ABOUT THE ARENA AWARDS
Established in 2024, RipplePHX’s Arena Awards recognize the individuals and organizations who stand alongside us in the arena. It honors those who show up, put in the work, take risks, and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s 1910 Citizenship in a Republic speech, the Arena Awards celebrate something more important than popularity, prestige, or financial contributions. These awards aren’t about who has the biggest name, the deepest pockets, or the most impressive title. They’re about who is actually doing the work.
The Arena Awards honor those who lead through action, embrace the challenges, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in pursuit of something greater than themselves. Recognition belongs to those who are actually in the arena.
ARENA AWARD RECIPIENTS
THE POWERHOUSE AWARD
Celebrates an individual whose impactful actions carved a bold path for community engagement in HIV services.
2024
DANNY “BENITO” GUERRERO
PUMP Team Member
2025
CULLEN FERREIRA
HIV Testing Team
2026
COMING SOON
Coming Soon
HEART OF GOLD AWARD
Honors an individual whose selfless dedication, generosity, talents and unwavering passion for the cause have made a lasting impact on RipplePHX.
2024
JAVIER MARQUEZ
HIV Testing Team
2025
JOSH HITCHCOCK
RipplePHX Team Member
2026
COMING SOON
Coming Soon
CHAMPION OF TOMORROW AWARD
Honors an individual who pushes themselves to grow, takes risks, learns from setbacks, and keeps the community’s best interests at heart.
2024
HELI VALDEZ
Loteria Host
2025
FRANCISCO PADILLA
HIV Service Recruiter
2026
COMING SOON
Coming Soon
POWER PARTNER AWARD
Recognizes an individual or business whose support and synergy with RipplePHX has enabled RipplePHX to achieve its mission, driving growth, and creating a lasting impact in the community.
2024
CHICANOS POR LA CAUSA
HIV Service Partners
2025
PHOENIX GAYMERS
Monthly Event Partner
2026
COMING SOON
Coming Soon
THE TRAILBLAZER AWARD
Honors a team member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and courage in forging new paths, driving change, and advancing the organization’s mission.
2024
MIGUEL FIGUEROA
RipplePHX Team Member
2025
JERICHO “JERU” GALINDO
PUMP Team Leader
2026
COMING SOON
Coming Soon
RIPPLE EFFECT AWARD
Recognizes an individual or group who generously shared their expertise, talent and knowledge to propel the RipplePHX team toward achieving their mission.
2024
KELLY ZARAGOZA
Owner, Via Counseling + Consulting
2025
KAT CARLSON
Owner, Hey Kat! Tees
2026
COMING SOON
Coming Soon
THE CORNERSTONE AWARD
Recognizes an individual whose steady strength keeps RipplePHX’s foundation strong – a dedicated force who, time after time, steps into the arena and holds the line.
NEW! 2025
CELESTE MONTIEL
Loteria Hostess
2026
COMING SOON
Coming Soon
THE GEO JOHNSON PRISM LEGACY AWARD
Celebrating the work of Geo Johnson, this award recognizes an individual whose many talents and passions shine through RipplePHX, bringing a unique spirit and leaving a lasting mark on who we are.
NEW! 2026
GEO JOHNSON
“Mr. Everything”