ONE Community, the coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals moving diversity, inclusion and equality for all Arizonans forward, announced the 2018 Honorees for the eighth annual Spotlight on Success Awards to be held on October 26, 2018 at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix.

Presented by PetSmart and PetSmart Charities, this year’s Unity Agent honor is awarded to John Graham, President and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings. As one of the most respected leaders in Arizona and in the real estate industry, Graham has been a dedicated and vocal champion for diversity, inclusion and equality in Arizona.  He has partnered with ONE Community on panels and business inclusion summits to talk about the importance and benefits of inclusion and has written op-eds and letters urging inclusive practices in employment, housing and public accommodations for all Arizonans.  In addition, he has called on the state to update its current non-discrimination law to be LGBTQ inclusive and, on the Governor, to sign an executive order on expanded protections for state employees.

Along with his work with ONE Community, Graham’s current and past community affiliations include the ASU Foundation, Banner Health Foundation, Brophy College Preparatory, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Office of the Governor, Paradise Valley Country Club, PGA Southwest Section, Phoenix Symphony Association, Positive Coaching Alliance, Teach For America Phoenix, The Nature Conservancy, Urban Land Institute, Valley of the Sun United Way, Valley Forward Association and the Wells Fargo community advisory board.

This year’s Local Heroes honorees come from a diverse cross-section of our community, but what they all have in common is their dedication to ensuring Arizona celebrates, respects and protects all who live and work in our great state:

Sylvia Moir – City of Tempe, Chief of Police
Ed Zito – Alliance Bank, President (ret)
Josh Nunez – Principal, Nunez & Associates
Tyler Conaway – PRIDE Chair, PayPal
Robert Chevaleau – President – Arizona Trans Youth & Parent Organization
Linda Lyon – President, Arizona School Boards Association

“We are privileged to have the opportunity to honor leaders in the community who understand that diversity and inclusion greatly benefit our state and enhance the quality of life for all Arizonans,” said Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder of ONE Community. “We are stronger together, and our honorees have worked in their communities to create an Arizona that is truly welcoming and open for business to everyone,” concluded Hughey.

CenterStage sponsors for this year’s event include: Sheraton Grand Phoenix, Alliance Bank of Arizona, Allstate, Hensley, Nunez & Associates, Intel, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, JPM Chase, Cox Communications, HeartHook and Southwest Airlines.

The recognition and special awards will take place at a luncheon scheduled for October 26th 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.co .