Tribute to Leadership 2025 is more than an event it’s a commitment to advancing the community we serve. Our goal is to raise critical funds to empower individuals on their unique journeys, recognizing that every path is shaped by lived experiences.
With the theme “Be Brilliant, Be Bold, Be the Light,” we honor those who lead with courage and inspire others to do the same. By investing in healing spaces, nourishing meals, education, and meaningful connections, we create opportunities for women and people of color to step into their power, share their light, and elevate their brilliance. Together, we are building a future where equity, opportunity, and empowerment are within reach for all.
March 25, 2025
5PM – 8PM
Heard Museum
Be Brilliant
Step into your brilliance by joining us for our Tribute to Leadership event. Purchase your event ticket to secure your spot for an evening of inspiration and empowerment, and even if you can’t attend the event make sure to buy a $50 drawing ticket for a chance to win a dream Mexico getaway!
Tickets available at the door for $150.
(do not have to be present to win)
Be Bold
Your bold support empowers us to shine brighter in our community.
Become a Sponsor Today!
Your sponsorship directly funds essential programs that empower women and communities.
Be the Light
Shine your light by choosing to pay it forward or donate today. Your generous support illuminates the path for others, ensuring that every deserving individual can share in the celebration of leadership and community empowerment
Pay It Forward – Act Now!
Transform Lives!
2025 Tribute Nominees
With over 30 nominations submitted this year, it was no easy task selecting the 2025 honorees. After our selection committee deliberated, they select 3 local leaders that embody YWCA’s mission and vision in their everyday work.
Dr. Chandra Crudup
Chandra Crudup is an Associate Dean in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and a Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University (ASU). She is the Acting Director of the Studio for Creativity, Place and Equitable Communities, and an affiliate faculty in The Design School.
Karianne Munstedt
Karianne is an artist and a nurturer, fiercely motivated by using her talents to make women feel confident, empowered, and whole. Today, she stands proudly as a confident, empowered, and owner of Karianne Mannstedt Photography, but that wasn’t always the case. She invites others to learn more about her journey.
Judy Sanchez
Judy Sanchez has been a cornerstone of the Maricopa Community College District. For many years, Judy has played an integral role in supporting and advocating for the district’s diverse employees. Judy’s extraordinary efforts extend beyond AACHE. Her expertise, generous spirit, and sensitivity to diverse stakeholders have made her a valued and respected leader within the Maricopa Community College District.
Mexico Getaway Drawing
Enter for a Chance to Win an 8-Day Getaway to Puerto Vallarta!
It’s time to re-spark your light, recharge your brilliance, and embrace boldness with a dream vacation! Imagine eight days of sun-soaked beaches, breathtaking ocean views, and pure relaxation in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. This is your chance to step away from the everyday, refresh, and return brighter and bolder than ever.
“Velas Vallarta is a fantastic all-inclusive resort with daily in-room snacks and drinks, two restaurants, and a pool grill. The airport shuttle ensures a seamless trip. Enjoy poolside activities, a private beach, and nightly events like casino night and comedy shows. The resort is beautiful, clean, and the staff is very accommodating. We can’t wait to return!”
– 2024 Drawing Winner
Prize Includes:
- Two round-trip airline tickets to enchanting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Luxury accommodation (up to 2 guests) at Velas Vallarta (Villa Plus room) for an unforgettable 8 day/7 night stay
- Transportation from Hotel to Airport
Click here to enter the drawing and learn terms & conditions.
About the Awards
YWCA’s Tribute to Leadership Awards Program is an annual celebration that acknowledges the remarkable achievements of leaders in our community. These individuals are committed to enhancing the lives of women, girls, and people of color through their unwavering dedication to leadership, advocacy, and community service. Over the years, we have proudly honored 264 extraordinary individuals, and we are just getting started!
For three decades, YWCA has been a beacon, illuminating the path of justice and community service by celebrating outstanding women and their contributions. Each year, we come together to raise awareness and appreciation for the diverse and invaluable contributions of women leaders.
Legacy Honorees
If you are a Tribute to Leadership Legacy Honoree, we want to hear from you! Please complete this short questionnaire.
1994
Judge Silvia Arellano
Jana Bommersbach
Deborah Brown
Pam Del Duca
Carolyn Desjardins
Mickey DiBartholomeo
Lorraine Frank
Donna Horne
Mary Lynn Kasunic
Jannie Lathan- Maxwell
Rev. Canon McClain
Grace Voss Frederick
Dorothy Willey
1995
Joan Brainard
Linda Brock Nelson
Sharon Harper
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack
Elizabeth Lenci-Downs
Wauneta Lone Wolf
Carol Peck Ph.D
Virginia Sterling
Mary Jo West
Cecile Woodward
1996
Phyllis Biedess
Jill DeMichele
Susan Edwards
Margaret Goldman
Paula Haflin-Moore
Michele Halyard M.D
Eleanor Klein
Anita O’Riordan
Ann Smith-Hart
Susan Stephens-Groff M.D
Mary Tang
1997
Sandra Gendler Ph.D
Christine Iijima Hall Ph.D
Marjorie Kyle Ph.D
Linda Macleish-Jensen
Lucia Madrid
Muriel Magenta
Janet Napolitano
Liz Topete-Stonefield
Amy Torres
Linda Vollstedt
Annette Zaccari
1998
Kauthar Hawkins
Virginia (Vicki) King
Mary Ann Lavine
Beth Meyer-Lohse
Jadel Roe
Adrienne Scheck Ph.D
Sharon Shore
Christine Wilkinson Ph.D
Phoenix Mercury
1999
Cathy Davis
Terri Fields
Bettye Jackson
Pamela Martin
Kathleen Mitchell
Helen Osman
Clyda Jean Owen
Jean Reed Roberts
Sheryl Sculley
Russel Walker M.D
2000
Peggy Bilsten
Winifred Doane Ph.D
Gail Gesell
Marcia Hopp Newman
S.S. Sangeet Kaur Khalsa
Patsy Lowry
Carmen Martinez Franco
Catherine Mckee (Olesen)
Pat Petznick
Beverly Stewart
Charli Turner Thorne
2001
Mary Anderson-Rowland
Janet Arnold (Rees)
Sharon Austerman
Betty Fairfax
Jean Fairfax
Anita Favela Luera
Linda Hunt
Janet Kizziar
Denise Meridith
Diane Rutherford
Mayor Elaine Scruggs
2002
Rochelle Balch
TJ Cohen
Judge Elizabeth Finn
Debbie Gaby
Billie Harris
Elaine Maimon Ph.D
Dr. Christine Marin Ph.D
Luz Sarmina-Gutierrez
Sue Sisley M.D
Marissa Theisen
Mary Titla
2003
Sandy Cowne Miller
Sylvia Echave Stock
Kathleen Goeppinger Ph.D
Kathy Haake
Fatimah Halim-Washington
Kathern Lee Plenge M.D
Tammy Linn
Carol McCall
Jannah Scott
Julia Wilmot
Sister Lynn Winsor, BVM
2004
Yolanda Collazos Kizer
Rebekah Friend
Kerry Graham
Kathy Hotchner
Dana Jamison M.D
Marlene Klotz Collins
Robin Krause Blitz M.D
Carrie Martz
Nancy Roach
Judge Jean Williams
Mary Wong
2005
Leslie Baxter
Deborah Carstens
JoAnn Garcia (Cruz)
Karen Hardin
Karlene Keogh
Georgia McGraw
Karie Montague
Susan Paull
Armaity Vaghaiwalla Austin M.D
Carolyn Warner
Linda Wells
2006
Joanna De’Shay
Janet Elsea
Christine French
Pamela Klonoff
Nona Lee
Linda McCay Pope
Jana Monroe
Stella Paolini
Marilyn Seymann Ph.D
Grace Wright
2007
Heather Cunliffe
Karen Ewing
Carol Kamin
Michelle King Robson
Kimber Lanning
Jessica Livingston
Cassandra Mason-Motz
Jewell Parker Rhodes
K Royal
Senator Kyrsten Sinema
2008
Randy Baca
Deborah Black
Debbie Castaldo
Malissa Geer
Virginia McElyea
Hope Ozer
Joan Rankin Shapiro
Judge Barbara Rodriguez Mundell
Irene Stillwell
Karen Woodford
Diana Yazzie-Devine
2009
Laya Gavin
Saundra Johnson
Janet Mackay Burke
Deb Moore
Barbara Ralston
Marie Sullivan
Cyd West
Debra Williams
Karen Zalesky
2010
Deborah Bateman
Teniqua Broughton
Abbie Fink
Kelly Hsu M.D
Sheila McInerney
Norma Ory
Stella Pope Duarte
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo
Linda Volhein
Yvonne Watterson
Jeri Williams
2011
Jennifer Barnes
Karen Fletcher
Pam Gaber
Tracee Hall
Susan Klecka
Carolyn Manning
Honorable Ruth McGregor
Ann Meyers Drysdale
Frances Mills-Yerger
Nicole Stanton
Gerda Weissmann Klein
2012
Tina Brown
Karen Callahan
Carol Dahl
Dr. Regina Edwards
Diane Enos
Sue Glawe
Jodi Liggett
Darlene Newsom
Eddie Sissons
Debbie Waitkus
2013
Michael Barnard
Karen Churchard
Dean Coonrod M.D
Angela Hughey
Andy Kramer Petersen
Pat Little-Upah
Paul Luna
Pam Overton Risoleo
Jaye Perricone
Julie Sullivan
Diana Taurasi
2014
Alejandra Amarilla
Pamela Conboy
Cindy Hensley McCain
Chevy Humphrey
Karen Johnson
Martha Kuhns
MaryLynn Mack
Dr. Joel Martin
Leon Silver
Honorable Roxanne Song Ong
2015
Hilary Barnes Esq
Shelly Cohn
Robbin Coulon Esq
Rachel Gutierrez
Bruce Liggett
April Osborn Ph.D
Patricia Rourke
Alice Wells
Patty White
Dana Wolfe Naimark
2016
Tracy Bame
Susan Berman
Jan Blaser-Upchurch
Ashley Bridwell
Dana Campbell Saylor
Connie Mesa
2017
Michelle Bravo
Carole Coles-Henry
Diana Gregory
Kara Kalkbrenner
Catherine Scrivano
Julie Ward
2018
Tiffany Fisher
Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick
Christy Moore
Dr. Elsie Moore Ph.D
Kathleen Pechman
Jenny Poon
Reda Riddle-Bigler
City of Phoenix
Dignity Health
Freeport McMoRan
Medtronic
2019
Jo Ellen Caldwell
Paula Cullison
Alejandra Gomez
Annie Groth
Carrie Young
American Family Dreams Foundation
AZCREW
Cox Communications
Fry’s Food Stores/Kroger Foundation
2020
January Contreras
Amalia Luxardo
Mary Mitchell
Margaret Tyndall
2021
Recognized Legacy Honorees:
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, 2010
Deborah Bateman, 2010
Jannah Scott, 2003
2022
Gizette Knight
Dr. Pearlette J. Ramos
Charissa Sundust
Carol Ackerson
2023
Oana Constantinescu
Graciela Garcia Candia
America Miranda
Dianne Post
2024
Maria Crimi Speth
Nina Franco
Monica Garnes
Carolina Rodriguez Greer
Vanessa Ruiz
Dr. Camilla Westenberg
Thank you to our Event Partners
This awards celebration would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors.
