Community Celebration 2025

The Bold Aspirations BLOOM Award celebrates those whose ambitious goals, innovative actions, and steadfast commitment have made a meaningful impact in fostering a thriving Southern Arizona. Recipients exemplify CFSA’s value of Community by embracing bold aspirations that challenge boundaries, inspire growth, and drive extraordinary outcomes.

The Tucson Welcome Home Program is a pioneering collaboration established by six Tucson-based credit unions – Pima Federal Credit Union, Tucson Federal Credit Union, Vantage West Credit Union, Hughes Federal Credit Union, Pyramid Federal Credit Union, and Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union – united in tackling the region’s workforce housing crisis. By providing 100% financing and eliminating common homeownership barriers, this program is helping families transition from renting to owning, strengthening financial stability and community prosperity. Community Foundation for Southern Arizona recognizes Tucson Credit Unions for their innovative Tucson Welcome Home Program, awarding them the 2025 Bold Aspirations BLOOM Award for addressing one of the region’s most critical issues.

“Receiving the BLOOM Award is a powerful recognition of the impact that credit unions can have when they come together to address critical community needs,” said Nayab Abbasi, spokesperson for GoWest Foundation, which organized the Tucson Credit Unions. “This honor reaffirms Tucson Credit Unions’ commitment to financial inclusion and innovation in workforce housing solutions, showcasing how mission-driven financial institutions can create lasting change.”

The Impactful Philanthropy BLOOM Award honors an individual or group whose philanthropic efforts exemplify CFSA’s values of Generosity and Trust, creating lasting positive change in Southern Arizona.

This year’s Impactful Philanthropy BLOOM Award goes to Diana Charbonneau, a native Tucsonan and Corporate Learning Facilitator at Tucson Electric Power. Charbonneau has volunteered with over 25 local nonprofits and serves on the board of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Tucson and the leadership team for 100+ Women Who Care Tucson. A dedicated mother, she emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and community engagement.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this BLOOM Award. As a local Tucsonan, this community is extremely important to me and I have supported in as many ways possible over the years with much to come. I’m grateful for the mentors that I have had who have led me on this journey of paying it forward,” said Charbonneau.

The Vital Nonprofit BLOOM Award recognizes a Southern Arizona nonprofit that has contributed exceptionally to creating a vibrant and equitable community, exemplifying CFSA’s values of Savvy and Adaptability.

This year’s Vital Nonprofit BLOOM Award goes to Youth On Their Own (YOTO), which has supported youth experiencing homelessness in Pima County since 1986. With around 1,600 youth enrolling in the program each year and a 93% senior graduation rate, YOTO plays a key role in helping youth build brighter futures.

“Being selected as the 2025 Vital Nonprofit BLOOM Award winner is an incredible honor for everyone at YOTO,” said Elizabeth Slater, CEO of Youth On Their Own. “We’re so grateful to our team and our community for recognizing the important work we do to serve youth experiencing homelessness here in Pima County.”

CFSA congratulates James McCarthy, recipient of the Igor Gorin Memorial Award, which is given annually at our Community Celebration to aspiring opera vocalists starting their careers. It provides unrestricted funds to help with coaching, travel, auditions, and living expenses, honoring Igor Gorin’s legacy.

“I’m able to continue to grow as an emerging artist by receiving this award! I can now afford opportunities such as lessons and coaching, musical equipment, travel costs for auditions, and living costs that I previously could not! I am eternally grateful to receive this award and thank you to everyone who has maintained this fund!” -James McCarthy