Never before has the Arizona business community needed leaders who are agile, adaptable, and innovative more than they are needed in today’s rapidly expanding economy. That’s what the Champions of Change awards are all about — recognizing those dynamic innovators and trailblazers who are changing Arizona’s economic environment through leadership and visionary thinking.

READ ALSO: Nominations open for Arizona’s Most Admired Companies of 2022

“We created the Champions of Change Awards to recognize those innovative leaders, for-profit companies, and nonprofits who are changing the landscape of Arizona business,” says AZ Big Media Publisher Amy Lindsey. “These awards shine a spotlight on the state’s true game-changers and thought leaders. This is an awards event that is unlike any other the state has even seen.”

In the days that follow, the 2022 Champions of Change will be spotlighted right here on azbigmedia.com. Be sure to check back every day.

Healthcare nonprofit Champions of Change

Cancer Support Community Arizona: Cancer Support Community of Arizona is dedicated to providing emotional and social support to patients, families, and caregivers whose lives have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Check for a Lump: Since inception, Check for a Lump has educated over 300,000 people with breast health facts and prevention, provided over 1,800 new wigs to women in treatment,  and served over 600 women with life-saving mammograms and diagnostic testing.

Make-A-Wish Foundation: Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Headquartered in Phoenix, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, operating in every community in the United States and nearly 50 countries worldwide.

Paint For A Cure: Eric Weinbrenner was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (also known as ALS) in 2019. He turned to painting as a way to cope, realized the healing power of creativity and was inspired to start Paint For A Cure.

Valleywise Health Foundation: Valleywise Health Foundation launched an innovative campaign in November 2021 called Viva Muertos, which combined art, technology, culture and philanthropy through its first digital art fundraiser, becoming one of the first nonprofits in the nation to fundraise through NFTs and cryptogiving.