Honoring Women Leading Change: NAACP Maricopa County Branch Women’s Luncheon & Expo

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, we had the privilege of attending and participating in the NAACP Maricopa County Branch Annual Women’s Luncheon & Expo—a celebration of vision, advocacy, and service. Guided by this year’s theme, “Recognizing and Affirming the Power of Women,” the program spotlighted leaders whose daily work advances education, civic engagement, social justice, corporate citizenship, and community storytelling. Kudos to NAACP Maricopa County Branch President, Dr. Karen Hardin, for a beautifully executed event.

Here are the 2025 honorees and the impact they’re making:

Dr. Cassandra Aska, Ed.D. — Education Leadership

A transformational student‑success executive, Dr. Cassandra Aska serves as a deputy vice president for student services at Arizona State University. Over more than two decades in higher education, she has shaped inclusive campus cultures, mentored emerging leaders, and co‑created student‑life experiences that elevate belonging and achievement. Her portfolio spans student engagement, housing, community partnerships, and inclusion initiatives—making educational pathways more accessible and supportive for all learners.

Naquana Borrero, CFRE — Civic Engagement & Philanthropy

Naquana Borrero is a nonprofit executive and fundraising strategist known for mobilizing resources for democracy, housing stability, and the arts. As the founder of a consulting firm and a senior leader in Phoenix’s cultural sector, she pairs community voice with sustainable funding models. Her coalition‑building bridges grassroots organizers, institutions, and donors to expand access and amplify impact.

Debbie Esparza — Social Justice & Women’s Empowerment

A lifelong champion for equity, Debbie Esparza has led organizations dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. Drawing on experience in banking, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership, she centers communities that have been systemically excluded. Her advocacy powers programs that develop women and girls, advance racial justice, and strengthen Arizona’s civic and economic fabric.

Susan Casper — Community Storytelling & Media Leadership

An award‑winning journalist and community anchor, Susan Casper uses storytelling to illuminate the people and organizations moving Arizona forward. Through features on local initiatives—from youth development and veteran services to health and housing—she connects audiences with solutions and the leaders behind them. Her work underscores the essential role of trusted media in informing, inspiring, and mobilizing communities.

Patricia (Patti) Schoenhardt — Corporate Citizenship & Community Partnerships

Rooted in corporate social responsibility, Patricia “Patti” Schoenhardt builds durable partnerships between companies and nonprofits. Her leadership in grantmaking, volunteer engagement, and board service directs resources to frontline organizations addressing housing, health, and economic mobility. Listening first and aligning business assets with community priorities, she models how corporate citizenship can drive measurable change.

A Community Standard of Excellence

Each honoree reflects sustained, values‑driven leadership—vision paired with action, and service grounded in love for community. Congratulations to the 2025 Women’s Luncheon & Expo awardees; your example raises the bar for all of us.