Greater Phoenix Urban League

08/18/2026

From Phoenix to Nashville — and they came home CHAMPIONS! 🏆

This summer, GPUL youth traveled more than 1,600 miles from Phoenix to Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit — a week filled with leadership development, new experiences, competition and college exposure.

And our youth showed up ready!

🏆 Kayla won 1st Place in the Perfect Pitch Contest and brought home a $3,000 prize!

🏆 Aaron and his team won 1st Place in the Entrepreneurship Hackathon, competing against approximately 50+ teams!

But the experience was about more than winning.

For an entire week, our youth had the opportunity to experience college life firsthand while living in the dorms on the campus of Tennessee State University. They traveled away from home, connected with young leaders from across the country, developed new skills and challenged themselves in new environments.

The impact by the numbers:

1,600+ miles traveled
1 week experiencing college life
50+ teams in the Entrepreneurship Hackathon
2 first-place wins
$3,000 earned in the Perfect Pitch Contest

And none of this happened overnight.

Our amazing GPUL Youth Services staff have been mentoring, coaching, encouraging and preparing our youth for moments like these. Their investment happens long before the competition begins — helping our young people build the confidence and skills to step into new spaces ready to compete and succeed.

To our staff: THANK YOU. These wins are a reflection of the work you pour into our young people throughout the year.

And to Kayla and Aaron — congratulations! You represented GPUL and Phoenix exceptionally well, and we couldn't be prouder.

Phoenix → Nashville → Tennessee State University → TWO 1st Place Wins. 🏆🏆

This is what happens when young people are given opportunities, preparation and people who believe in them.

08/09/2026

07/31/2026

Save the Date!
📅 November 20, 2026
📍 The Camby Hotel

Join us for the 62nd Annual Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Dinner, a signature gathering of leaders, changemakers, and philanthropists committed to advancing opportunity in our community.

Your presence is more than attendance; it’s an investment in workforce development, youth leadership, and economic empowerment across Phoenix.

07/31/2026

Tune in!

05/15/2026

This , let’s prioritize what powers us - OUR MINDS.

When we protect our peace, lean on our circle, and prioritize our well-being, we become better equipped to lead, serve, and create change in our community.

Now more than ever, our mental health deserves intentional protection and care as we navigate both challenging and uncertain times. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Join the movement, and let’s thrive from within together 🖤❤️

05/15/2026

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and City Council have selected Wilbur N. Hudson III to serve as the next Chief Presiding Judge of the Phoenix Municipal Court...

05/14/2026

04/28/2026

We share in the heartfelt loss of Dr. Gene C. Blue, a cherished friend of the Greater Phoenix Urban League and a visionary leader whose life's work touched and improved so many in our community.

As President and CEO of the Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center (AZ OIC), Dr. Blue devoted decades to opening doors for individuals and families, guiding with kindness, heartfelt purpose, and a steadfast belief in opportunity for all.

His dedication extended beyond AZOIC as he gave his time and heart to the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, uplifting service, unity, and justice.

During this difficult time, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, loved ones, and all whose lives he so kindly touched.

04/16/2026

Save the Date! Phoenix’s most impactful night of the year is back.

The Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Dinner brings together the region’s top executives, philanthropists, and community leaders, all committed to one mission: creating opportunity and changing lives.

When you support this event, you’re not just attending a dinner. You’re helping young people access careers, families build stability, and communities thrive.

💡 Be part of the impact.
📅 November 20, 2026 | The Camby Hotel