Mesa Chamber of Commerce awards businesses, nonprofits, educators, community leaders

The Mesa Chamber of Commerce held its fifth annual Mesa Has Heart Gala on June 26 dedicated to celebrating the businesses, nonprofits and individuals making a lasting impact in the community.

This year, the Mesa Chamber returned to including a student, teacher and professor of the year, who gratefully received scholarships and grants from this year’s program sponsor Carreon Payments, a local payment processing business, for their achievements, according to a release.

The 2026 businesses of the year were divided into three categories: small, mid-sized and large:

• Small Business of the Year was awarded to Gateway Bank, Mesa’s only community bank, known for providing personalized banking and lending solutions that support Arizona businesses and local economic growth.
• Mid-Sized Business of the Year was awarded to The Summit at Sunland Springs, a senior living community recognized for its specialized memory care services and commitment to providing a safe, compassionate and comfortable environment for residents.
• Large Business of the Year was awarded to Resolution Copper, a company that has demonstrated a strong commitment to Arizona communities through volunteer service, educational partnerships, workforce development programs, environmental stewardship and charitable giving initiatives.

The 2026 nonprofits of the year were awarded in four categories: micro, small, mid-sized and large:

• Micro Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to Grounded No More, an organization dedicated to helping veterans navigate grief and healing by providing memorable experiences, including complimentary flights aboard “Amazing Grace,” a historic World War II trainer aircraft.
• Small Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to East Valley Children’s Theatre, a community-focused organization that empowers young people through high-quality theatrical experiences that foster creativity, confidence and personal growth.
• Mid-Sized Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to Mesa HoHoKam Foundation, which has spent more than 75 years supporting youth programs and community initiatives through its efforts surrounding Spring Training Baseball and other charitable events.
• Large Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to House of Refuge, an organization providing transitional housing, supportive services and a pathway toward self-sufficiency for families experiencing homelessness.

The Mesa Chamber also honored individuals who made a strong impact in different areas in the Mesa community:

• Michael Coronado, graduate of Skyline High School and new student to Arizona State University, was the recipient of the 2026 Spotlight on Leadership Award. Throughout his time at Skyline High School, he served in numerous leadership roles, including student government, National Honor Society, AVID, sports medicine, and the F.I.N.A.L. Youth Council through the Phoenix Indian Center.
• The 2026 Teacher of the Year recipient was Sydney Stras, a teacher at Dobson High School. Stras has distinguished herself as an exceptional educator within Dobson High School’s digital media and creative arts programs, where she teaches graphic design and digital publications while overseeing the Dobson yearbook.
• Dr. Micheal Callaway was the recipient of the 2026 Professor of the Year. Professor Micheal Callaway has dedicated himself to helping students discover their potential as learners, communicators, and future professionals as an English professor at Mesa Community College.

The Mesa Chamber also recognized outstanding volunteer leadership within the organization:

• 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, area manager and loan originator with Guild Mortgage Co., was recognized as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional service, commitment, and contributions to Chamber programs and events.

“Mesa Has Heart is a celebration of the people who strive to make our community a better place by how they choose to show up for others,” Alexis Foran, Mesa Chamber director of events and sponsorships, and coordinator for the event, said in the release. “It 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.”

For information about the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Mesa Has Heart, visit the Chamber’s website at https://www.mesachamber.org/.