Education Forward Arizona Celebrates Education and Workforce Leadership at “An InspirED Evening”
Dr. Sybil Francis, Boeing and Lorena Valencia recognized for advancing opportunity in Arizona
Education Forward Arizona honored Dr. Sybil Francis, The Boeing Company and entrepreneur Lorena Valencia at its annual “An InspirED Evening” celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn. The event brought together hundreds of education, business and community leaders to recognize the connection between education, workforce success and a stronger Arizona.
“Education creates opportunity for individuals and helps build the skilled workforce Arizona needs,” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “This year’s honorees show how leaders across sectors can turn that connection into meaningful progress. We’re proud to recognize their commitment to helping more Arizonans succeed.”
The Luminary Award was presented to Sybil Francis, Ph.D., Chair, President and CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), for her visionary leadership and lasting impact on Arizona’s future. Since co-founding CFA, Dr. Francis has championed The Arizona We Want, bringing leaders and communities together to advance Arizonans’ shared priorities. Her leadership has helped drive innovation in education and advance data-informed decision-making, including CFA’s partnership with Education Forward Arizona to develop the Arizona Education Progress Meter.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the extraordinary people and partners I’ve had the privilege of working alongside,” said Dr. Francis. “After nearly 25 years of listening to Arizonans, what continues to inspire me is their belief in what’s possible for our state. We’ve made meaningful strides in education, and we have extraordinary leaders and communities ready to build on that progress. Now is the time to think bigger, come together around a bold vision for education, and make the sustained commitment needed to create the opportunities and future Arizona’s children deserve.”
The North Star Award was presented to Boeing for its sustained commitment to connecting education with workforce opportunity. The award recognizes an organization whose leadership and partnerships help students access education, navigate their options and prepare for career success.
Boeing works with Arizona schools, colleges and community organizations to expand STEM learning and pathways into advanced manufacturing. Its partnerships include cable harness training bootcamps with Mesa Community College, the Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Mesa; and the East Valley Institute of Technology’s STEM Academy at the Power Campus. Boeing also supports continued education for its employees through its Learning Together Program, which provides tuition assistance for courses, credentials and degrees.
“Building a strong workforce starts with helping people see what’s possible and giving them opportunities to develop their skills,” said Azeem Khan, Boeing’s vice president of attack helicopter programs and senior Mesa site executive. “Our education and community partners make that work possible, and we’re honored to share this recognition with them.”
Entrepreneur Lorena Valencia received the Stellar Achievement Award for leadership that demonstrates the powerful connection between education and workforce success. Valencia founded Reliance Wire and Cable in Arizona in 1999, building an automotive supply business with more than 200 employees and operations in the U.S. and Mexico.
“My parents’ investment in my education changed the course of my life and allowed me to give back to my family and the communities where we’ve built our businesses,” said Valencia. “Education and economic development go hand in hand. When we invest in education, we’re also investing in the future of our communities.”
Proceeds from “An InspirED Evening” support Education Forward Arizona’s advocacy, scholarships and student programs, helping more Arizonans pursue education and training pathways to economic opportunity. Radiant sponsors for the event included Arizona Public Service Company, Arizona State University, Freeport McMoRan Foundation and Helios Education Foundation.
Watch the award videos here.