Heroes of Education
Partnering for Workforce Success
Each Spring, The Heroes of Education Dinner honors those who have a proven personal and professional commitment to supporting students and educational opportunities. Sponsored by the Maricopa Community Colleges and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation since 2006, these events have raised over $1.5 million in scholarships for Maricopa Community Colleges students. Also recognized are 10 College Heroes, one from each of the Maricopa Community Colleges, representing individuals, organizations or companies who have distinguished themselves by providing exceptional support and/or service to one of the Colleges.
Honoring our 2020 Heroes of Education
Individual Hero of Education Honoree
David Adame,
President and CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.
Recognized for his longtime commitment to education and empowering students.
Corporate Hero of Education Honoree
State Farm
Recognized for their continued generosity in providing numerous scholarships and programs across the Maricopa Community Colleges District.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
5402 East Lincoln Drive | Paradise Valley, AZ
5:00 p.m. Reception | 6:00 p.m. Dinner
Heroes of Education Recognition Dinner Committee
Julie Rees Co-chair
Secretary, Foundation Board of Directors, Triadvocates Public Affairs
Kathleen Winn
Co-chair
Governing Board Member,
Maricopa Community Colleges
Deborah Carstens
Honorary Chair
Principal,
Carstens Family Funds
Paul Luna
Honorary Chair
President and CEO,
Helios Education Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Copper Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Foundation Friend Sponsors
Past Heroes of Education Honorees
David Adame – Individual Hero
President and CEO, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.
2020 Honoree
Steven G. Seleznow
President and Chief Executive Officer, Arizona Community Foundation
2019 Honoree
Dr. Carolyn Warner
Co-Founder and Chairman, Corporate Education Consulting, Inc.
2018 Honoree
Ioanna Morfessis
President, IO.Inc.
2017 Honoree
J. Doug Pruitt
Chairman, The Sundt Companies, Inc.
2016 Honoree
Linda Mazon Gutierrez
President CEO, Hispanic Women’s Corporation
2015 Honoree
Vince Roig
Founding Chairman, Helios Education Foundation
2014 Honoree
Edmundo Hidalgo
President & CEO, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.
2013 Honoree
Lisa Budinger
President and CEO, Arizona College Scholarship Foundation
2012 Honoree
Ronnie Lopez
Chairman, Phoenix International Consultants, Inc.
2011 Honoree
Phil Gordon
Mayor, City of Phoenix
2010 Honoree
Gerrit van Huisstede
Regional President, Wells Fargo Bank
2009 Honoree
Richard L. Boals
CEO, BlueCross BlueShield AZ
2008 Honoree
Ed Pastor
US Congressman, Arizona 4th District
2007 Honoree
Peter Fine
President & CEO, Banner Health
2006 Honoree