We are seeking nominations for our annual Thrive Luncheon, happening in-person on May 16th, 2023!
Do you know a survivor, advocate, activist, or responder who deserves to be recognized for their work ending sexual and domestic violence in Arizona? ACESDV is accepting nominations now until February 3rd for our Thrive Luncheon Awards. The only one of its kind in Arizona, the Thrive Luncheon is designed to uplift survivors and honor advocates and allies. Proceeds from the event support our prevention, advocacy and education efforts to fulfill our mission to end sexual and domestic violence in Arizona by dismantling oppression and promoting equity among all people.
Submit all nominations to our Manager of Communications and Engagement, Joshua Burleson, at Joshua@acesdv.org. A reminder that prior awardees and current ACESDV staff are ineligible for awards.
Click here for the nomination form.
ACESDV will present awards in the following categories:
The three heart flower epitomizes the concept of thriving in spite of harsh conditions. This rare purple blossom grows in the harshest desert environments. After the long stems develop and reach toward the sunlight, the buds open and the purple and white petals curl to form hearts around the center. Like the flower that triumphs despite its harsh environment, survivors of sexual and domestic violence overcome extreme adversity. This award recognizes a survivor of sexual and domestic violence who has turned adversity into triumph by creating positive change within their community to end sexual and/or domestic violence in Arizona. The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria:
The bold saguaro cactus is a breathtaking marker on the Arizona horizon. Its 150 year lifespan sets it apart from other plants, and its fruit can contain 2,000 seeds. Like this majestic plant, the Saguaro Award recognizes a person’s lifetime dedication to ending sexual and/or domestic violence. A history of advocacy, organizing, and tireless service has allowed this person to plant the seeds of significant change in the lives of survivors, as well as change the landscape of sexual and/or domestic violence response in Arizona. The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria:
The small flowers of the cliff rose may be difficult to spot since it grows primarily on limestone outcroppings. The deep root system provides nourishment to clusters of long stems and the flowers that open along them. This award recognizes an individual’s outstanding efforts in providing direct services to survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence in Arizona. This person has helped victims and their families rebuild their lives by demonstrating a deep understanding of the dynamics of sexual and/or domestic violence, respecting autonomy, and promoting empowerment (e.g., advocates, community-based advocates, case managers, victim specialists, lay legal advocates, and/or systems-based advocates).) The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria:
The bright desert sunflower unexpectedly blooms across Arizona after rain. The seeds are an important source of nutrients for birds, and the flowers are a vital part of the desert ecosystem. Like the surprising sight of these yellow flowers in a desert environment, the Desert Sunflower Award recognizes an individual’s or a group’s nontraditional involvement in the movement to end sexual and/or domestic violence. Examples might be someone in business, law enforcement, elected official, or another community group who has taken action to end sexual and/or domestic violence. This individual or group has helped to champion positive local and/or statewide change by demonstrating exemplary efforts in collaboration, legislative or budgetary change, community involvement or philanthropy. The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria:
2023 Thrive Honorees:
Barry Maketansky – Verde Valley Sanctuary, was the recipient of the Desert Sunflower Award, which honors a person’s non-traditional involvement in the movement to end sexual and/or domestic violence.
Hillary Walsh – New Frontier Immigration Law, received the Cliff Rose Award, which honors an advocate’s outstanding efforts in providing direct services to victims of sexual and/or domestic violence in Arizona.
Monica Andre – ShowIt, was selected as the Three Heart Award honoree, which honors a domestic and/or sexual violence survivor who has turned adversity into triumph by creating positive change in the community.
Barbara Cuadras – Colorado River Regional Crisis Services, received the Saguaro Award in honor of a lifetime dedicated to ending sexual and domestic violence.