special thanks to Los Mariachi Tigres de Tolleson for kicking off our event! These elementary school students represented Arizona at the White House earlier this year and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and talent. Thanks also to the amazing Linda Wiliams, longtime Arizona anchor, for bringing heart to the stage as emcee of our event.

As we close out our successful 2024 Champions for Children annual event, we are grateful and inspired for the future. If you were unable to join us, we hope to see you at our upcoming future events! Together, we can continue to create an Arizona where all children and families can thrive.

Thursday, October 31, 2024 @ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

10:30 AM to 11:00 AM:  Check-in

11:00 AM to Noon: Lunch Program

Noon to 1:00 PM:  Awards Ceremony

Arizona Heritage Center | 1300 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85288

Tickets will be available at the door. If you are interested in donating to support our mission, click here.

Join child advocates and supporters at CAA's annual event to honor champions who work tirelessly to build an Arizona where all children and families thrive.

Join us to celebrate our 2024 Champions for Children Honorees!

Laura Capello, Lifetime Achievement Award

Laura Capello has significantly contributed to the lives of children in Arizona through her visionary leadership of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. Laura recently retired but leaves a legacy of innovative youth mentoring programs and wrap-around services, including a community navigator program, that recognize that success of youth is inextricably tied to the success of their families. Laura also oversaw collaborations with UMOM New Day Centers and Boys & Girls Clubs and launched a parent council in recognition of the importance of parent engagement. Recognized with numerous accolades, Laura actively serves on several boards, demonstrating her commitment to community service. Laura recently launched her own nonprofit consulting practice to continue to strengthen communities in Arizona. Laura’s leadership and dedication have transformed the lives of youth and their families, setting a high standard for others to follow.

Honorable Corey Woods, Jacque Steiner Public Leadership Award

Mayor Corey Woods has a long record of understanding that by investing time and resources into children, we are investing in the future of our state and country. In his tenure leading the City of Tempe, Mayor Woods has demonstrated exceptional leadership in prioritizing early learning, growing affordable housing, and addressing hunger. He secured permanent funding for Tempe PRE (Preschool Resource Expansion), ensuring accessible early education, and expanded affordable housing through the Hometown for All program. Mayor Woods has also enhanced shelter services for people experiencing homelessness and advocated for solutions to childhood hunger. Children’s Action Alliance knows Mayor Wood’s leadership especially well as he served as a Children’s Action Alliance board member for years before taking on the role of Chair. Recognized as “Advocate of the Year” by the Arizona Housing Coalition, Mayor Woods continues to inspire through his dedication to finding policy solutions to critical issues and his authentic community engagement.

Pilgrim Rest Foundation, Organization Leadership Award

Pilgrim Rest Foundation: Pilgrim Rest Foundation (PRF) has been a cornerstone in Phoenix for over 30 years with a mission to maximize the potential of every individual with whom the PRF staff interacts and serves. Through their longstanding benevolence program, PRF provides essential support through basic needs assistance, community education, and health services. PRF serves children and families in need through their Nurturing Parenting Program, a monthly Mobile Food Pantry, assistance to persons experiencing homelessness, and health initiatives providing vaccinations and screenings. Recently, PRF partnered with Arizona State University Preparatory Academy to establish a premier pre-K through 8th grade education site featuring innovative virtual reality learning. PRF has long supported kinship caregivers while also advocating for sustainable foster care prevention supports so more families can stay safely together. PRF’s commitment to individual and community empowerment has made a significant difference for underserved families in Arizona.

Paula Ortega, Youth Champion Award

Paula Ortega, co-founder of Reframe Youth Arts Center, has dedicated the past five years to creating a supportive environment for youth. She advocates for those transitioning out of foster care and promotes wellness within food systems. The Reframe Youth Art Center’s innovative programs provide free meals, classes, and economic opportunities, emphasizing youth leadership and combating adultism, the systematic mistreatment and disrespect of young people. Additional initiatives, like the healing kitchen, teach valuable skills and promote nutritious food systems. Paula’s collaborative spirit and dedication have profoundly impacted South Phoenix, offering a safe space and emergency support and empowering youth through leadership and employment opportunities.

Honorable Kathleen Quigley, Champion for Children Award

Under Judge Kathleen Quigley’s leadership, Pima County Juvenile Court has become a model of innovation, focusing on prevention, family unity, and connecting individuals with resources that address their challenges. As Presiding Judge, Judge Quigley has implemented initiatives that make a difference including the Dependency Alternative Program and Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) court, focusing on family stability, resources, and family connections. Nationally, Judge Quigley serves on the Board of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and is the President-Elect. The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges contributes to cutting-edge prevention strategies that support children and families. She was an important part of efforts to make the juvenile justice system fairer for low-income families, culminating in eliminating juvenile court fees in Arizona in 2023. Her problem-solving leadership and dedication to justice have significantly impacted the lives of children and families in Arizona.

Honorable Alfred Urbina, Champion for Children Award

Alfred (Fred) Urbina has dedicated his career to protecting children, women, and the public. Under his leadership, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Pima County Juvenile Court launched an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) court to ensure that strengthened efforts are taken for children to remain connected to their families and their culture. Under his leadership, his office also commissioned a book series written and illustrated by Pascua Yaqui citizens for displaced youth in the foster care system. Fred has long been a leader in state and national efforts to maximize community protections under the Violence Against Women Act. He was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey to Arizona’s Study Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and by Governor Katie Hobbs to Arizona’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Task Force. Fred is a Veteran of the United States Army, served as the Attorney General for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and as Associate Judge for the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Court, among other public service roles. Fred is now the Principal Attorney at Urbina Legal Solutions, PLLC, providing Indian Law legal solutions, training, and technical assistance while upholding tribal sovereignty and self-determination in every project.

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, check out our opportunities below. Contact Damita Curry at dcurry@azchildren.org for more details.

Exciting news! Our Lived Experience Leadership Academy(LELA) application is now live!

LELA builds the leadership capacity of individuals with lived experience in the child welfare and/or Medicaid (AHCCCS/KIDSCARE) systems. With our expansive six-month leadership development program, you’ll engage in one session per month (just 2 hours each) and receive a $100 gift card for each session. This is your chance to build your leadership skills, amplify your voice, and make a real impact on policy decisions.

Two Tracks Available:

1. Child Welfare System Track: For parents, kinship caregivers, and former youth (26 and older)
2. Public Health Care Track: AHCCCS, KidsCare, and Medicaid

Ready to make an impact? Start your journey to becoming a community leader by applying below!

Deadline to apply is October 25, 2024.

Click here to apply!

As we closed out June, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress and Children’s Action Alliance gathered with leaders from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to host a data filled forum on the impact that lack of child care and paid family medical leave have on women, their families, and the economy.

Why is this so important to Children’s Action Alliance? Because economic stability is one of the key supports that can help a child and family thrive.

Why is this so important to the Arizona Center for Economic Progress? Because our economy should work for all Arizonans regardless of barriers and advance opportunities that enhance everyone’s economic well-being.

Data was a core part of the gathering.

Paid Leave

• Out of the 193 countries that are members of the United Nations, only six countries, including the United States, do not offer paid family leave. To fill this gap, 13 states and the District of Columbia have enacted paid leave programs.
• About half of Arizona workers have access to unpaid leave but only 1 in 3 can afford it. Meanwhile, only 1 in 4 workers in the US and Arizona have access to paid leave.
• A 2022 report notes that for many women, taking even a month of unpaid leave after childbirth is unaffordable and unattainable. Gaps in these benefits are larger among women who have lower incomes and those who work part-time.

Child Care

• A recent report by Ready Nation estimates that the economic impacts of insufficient child care cost Arizona $4.7 billion annually.
• A 2021 report found that investing in high-quality and affordable child care support for families could increase women’s lifetime earnings and retirement saving (on average close to $100,000 for a mother of two children) and help to reduce the gender inequity in earnings.

Thanks to all who attended the Elevate Her event as we work towards creating a more inclusive economy and workplace. And thank you to the leaders who joined us as speakers:

• Keynote speech provided by the amazing Kelly Jenkins-Pultz, Regional Administrator, Women’s Bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor.
• A compelling presentation of data about the impact of child care and paid family leave on women, their families, and our economy was presented by Joseph Palomino, Arizona Center for Economic Progress Director, and Geraldine Miranda, Economic Policy Analyst.
• A panel of inspiring leaders moderated by January Contreras, Children’s Action Alliance CEO. Thank you to Whitney Daniels (Senior Advisor, Office of Governor Hobbs), Alejandra Gomez (Executive Director, LUCHA), and LaSetta Hogan (Deputy Economic Development Director, City of Phoenix).
• A heartfelt legislative update was provided by Representative Junelle Cavero, who joined us as we gathered in her own district and discussed policy solutions for Arizonans.

Watch out for more on these issues.

Children’s Action Alliance takes its commitment to advocating alongside children and families from across Arizona seriously. This month, we listened and learned in Yuma County. The way for us to be the most effective advocates is to meet Arizonans where they are and ensure their joys and struggles inform our advocacy.

Thank you to the Regional Center for Border Health, Northern Arizona University, and the Arizona Department of Health Services for inviting us to present on the bright spots and challenges facing children as part of your health equity agenda in San Luis, Arizona. We also thank First Things First for inviting us to be a part of the Child Care Crisis Leadership Forum co-hosted by the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp and the Yuma Chamber of Commerce. We heard employers seeking solutions that increase affordable child care. Finally, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress co-hosted a community gathering with Rural Engagement Arizona to discuss the care economy in the City of Yuma. We appreciate community members sharing their stories and experiences.

Thank you, Yuma County, for allowing us to advocate alongside you.