Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service

🌟 Arizona’s Political Legacy Project Spotlight 🌟

Teofilo “Tio” Archuleta Tachias was a trailblazing Arizona leader whose decades of public service transformed northern Arizona politics and inspired generations of Latino leaders. From grassroots organizing to county leadership, Tio dedicated his life to civic engagement, voting rights, and uplifting underserved communities.

🌟 Arizona’s Political Legacy Project Spotlight 🌟

Juan Antonio “Tony” Tercero lived a life defined by courage, resilience, and service. From his heroism as a Vietnam veteran to his dedication to uplifting Latino youth and the South Phoenix community, his legacy continues to inspire generations across Arizona.

🌟 Arizona’s Political Legacy Project Spotlight 🌟

As not only the anniversary of Pastor’s birthday comes up on the 28th, but the one year since the grand opening of the South Phoenix light-rail extension on the 7th, we’d like to honor him as this week’s leader.

From the copper mining town of Claypool to the halls of Congress, Ed Pastor dedicated his life to expanding opportunity, fighting for working families, and building a stronger Arizona. His legacy lives on through the communities, institutions, and landmarks that bear his name.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Pastor wrapping on the light rail, we’d like to thank for honoring him and his work in public transportation!

Although the wrapping will change, you can still see all the special namesake landmarks in honor of Ed pastor! Check out the map we’ve made with all the locations in our bio, or find it now under the “About Us” tab on our website!

🌟 Arizona’s Political Legacy Project Spotlight 🌟

Dr. Christine Marin has dedicated her life to preserving and elevating the stories of Arizona’s Latino communities through history, education, and archival work. As the founder of ASU’s Chicano/a Research Collection, her legacy continues to inspire future generations to honor and protect their cultural history.

We’d like to thank Dr. Marin for all her work preserving Ed Pastor’s history!

🌟 Arizona’s Political Legacy Project Spotlight 🌟

Through decades of public service, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, Sandy Ferniza has helped strengthen Arizona’s educational, civic, and Hispanic business communities while creating spaces for collaboration and opportunity across the state.

🌟 Arizona’s Political Legacy Project Spotlight 🌟

Raúl Grijalva devoted his life to giving voice to the underrepresented and protecting the land and people of Southern Arizona. From community organizer to congressional leader, his legacy is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice.

🌟 Arizona’s Political Legacy Project Spotlight 🌟

Pete C. Garcia dedicated his life to uplifting Arizona’s Latino community through education, advocacy, and opportunity. As the longtime leader of Chicanos Por La Causa and founder of the Victoria Foundation, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of students, leaders, and changemakers across Arizona.

🌟 Arizona’s Political Legacy Project Spotlight 🌟

From the Yaqui community of Guadalupe to the Arizona Legislature, Sally Ann Gonzales has spent decades advocating for education, healthcare, affordable housing, and the rights of Indigenous and Hispanic communities across Arizona.

Last Friday, Yvonne Pastor, daughter of late congressman Ed Pastor, and Monserrat Arredondo Duran, Executive Director at the Pastor Center, gave the Spring 2026 Outstanding Graduate Award to Alejandra Ruelas!

Congratulations to this semester’s award recipient. Stay tuned to learn more about Alejandra! 🎉👏

Time is running out! At the end of the month, the Ed Pastor P***c Servant Leadership Award and Public Service Organization Award will be chosen from your nominations!!

Be a part of the decision to choose this year’s winners. To nominate, go to our Linktree in our bio!