Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale nonprofit Community Celebrating Diversity is seeking nominations for its annual Diversity Champion Awards. Award recipients will be recognized at the Scottsdale Celebrates MLK Jr. community event on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
The awards honor individuals who have made an impact in Scottsdale by empowering others and promoting unity, respect and inclusion, according to a press release.
“Each year, the Diversity Champion Awards recognize individuals whose service reflects Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to unity, respect, and strengthening community,” said Casey Miller, chair of Community Celebrating Diversity’s Diversity Champions Committee. “We encourage the community to nominate people who are making a meaningful difference in the Scottsdale community by bringing people together, expanding opportunity, and serving others.”
Casey Miller, chair of Community Celebrating Diversity’s Diversity Champions Committee, said the awards recognize individuals who have lived, worked or volunteered in Scottsdale and helped bring diverse groups together while promoting civil and human rights.
The nomination process is open, and nominations will be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026.
The electronic nomination form is available at Community Celebrating Diversity Diversity Champion nominations.
Nominators will be asked to provide a one-page written statement describing a nominee’s accomplishments and community involvement and explaining how the nominee encouraged positive human relations in Scottsdale and exemplified Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence, unity and respect for all people.
Eligible nominees must live, work or volunteer in Scottsdale.
Sasha R. Simmons was recognized as the 2026 Diversity Champion. Since the program began in 2001, Community Celebrating Diversity has honored 57 Diversity Champions, including Simmons.
