Education Forward Arizona Announces 2025 Luminary Award Honoree
Paul J. Luna to be recognized for decades of leadership in expanding educational opportunity
Education Forward Arizona will honor Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation, with the 2025 Luminary Award at this year’s “An InspirED Evening” celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn.
Luna has been a transformative leader in education across Arizona and Florida. Under his guidance, Helios has invested more than $350 million over 20 years in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving education outcomes for all students in Arizona and Florida, with an emphasis on low-income and historically underrepresented communities. The Foundation’s impact is felt across Arizona—through its investments to expand early learning programs, financial aid access, college-going initiatives, and systemic efforts to close equity gaps in education.
“As a first-generation college graduate from the mining town of Miami, Arizona, Paul Luna understands what education makes possible,” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “His personal story and professional leadership have helped thousands of students and families rewrite their futures. We’re proud to recognize him as this year’s Luminary.”
Luna earned a civil engineering degree from Stanford University and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University for his contributions to education. He is widely respected as a national voice on educational equity and economic mobility, advocating for systems that support all learners, regardless of background or zip code.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Luminary Award,” said Luna. “Education has the power to transform student lives and communities, and this recognition reflects the shared commitment of Helios and partners, like Education Forward Arizona, to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
The Luminary Award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on education in Arizona. Previous honorees include Jeff Guldner, CEO of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and APS; Benito Almanza, former Arizona president for Bank of America; and Tracy Bame, President of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. Proceeds from “An InspirED Evening” support Education Forward Arizona’s work to advocate for and act on education improvements that advance the quality of life for all Arizonans.