Pamela Overton Risoleo, a shareholder and co-chair of the Phoenix litigation practice of the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, will be honored Feb. 23 by YWCA Maricopa County as its “2013 Tribute to Leadership – Community Service Corporate Leader.” Overton’s recognition is for her many years dedicated to philanthropic causes and for her passion for serving the Phoenix community including her pivotal role as co-founder of the nonprofit Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. Established in 1992, the organization has supported a full-service women’s resource center serving more than 2,500 women in need each month in Phoenix.
In addition to decades of fundraising and leadership positions, Overton Risoleo also supports a broad range of philanthropic causes, having raised millions for Phoenix-based charities, including The American Heart Association, Liberty Wildlife and Trends Charitable Fund. In 2008, AZ Woman named her “Woman of the Year.” She is also an active fundraiser for the Phoenix Theatre and was recognized with the organization’s “Women Who Care” award in 2011.
“Not only has Pam been a leader and mentor for many within our Phoenix office, she has also served as a role model in serving the community,” said John E. Cummerford, Greenberg Traurig’s co-managing shareholder in Phoenix. “We are pleased and proud she is being recognized for her outstanding work.”
Overton Risoleo and 10 honorees in other leadership categories will be recognized at the YWCA Tribute to Leadership dinner event at the Phoenix Ritz-Carlton on Feb. 23. Others to be recognized include community leaders from PetSmart, Banner Health, Phoenix Theatre, Helios Education Foundation, Maricopa Medical Center, the U.S. Army Reserve, ONE Community Media, the Phoenix Mercury, the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation and the International Foundation for Education & Self-Help.
“To be recognized among this outstanding group is truly an honor,” said Overton Risoleo. “I continue to be inspired by those who make a difference, but even more so by those who are determined to make the most of what they have for themselves and their families. I will always assist and encourage those in need and challenge my colleagues, family and friends to do the same. The rewards are so much greater than the effort required.”
For the past 18 years YWCA Maricopa County, part of the oldest and largest multicultural organization in the world, has been honoring individuals who strive to eliminate discrimination against women in the community. Community service leader honorees were selected in areas of nonprofit, corporate, education, creative arts, advocacy, health and science, military, sports and racial justice. For more information on YWCA Maricopa County and the Tribute to Leadership event, visit ywcaaz.org or call (602) 258-0990.
