Diversity Champions
Diversity Champions are individuals who exemplify the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and who have enriched the community by empowering others. Individuals are nominated by others in the community and selected Diversity Champions are honored each year at the MLK Jr. Community Celebration. Eligible nominees must work, live or volunteer in Scottsdale.
2025 Diversity Champions
Forty-two Diversity Champions have been honored since the program’s 2001 inception.

Roger Lurie
Roger Lurie has made a significant impact on the community through his volunteer efforts, since 2016, when he set out to do good by using his talents to convene, advocate, inspire and elevate the underserved. Roger is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, where he mentors foster children and provides advocacy through social service agencies and the courts. He also volunteers with Vista del Camino as a career coach, where he has helped residents find work while also building confidence for their futures. Additionally, Roger has used his professional career in IT to now teach basic computer skills as a volunteer through the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
Dr. Joel P. Martin
Dr. Joel P. Martin is a remarkable leader who lives in and works from Scottsdale internationally with a commitment to transforming the world to make it a better place for all people. As the President of 24-year-old Triad West, Inc., she has trained the diversity trainers for the City of Scottsdale, volunteered as a speaker at Scottsdale events, and served on the City of Scottsdale Human Relations Commission. Dr. Martin also founded the Positively Powerful Education Summit and Women Awards Conference to acknowledge the accomplishments of women in ways that empower all people to live their dreams and change lives and businesses for the better.


Dr. Priya Radhakrishnan
Priya Radhakrishnan, MD, is the Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Health Equity for HonorHealth. She has an impressive track record of affecting change within our community for over 20 years with a focus on promoting social justice in medical education and health equities through innovative programs and partnerships targeting patients, physicians, and the community. She has been instrumental in launching health and prevention programs for vulnerable populations in Scottsdale as well as leading effort in Global Health in Tanzania.
Past Diversity Champions
2025
Roger Lurie
Dr. Joel Martin
Dr. Priya Radhakrishnan
2024
Kris Kano
Dr. Velma Trayham
2023
Dr. Alyx Porter Umphrey
2022
Chris Haines
Angela Hughey
Alan "AP" Powell
2021
Dr. Jan Gehler
Chief Alan Rodbell
2020
Rosa Casas
Shannon Paloma
Peter Rusin
2019
Sharon Cini
Gary Griggs
2018
Marybell Ramirez-Deeds
André Watkins
2017
Gina Griffiths
Linda Walton
2016
Keiko Conn
Stanna-Michelle Slater
2015
Frances Ann Burruel
Lee and Ray Silverman
2014
Michele Halyard
Tom Henny
Jim and Cindy Hill
2013
Darrell Copp
Christine French
Mary Manross
2012
Wendy Lyons
Carolyn Repp
2011
Helen Gandara
Mary King
2010
Don Logan
Joe Baca
2009
Tina Brown
Lin Ling Lee
2008
Marion Kelly
Graciela Candia
2007
Mark Rothman
2006
Doreen Reinke
Clif McKenzie
2005
James Yiannias
Jamie Leibovitz
2004
Ruben Camacho
Meghan & Manali Ghave
2003
Paul Eppinger
Kathy Hotchner
2002
Art DeCabooter
Norma Saldana
2001
Dick Bowers
John Calvin