PHOENIX The Arizona Democracy Resilience Network and Mormon Women for Ethical Government Arizona recognized 14 Arizonans as the 2025 Civic Champions through events in Phoenix and Tucson. The statewide program honored individuals who strengthen civic trust and reduce political divides through their work in communities across Arizona.
The Phoenix event in May honored seven champions from Maricopa, Pinal and Yavapai counties, while the November Tucson event recognized seven champions from Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties. The awards program celebrated champions from diverse backgrounds who work across party lines to build bridges and strengthen democratic institutions.
“While we’ve seen awards given to elected officials and civil servants for their civic work, what was missing is the chance to honor everyday citizens doing their part to positively contribute to our civic culture,” said Jane Andersen, Arizona State Director, Mormon Women for Ethical Government. “The Civic Champion Dinner seeks to honor the unique ways these leaders are making a difference in Arizona and adding to our civic health.”
- Nonprofit Impact Award:
- Courtney Osterfelt, founder of The Launch Pad teen center in Prescott
- Marcela Chavez, a community volunteer who works with the Santa Cruz County Diaper Bank
- Business Leadership Award:
- John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard and Co-Founder of Leadership Now Arizona
- Adam Goodman, CEO of Goodmans and Co-Founder of Leadership Now Arizona
- Doug Levy, owner of Feast restaurant in Tucson
- Unsung Hero Award:
- Susan Bustamante, Pinal County election worker and poll worker since 2012
- Lorena Parra Howard, a community organizer who founded Fortin de Las Flores in South Tucson
- Civic Innovator Award:
- Carlos Alfaro, founder of Arizona Talks Foundation
- Desiree Cook, founder of I Am You 360
- Faith in Action Award:
- Dr. Warren H. Stewart, senior pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix
- Msgr. Raul Trevizo of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish
- Community Media Award:
- Ilana Lowery, Arizona regional director of Common Sense Media
- Dylan Smith, founding Editor of the Tucson Sentinel
- Election Integrity Award:
- David Greenwood, Pima County Recorder’s Office employee
“These Southern Arizona champions exemplify the non-partisan spirit our democracy needs,” said Ron Barber, Democratic co-director of the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network. “They prove that when we focus on our shared commitment to democratic principles rather than partisan differences, we can build stronger communities and restore faith in our institutions.”
The bipartisan leadership of the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network and partnership with Mormon Women for Ethical Government created the awards program to fill a recognition gap in civic engagement.
“These civic champions set a powerful example for all Arizonans by keeping conversations open between political parties,” said Don Henninger, Republican co-director of the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network. “At a time when political division threatens our democratic institutions, these leaders demonstrate how people across the political spectrum can work together to build bridges and strengthen our communities.”
