The Black Chamber of Arizona announced the upcoming launch of the Arizona Impact Center, a groundbreaking 5,400-square-foot hub for economic empowerment and business innovation at its sold-out 27th Annual Pinnacle Pathways Gala on Saturday in Glendale. Opening in Spring 2026, the Center will be located in a historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building in downtown Phoenix, owned by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a collaborative space for entrepreneurs, corporate partners and community leaders to collaborate, grow and create generational wealth.
The gala also celebrated corporate partners Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Bank of America as Aviation Director Chad Makovsky received the Innovation & Regional Impact Award on behalf of the organization and Bank of America President Scott Vanderpool received the Community Impact Award on behalf of the bank. Both institutions were recognized for their commitment to fostering inclusive economic development and supporting small businesses statewide.
Additionally, the Black Chamber of Arizona awarded TJ Stevenson and Copperstate Riding Club as its Rising Star Recipient and honored Latha Restaurant and Bar, Look Better Naked Spa, 1st Step to Greatness, Arizona Filmmakers, Italian Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and Holy Hands Painter as its Small Business Impact Honorees.
“These businesses exemplify innovation, perseverance and community impact,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, and one of Az Business magazine’s Most Influential Women of 2024. “Their success stories reflect the Chamber’s mission to create pathways for generational wealth and inclusive growth across Arizona.”
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The event drew more than 500 attendees and was completely sold out. Representation spanned across the nation, with elected officials and business leaders from Chicago, Detroit, Nevada, California, Texas and South Carolina all making the trip for the event. This national presence reflects the Chamber’s success in positioning Arizona as a model for economic empowerment.
Gov. Katie Hobbs headlined the program and delivered the featured address, alongside remarks from Dr. Trayham and Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers. Hobbs and Weiers also presented official proclamations to the Black Chamber of Arizona at the event.
Guests enjoyed a dynamic program emceed by Brittany Erin Bachus, Managing Attorney at The Bachus Firm, LLC, and Ryan Garlington, Senior Manager of Customer Success at Rapidscale and Cox Communications. Adding to the evening’s prestige, Honorary Co-Chairs Dr. Sharon Smith of ASU and Tony Bell of SRP and special guest Pinky Cole Hays, founder of Slutty Vegan, offered remarks. The keynote was presented by Ken L. Harris, President and CEO of the National Business League, bringing a national perspective on economic empowerment.
