ONE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCES 2026 SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS HONOREES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4th, 2026

ONE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCES 2026 SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS HONOREES

Event Celebrates Arizona’s LGBTQ+, Allied Businesses and Community Leaders

 

(Phoenix, AZ) — ONE Community, the coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals working to advance diversity, equality and inclusion for all Arizonans, is proud to announce the 2026 honorees for the annual Spotlight on Success Local Heroes Awards.

This year’s Spotlight event will honor local heroes from across Arizona whose leadership has created a meaningful impact in youth development, healthcare, workplace culture, tourism, education, and community building. Their work reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Arizona through service, innovation, and investments that help individuals, families, and communities thrive.

The 2026 honorees include:

Local Heroes Awardees:

  • Dr. Karen Johnson, CEO, New Pathways for Youth

  • Mike Fornelli, Executive Director, Phoenix Pride

  • Dr. Thanes Vanig, Founder, Spectrum Medical Care Center 

  • Laurie Battaglia, CEO, Aligned at Work 

  • Michael Martin, President and CEO, Tempe Tourism

  • Brian Spicker, CEO, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (RET)

UNITY Agent Honor:

As the 2026 UNITY Agent, Dr. Sheila Harris is recognized for helping build more inclusive systems, cross-sector coalitions, and neighborhoods where working families can put down roots. Her leadership reflects the belief that real progress is measured by the stability, opportunity, and sense of belonging created for future generations of Arizonans.

"We look forward to our annual Spotlight Local Heroes event as an opportunity to come together and celebrate leaders who are shaping a stronger future for Arizona," said Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder of ONE Community and the ONE Community Foundation. "This year’s honorees represent the very best of community leadership, people who are building opportunity, opening doors, and showing what is possible when service and courage guide the work."

The recognition and special awards will take place at a luncheon scheduled for October 27th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a networking cocktail reception to follow from 1:30 - 3:00pm at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix, 340 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix.  Individual and corporate tickets for the Spotlight on Success Awards are available at www.ONECommunity.com 

 

About ONE Community

Since its inception in 2008, ONE Community has evolved into a member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals moving diversity, inclusion and equality for all Arizonans forward.  The organization works to reshape Arizona’s image by educating, empowering and connecting communities around the value of respect, opportunity, and belonging.

About ONE Community Foundation

The ONE Community Foundation is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equality for all Arizonans.  Through education, connection, and community engagement, the foundation works to help build an Arizona where all people are respected, protected, and celebrated.

 

About the author