The Mesa Chamber of Commerce staged its fifth annual Mesa Has Heart Gala to recognize local businesses, nonprofits and community leaders whose work has produced measurable benefits across Mesa. Organizers reinstated honors for a student, a teacher and a professor this year, and those honorees received scholarships and grants from program sponsor Carreon Payments, a Mesa-based payment processing company. The evening brought together business representatives, nonprofit staff, educators and volunteers to acknowledge a range of contributions to economic growth, social services and educational enrichment throughout the city.
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Audience members watch the 'Mesa Has Heart' stage presentation during the Mesa Chamber awards event, the auditorium lit in red for the gala.
Awards for Businesses of the Year were handed out in three size-based categories. Gateway Bank was named Small Business of the Year; the bank is Mesa’s only community bank and was cited for providing personalized banking and lending solutions that support Arizona businesses and local economic growth. The Summit at Sunland Springs took the Mid-Sized Business of the Year honor; the senior living community was recognized for its specialized memory care services and its stated commitment to providing a safe, compassionate and comfortable environment for residents. Resolution Copper received Large Business of the Year, with the chamber noting the company’s involvement in volunteer service, educational partnerships, workforce development programs, environmental stewardship and charitable giving initiatives in Arizona.
Nonprofit awards were presented across four size categories. Grounded No More was named Micro Nonprofit of the Year; the organization focuses on helping veterans navigate grief and healing and provides memorable experiences, including complimentary flights aboard “Amazing Grace,” a historic World War II trainer aircraft. East Valley Children’s Theatre earned Small Nonprofit of the Year for its community-focused work empowering young people through theatrical programs that cultivate creativity, confidence and personal growth. Mesa HoHoKam Foundation was recognized as Mid-Sized Nonprofit of the Year after more than 75 years of supporting youth programs and community initiatives, including efforts related to Spring Training Baseball. House of Refuge received Large Nonprofit of the Year for its work providing transitional housing, supportive services and pathways toward self-sufficiency for families experiencing homelessness.
An award recipient holds a heart-shaped trophy flanked by two presenters onstage at the Mesa Chamber's 'Mesa Has Heart' awards gala.
Individual honors highlighted emerging leaders and educators. Michael Coronado, a graduate of Skyline High School who has begun studies at Arizona State University, was presented with the 2026 Spotlight on Leadership Award. During his time at Skyline, Coronado held several leadership roles, including student government, National Honor Society, AVID, sports medicine and participation in the F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council through the Phoenix Indian Center. As part of the gala’s restored focus on students and educators, Coronado and the other individual honorees were among those to receive financial awards supported by the event’s program sponsor.
The chamber recognized educators with its Teacher and Professor of the Year awards. Sydney Stras, a teacher at Dobson High School, was named 2026 Teacher of the Year; Stras teaches graphic design and digital publications and oversees the Dobson yearbook as part of the school’s Digital Media and Creative Arts programs. Dr. Micheal Callaway was selected as 2026 Professor of the Year for his role as an English professor at Mesa Community College; the chamber noted his dedication to helping students discover their potential as learners, communicators and future professionals.
Volunteer leadership within the Chamber was highlighted with two additional awards. James “Jim” Chiavacci, PhD, was honored as the 2026 Ambassador of the Year for his dedication to supporting Chamber members and advancing the Chamber’s mission throughout the community. Shannon Heinze, an area manager and loan originator with Guild Mortgage Company, received the 2026 Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of her service and contributions to Chamber programs and events. Alexis Foran, the Mesa Chamber’s director of events and sponsorships and the event coordinator, described Mesa Has Heart as “a celebration of the people who strive to make our community a better place by how they choose to show up for others.” She said the gala recognizes businesses that give back, nonprofits that serve with compassion, educators who inspire and shape future generations, students who are already making a notable difference, and volunteers who give their time generously and selflessly.
The annual gala drew representatives from a cross-section of Mesa’s civic and business life and served as a platform to publicly acknowledge the variety of efforts that contribute to the city’s civic, educational and social-service ecosystems. Information about the Mesa Chamber and its awards program is available through the Mesa Chamber website at mesachamber.org.
Mesa Community College congratulated English Faculty Chair Dr. Michael Callaway on being named 2026 Professor of the Year, posting photos from the June 26 gala on X and calling the recognition well-deserved for his work helping students realize their potential. (@mesacc)
Event photos were credited to photographer Jeff Bayer of Bayer Media Group, and a Chamber photo caption names Sally Harrison (Mesa Chamber president & CEO) alongside program sponsor representatives Kayla and Paul Carrizosa of Carreon Payments and co-hosts Shannon Heinze and Forrest Smith.
The Chamber thanked a slate of event sponsors in promotional posts, naming Happy Heart sponsors Tan Hua Inc., TruWest Credit Union, Vitalant and Walmart and noting additional supporters including Polaris Academy, Southwest Airlines, Nothing Bundt Cakes and State Farm (Misty Virgil), alongside program sponsor Carreon Payments.
The gala was held June 26, 2026, from 5:30–9:00 p.m.; the Chamber’s event listing notes live music by Guitarras Latinas and ticketing details (single seats $50 for members, $60 for non-members, and a table of eight for $500).