advocates for education event

2022 Advocates for Education Awards Virtual Presentation

Run of Show

7:30 A.M. Program Begins

Dr. Olivas welcomes guests and proceeds to introduce Suzie Moreno, Manager, National Sales, for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Chair of The Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation Board of Directors.

Suzie opens the program by thanking the sponsors: Arizona State University Atlantic Development, Inc., Celtic Property Management, LLC, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., Helios Education Foundation, FACTS Behavioral Health, and Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.  

Dr. Olivas speaks on the Foundation’s vision and offers an overview of the Advocates for Education Awards event and its significance. 

7:40 A.M.  Introduction of Award Presenters and Award Recipients

First Award – Educational Diversity Award

Dr. Olivas introduces Mr. Raul Aguirre, President of REA Media Group and Member of The Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation Board of Directors. Raul presents Dr. Manuel Valenzuela, Superintendent, Sahuarita Unified School District, recipient of the Educational Diversity Award for 2022. Dr. Valenzuela provides commentary. 

7:50 A.M.

Second Award – Sustained Benefactor of Education Award

Dr. Olivas thanks Raul and introduces Franccesca Cruz-Ortega, Senior Accountant & Loan Administrator for Evergreen Development Inc. and member of The Pete V. Garcia Victoria Foundation Board of Directors. Francessca will introduce Ms. Lety Miranda Garcia, Publisher for Prensa Arizona Newspaper, recipient of the Sustained Benefactor of Education Award for 2022. Ms. Garcia provides commentary. 

8:00 A.M.

Third Award – Academic Achievement Award

Dr. Olivas thanks Franccesca and proceeds to introduce Dr. Steven Gonzales, Interim Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges and member of The Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. Gonzales presents Dr. Naomi Story, Executive Director, National Asian Pacific Islander Council & Professor Emerita, Mesa Community College, recipient of the Academic Achievement Award for 2022. Dr. Story provides commentary. 

8:10 A.M.

Fourth Award – Excellence in Education Award 

Dr. Olivas thanks Dr. Gonzales and proceeds to introduce Charlene Vasquez, Director, Arizona Coyotes Foundation & Community Impact, and member of the Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation Board of Directors. Ms. Vasquez presents Dr. James Rund, Senior Vice President, Educational Outreach & Student Services, Arizona State University, recipient of the Excellence in Education Award for 2020. Dr. Rund provides commentary.

8:20 A.M. 

Fifth Award – Excellence in Youth Education Award 

Dr. Olivas thanks Charlene and proceeds to introduce Lourdes Sierra, Vice President, Director of Client Services & Community Relations Office of the Regional President for PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and serves as Treasurer of The Pete. C. Garcia Victoria Foundation Board of Directors. Ms. Sierra introduces Dr. Chad E. Gestson, Superintendent, Phoenix Union High School District, recipient of the Excellence in Youth Education Award. Dr. Gestson provides commentary. 

8:30 A.M. Closing remarks

Dr. Olivas will do the closing remarks.