Kathy Tilque receives Tracey Washington Spirit Award

Kathy Tilque has been selected to receive the 2025 Tracey Washington Spirit Award from AZCEND in honor of her service to the community.

Tracey Washington served as the Food Bank Manager at AZCEND for 14 years changing the lives of many in our community. Tracey respected people, understood people and was committed to serving people. The significant impact he made on everyone he knew inspired his colleagues at AZCEND to create the Tracey Washington Spirit Award in his memory.

Recipients of the award embody the core values at AZCEND: integrity, compassion, hope, excellence and respect. Nominees were evaluated by their impact in the community, dedication of time and energy and a level of volunteerism along with their ability to serve as a role model, demonstrate the core values of AZCEND and honor others with dignity and respect.

Past recipients include Frank Narducci, Ernie Serrano, Mayor Kevin Hartke, the Chandler Compadres and Nancy Marion.

Kathy Tilque served as President/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce from 1996 to 2020, capping a 32-year career in the industry. Following her retirement, she was elected to the Gilbert Town Council in 2020, serving as Vice Mayor in 2023 before retiring in 2025 to lead the Gilbert Advocacy Center Foundation, which supports victims of violent crimes.

While on Council, Kathy spearheaded the creation of the Community Engagement Task Force to address social issues including domestic violence, mental health, homelessness, suicide prevention, and teen violence. She also led initiatives to improve community communications, meeting protocols, and ethics policies.

Kathy is a founding member of the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance advocating for business at the State and Federal levels since 1998 and Positive Paths, which supports women in transition through education and mentoring. She helped establish Gilbert Sister Cities and has served on numerous local and regional boards.

She holds the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation and is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s IOM program. Her honors include the Phoenix Business Journal’s “Most Admired Leader” (2017) and Positive Paths’ “East Valley Woman of the Year” (2019).

Spirit of AZCEND Gala

The award will be presented to Ms. Tilque during the 9th Annual Spirit of AZCEND Gala on Friday, October 10 at the Marriott, 1600 S. Price Road in Chandler.

Festivities will include dinner, casino games and a dynamic program. “Attendees will be inspired by the lives that have been changed through the powerful intervention of food, safe shelter and intensive one-on-one coaching,” stated Shelley Nelson, Director of Philanthropy at AZCEND.

About AZCEND

The mission of AZCEND is to “nourish minds and bodies so that neighbors in need experience a brighter future.” The organization provided more than one million meals last year so that no one in their community goes hungry. The organization strives to relieve suffering while helping those in need improve their quality of life.

“Beyond food, we help people discover what is possible so that they experience a brighter future than they may have imagined,” added CEO Trinity Donovan. The food bank is often times a gateway to additional services at AZCEND.

While food boxes, home-delivered meals and lunch are provided every weekday, AZCEND also offers a lifeline of essential programs and services. Safe, emergency lodging giving those experiencing homelessness the stability they need to get back on their feet. Assistance with rent and utilities keeps families together in their homes. AZCEND’s early childhood literacy programs help little ones succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Parenting classes equip adults to support their children. Activities for seniors combat loneliness and isolation.

AZCEND has been providing help and hope to neighbors in need since 1966. This powerful intervention of food and shelter along with learning, growth and development is helping end the cycle of poverty. Learn more about AZCEND