FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patricia Hibbeler, (602) 264-6768

Phoenix Indian Center Announces Recipients
of Annual  Arizona American Indian Excellence
 in Leadership Awardees
Phoenix, Arizona - October 26, 2018 -  The Phoenix Indian Center announces the recipients of the 2018 Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards. Th is annual recognition celebrates individuals and organizations in Arizona who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the advancement, promotion, and development of the cultural, educational, social, economic, or political welfare of the American Indian Community in Arizona or have provided significant contributions to the local American Indian economy.

"Each year we have an exceptional group of honorees who have made a tremendous impact in the American Indian community, and this year is no exception," said Phoenix Indian Center CEO, Patricia Hibbeler. " Please join us as the community comes together to celebrate and recognize the awardees at our annual leadership awards dinner.  Congratulations to these remarkable individuals and organizations! Let's spread the word about the great things these leaders have accomplished." added Hibbeler.

The 2018 award recipients are:

 
Kent C. Ware Lifetime Achievement 
Baje Whitethorne, Sr (Navajo)
Renowned Navajo Artist, Founder of Art of the People

 

Phyllis J. Bigpond Lifetime Achievement
Delia Carlyle (Ak-Chin Indian Community)
Tribal Council Member and former Chairwoman
Community and Civic Leader
 
Spirit of the Heard Award 
(presented by the Heard Museum)
LuAnn Leonard (Hopi/Tohono O'odham) 
Executive Director, Hopi Education Endowment Fund
Community Leader, Committed to the Advancement of Higher Education
 
 
Man of the Year
Gabriel Ayala (Yaqui)
Classical Guitarist 
Classically Trained Musician, Composer, and Award Winning Artist
 
 
Woman of the Year
Dawn Melvin (Navajo/Hopi)
Tribal Tourism Relations Manager, Arizona Office of Tourism 
Leader in Partnership Development and Tribal Tourism Relations

      
Business of the Year
KUYI Hopi Radio
Bonnie Secakuku. - General Manager (Hopi)
Committed to Preserving Culture and Tradition Through Radio
 

 
Volunteers of the Year
Phoenix Indian Medical Center Auxiliary 
Top Community Supporter and Volunteer Group
 

 
Friend of the Community
Eve's Fund for Native American Health Initiatives
Barbara Crowell Roy - President
Commitment to Health & Wellness in the American Indian Community
 
 
Female College Student of the Year
Jennifer Jones(Navajo)
Senior - Ar izona State University 
Young Leader, Royalty and Commitment to Renewable Energy Generation

 
 
Male College Student of the Year
Lyndon Guy (White Mountain Apache)
Junior - University of Arizona
Young Leader, 
 
 
Female High School Student of the Year
Jowun Ben (Navajo)
12th Grade - Camelback High School
Youth Leader, Vice President of Future Inspired Native American Leaders
 
Male High School Student of the Year
Adam Cardona (Gila River Akimel O'odtham)
12th Grade - Cesar Chavez High School
Youth Leader, President of Cesar Chavez Youth Council

KJ Bowen Scholarship Awardee
Netawn Marsoobian (Navajo)
12th Grade - Chandler High School
Youth Leader, President of Chandler High School Native American Club

Join in the celebration. The Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards dinner will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas in Scottsdale, Arizona, dinner and program begin at 6:00 p.m. Individual tickets can be purchased for $60. Sponsorship and table purchase opportunities are also available. For details and to purchase tickets, Click Here.

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ABOUT PHOENIX INDIAN CENTER
Founded in 1947, the Phoenix Indian Center is the oldest American Indian non-profit organization in the United States. The center directly serves more than 7,000 individuals annually, and more than 20,000 through related outreach, by providing services in the areas of job readiness, cultural enrichment, youth services, and prevention programs. For more information, visit  www.phxindcenter.org .