Each year, Az Business magazine, a publication of AZ Big Media, presents the Champions of Change Awards to recognize those dynamic innovators and trailblazers who are changing Arizona’s business landscape through leadership, visionary thinking and philanthropy. The Champions of Change Awards honor both individuals and organizations. The Champions of Change Awards will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024. Each day leading up to the event, we will preview one category of finalists. Today, meet the Champions of Change finalists for nonprofit leader of the year.

Sponsors of the Champions of Change Awards include BOK Financial (impact sponsor), Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona (spotlight sponsor), Stearns Bank (step-and-repeat sponsor), Maricopa Corporate College at Maricopa Community Colleges (photo booth sponsor), Lerner & Rowe Gives Back (name tag sponsor), REDW Advisors and CPAs (floral sponsor) and Center for the Future of Arizona (dessert sponsor).

To learn more about the Champions of Change Awards, click here.

Finalists for nonprofit organization of the year

Fresh Start Women’s Foundation

In 2023, Fresh Start served more than 4,200 women — 62% of whom were single mothers, 67% survivors of domestic violence and 67% were women of color. An impressive 89% of women served reported successfully achieving their goals.

Hushabye Nursery

Hushabye Nursery works around the clock to care for some of the youngest victims of the opioid crisis: newborns exposed to opioids in the womb who are born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms. 

Junior Achievement (JA)

As a result of Junior Achievement’s efforts and programming in financial literacy, career development and entrepreneurship, 53% of JA alumni have started or owned a business and JA students graduate at a higher rate than the AZ graduation rate (as examples).

New Pathways for Youth

Serving communities where young people experience poverty and three times the adversity of their peers, New Pathways for Youth provides one-on-one mentoring with a dedicated adult and a proven program for personal growth, including tailored goal setting and connection to vital resources, all within a supportive peer group. 

One Step Beyond (OSBI)

Empowering adults — aged 18 years and older — with intellectual disabilities, OSBI stands out as the largest program of its kind. The organization served more than 700 individuals last year with innovative culinary, education, fitness, fine arts and vocational programs.

Pipeline AZ

Pipeline AZ powers a collaborative hub, connecting various workforce efforts and initiatives undertaken by organizations across Arizona. By leveraging the collective resources and expertise of these partners, Pipeline AZ drives the creation of a career-ready pipeline for Arizona’s emerging economy.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Southwest Wildlife rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured, displaced and orphaned wildlife. The organization has a statewide network of volunteers who are on call 24/7 to rescue wildlife to transport back to the center for onsite medical care and help.

State of Black Arizona (SBAZ)

Since its establishment in 2009, SBAZ has become a powerful force for educating African Americans throughout the state. By nurturing a diverse group of visionary leaders, SBAZ is paving the way for greater representation and influence in Arizona’s civic, political and economic arenas.

The Saguaros

In 2023, The Saguaros granted over $1.7 million to 28 deserving children’s charities including Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona and New Pathways for Youth.

United Food Bank

Through their collaborative efforts, United Food Bank strives to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry. As part of the organization’s efforts, 2,510,533 Arizonans are served annually, 12,393,058 pounds of food are diverted from landfills and 52,000 meals are distributed daily.