17th annual Heroes of Education highlights education changemakers and tribal communities
Tempe, Ariz., October 8, 2025 – The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) will honor those with a proven personal and professional commitment to supporting students during the 17th annual Heroes of Education on November 13, 2025, at the Heard Museum. This year’s theme, Honoring Heritage: Empowering Futures, recognizes the importance of postsecondary education and the power it has to change students’ lives. Publisher, advocate, and Arizona’s first Native American television reporter, Mary Kim Titla, will serve as the event’s emcee. Proceeds from the evening will support scholarships and emergency funds.
“Our Heroes of Education honorees have an unwavering passion for higher education,” said Judy Sanchez, Interim MCCF President and CEO. “Their support allows for our colleges to transform the lives of our students and ultimately provides economic success to our community.”
Meet the Honorees
This year’s Heroes of Education honorees include Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber, Arizona Public Service (APS), and tribal partners including the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Gila River Indian Community, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and Tohono O’odham Nation. The event will also recognize college heroes representing each of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges.
- Todd Sanders and the Greater Phoenix Chamber are longtime workforce and industry partners of MCCF. Through Mr. Sanders’ steadfast leadership, the Chamber has worked closely with Maricopa Community Colleges to improve and expand dual enrollment across the Valley.
- Corporate Hero APS, a partner with MCCF since 2011, has developed and provided funding for professional programs, master teacher seminars, STEM educator workshops, scholarships, and more—providing strong leadership on MCCF’s Board of Directors, a role held by Tracey Stooks-Dermer, Vice President of Operations Support at APS.
- The six tribal partners are being honored for their commitment to addressing the financial hurdles that hinder many students’ ability to stay in school. Their ongoing efforts have provided grant funding to students requiring critical support and access to basic needs.
Impact In Action
According to the Hope Center’s basic needs survey, 59% of students experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity, including food and housing. For Glendale Community College biological sciences student and emergency funds recipient, Lamin, support means reliable transportation.
The “emergency fund has significantly relieved my financial burden by covering my Valley Metro bus passes, ensuring I can reliably commute to campus,” shared Lamin. “More than just financial aid, this assistance serves as a reminder that there are kind and generous individuals who believe in students like me and want to see us succeed.”
The Value of Community Support
Sponsorships are key to the success of Heroes of Education. Since its inception in 2006, nearly $2.9 million in scholarship and program funding has been raised in support of Maricopa Community Colleges students. Gross contributions now exceed $3.3 million, with almost nine out of every 10 dollars raised directly supporting students.
The Heroes of Education event committee is led by co-chairs Cathy Brown, Co-owner and CFO of Paloma Ready Mix and Materials, and Sherri Thomas, President and Founder of Your Leadership Lab. Both currently serve on MCCF’s Board of Directors.
Event tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available for those who wish to contribute to realizing MCCF’s vision of providing everyone with the opportunity to improve their lives through education. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click here.
