Join us as we celebrate YOU and all of our JA Heroes during National Volunteer Appreciation Month and Financial Literacy Month! We’ll be recognizing some of the amazing volunteers, educators, and partners in our community who shape the futures of Tucson-area students and prepare them for success.
This fun evening offers networking opportunities, awards, food and drinks, and a chance to hear how to get more involved with JA. You’ll also hear from local leaders about how JA programs help Southern Arizona students learn important work and life skills, setting them on their way to the bright future they deserve. This event is FREE to attend, but registration is required.
REGISTER NOW
Special Thanks to:
CONGRATS TO THIS YEAR’S HEROES!
Honors a champion whose sustained commitment to Junior Achievement has created lasting impact for students and the broader community.
2026 Honoree: Patricia Waterkotte, Rusing Lopez and Lizardi
Patricia Waterkotte of Rusing Lopez and Lizardi is being honored with the JA Legacy Award for a level of commitment that has reshaped Junior Achievement in Southern Arizona. Since joining the JA Board in 2014, Patricia has done it all—volunteer, philanthropist, and leader, serving as Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chair. She doesn’t just support the mission—she powers it.
Under Patricia’s steady, strategic leadership, JA has nearly tripled the number of students reached—now serving more than 20,000 Southern Arizona kids each year—while expanding our geographic footprint, strengthening our fundraising base, and advancing a clear long-term strategic plan. She helped guide JA through leadership transitions and educational crises, including the pandemic, ensuring continuity, momentum, and growth. Patricia’s impact is durable, measurable, and deeply human—felt in every classroom, every student reached, and every mile farther we go. That is a legacy.
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Outstanding organization whose commitment to the JA mission is demonstrated through investment of time, talent, and/or treasure to expand student impact.
2026 Honoree: Mike and Claudia Levin Family Foundation
The Mike and Claudia Levin Family Foundation is being recognized as the JA Community Partner of the Year for their unwavering commitment to creating real, lasting change for children and families in our community. Guided by a mission to support organizations delivering tangible impact, the Foundation has invested thousands of dollars in Junior Achievement of Arizona through long-term, multi-year commitments.
This sustained partnership allows JA to make the same long-term commitments to serve Tucson schools year after year, creating stability, deeper relationships, and the highest potential for student impact. The Levin Family Foundation’s belief in JA’s mission—and Mike and Claudia Levin’s willingness to invest for the long haul—has helped ensure more young people gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school, work, and life.
Educator who has gone above and beyond to expand JA programming and support volunteers and staff.
2026 Honoree: Karl Oxnam, Catalina High School
Karl Oxnam of Catalina High School has an exceptional commitment to preparing students for real-world success. Which is why he is being recognized as JA Teacher of the Year. As a Business Teacher and FBLA moderator, Karl understands the importance of financial literacy and career readiness—and he intentionally integrates multiple JA programs into his classrooms each year to create layered, meaningful impact.
Karl goes above and beyond by preparing students before volunteers arrive, coaching them on how to engage with adult mentors and get the most from the experience. His strong collaboration with JA staff and volunteers ensures programs run smoothly, while his enthusiasm for the mission amplifies its impact far beyond the classroom. Through his leadership, students gain confidence, professional skills, and a clearer vision for their futures.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
An outstanding volunteer who consistently answers the call, going above and beyond in their dedication to both JA and to serving Southern Arizona youth.
2026 Honoree: Errin Mendibles
Errin Mendibles is being honored as JA Volunteer of the Year for her extraordinary dedication to students, to Junior Achievement, and to our community. A former teacher and passionate youth advocate, Errin has taught 31 JA classrooms over the past five years, serving students from 2nd through 10th grade, with a special focus on 5th–8th graders—one of JA’s most challenging and high-impact age groups.
Errin consistently answers the call for JA—supporting high-needs schools, stepping in for last-minute openings, and showing up year after year at Ochoa Community School, where she volunteered alongside Steve Ochoa, whose legacy continues to inspire our JA community. Together, they ensured students felt supported, valued, and believed in. Errin’s steadfast commitment, compassion, and heart for young people truly embody the spirit of a JA Hero.
BUSINESS COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR
Corporate partner representative who goes above and beyond to recruit, train, and support volunteers delivering JA programs.
2026 Honoree: Eric Evenson, Caterpillar
Since 2022, Eric Evenson has coordinated Caterpillar’s volunteers for JA Day at Cragin Elementary, bringing energy, persistence, and heart to every step of the process. A JA volunteer himself for more than a decade, Eric recruits colleagues with first-hand knowledge—clearly sharing both what the experience requires and the impact it delivers.
Eric’s communication skills and tenacity consistently ensure classrooms are filled, volunteers are prepared, and students benefit. Beyond the classroom, Eric is also a leader for JA’s Southern Arizona Bowl-A-Thon, helping host the launch party and rallying participation from Caterpillar colleagues. His full-spectrum advocacy makes him an outstanding partner and a deserving JA Business Coordinator of the Year.
EDUCATION PARTNER OF THE YEAR
School representative whose partnership with JA goes above and beyond to bring meaningful experiences to students.
2026 Honoree: Michelle Gutierrez, Liberty Elementary
Michelle Gutierrez of Liberty Elementary is being honored as JA Education Partner of the Year for her exceptional partnership with Junior Achievement and her unwavering commitment to students. When asked to host nearly 100 first-year college volunteers for Liberty’s second-ever JA Day, Michelle didn’t hesitate—she was genuinely excited about the opportunity it would create for her students.
Michelle’s calm, kind, and welcoming presence sets the tone for every JA experience on campus. From thoughtfully hosting volunteers with a generous breakfast to anticipating logistical needs and ensuring volunteers feel supported, she brings care and intention to every detail. Highly organized, responsive, and a joy to work with, Michelle—alongside her principal and fellow educators—creates an environment where partnership, respect, and student impact truly thrive.
To sponsor, email Maggie Jones at maggiej@jaaz.org
Related Events
JA Bowl-a-Thons
May 30 @ 12:00am - May 30 11:59pm
JA Stock Market Challenge
October 15 @ 4:30pm - October 15 7:30pm