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X-WR-CALNAME:Junior Achievement of Arizona
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.jaaz.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Junior Achievement of Arizona
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TZID:America/Phoenix
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260408T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260408T200000
DTSTAMP:20260517T214617
CREATED:20220727T044100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260404T031143Z
UID:2905-1775667600-1775678400@www.jaaz.org
SUMMARY:JA Heroes
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis 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. \n\n  \nREGISTER NOW\n  \n\nSpecial Thanks to:\n\n\nTITLE SPONSOR\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCONGRATS TO THIS YEAR’S HEROES!\n\nJA LEGACY AWARD\n\nHonors a champion whose sustained commitment to Junior Achievement has created lasting impact for students and the broader community. \n2026 Honoree: Patricia Waterkotte\, Rusing Lopez and Lizardi\nPatricia 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. \nUnder 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. \n\n\n\nCOMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR\nOutstanding organization whose commitment to the JA mission is demonstrated through investment of time\, talent\, and/or treasure to expand student impact. \n2026 Honoree: Mike and Claudia Levin Family Foundation\nThe 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. \nThis 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. \n\n\n\nTEACHER OF THE YEAR\n\nEducator who has gone above and beyond to expand JA programming and support volunteers and staff. \n2026 Honoree: Karl Oxnam\, Catalina High School\nKarl 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. \nKarl 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. \n\n\n\n\nVOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR\nAn outstanding volunteer who consistently answers the call\, going above and beyond in their dedication to both JA and to serving Southern Arizona youth. \n2026 Honoree: Errin Mendibles\nErrin 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. \nErrin 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. \n\n\nBUSINESS COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR\nCorporate partner representative who goes above and beyond to recruit\, train\, and support volunteers delivering JA programs. \n2026 Honoree: Eric Evenson\, Caterpillar\nSince 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. \nEric’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. \n \nEDUCATION PARTNER OF THE YEAR\nSchool representative whose partnership with JA goes above and beyond to bring meaningful experiences to students. \n2026 Honoree: Michelle Gutierrez\, Liberty Elementary\nMichelle 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. \nMichelle’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. \n  \nTo sponsor\, email Maggie Jones at maggiej@jaaz.org
URL:https://www.jaaz.org/event/ja-heroes-2/
LOCATION:Playground Bar and Lounge\, 278 E Congress St\, Tucson\, AZ\, 85701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Awards Program,Networking,Tucson Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260416T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260416T190000
DTSTAMP:20260517T214617
CREATED:20181130T032600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T170441Z
UID:2876-1776358800-1776366000@www.jaaz.org
SUMMARY:JA 18 Under 18 Awards
DESCRIPTION:The 2026 JA 18 Under 18 Awards recipients all have something in common: they’re not waiting until they’re adults to make a difference in the world. Whether it was a creative idea\, a passion for helping others\, or the ability to find motivation from hardship\, the Class of 2026 has used their ingenuity\, generosity\, and entrepreneurial spirit to make a difference in Arizona and beyond. \nThis 9th annual JA 18 Under 18 Awards sheds light on the best and brightest Arizona has to offer. The JA 18 Under 18 recipients represent JA students everywhere and serve as role models\, leaders\, and innovators throughout the state. \nThe awards ceremony on April 16th\, 2026 will honor these 18 incredible people who are making a difference in their communities. Recipients will be awarded prizes such as cash and gift cards and will be featured by Arizona media outlets. \n  \nMeet the 2026 Recipients \n  \nINTERESTED IN SPONSORING?\n \nTo sponsor\, please contact Liza Fedroff at lizaf@jaaz.org.
URL:https://www.jaaz.org/event/ja18under18/
LOCATION:JA BizTown\, 636 W. Southern Ave.\, Tempe\, AZ\, 85282\, United States
CATEGORIES:Awards Program,Student Event,Virtual,Phoenix Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.jaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0705-scaled.jpg
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