Education Forward Arizona Celebrates Exceptional Leaders in Education
On Oct. 30, Education Forward Arizona hosted its annual “An InspirED Evening” fundraising event and education celebration at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn. The evening brought together leaders, educators and advocates from across Arizona to celebrate collaboration and innovation in education, from early learning through postsecondary attainment.
The event, chaired by Chris Camacho, President of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Stacy Derstine, Vice President of External Affairs at APS; and Gonzalo de la Melena Jr., CEO of Emerging Airport Ventures, highlighted the critical role education plays in shaping Arizona’s future.
“Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community and a prosperous future for all of Arizona,” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “Coming together to honor those who are driving positive change in education not only highlights the impact of their efforts but also inspires all of us to collaborate and continue pushing forward. It’s through this collective commitment that we can create meaningful opportunities for every student and build a brighter future for our state.”
Two of the evening’s highlights included the presentation of the North Star Awards and the prestigious Luminary Award, which recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions toward advancing Arizona’s educational goals. This year, Education Forward Arizona honored visionary leaders and transformative programs that are moving the needle on the Arizona Education Progress Meter and driving meaningful progress toward the state’s Achieve60AZ attainment goal.
Jeff Guldner, CEO of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and Arizona Public Service Company (APS), received the 2024 InspirED Luminary Award. This prestigious accolade celebrates a pioneer whose educational endeavors and contributions act as a guiding light, motivating others to further the cause of education in Arizona.
Guldner, as the head of Arizona’s largest energy provider, is recognized for his commitment to advancing education and preparing the state for a clean energy future. He has championed numerous initiatives to support scholarships and mentoring, partnering with Education Forward Arizona to develop a future-ready workforce.
As part of this commitment, APS announced an extension of its partnership with Education Forward Arizona to help ensure, over the next 5 years, that hundreds of first-generation BIPOC students have both the financial and personal support they need to pursue postsecondary education. This would include trade or certification training, associate or bachelor’s degrees.
Three North Star Award recipients were also celebrated for their exceptional contributions:
- First Things First was recognized for its dedication to early childhood development, providing high-quality opportunities for children from birth to age five. In 2024, the organization’s impactful initiatives included scholarships for educators, raising childcare standards and engaging more than 13,000 parents in literacy programs. Over 12,000 children were screened for developmental needs, ensuring Arizona families have the support they need to thrive.
- Elevate Ed AZ, a program by the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, was honored for connecting high school students to “H3” career paths: high skill, high wage, high demand. Through partnerships with local school districts, Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University, Elevate Ed AZ is expanding dual enrollment opportunities, particularly for underserved communities. The program is also training more high school teachers to become dual enrollment certified, providing equitable access to college and career readiness for students.
- Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) received the final North Star Award. As one of the nation’s largest Latino nonprofit organizations, CPLC has uplifted communities for over fifty years, addressing needs in health, housing, education and economic development. Their educational initiatives, from Head Start programs to Community High Schools and scholarships, ensure that Latino students have the resources needed to succeed academically and beyond.
Radiant Sponsors for “An InspirED Evening” – Helios Education Foundation, APS, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and Arizona State University – provided essential support, ensuring a memorable evening. All proceeds from the event will benefit Education Forward Arizona and its mission to advocate for and act on education improvements that enhance the quality of life for all Arizonans.