INSPIRE: A Celebration of Community Leaders Digital Program
YOUR ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Your support empowers Southwest Center to continue providing affordable, affirming, and inclusive health and wellness services to those who have faced discrimination in healthcare, such as LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people of color, those affected by HIV, and the uninsured and underinsured. Event proceeds support the Richard P. Stahl Client Care Fund, providing critical support through free and reduced-cost healthcare to clients experiencing financial insecurity. Watch the video below to learn more. Thank you for supporting Southwest Center!
Meet the 2023 Southwest Center Luminaries
The INSPIRE reception recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, generosity, and impact to our community. The event also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the power of community and the progress that is possible through collaboration and shared purpose. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the prestigious 2023 Southwest Center Luminary Award in five categories – Legacy, Healthcare, Youth, Arts and Culture, and Community - each representing excellence and achievement in their respective categories.
Legacy Luminary: Bob & Renee Parsons are shining beacons of hope in our community. Since establishing The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2012 to provide critical funding at critical times to communities striving to make a difference, the Parsons have invested over $280 million in charitable causes. Their generous support of The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness empowered a coalition of providers to create a safe, welcoming space to deliver services that will help people live longer, healthier lives, and combat the stigma and misunderstanding that surrounds HIV/AIDS. Bob and Renee's leadership has transformed lives, and The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation stands as a catalyst for progress in vital research, access to comprehensive healthcare, and genuine inclusivity. Their light has ignited hope for a world where everyone can thrive with dignity, love, and acceptance.
Healthcare Luminary: Nicole Stanton has provided visionary leadership in Phoenix for decades, laying the foundation to make The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness a reality. From leading the coalition of stakeholders to bring this project forward, using her public profile and voice to address discrimination and bullying, acknowledgement and action to create safe spaces for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, to supporting Southwest Center's annual event, Night for Life year after year, Nicole Stanton has been at the forefront of the movement for LGBTQIA2S+ equality and eradicating HIV/AIDS.
Youth Luminary: Dr. Veenod Chulani leads the Phoenix Children's Adolescent Medicine Program, and is one of only a handful of doctors providing life-affirming services to LGBTQIA2S+ youth, including those seeking gender-affirming care. Dr. Chulani's work to create access to care for this community is groundbreaking in advancing health equity. Dr. Chulani is also dedicated to training the next generation of clinicians, creating a ripple effect that will expand the availability of culturally competent care for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
Arts and Culture Luminary: Brandon Lee opened the doors to Art of Our Soul on November 1, 2021. After an Emmy Award-winning career in media, Brandon embraced the power of art to help individuals, including himself, heal from trauma and experience joy. Brandon demonstrated incredible courage by sharing his story of addiction and recovery, and creating a safe and welcoming space for others to progress on their own journeys. As co-founder of the Center for Positive Media, Brandon is able to amplify his passion for inspirational story-telling, creativity, and positive impact, inspiring individuals to see that there is light after dark.
Community Luminary: Angela Hughey founded ONE Community, an organization that has profoundly impacted the Arizona business community's movement to embrace LGBTQIA2S+ equality. Today, more than 3,500 businesses and over 20,000 Arizonans have taken ONE Community's UNITY Pledge which is the largest equality pledge in the nation. Combining her vision, intellect, and tenacity, along with her ability to dialogue with anyone — no matter where they fall on the political spectrum — Angela has elevated the public conversation about LGBTQIA2S+ equality and moved the needle on attitudes and policies in Arizona.
““It is with immense pride and gratitude that we congratulate this year’s honorees. Their outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication have not only elevated the LGBTQ community but also forged a path toward greater equality for everyone. Each recipient embodies the values and spirit that define the Southwest Center and we are immensely grateful to call them our friends and partners. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued impact on our mission.””
Richard P. Stahl Client Care Fund
Your participation as an event attendee ensures the Southwest Center may continue offering equitable access to dignified health care for those most in need in our community. Event proceeds support the Richard P. Stahl Client Care Fund, providing critical support through free and reduced-cost healthcare to clients experiencing financial insecurity. Watch the video below to learn more.
We serve over 30,000 Arizonans of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders each year. Some of our clients have been coming to the Center since the ‘90s. Others are brand new to Phoenix. No matter who you are or your status, you are welcome at the Southwest Center. We are here for you!
