Scottsdale Leadership Is Proud to Announce the
2025 Spirit of Community
Awards Recipients
2025
Drinkwater Leadership
Award Winner
Kathy Wills
The 2025 Drinkwater Leadership Award Winner, Kathy Wills, is a Scottsdale native and exemplifies leadership with more than three decades of professional excellence and civic engagement. Kathy epitomizes many of Mayor Drinkwater’s values through her community advocacy and positive impact in Scottsdale. Her extensive volunteer work includes leadership roles with Scottsdale Arts and as Governance Chair of the Coronado Foundation for the Future. A dedicated advocate for financial literacy, she teaches budgeting and financial empowerment workshops through Live and Learn and she mentors Coronado Promise students as a Success Coach. Kathy’s compassion, commitment, and collaborative spirit have inspired countless others, making her a fitting recipient — an honor that celebrates her enduring impact on Scottsdale and its residents.
The Drinkwater Leadership Award is
sponsored by A1 Garage Door Service.
2025
Hodges Alumni Achievement
Award Winner
Denny Brown
The 2025 Hodges Alumni Achievement Award winner is Denny Brown, a community champion who exemplifies the values of Scottsdale Leadership through his unwavering dedication to service, mentorship, and community betterment. Denny has devoted countless hours to supporting local causes and fostering collaboration among civic and nonprofit leaders and is a true humanitarian. His leadership with Scottsdale Community Partners, where he has worked tirelessly to provide essential resources and support to residents in need, demonstrates his deep compassion and commitment to strengthening the Scottsdale community. Known for his integrity, humility, and ability to bring people together, Denny continues to inspire others to lead with purpose and empathy and is a true Servant Leader.
The Hodges Alumni Achievement Award is
sponsored by Prestige Cleaners.
2025
Frances Young Trailblazer
Award Winner
Jackie Parks
Pastor Jackie Parks, the winner of the Frances Young Trailblazer Award is a visionary leader whose compassion and innovation are transforming lives in Scottsdale. As lead pastor of South Scottsdale Presbyterian Church, she founded Community House, a day relief center that serves over 100 individuals experiencing homelessness each week. Through partnerships with the City of Scottsdale and local nonprofits, Jackie has built a network of essential services, offering showers, meals, workforce development, healthcare, and community connection, all grounded in dignity and hope. Her leadership exemplifies thoughtful risk-taking and inclusivity, uniting people from diverse backgrounds to serve others with empathy and purpose. A true trailblazer, Pastor Jackie has redefined how Scottsdale approaches community care, creating a model of compassion and collaboration that restores belonging and uplifts every life it touches.
The Frances Young Trailblazer Award is
sponsored by The Women’s Collective.
2025
Jenkins Youth Leadership
Award Winner
Karina Koppikar
Karina Koppikar, recipient of the 2025 Jenkins Youth Leadership Award, is an inspiring example of compassion, initiative, and leadership in action. A student deeply committed to serving her community, Karina has devoted her time and energy to supporting youth empowerment, education, and mental health advocacy. Through her volunteer work and leadership roles, she has built programs that connect students with mentorship opportunities, promote inclusivity, and foster personal growth among her peers. Karina’s creativity and empathy have allowed her to bridge diverse groups and inspire others to give back. Her vision for a more connected, compassionate community reflects the true spirit of the Jenkins Youth Leadership Award and the mission of Scottsdale Leadership to nurture the next generation of changemakers. The Jenkins Youth Leadership Award is
sponsored by Vitalant.