11th Annual Pastor Center Luncheon Friday, September 25, 2026
About Watts College The Watts College of Public Service is one of the largest comprehensive public service colleges in the nation. Comprised of four schools – Social Work, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Public Affairs and Community Resources and Development – and more than 30 research units, we are advancing relevant educational programs and evidence-based solutions to some of the world’s most challenging social issues. Our population represents one of the university’s highest percentages of underrepresented, transfer and working students, and is among the largest concentrations of first-generation college students at Arizona State University. Together, we bring creativity, systems-level thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit to our mission of building more vibrant, healthy, equitable and sustainable communities.
“Our democracy is grounded in the ideal that all people have inherent worth and dignity, and in a democratic society, their perspectives are worthy of consideration. Congressman Ed Pastor lived this ideal. He dedicated himself to serving others – as a teacher, public servant and elected official. He gave a voice to others as he pushed for civil rights and motivated future generations to follow his lead. Congressman Pastor’s legacy of inclusion reflects the Watts College’s commitment to making democracy work for all. The Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service is central to these efforts.” — Cynthia Lietz, vice provost, dean and President's Professor, ASU Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Executive director’s welcome Today, we celebrate the continued work of the Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service and the enduring legacy of Congressman Ed Pastor, whose life’s work reminds us that true leadership is rooted in service — in lifting communities, creating opportunity and opening doors for others to lead. Ed Pastor understood that meaningful change happens when people are willing to listen, build relationships, find common ground and, most importantly, get to work. His career was defined by a deep commitment to the people and communities he represented and by a belief that public service is ultimately about improving people’s lives. That spirit continues to guide the Pastor Center today. We equip future generations to lead boldly, bridge divides and approach public service with curiosity, humility and purpose. Arizona faces complex challenges, and meeting them will require leaders who can work across differences, understand the communities they serve and remain focused on finding solutions. We are proud to have a space to share the remarkable work and experiences of the public servants in the Ed Pastor network. Their stories remind us that there is no single path to public service. Leadership can take many forms — as an elected official, organizer, educator, community advocate, student or neighbor who simply decides to get involved. My hope is that the Pastor Center continues to be a place where those connections happen, where students find their voice, leaders share their knowledge, communities are heard and people come together to move Arizona forward. Ed Pastor’s legacy is not simply something to remember. It is a responsibility to carry forward. Montserrat Arredondo Duran Executive director Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service Arizona State University
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Program 11 a.m. Doors open and lunch buffet
11:30 a.m. Land Acknowledgement, Tony Moya Welcome Remarks, Dean Cynthia Lietz Awards Ceremony Public Service Organization Award, Cultural Coalition Pubic Servant Leadership Award, Juan Salgado Highlights and Future Focus Closing
1 p.m. Program concludes; networking reception begins with opportunities for guests to connect and take photos with the event backdrop
1:30 p.m. Event concludes
Celebrating the legacy of Congressman Ed Pastor Ed Pastor was the son of a miner from Claypool, Arizona, and the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from ASU. After graduating, Pastor became a teacher at North High School, where he taught chemistry, and later went on to serve as the deputy director of the Guadalupe Organization Inc., a community-based nonprofit organization. Pastor’s work with students, families and seniors motivated him to enroll in the College of Law at ASU, where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1974. Following law school, he joined Governor Raúl Castro’s staff, where he enforced the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ensure that every worker had an equal opportunity to work in a discrimination-free environment. In 1976, Pastor was elected to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, where he served three terms. In 1991, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served on numerous committees and subcommittees, including the committees on Appropriations, Education and Labor, Small Business and Standards of Official Conduct, as well as the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Pastor also held the position of chief deputy whip from 2010–2015, and he was appointed to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in the 113th Congress (2013-2015). He retired after serving 23 years in Congress. At the time, he was Arizona’s senior member of Congress. Pastor passed away on November 28, 2018.
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Previous Civic Leadership Awards In 2021, the Pastor Center inaugurated the Ed Pastor Public Servant Leadership Awards to recognize a policy leader who embodies the leadership legacy of Congressman Ed Pastor. Nominees of this award demonstrate the following leadership qualities: Bridge-building between different groups, constituencies and interests; Finding common-ground among different or adversarial parties; Building trust, collaboration and consensus; and Selfless dedication to public good.
Previous Recipients of the Public Servant Leadership Award 2025, Dan Eckstrom 2024, Honorable Mary Rose Wilcox 2023, County Supervisor Bill Gates 2022, Honorable Mary Marguia 2021, Honorable Ronnie Lopez (posthumous recognition) In 2022, an additional award category was created to recognize organizations dedicated to public service and creating opportunities for those who are underserved and underrepresented in our society.
Previous Recipients of the Public Service Organization Award 2025, Valley Metro 2024, Helios Education Foundation 2023, CPLC “Si Se Vota” Action Fund, Valle del Sol, Inc., and Valleywise Health 2022, Aliento and Arizona Undocumented Workers Relief Fund
2026 Civic Leadership Awards Public Service Organization Award
Cultural Coalition We are proud to present Cultural Coalition with the Congressman Ed Pastor Public Service Organization Award. Cultural Coalition, Inc., connects communities and generations through the traditional arts and cultural conservation programs. Through its programs, it celebrates Chicano, Latine and Indigenous heritages while supporting local artists, creating meaningful cultural experiences and providing important learning opportunities. Through festivals, performances and community programs they work to keep cultural traditions alive for future generations.
Public Servant Leadership Award
Juan Salgado We are proud to honor Juan Salgado as the recipient of the Congressman Ed Pastor Public Servant Leadership Award. Salgado is a leader in community development and affordable housing. As Executive Director of the Phoenix IDA, he has executed innovative solutions to support underserved communities, create jobs and provide housing. Over the 30 years of his career, Salgado has earned numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to economic development, community improvements and improving the quality of life for many.
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Thank you Dean Cynthia Lietz The Pastor Family congratulates Dean Lietz on this next chapter of her career. Although she will continue to be involved with ASU, she will be sorely missed as the dean of Watts College, and her impact will continue for generations to come. We appreciate her unwavering support, fierce leadership and dedication to the Pastor Center and Pastor Papers Project, the ASU Community and beyond. Dean Lietz, we are truly indebted to you. You continued to listen and show up for us, and we did not take that for granted. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors and hope our paths cross again. With gratitude, Verma, Yvonne and Laura Pastor
Thank you Leadership Council Verma Pastor Pastor family representative
Yvonne Pastor Chief service officer, City of Phoenix Manager’s Office; Pastor family representative
Elisa de la Vara Chief community officer, Arizona Community Foundation (retired)
Tony Moya Director, business development & scholarships, Chicanos Por La Causa
Mario Diaz President, Mario E Diaz & Associates, LLC
Lorena Austin Representative, Arizona State Legislature, District 9
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2025-2026 center highlights By the numbers Hosted 25 organizations at the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus.
27%
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Increase in new student voter registrations through Turbo Vote, a university platform overseen by the Pastor Center.
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Five students attended the Students Vote Students Learn Conference in Maryland.
50%
Pell eligible
Half of the students served at the Center qualified for federal Pell Grants, showing a strong commitment to supporting financial need.
The investment In AY25-26, the Pastor Center awarded $14,500 to the Pastor Center Fellows.
230+
$14,500
Community members and students participated in Pastor Center programs and events focused on civic and voter engagement.
Vision, mission and strategic objectives Mission The Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service prepares students for effective civic and political engagement.
Vision We build upon the legacy of Congressman Pastor’s tireless public service to inspire future generations of prepared, informed and engaged civic leaders from all ideologies and walks of life. We enact that vision by developing initiatives based on our strategic priorities.
Strategic objectives Objective #1: Student Voter Registration & Turnout Objective #2: Voter Education & Election Issue Awareness Objective #3: Public Participation in Governance Objective #4: Community Dialogue & Civil Discourse Objective #5: Public Policy Issue Awareness & Deliberation Objective #6: Student Civic Leadership Skills Development Objective #7: Cross-Partisan & Multi-Partisan Engagement Objective #8: Public Policy Career & Service Opportunities 11
Pastor Papers Project Ed Pastor Congressman The Pastor Papers Project at ASU Library is dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of Congressman Ed Pastor, Arizona’s first Latino member of Congress. The collection includes his official documents, correspondence, photographs and memorabilia that span his years on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors through nearly two decades in Congress. Archivist Kenia Menchaca Lozano is carefully arranging, describing and digitizing these materials in both English and Spanish to ensure long-term public access. In partnership with the Ed Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service at Watts College, the project will not only safeguard Congressman Pastor’s history but also use his story to inspire students, researchers and community members through educational programming, outreach and continued civic engagement.
Kenia Menchaca Lozano is the project archivist for the Pastor Papers Project at ASU Library, where she leads efforts to preserve and make accessible the legacy of Congressman Ed Pastor. She has worked with ASU’s Community-Driven Archives Initiative for five years, including processing the López Papers, and is committed to uplifting and preserving the accomplishments of Arizona’s Latine community through archival practice.
Scan here to support the Pastor Papers Project:
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Ed Pastor Public Administration Fellow in partnership with
Kayla DiGiacomo is an ASU junior studying public service and public policy, with a concentration in nonprofit leadership and management and certificate in environmental studies. This year, she joins Valley Metro as a public administration fellow, learning how local governments collaborate to provide public transportation.
Congrats, Kayla!
Pastor Civic Fellows The Pastor Center proudly launches its fellowship program this academic year. Through this immersive fellowship, participants will cultivate new leadership skills while strengthening existing competencies in communication, public relations, community organizing, outreach and strategic campaign planning. Grounded in the enduring legacy of Congressman Ed Pastor, Arizona's political history and the work of other influential changemakers, the program prepares students to become thoughtful, engaged leaders dedicated to serving their communities.
Serena Valenzuela Music learning and teaching, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
Samuel Loya Political science, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Hannah Habito Community advocacy and social policy, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Chloe Erin Community advocacy and social policy, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Erick Li Finance, W.P. Carey School of Business
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Spirit of Service Scholars The Spirit of Service Scholars program recognizes exceptional students from diverse academic disciplines who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, leadership and advocacy. These scholars actively foster awareness, civic engagement and meaningful dialogue on a broad range of community issues and public policy challenges, while inspiring positive change through service and leadership.
Mekonnen Anebo International business, Thunderbird School of Global Management
Ronak Bhatia Mechanical engineering, Barrett Honors College, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Bradley James Honer Public service and public policy (law and policy), Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Shanali Raya Islam Computer science, Barrett Honors College, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Malaysiah John American Indian studies, Barrett Honors College, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Mara Haazbaa Kahn Public service and public policy (health policy), Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Ria Moharil Neuroscience, Barrett Honors College, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Alain Monroy Clinical social work, adult behavioral health, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Maleah Calise Traynor Criminology and criminal justice, Barrett Honors College, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Monica Elpidia Weglinski Social work, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
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Thank you to our generous event sponsors! Platinum Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Phoenix IDA
Gold Greater Phoenix Leadership Salt River Project UFCW Local 99
Silver Phoenix Children’s Hospital Regional Center of Border Health, Inc. Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family APS Energy Services Phoenix Sky Harbor Chicanos Por La Causa
Bronze Valley Metro Valleywise Health Molera Alvarez Policy Development Group Timothy A. La Sota
ASU Partners ASU Barrett Honors College, ASU College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, ASU Cronkite School of Journalism, ASU Edson College of Nursing, ASU EOSS, ASU Health, ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, ASU Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, ASU New College, ASU President’s Office, ASU Principled Innovation, ASU School of Public Affairs, ASU W. P. Carey School of Business, ASU Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
HONORING A LEGACY OF
LEADERSHIP
We proudly congratulate
CEO Juan Salgado on receiving the Public Servant Leadership Award from the
Juan carries forward Congressman Ed Pastor’s legacy of public service, inclusion and commitment to community through his leadership and dedication to expanding opportunity for all.
Investing in Opportunity. Strengthening Community.
PHOENIXIDA.COM
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Best public affairs graduate program in the nation
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Come check out our upcoming events! Let’s Talk Voting! This event explores the history of youth voting rights and the impact of the 26th Amendment on young Americans. It also focuses on civic participation, voter engagement and ways students can get involved in their communities. Tuesday, Sept. 29 | 3 to 6 p.m. Memorial Union 301 E. Orange St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Voting Rights Lunchtime Discussion This lunchtime discussion explores the 26th Amendment and the history of youth voting rights in Arizona, featuring constitutional scholars, faculty and student leaders. It also examines the legal and civic dimensions of voting and youth participation. Wednesday, Sept. 30 | Noon to 1:30 p.m. ASU Sandra Day O’Connor of Law 111 E. Taylor St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Trust in Democracy — Does My Vote Matter? From voter registration to the ballot box to the courts, Arizona has been at the center of America's democracy debate. This Plática Series event cuts through the noise to explain: How do elections actually work? Tuesday, Oct. 4 | 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. ASU Community Collaborative at Westward Ho - Concho Room 618 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
How to Disagree – Without Losing Each Other
We’re living in an era of epic disagreement—online and off. But most of us were never taught how to do it well. This Plática Series event explores why we’re so divided and offers a practical toolkit for listening when it’s hard, staying in conversation when you want to walk away and building the muscle of civil disagreement. Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. ASU Community Collaborative at Westward Ho - Concho Room 618 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Who Gets to Live Here? Cost of Living – Housing, Tranportation & the Future of Our Communites Arizona is growing fast — but not everyone is growing with it. Rents are rising, commutes are longer and neighborhoods are changing. We’ll hear from researchers, advocates and people experiencing these realities firsthand — then ask: what can we actually do about it? Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. ASU Community Collaborative at Westward Ho - Concho Room 618 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Accessing Capital for Arizona’s Microentrepreneurs Saturday, Feb. 13 | 9 a.m to 1 p.m. ASU Community Collaborative at Westward Ho - Concho Room 618 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Reclaiming Mental Health & Community in Digital World Saturday, Feb. 27 | 9 a.m to 1 p.m. ASU Community Collaborative at Westward Ho - Concho Room 618 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Solving Healthcare Affordability Saturday, Mar. 20 | 9 a.m to 1 p.m. ASU Community Collaborative at Westward Ho - Concho Room 618 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Solving Fraudulent Sobriety Programs Targeting Native American & Tribal Communities Saturday, April 03 | 9 a.m to 1 p.m. ASU Community Collaborative at Westward Ho - Concho Room 618 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
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To encourage student political and civic engagement, support the Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service today. Matt Ingram Director of development Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions matthew.ingram@asufoundation.org
Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service pastorcenter@asu.edu
University Center 411 N. Central Ave., Suite 750 Phoenix, AZ 85004-2163 Follow us on social media: Pastor Center for Politics and Pubic Service Pastor Center for Politics and Pubic Service @pastorcenter