1. Levy Marie Wallace- Is kind, humble and always the first to help anyone in our community. Never asking for recognition for all she does for not only those around her but strangers in need is what led so many in our amazing community to nominate Levy. She wears many hats but at the heart of all she does is her love and dedication to her community. She is an inspiration to all who know her and even some who have never met her but have felt her impact as she continues to serve our community. Thank you for all you do, it does not go unrecognised or unappreciated.
2. *Karin York- Because of Karin’s hard work, compassion and dedication to our community, Spencer’s Place has become a community staple and a place that feels like family. Karen works tirelessly to run both shops and ensure everything runs smoothly, ensuring equal employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is a force within our community and always offers a warm hug or helping hand to anyone who needs it. It is impossible to visit Spencer’s Place and not leave with a full heart. Karen has built hope, love and inclusion within our Surprise community and The West Valley.
3. Angela Eaton- Angela is not only a local middle school principal, but also a wife, a mother, a mentor, a friend and cancer survivor. She inspires everyone around her daily. She is the warm hug a child needs or the friendly smile she offers each morning as she greets not only all her students but also the parents dropping off their children. She always puts others first and cares for each of her students as if they were her own. She often puts the needs of others before her own, and her compassion and strength are inspiring to all those around her.
4. Jamie Wasdem Ryum- Jaime is nothing short of influential & inspirational. Having raised her family in Surprise for over 25 years, those around her recognize her servant leadership. She is a long time local business owner and leader in our community. Through Mountain View Hospice, she shows care and compassion, bringing comfort to our sick and their families during life's most difficult moments. She also brings joy to our community through her local, water, ice and ice cream shops which have become a place for community gathering. She loves advocating for our local seniors, families and the people who make Surprise so special.
5. Megan Gerber- Megan is a dedicated wife, mother and businesswoman. She is always looking for ways to give back to our community and those in it. Through Gerber Injury Law she and her husband Ken have done gas giveaways, given a car away to someone in need and the list is endless with the compassion she brings to Surprise and the West Valley. Each month, she awards a local teen a scholarship for a free defensive driver course to help them stay safe on the road. Megan does this because she truly loves helping others and gives her whole heart to her community.
6. *LeeAnne Grant- Ms. LeeAnne Grant is one of the sweetest and most caring paraprofessionals at PHMS. She’s always looking out for others and lending a helping hand wherever she’s needed. She is currently battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Thankfully her last treatment was at the end of March. LeeAnne works with high-needs students & continues to love students during AfterSchool Club. She always smiles and provides a friendly radiating love to staff, families, and kids. She is always such a positive role model,always ready to help. Her kind soul radiates to those around her and is reflected even in her children's kindness.
7. Stacey Pinegree- Stacey is a local mom and local business owner who leads her company with heart and compassion. In addition to being the Broker and Owner of Radiant Financial, a local mortgage company here in Surprise, Stacy hosts a wealth-building podcast to help empower others. She is dedicated to helping others reach their goals and dreams. She believes in empowering others and loves sharing her knowledge and success. Stacey is a leader in her company and the community and Surprise is lucky to have such a wonderful leader cheering others toward success.
8. *Lauren Marshall- Ms Arizona Petite Living. with PKU and advocate for her disease- Lauren was born with a rare genetic disorder called PKU that causes her body to not be able to breakdown protein from food. This led her to require a diet of low protein medical food, a medical formula and some fruits and vegetables. The diet is meant to prevent protein from building up in her body. If too much protein builds up, it causes severe and irreversible brain damage. The medical food and formula are the main form of treatment and are currently not required to be covered by insurance. Lauren has spent the majority of her adult life advocating at the state and national level to change legislation to require coverage of PKU treatment. She also volunteers at state and national summer camps hosted by non profits for people with PKU, and hosts fundraisers for those nonprofits to support scholarships for the camps. Lauren is the current Ms. Arizona Petite USA and uses her title to raise additional awareness and showcase that those with PKU can lead normal, productive lives if the disorder is treated properly.
9. Desiree Lenning- Anyone who knows Desiree knows she has the biggest heart! Desiree is an amazing wife and mother here in Surprise. She helps run Lenning & Associates with her husband Nick, assisting many of our local small businesses while also giving back to the community in any way she can. This past year, she worked with other local business owners to purchase toys for children at Christmas and is starting a nonprofit to give and do more year round. Desiree is the first to offer help to anyone in need and always looks for ways to help our community and fulfill the needs of others selflessly.
10. Lisa Rowe- Lisa is a light to all those who know her. She is not only a successful businesswoman; she is a dedicated wife, mother and friend. Lisa has one of the biggest hearts and truly cares for her community beyond measure. Lisa was selected as the Surprise City Lifestyle 2025 Woman of the year and was recognised as a 2025 Phoenix Titan 100 recipient for her business leadership and she has not slowed down since. She dedicates her time to her family, her children, her business and helping our local community. Lisa is passionate about empowering women both personally and professionally. At Shooter’s World they emphasize a non-intimidating, safe, and educational atmosphere for families and new shooters. They empower women through their women's classes. Lisa is an inspiration and continues to influence those around her through her consistency for greatness.
11. Sarah Wellman- Sarah opened Woodlands Elite Cheer Gym with her best friend because the world of cheerleading can be so very toxic. She wanted to create a space where families and children feel supported and loved while also succeeding in the sport they love. She’s the face of change , she treats everyone around her with kindness and so many families have come to her because of this. She stands in the lobby to greet families with a smile and they’ve had over 2000 athletes in their gym in the last two years of being open because of the environment Sarah and her best friend are creating. She holds herself to a high standard of kindness and fairness which has led our families to be help to the same standard. “She’s the mom for our employees and everyone loves her. Her nickname is literally “Mama Sarah”. She’s influential just by the way she holds herself.-Madison Wellman.
12. Dr. Karen Izzi - Karen is revered by the local community for her commitment to local aspiring artists. She is compassionate and heartfelt in everything she does. Karen is a local business owner who owns Concious Creations Art Studio in Surprise. She is always welcoming and supports local artists by offering them free space to showcase and sell their art. Her studio offers classes and events designed to nourish your creative spirit while fostering a sense of well-being and community. Karen is genuine, caring and loves to be a servant leader who helps everyone around her.
13. Lisa Fowler: Friends and peers describe Lisa as extraordinary and remarkable. Lisa is a local mother, wife and realtor. She constantly connects people and helps them feel at home here in Surprise. Even while battling cancer, Lisa continues showing up for others, demonstrating her deep compassion for her community that has not gone unnoticed. As a mom Lisa advocates for education and the arts and serves on the PTA. Lisa's strength, generosity, and dedication are nothing short of inspiring.
14. Katie Nelson- Katie is strong and resilient. She is a cancer survivor after being diagnosed at only 35. With the diagnosis, the possibility for children was uncertain. Katie opted to freeze her eggs before treatment in the hope that someday she could be a mother. After surviving cancer, Katie didn't slow down, she and her best friend launched a successful charcuterie business, KS Charcuterie Chariots. Katie's dream of motherhood is now coming true, and she is expecting her first baby through IVF this year. Katie is an inspiration for all she has overcome and her unwillingness to give up.
15. Tonya Mack- Tonya is a local business owner and Air Force Veteran but where she really shines is just being an amazing human! She is all about promoting, inspiring and supporting women. She always has a positive attitude and high personal standards. Her huge heart sets her apart, she truly is the complete package. She doesn't know strangers, only friends she hasn't met yet and is always first in line to help uplift and inspire those around her. She is humble, kind, and fierce in everything she does. She shows up for other women and becomes their biggest advocate and cheerleader!