Kris Cano and Dr. Velma Trayham have been named the 2024 Diversity Champions by the Scottsdale nonprofit Community Celebrating Diversity.

They will be recognized at the 30th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Dinner Celebration 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at the Fieldhouse at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road.

Diversity Champions are individuals who exemplify the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and who have enriched the community by empowering others. Individuals can be nominated by anyone in the community. Eligible nominees must work, live or volunteer in Scottsdale.

Cano recently retired from government service and the city of Scottsdale, working as the WestWorld general manager and most of her career as the forensic services director with the Scottsdale Police Department.

Her passion lies with her volunteerism in the community, supporting organizations that promote excellence in leadership and equality for marginalized communities.

Among her accomplishments, she is the board chair for one n ten, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults; has led the curriculum development for Scottsdale Leadership’s Diversity Day; and is a board member for the Women’s Collective, a philanthropic organization that elevates and inspires women in leadership roles.

Trayham is an author, speaker and business growth strategist who believes that inclusive, equitable businesses and communities create opportunity and drive prosperity.

Through her Scottsdale-based ThinkZILLA Consulting Group, Trayham consults corporations and government entities in the areas of supplier/business diversity, community engagement strategy and DEI program management, bringing greater awareness to initiatives vital to supporting underserved and underrepresented communities around the United States.

Trayham and the city of Scottsdale presented the United Diversity Business Summit – the largest DE&I summit in the Valley – to engage local business and community leaders in creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

The 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Dinner Celebration begins with a 5:30 p.m. registration and reception, followed by a 6 p.m. dinner and recognition ceremony.

Dr. Battinto L. Batts Jr. is the featured speaker for the dinner. Tickets can be purchased at CCDArizona.org. The cost is $100 per person and sponsorships are available. CCD hosts the event with title sponsor APS.

Community Celebrating Diversity sponsors educational and community events to celebrate and create a greater awareness of the community’s diversity. Its mission is to enhance the perception and understanding of diversity, provide opportunities for citizens to recognize similarities and to acknowledge differences and to seek respect for the values of others and the oneness of humanity.