Autism advocate and business executive Denise Resnik will be recognized with the Global Citizen Award during Phoenix’s The Mayor’s International event hosted by Phoenix Sister Cities on Oct. 19 at Chateau Luxe.

Resnik is the founder and president and CEO of First Place AZ, co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, and founder and CEO of DRA Collective, a marketing/communications firm serving clients in real estate, economic development, health care, education and hospitality.

“Denise is improving the quality of life for countless numbers of people on the autism spectrum here in Phoenix and worldwide,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “Her efforts expand resources for neurodiverse​ individuals, contribute to research, improve community understanding and acceptance, and deliver a path towards independence and attaining careers.”

A native Phoenician, Resnik merged her business background with her marketing and communications skills to become an international leader in autism advocacy.

First Place AZ develops and maintains housing and community options for adults with autism and other neurodiversities, collaborating with private, public, non-profit and philanthropic community partners.

Gallego will present Resnik her award during The Mayor’s International. The event will be held 5-9 p.m. at Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr., and will also celebrate the Phoenix sister cities: Prague, Czech Republic, and Suwon, South Korea.

Tickets for the event are $200 for the general public and $100 for young professionals. Tickets can be purchased online: The Mayor’s International 2024.