I have been fortunate to be acknowledged and awarded for my work and charitable assistance to others while living in my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, which boasts a population of 1.5 million residents. I am very proud of and humbled by the recognition. Below are mentions of some honors I’ve received.

Recognition by ION Arizona Magazine

During April, which is Pride month in Phoenix, local publication ION Arizona Magazine publishes their “Prismatic Pride” issue, featuring Phoenix residents who’ve made an impact on the community. I’ve had the opportunity to be showcased twice.

Most recently in 2014 alongside my awesome sisters for volunteerism:
“Sisters Helena, Jen and Connie Grayson are constants in the community–volunteering, organizing and dedicating their time to worthy organizations and events. These fabulous friends of the community have a vibrant and energetic presence and are true heroes in the hearts of everybody who knows them (and even those who don’t, but should!)”

And in 2010 for fundraising initiatives with my friend and business associate Gary:
“Whenever there’s fun, you’ll usually find SWAY Events playing ring-leader. In the middle of the hubbub you’ll find Head Honcho Gary and his Artistic Director, Helena. Benefits, contests, pageants, openings, and parties deluxe are just their cup of tea.”

Recognition by Echo Magazine

In 2011, I was recognized by Echo Magazine in their Readers’ Choice Awards, where readers vote for their favorite people, places, and things. I was the inaugural recipient of their “Heroic Service by an Ally” Award.

In 2010, I was one of ten inductees into Echo Magazine‘s LGBT Hall Of Fame, members of which “have made contributions that touch on community life ranging from philanthropy and activism to health, politics, and some of the best parties in town.” Along with this distinction, I received a lengthy write up.

In 2009, I was acknowledged as one of the “Hot 30 Under 30” listing in Echo Magazine. The criteria for featured people are, “Members of our community under 30 years of age can be found fundraising and volunteering for causes about which they are passionate, becoming young entrepreneurs, or being stellar role models as out and proud artists, entertainers, writers and dedicated students on the path of academic excellence. Echo Magazine has selected the brightest stars on the horizon of our LGBT community. Not ranked by importance, the individuals recognized here are dedicated to equality, working selflessly for our cause.”

I am so grateful to have been recognized for various things I’ve done in Phoenix and hope to do more good in the world on this side of the Atlantic as well.