Champions for Children Annual Event
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.
