Valle del Sol Honors Piper Trust Program Officer Terri Leon
PRESS RELEASE
May 18, 2012
VALLE DEL SOL ANNOUNCES 2012 HONOREES
Helios Education Foundation to Receive Centenario/Centennial Spirit Award
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Valle del Sol, a nonprofit organization, announces the award honorees for
their annual event, the Profiles of Success Hispanic Leadership Awards Celebration, taking place on
September 7, 2012, at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Profiles of Success is Valle del Sol’s major fundraiser to benefit behavioral health and primary care,
human service and leadership development programs for the community. Profiles of Success
launches the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month in Arizona and recognizes the many
contributions of leaders for their advocacy, leadership and service to community. The premier
sponsor for 2012 is SRP.
The honoree selected for the Hall of Fame Award is Bank of America President Benito Almanza.
Riverside Elementary School District Superintendent, Jaime Rivera, Ed.D., will be awarded with the
Special Recognition Award. For the Raúl Yzaguirre Community Leadership Award, Virginia G. Piper
Charitable Trust Program Officer, Terri León, is the honoree. In the category of Exemplary
Leadership, three individuals have been named: Julio Herrera, National Spanish Sales and
Retention Director with Cox Communications; Gerardo Higginson, Director of Community Relations
and Public Affairs for Univisión; and Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Community Liaison for Mesa
Public Schools and Maricopa Community Colleges. Bertha Sepulveda-Peña, a retired nurse and
executive, will receive the Rosa Carrillo Torres Humanitarian Award. Being recognized with the
Manuel Ortega Youth Leadership Award is Anthony Marc Robles, NCAA National Wrestling
Champion. Honorable Jennifer Eckstrom, Mayor of South Tucson, will be honored with the Latino
Advocacy Champion Award. For the Latino Excellence in Athletics Award, Luis Zendejas, Senior
Director of Community Relations for the Arizona Cardinals, will be the recipient. The honoree for the
Latino Excellence in Health & Sciences Award is Edgardo Rivera, M.D., Medical Director of the
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Receiving the Centenario/Centennial Spirit Award is the Helios
Education Foundation.
2012 Profiles of Success Hispanic Leadership Awards Honorees
Benito C. Almanza, Hall of Fame Award, Phoenix, 58
Benito C. Almanza is the State President for Bank of America in Arizona and overseeing the Desert Mountain States that
also include New Mexico, Colorado, and El Paso, Texas, where he is responsible for the overall performance of all Business
Banking activities in those markets. In this role, Benito coordinates all lines of business efforts in Arizona; community and
civic activities; and volunteer efforts for 12,000 Arizona associates. With Bank of America for 34 years, Benito worked in
California before moving to Arizona in 1992. His career includes leadership positions in a variety of areas within the
Commercial and Business Banking Groups. Growing up in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Benito came from a family of
modest means. He was raised by his parents and grandparents, who earned their living as farm workers. His diocese
supported Benito and his brothers through Catholic education. Benito is a graduate of Stanford University and the University
of Santa Clara; and is a member of the California State Bar Association and the U.S. District Court Northern District
Association. Between work and helping raise his grandchildren, Benito devotes time and energy necessary to chair the
Charity and Development Appeal. Benito’s board service includes: Phoenix Aviation; Teach for America and the Arizona
Bankers Association. He is also a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership. Benito has many years of service as a patron of
the arts, community supporter, and philanthropist. Benito Almanza has made his mark in support of Latino arts as he takes
a hands-on approach in working with art organizations and community leaders for the preservation and promotion of Latino
arts.
Dr. Jaime A. Rivera, Special Recognition Award, Phoenix, 43
Dr. Jaime A. Rivera comes from a family of 9 siblings where he is the only boy. He grew up in California in the grape fields
where his parents worked la cosecha as migrant workers during his elementary school years. Later, his family moved to
Yuma, Arizona, where he graduated from high school with honors. He received a full scholarship to Northern Arizona
University where he not only completed his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral work, but also taught and continues to
teach in the doctoral program. He is a graduate of Valle del Sol’s Hispanic Leadership Institute. Dr. Rivera’s dedication to
education has been in predominantly Latino school districts in Arizona. Throughout his career, Dr. Rivera has been a
classroom teacher, principal, district director, and now superintendent of Riverside Elementary School District No.2. His
courageous stand on issues that affect Hispanic students, parents/guardians, and teachers ensures they have a voice to
overcome obstacles. He personally goes out into the Riverside Elementary School District communities and sends out the
message to students, parents, guardians, community members, and business partners that relationships are important and
everyone must work together to bring our communities together. He volunteers in programs that may seem unconventional
for a district superintendent to volunteer in such as: spray painting to cover graffiti off barrio walls, cleaning streets and
parks. He personally distributes toys during Christmas and goes into classrooms to ask students how they are doing and
follows-up with them. Dr. Rivera ensures all his efforts in his work and in his life contribute to the success of Latino students.
Terri León, Raúl Yzaguirre Community Leadership Award, Glendale, 52
Terri León, a 5th generation Arizonan, is a Program Officer for the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. Previously, in her
position as the Chief Operating Officer, for Friendly House, Terri advocated for the Latino community in a commanding role
as a voice against prejudice and injustice. After the decision was made for Friendly House to serve as a plaintiff in a lawsuit
challenging SB1070, Terri stood strong in the role of speaking out against SB1070 and the potential adverse impact against
both Latinos and the state of Arizona. In the face of harsh opposition, Terri did not demure, and constantly stated publicly,
“We are here to defend the rights of those who cannot stand for themselves. Our role is to protect the rights of the
community we serve.” Terri’s leadership elevated her profile as a champion for civil rights. Early in her career, Terri worked
as a social worker at both Independence High School and Tolleson Union High School District. Terri graduated from Arizona
State University where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work and completed the Lodestar
Non-Profit Management Certificate Program at ASU. Terri is a graduate of the Hispanic Leadership Institute-West program
in 2005, Valley Leadership Class 22, and was selected as a Piper Fellow in 2007. She previously served as the chair of the
People of Color Network Board of Directors and was a Fellow for the Mexican American Solidarity Foundation Program in
2003. Terri’s leadership and service to community has benefitted thousands of families and individuals by her work in the
nonprofit sector. Recognition for her service includes the City of Glendale Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Award in 2007,
Hispanic Leadership Institute-West Alumni Excellence Award in 2008, and the Cox Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award in
2010. Education, employment and nonprofit experiences reinforce Terri’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for
others and in promoting a forward-thinking, people-centered vision.
Julio Herrera, Exemplary Leadership Award, Mesa, 40
Coming from a family of humble beginnings, Julio Herrera was raised with strong ethical values and his parents encouraged
him to always remember where he came from and to work hard. Julio chose a career path that allows him to make a
positive impact in the community while inspiring his team to do their best work. Julio helped develop successful business
strategies to serve Hispanic customers in the telecommunications industry first at MCI, Waste Management, and now at
Cox Communications as National Spanish Sales and Retention Director. As a visionary leader, Julio helped empower
Hispanic members of his team to further their careers. He developed and participates in mentoring programs for Cox
employees. Julio guides others to maximize their leadership potential for the betterment of the community. Julio leads
diversity initiatives at the Cox Internacional department that fields calls from bilingual customers, which in just four years
grew by 250 percent. As a father of four boys, husband, business and community leader, finding time to make sure he fulfills
all his responsibilities to the best of his potential can sometimes be challenging. For that reason, Julio and his family
developed a family calendar, which allows them to have quality time together by participating in activities that support the
community. Julio served on Valle del Sol’s Board of Directors and their Rosa Carrillo Torres Memorial Scholarship selection
committee. As an alumnus of Valle del Sol’s Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI) Class of 2008, Julio, with Cox
Communications’ support, was instrumental in bringing HLI to Tucson. In addition, Julio was instrumental in the planning of
Angelita’s Amigos Golf Tournament and A Stepping Stone Foundation’s Cena y Serenata fundraiser. Julio Herrera’s
integrity, dedication and passion for the betterment of the community and the future of Hispanic leadership are stellar.
Gerardo Higginson, Exemplary Leadership Award, Phoenix, 43
Gerardo Higginson, a native of Lima, Peru, is the Director of Community Relations and Public Affairs for Univisión and
Telefutura Arizona. Gerardo served as a top assistant to former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon responsible for Spanishlanguage
and minority media relations and acting as chief liaison to the Hispanic and immigrant communities. Additionally,
he was the mayor’s liaison to Mexico and Latin America (Business), the Asian-American, and LGBTQ communities. Before
his career with the city of Phoenix, Gerardo was a reporter and news anchor for Telemundo, an online journalist for
Quepasa.com and columnist for La Voz newspaper. In addition, he has more than eleven years of experience in the
banking industry. Gerardo has a history of devoting countless hours volunteering for numerous issues and campaigns:
Chairman of the Phoenix Hispanic St. Jude Hospital Gala, Aunt Rita’s Foundation’s SavorLife, and a board member of “De
Colores.” Previously, Gerardo served as a board member of the Arizona Latino Media Association, Teatro Bravo, Valley of
the Sun United Way, and the Arizona Federal Credit Union. Among the recognitions and awards Gerardo has received are
the Phoenix Pride Mayor Phil Gordon Spirit Award, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40 Leadership
Award, “Palmas de Oro” Award, Silver Circle National Award from the City, County Communications and Marketing
Association, Univisión 33 A Su Lado, City of Phoenix Excellence Award-Latino Institute, and City of Phoenix Individual
Excellence Award-Minority Outreach.
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Exemplary Leadership Award, Mesa, 41
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, a Mesa native, currently serves as the Community Liaison for Mesa Public Schools and
Maricopa Community Colleges to foster greater connections between community members and educational institutions with
an emphasis on Latino community outreach. She graduated with a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Public Administration
from Arizona State University. Prior to working with Mesa’s educational districts, Deanna was employed by the City of Mesa
as a Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator. Deanna began her career at a downtown Mesa Church coordinating Youth
programs and Hispanic ministry. Deanna serves on the Board of Directors for Mesa United Way, the Mesa Association of
Hispanic Citizens (MAHC), United Food Bank, and A New Leaf. Playing the role of an advocate and supporter of Latino
leadership development, Deanna had an instrumental role in establishing a partnership with Mesa Community College,
MAHC, Mesa Public Schools, and Valle del Sol for the first-ever Hispanic Leadership Institute-East Valley which was
launched on Arizona Statehood Day on February 14, 2012. Deanna was the 2003 recipient of the City of Mesa Spirit of
Unity Award in the area of Community Leadership, 2005 ASU Alumni Achievement Award, 2007 Latina Excellence Award,
2008 40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40 Award and 2010 YWCA Tribute to Women Educational Leader.
Bertha Sepulveda-Peña, Rosa Carrillo Torres Humanitarian Award, Mesa, 65
Since becoming a nurse 44 years ago, at a time when Hispanic nurses made up only two percent of Registered Nurses,
Bertha Sepulveda-Peña has been a leader and trailblazer for Hispanic nurses. Bertha’s leadership career spans more than
four decades. She served in leadership capacities as the Founder and President of the National Association of Hispanic
Nurses—Phoenix Valle del Sol Chapter and Co-Founder of the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens (MAHC). Bertha
retired in 1977 as Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Business Development for Maricopa Integrated Health System.
Early in her career, Bertha served in the United States Air Force, Arizona National Guard as a Flight Nurse and First
Lieutenant where she developed a foundation for strong leadership. She also served as Director of Special Projects with
Mesa Community College, Department of Nursing and founded Enfermeras en Escalera. She remains an active leader in
the National Association of Hispanic Nurses—Phoenix Valle del Sol Chapter as well as for MAHC. Bertha’s work focuses on
empowering Hispanic Nurses in order to improve the health of the Hispanic community. Currently, she works to set an
example for younger nurses and students by volunteering her time at least twenty hours per week to promote blood
pressure screening and health education among Hispanics owned businesses. Bertha is the ninth of ten children born to
Mexican immigrant parents that resided in Superior, Arizona. Her father, a copper miner, was a great believer in the need
for a formal education and offered all his children the opportunity to seek an education after high school. Hispanic nurses in
Arizona have benefited from her mentorship and guidance, as she has served as a special and unique role model for this
professional group who can carry forward Bertha Sepulveda-Peña’s legacy and passion.
Anthony Marc Robles, Manuel Ortega Youth Leadership Award, Mesa, 23
On July 20, 1988, doctors were not prepared when, Judy Robles, age 16, gave birth to a baby boy with only one leg. The
doctors could not explain why Anthony was missing one of his legs. At the age of 14, Anthony tried out for the wrestling
team. He was the smallest athlete on the team weighing in at ninety pounds. Not many people believed that a tiny teenager
born with one leg would ever excel in such a demanding sport. Despite various obstacles along the way, Anthony went from
being last in the city to finishing his junior and senior years at Mesa High School with a 96-0 record and a 2-time Arizona
State Champion and a high school National Champion. Despite this incredible high school record, few college wrestling
programs believed he could succeed at the collegiate wrestling level. Anthony walked onto the Arizona State University
wrestling team to prove that anything was possible. Through trials and hardships, both on and off the wrestling mat, Anthony
finished as a 3-time All-American and the 2011 NCAA National Champion. In 2012, Anthony was inducted to the National
Wrestling Hall of Fame and ESPN honored him at its annual “ESPY” awards ceremony. Anthony was recognized with the
Cesar Chavez Award in 2005, Telemundo Outstanding Achievement Citizen Honor, and the Most Courageous Athlete
Award by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association in 2011. On the road for most of 2011, Anthony is building a
profession as a motivational speaker at companies, schools, halfway houses and pro teams, telling the improbable story of
the baby born with one leg. He is also collaborating on a book, based on his life, entitled Unstoppable due out next spring.
Honorable Jennifer Eckstrom, Latino Advocacy Champion Award, South Tucson, 35
Jennifer Eckstrom was first elected to the South Tucson City Council at the age of 18, the youngest person to be elected to
public office in Arizona at the time. She was re-elected four consecutive times and most recently, in 2011, began her fifth
term in office and second as Mayor. Throughout her public and community service career, Mayor Eckstrom has been
instrumental in and dedicated to focusing on critical issues that impact women, children, and families in areas such as
health care, employment, education, economic development, and civic engagement. She co-founded and served as the
Development Chair and on the Steering Committee for the Arizona Women’s Conference and served as an active member
of the League of Mexican American Women. Her diverse community involvement also includes serving as a mentor for
young Latina teenagers and other community youth, as a member of the South Tucson Weed and Seed Steering
Committee, the Adelante Nuestro Futuro Organizing Committee, and Primavera Foundation Board of Directors. Jennifer has
been recognized by the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, League of
United Latin American Citizens, League of Mexican American Women, Mujer 2000, and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. In April 2005, she was awarded the prestigious National LULAC Presidential Citation and Community Service
Award and, in February 2007, she was awarded the NAACP/LULAC Rosa Parks Lifetime Achievement Award as a tribute to
her efforts to motivate, inspire, and empower others in the community. In March 2010 she was a recipient of the Women on
the Move award presented by the YWCA of Tucson. Unafraid to express her mind and to reach out to others, Mayor
Eckstrom signed-on to “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry,” a broad-based and nonpartisan group of mayors who believe
that all people should be able to share in the love and commitment of marriage.
Luis Zendejas, Latino Excellence in Athletics Award, Chandler, 50
Luis Zendejas, who was born in Mexico, serves as a role model for young Latinos as an individual who came from a foreign
country to live the “American Dream” and to live his dream as part of an NFL team. Following his football career, Luis came
back to Arizona to be a part of the community and use his experience to take a lead in making Arizona a better place for
children. As Senior Director of Community Relations of the Arizona Cardinals, Luis works on community-based initiatives
that focus on children and programs like the Gatorade Junior Training Camp, Boys and Girls Club and United Way. He
oversees a lengthy list of programs including the “Arizona High School Coach of the Week,” “Arizona High School Coach of
the Year,” “Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year,” “Miller Lite Cardinal Player of the Year,” and “Miller Lite Player of the
Year.” He is also responsible for development the Cardinals Alumni Association and the Cardinals Wives Club. For the ten
years prior to playing professional football, Luis worked for the West Side Coalition to serve the needs in thirteen West
Valley municipalities. He also worked with transitional youth at Millennium High School in Goodyear, juveniles incarcerated
at the Lewis Prison in Buckeye, and teenage parents in Project Assuming Responsibility of Manhood. Drawing on his
experience, Luis hosted activities for children of all ages to practice their skills with the assistance of football personalities.
He brought the NFL to neighborhoods of underserved youth. Youth and children throughout Arizona (including those at
Valle del Sol) benefit from Luis’ commitment of focusing on charities and initiatives benefitting children.
Edgardo Rivera, MD, Latino Excellence in Health & Sciences Award, Gilbert, 48
As a man with humble beginnings from his native Puerto Rico, Dr. Edgardo Rivera life’s contribution is toward the treatment
and eradication of breast cancer and has saved the lives of countless individuals, including both women and men. Dr.
Rivera is the Medical Director of Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona. He has a diverse clinical
background and extensive experience interfacing with community physicians and other health care institutions. Dr. Rivera is
a medical oncologist who previously worked at Methodist Hospital’s Breast Center in Houston as the Medical Director. He
also has served as Chief of the Breast Medical Oncology Section at Houston’s Methodist Hospital. Dr. Rivera received his
post-graduate training at MD Anderson and joined the faculty as an instructor in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology
in 1996. He progressed through assistant professor and associate professor positions in that department. He also served in
numerous administrative positions at MD Anderson, including Medical Director of the Breast Medical Oncology Long Term
Follow-Up Clinic. The impact that Dr. Rivera has made to humanity is immeasurable. He has sought to serve on a number
of committees related to cancer research and treatment. His acumen and leadership has provided countless individuals the
opportunity to live life to its fullest by providing them quality care and a course of treatment leading toward cancer remission.
He is a role model for those who aspire toward a meaningful and successful life, particularly among Latinos. Dr. Edgardo
Rivera worked hard academically, with the support of a loving family, which has led him toward a successful pathway.
Helios Education Foundation, Centenario/Centennial Spirit Award, Phoenix
Helios Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals in Arizona and Florida
by creating opportunities for success in postsecondary education. The Foundation strategically invests in programs and
initiatives which address some of the most critical issues affecting education. Since its inception in 2004, Helios has
invested millions of dollars across Arizona, in communities like Yuma, Cochise County, Tucson, Flagstaff, and the
metropolitan Phoenix area to improve student success and their long-term quality of life. Improving the quality of early
learning environments, enhancing teacher training and development, increasing curriculum rigor and relevance, and
engaging parents and communities in student success are just a few of the many ways the Foundation strives to make the
education system better and to help ensure students are better prepared for college, career and life. The Helios Education
Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization serving Arizona focused solely on education. Created through the sale of
Southwest Student Services Corporation, a student loan services company, the Foundation’s community investments are
made across three impact areas: Early Childhood Education, the Transition Years (grades 5-12), and Postsecondary
Scholarships. Thousands of lives have been heightened by the Helios Education Foundation with more than $100 million
invested in education since 2006: $10.8 million invested in early childhood education to strengthen language and literacy;
$44.2 million invested in transition years, grades 5-12, to create a college-going culture; $31 million invested in
postsecondary education scholarships to create new opportunities for under-represented populations; and $17 million
invested in innovative programs and charitable contributions statewide.
Contact:
Carlos Galindo-Elvira
602/258-6797, ext. 121
MOBILE: 602/574-0870