Arizona Human Rights Campaign Honors Cynthia Leigh Lewis

The prestigious HRC Arizona 2009 Individual Equality Award was presented to Cynthia Leigh Lewis on Saturday, March 21, at the 5th Annual HRC Arizona Gala Dinner and annual fundraiser held at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale. Ms. Lewis was honored for her exceptional commitment, leadership and initiative in the struggle to correct social injustice in Arizona and bring awareness to the mission of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for fair and equal treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).

Each year HRC Arizona, the local volunteer committee of HRC of the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, recognizes one individual whose passion for equality embodies the memorialized words of Harvey Milk (1930-1978), an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, who said, “All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential”.

“Cynthia Leigh Lewis is our choice as the individual that exhibits extraordinary vision and courage that inspires other to join in confronting and challenging equality,” Linda Elliott, board of directors of the HRC and the co-chair of HRC Public Policy Committee. “She demonstrates the dedication required to encourage and create a profound revolution of equality for all humans in the mission of motivating others to stand up, move forward and change the world. She is an inspiration to us all.”

Cynthia Leigh Lewis, MSW, is a renowned expert in fundraising, advocacy, strategic planning and political consulting. Her outstanding efforts in Arizona are represented by the partnerships created with organizations, her representation of political candidates and her enduring commitment to several statewide initiative campaigns. She provides the structure for others to achieve financial goals, cultivate relationships and create a vision for long-term sustainability.

Photographs of the 5th Annual HRC Arizona Gala award winners, guests and honorees are available at http://phoenix.hrc.org/image/tid/41. Information regarding the dinner is available online at www.hrcazdinner.org.