This program was created to raise awareness for the amazing work women are doing to improve and enhance the lives of Arizonans. While some nominees will be well-known, others will be working diligently but less publicly in their cities and towns.”

Connie Robinson, chair of the 48 Arizona Women Steering Committee

Arizona women who are making an impact in their communities are sought as nominees for Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women.

The sponsoring organization, based in Scottsdale, 48 Arizona Women started 11 years ago as an official Arizona Centennial Project in 2010 to recognize the state’s most remarkable women impacting their communities, often with little fanfare, according to a press release.

The organization’s mission is to transform lives, build stronger communities and help positively shape Arizona and the nation, the release said of 48 Arizona Women, which partnered with the Arizona Historical Society to honor women from diverse backgrounds whose leadership and commitment positively contribute to Arizona's future.

“The first group of 48 honorees were selected in 2012 and included U.S. Supreme Court Judge Sandra Day O’Connor, Cindy McCain, and Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee,” said Connie Robinson, chair of the 48 Arizona Women Steering Committee, in a prepared statement.

“But, they also included a former governor, educators, a bull fighter who became a CEO, an advocate for the treatment and cure of Niemann Pick Type C disease, a former mezzo-soprano with the Metropolitan Opera, a pastor who ministers to incarcerated women, a mayor who transformed a city, an ambassador who became Secretary of the Air Force and many dedicated philanthropists, volunteers, doctors, artists and entertainers in leadership positions throughout the state.”

Open nominations in categories including education, entertainment, social change and more are accepted through Sept. 30. From a next-door neighbor to an elected official, Arizona residents are encouraged to nominate anyone “they feel is worthy.”

“This program was created to raise awareness for the amazing work women are doing to improve and enhance the lives of Arizonans,” stated Robinson. “While some nominees will be well-known, others will be working diligently but less publicly in their cities and towns.”

A committee of a diverse group of community leaders, public and private sector leaders and residents will evaluate nominees on factors such as the impact of their leadership, accomplishments and dedication on the state and the nation; their influence as role models and visionaries; and ability to relate to a wide range of people.

Honorees will be announced in early 2022 and featured in a 140-plus page coffee table book titled: Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women — A New Decade, telling each woman’s story in words and photos.

Honorees will be formally recognized in spring 2022 during a 48 Women Luncheon as well as a VIP reception for the book launch, noted the release of the book that will be available statewide for purchase in mid-2022.

“Our goal for the book is to incorporate it into the Arizona school curriculum as well as make it available in libraries around the state,” Robinson said. “Children need everyday role models who are bringing meaningful change to their lives and the communities in which they live.”

In addition, to recognizing a new decade of Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women honorees, the release said 48 Arizona Women will launch in the fall the Legacy Project, which is an initiative addressing challenging times of global pandemic, poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and other social injustice issues at Arizona’s forefront in and across the nation.

The project will bridge the urban and rural divide through the renovation and naming rights of the Orientation Theater at the Arizona Historical Society’s Heritage Center in Tempe plus develop onsite and digital educational programming, renowned guest speakers and other learning opportunities for young women, girls, and youth with electronic outreach, added the release.

Nominations can be completed at 48women.org. Paper nomination forms are available by calling 602-896-9000 or can be downloaded from the site.

For more information about nominations, visit 48women.org; or call 602-896-9000.