CommunityAwards
Chandler's Most Dazzling Night · 2026
â—† View Event Photos â—†Where Chandler's Brightest Shine
Each year, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce gathers to honor the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make our community extraordinary. Tonight, we celebrate the leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and public servants who embody the very best of Chandler.
Champions of Education
For the past eight years, Amber Rogers has played an essential role in supporting Chandler Unified School District through her work as Catering Sales Manager. From coordinating district events to serving external community clients, Amber consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every detail is handled with professionalism, care, and positivity. Her dedication, teamwork, and willingness to help wherever needed have made her an invaluable part of the CUSD community.
Known throughout the Conley Elementary community as "Coach P" or "Pags," Jaime Pagliarulo brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does as a Physical Education teacher. Beyond teaching physical skills, she helps students build confidence, leadership, resilience, and teamwork through hands-on learning and innovative programs like Selective Electives and her creative "Pusic" classes. Her message to "live each day with an attitude of gratitude" continues to inspire students, families, and fellow educators alike.
With more than 40 years in education, Dr. Joe Walters has dedicated his career to creating a positive and supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. As principal of Hancock Elementary, he launched student clubs and leadership opportunities designed to give children safe spaces to learn, grow, and belong. Through his leadership and passion for student success, Hancock Elementary earned a prestigious A+ rating while building a culture embraced by students, teachers, and families alike.
As Assistant Head of School at BASIS Chandler, Kaylee Gengler is known for her hands-on leadership style and unwavering dedication to students, teachers, and families. Despite overseeing a campus of nearly 1,200 students, she makes it a priority to know students by name while always being the first to step in wherever support is needed. Her servant leadership, teamwork, and commitment to education have made a lasting impact throughout the BASIS Chandler community.
Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders
Chandler Chamber Community Foundation Scholarships
The Chandler Chamber Community Foundation is committed to investing in the future of Chandler by helping students pursue higher education and career opportunities. Through scholarships sponsored by Air Products, the Foundation provides financial support to students attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College, helping remove barriers and open doors to future success. By championing education, workforce development, and student achievement, the Foundation continues to make a lasting impact on the next generation of community leaders.
A recent Basha High School graduate and accomplished band leader, Peyton Schonscheck is heading to Chandler-Gilbert Community College this fall with a clear vision for the future. Driven by a passion for music education and entrepreneurship, Peyton aspires to open a music business providing lessons, supplies, and instruments to students — building the kind of creative opportunity in Chandler that inspires the next generation of musicians.
A five-year Chandler resident, devoted wife and mother, and nonprofit leader with the BISTA organization, Emily Nuno brings a spirit of service and determination to everything she does. Now pursuing a small business management program at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Emily is channeling her community experience and leadership into building a future that will create opportunity for her family and others like her throughout the East Valley.
A business analyst at Barrett Financial and proud husband and father of two daughters, Johnathan Sanchez-Ortiz is pursuing a finance degree at Chandler-Gilbert Community College with a purpose that goes beyond personal advancement. Committed to financial literacy and economic empowerment, Johnathan aims to use his education to advise and advocate for low-income communities — ensuring that access to financial guidance is not a privilege, but a right.
The Highest Honors
Ambassador of the Year
For nearly 23 years, Harvey Gibson has been a dedicated and familiar face within the Chandler Chamber community, serving as Business Development Officer at Landings Credit Union while continuously supporting local businesses and Chamber members. Whether welcoming guests at events, mentoring new members, or stepping in wherever help is needed, Harvey's positive attitude and commitment have made a lasting impact throughout Chandler. His consistency, leadership, and passion for connecting people make him a true example of what it means to be a Chamber Ambassador.
James R. Snedigar Public Service Award
Chief Thomas Dwiggins has faithfully served the Chandler Fire Department since 1998, rising from firefighter and paramedic to become the city's fifth Fire Chief in 2016. A veteran of the United States Air Force and a certified Chief Fire Officer, Chief Dwiggins has built a career centered on leadership, service, and public safety excellence. His dedication to protecting the Chandler community and mentoring the next generation of first responders exemplifies the spirit of this award.
Standing Ovation Award
For 40 years, the Chandler Education Foundation has worked to ensure students across Chandler have access to opportunities that inspire growth, success, and hope for the future. Through scholarships, STEM programs, community partnerships, and initiatives supporting student wellness and mental health, the organization continues to create meaningful impact for thousands of students and families. Guided by its "better together" philosophy, the Chandler Education Foundation exemplifies the power of collaboration and community investment.
Chamber Cup
Founded by Robert Sinkule and his wife Kary in 2018, Yoga's Arc was built on the belief that wellness should be accessible to everyone, anywhere, at any time. What started as a passion for fitness and community has grown into a mobile-based yoga company with more than 30 instructors serving organizations across the Valley, including recovery centers, behavioral health facilities, and survivor support programs. Through its commitment to service, community engagement, and Chamber involvement, Yoga's Arc exemplifies the spirit of the Chamber Cup.
Community Cup
For 27 years, Michelle Mac Lennan has helped transform the Chandler Center for the Arts into a vibrant cultural cornerstone for the community through her leadership, creativity, and commitment to accessibility. Under her direction, the Center expanded its reach through nationally recognized performances, educational initiatives, artist residency programs, and free community events while growing organizational assets from $2.3 million to more than $10 million. As she retires in 2026, Michelle leaves behind a lasting legacy that has strengthened Chandler's arts community for generations to come.
Chandler Cup
Chandler-Gilbert Community College continues to position Chandler at the forefront of innovation through its groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning programs. In partnership with Intel, CGCC launched the nation's first Associate in Applied Science degree in AI and later became one of only three community colleges in the country to offer a bachelor's degree focused on the field, attracting more than 1,000 applicants to the program. Through visionary leadership and workforce development, CGCC is helping shape the future of education, technology, and opportunity in Chandler.
Chandler's Finest Businesses
As a senior loan officer at Price Mortgage, Seth Tucker has built his reputation on trust, reliability, and a genuine commitment to helping families achieve homeownership. A Chandler native, Seth not only serves his clients but also invests deeply in the community through leadership roles with the Chandler Chamber, Chandler/Gilbert YMCA, and other local organizations. His passion for strengthening Chandler through both business and service makes Price Mortgage a deserving recipient of this recognition.
Located in the heart of Downtown Chandler, Maple House has become more than a coffee shop — it is a gathering place where connections are built and community comes together. Housed inside a restored 1940s home, the locally owned concept combines globally sourced coffee, cocktails, beer, and wine with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like family. Through its commitment to hospitality, local culture, and community engagement, Maple House has become a staple of the downtown Chandler experience.
VB Cosmetics continues to make a global impact from Chandler through innovation, science, and entrepreneurship as the creator of the award-winning Dazzle Dry nail system. Founded by scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Vivian Valenty, the company has revolutionized the nail and spa industry with healthier, quick-dry technology that earned recognition from Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies of 2026. With national recognition and a growing influence in the beauty industry, VB Cosmetics exemplifies excellence in innovation and business leadership.
KAEKO has built its reputation on creativity, collaboration, and delivering world-class engineering and design solutions for clients across the globe. Recognized as a Chandler 100 company since 2022 and ranked among Arizona's top engineering firms, KAEKO continues to lead through innovation in civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering. Their commitment to quality, problem-solving, and community involvement reflects the very best of Chandler's business community.
Our Generous Sponsors
Congratulations toAll Our Honorees
Thank you to our sponsors, presenters, and everyone who makes the Chandler Chamber Community Awards possible year after year. Tonight belongs to Chandler.