Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale Leadership is recognizing four community leaders with its 2026 Spirit of Community Leadership Awards.
The 2026 Drinkwater Leadership Award recipient is Todd LaPorte.
As chief executive officer of HonorHealth, Mr. LaPorte led the nonprofit health care system through organizational growth. His community involvement includes serving as board chair of the Health System Alliance of Arizona, serving on the board of Experience Scottsdale, and leading organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Scottsdale Aquatic Club. He also has supported initiatives including the Blue Zones well-being project in Scottsdale, Junior Achievement, economic development efforts, education and youth mentorship. The Drinkwater Leadership Award is sponsored by A1 Garage Door Service.
The 2026 Hodges Alumni Achievement Award recipient is Jane Blacker.
A member of Scottsdale Leadership Class 19 and a former board president, Ms. Blacker has spent more than 20 years supporting organizations and causes throughout Scottsdale. Her involvement includes the Boys & Girls Club, Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, Scottsdale YMCA, The Women’s Collective and Scottsdale Leadership. She also has contributed to fundraising and volunteer efforts for a variety of community organizations.
The 2026 Jenkins Youth Leadership Award recipient is Aashni Sahai.
A senior at Saguaro High School, Ms. Sahai co-founded Let’s Get the Ball Rolling, a STEAM education nonprofit that received a $5,000 Dragon Kim Foundation grant, and leads Sisters in STEM, helping organize science-focused events that have reached more than 200 children. The Jenkins Youth Leadership Award is sponsored by Vitalant.
The 2026 Trailblazer Award recipient is Chelo Allen.
Through her work with the Yaqui Penjamo Board, Ms. Allen identified a need for renewed community engagement at Vista del Camino and worked with the city of Scottsdale to help restore recreation programming. Her efforts contributed to the launch of Friday Family Fun nights, creating opportunities for residents to connect with one another. The Trailblazer Award is sponsored by The Women’s Collective.
The awards recognize individuals whose leadership, service and community involvement have made an impact in Scottsdale, according to a press release.
“Herb Drinkwater, Frank Hodges, Bill Jenkins, and Frances Young would be so proud to see their legacy continued by awarding these community members for the passion, commitment, and leadership they have exhibited through the years and will continue to exhibit in the future,” said Lee Ann Witt, executive director. “It is our privilege to honor these elite leaders, both past and present.”
