Gov. Lewis Received a Prestigious Public Leadership Award at CAA
November 07, 2025
Jeston Morris
Community Newsperson
PHOENIX, Ariz. -— Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis accepted the Jacque Steiner Public Leadership Award at the Children’s Action Alliance (CAA): Champions for Children Awards ceremony on October 9.
The CAA has been around for more than three decades. They are an independent voice for Arizona children at the state capitol and in the communities, as cited on CAA’s website. They work with policymakers at the local community, state, federal, and tribal levels to advocate for policies that promote the well-being of children and families.
The CAA is centered around key areas such as well-being, health and nutrition, education, early childhood, and economic security. Their program includes Kids Count, Opportunity Passport, and Community Coalitions.
January Contreras, executive director of CAA, gave welcome remarks. David Higuera, CAA board chair, gave the awards to the recipients. Tom McNamara, host at Arizona Illustrated, emceed the event. Tolleson Elementary Mariachi provided live entertainment
“The Children’s Action Alliance is about other people. It’s not about us. That is the way we intend it to be. We are amplifying other voices. We are strengthening people to speak up for themselves,” said Contreras.
“Most importantly, deep empathy for this kind of work every single day is important. CAA is in the business of changing hearts and minds. Uplifting marginalized voices across Arizona. And making sure our state lives up to its obligation to all of our children, young people, and to all of our families. CAA staff, your work is amazing,” said Higuera. Honorable Mary Rose Wilcox was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I am honored to receive this lifetime achievement award. Now more than ever, we need to support our children and our families. All of you are in the trenches now. We need to have our voices heard. It would be a shame if the Head Start program and similar programs came to an end. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, ‘We cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can always build our youth for the future.’ Again, thank you for awarding me this honor,” said Wilcox. Champions for Children Awards:
Outstanding leaders who received awards include Victor Gray, executive director for Grey Nickle; Claire Louge, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona; Jessica Rivera-Garcia, executive director for the Arizona Head Start Association; and Eric Schindler, president and CEO of Child and Family Resources.
CAA honored the memory of Suzanne Pfister, who was the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s visionary president and CEO.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ms. Pfister. During her tenure at Vitalyst Health Foundation, she devoted her life to improving the lives of others and building a stronger, healthier Arizona.
The Children’s Action Alliance honors her memory and the lasting impact of her work,” said Contreras.
CAA’s final award for the Jack Steiner Public Leadership Award was awarded to Governor Stephen Roe Lewis from the Gila River Indian Community. He was recognized as a true public servant, a fierce advocate for Indigenous youth leadership, and a staunch advocate for the protection of children.
Gov. Lewis helped to lead advocacy for the passage of Emily’s Law to protect children through the Turquoise Alert system.
He’s a former board member of the Children’s Action
Alliance board of directors. He is a visionary leader whose commitment continues to strengthen the GRIC community and inspire others across Arizona and beyond.
Gov. Lewis gave an award acceptance speech. He started by saying, “They always say, don’t give an open mic to a tribal leader. I’ll keep my remark short. I would like to recognize my support group, especially my mother, Willardene Lewis. She retired 15 years ago as a children’s court judge. She was a tireless advocate for the protection of the Indian Child Welfare Act and worked with the Native American Rights Fund.”
Gov. Lewis acknowledged and recognized his uncle John Lewis, who works at ITCA, and Robert Lewis, who was a social worker. His father, Rodney Lewis, was the first Native American to pass the Arizona bar and successfully argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1982.
“For all that I recognized and acknowledged, I have large shoes to fill. They impress upon me how important it is to be an advocate every day, to fight in the trenches. It’s so important, especially right now with the federal shutdown. It is so important that we recommit ourselves to the mission of the Children’s Action Alliance, which is putting our children and families first. I’m truly honored to be here and accept this award,” said Gov. Lewis.
“Gov. Lewis is a tireless advocate for children and families not only in Arizona but across the country. He has done a lot for Native tribes in Arizona and across Indian Country. He is a champion for children and families. Not only that, but he is a staunch advocate for Native Americans at the national level in Washington, D.C.,” said Thomas Cody, board member for CAA.