Freeport-McMoRan Foundation President Tracy Bame is Education Forward Arizona’s Luminary Award recipient for 2023.

As president of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and director of social responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan, Bame and her team develop strategies and programs focused on building sustainable and resilient communities through education, a press release notes.

Bame has led Freeport-McMoRan’s community development activities in Arizona for more than two decades and, through her vision, has turned Freeport into an education champion for Arizona.

“We believe in listening to our communities, stakeholders, and partners to understand how we can help address the most pressing needs of our local communities,” Bame shared in a statement. “Education is always at the top of the list. By investing in programs that provide education access and opportunity, our efforts not only help individuals and families but also increase the resilience and prosperity of Arizona.”

Education Forward Arizona will honor Bame at its event, An InspirED Evening, which starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn, 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, in Scottsdale.

Click here to buy tickets or become a sponsor.

Through DreamBuilder, Dig Into Mining, the Freeport-McMoRan Native American Scholarship Program, and multiple partnerships with higher education institutions, Bame’s innovative efforts have made lasting impacts on students in the state.

“At Education Forward Arizona, we’ve seen Tracy’s exceptional vision, passion, and commitment to education firsthand,” Rich Nickel, Education Forward Arizona president and CEO, stated. “We are thrilled to be able to honor her statewide work that has positively impacted Arizona students.”

Bame is also a longtime board member and active volunteer for community organizations focused on education, including Education Forward Arizona, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, and The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute.

“Education is the strongest lever we have for increasing socio-economic opportunity and mobility for everyone,” Bame shared. “Investing in education and training beyond high school is critical for Arizona’s economy. I’m honored to receive the Luminary Award to shine a light on the importance of education attainment in our state.”

Education Forward Arizona’s work includes providing scholarships and innovative programs to students and advocating for policies and funding that move the Achieve60AZ postsecondary attainment goal and other Arizona Education Progress Meter goals forward.

Visit EducationForwardArizona.org.