Daniel Trujillo Upstart Change-Maker Award
The Daniel Trujillo Upstart Change-Maker Award is dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary impact that young people can have on their communities. Named after Daniel Trujillo, a passionate 17-year-old advocate from Tucson, Arizona, this award celebrates youth who are courageously stepping up to make a difference. Daniel, who has been fighting for the rights of trans kids since the age of 9, knows firsthand the importance of using his voice to highlight that trans kids are not just a political debate but whole human beings deserving of love, respect, and acceptance. His recent work organizing the national TransProm event in Washington, DC, exemplifies his commitment to his community and the power of youth activism.
Award Recipients
The first Daniel Trujillo Upstart Change-Maker Award was awarded to Mya Figueroa, a 15-year-old with a passion for performing arts and a strong commitment to advocating for transgender rights. Mya is a singer, dancer, and actress who loves all things theater and musicals. Her advocacy work began when she realized the power of educating others about transgender issues, particularly when she spoke to an Arizona Senator about the harmful effects of legislation targeting trans youth and was instrumental in the failure of this hateful legislation. Mya’s courage and dedication have been recognized in several publications, including Mission Magazine and Vogue, where she has used her platform to raise awareness and promote understanding.
Mya’s hope is that one day transgender individuals will be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, and she believes that this can be achieved through education and visibility. Her efforts to make a difference, whether through her activism or her artistry, make her an inspiring role model and a deserving recipient of the Daniel Trujillo Upstart Change-Maker Award.
Sylvia Mulka Legacy Change-Maker Award
The Sylvia Mulka Legacy Change-Maker Award honors the memory of a remarkable individual whose life was dedicated to education, community service, and advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community. Sylvia was a tireless champion for LGBTQ+ rights and a significant contributor to various organizations across Southern Arizona. Sylvia was generous with her time and resources to support the Alliance Fund and, in doing so, has made an indelible impact on the fund. Her legacy of leadership, generosity, and activism continues to inspire others, making this award a fitting tribute to those who embody the same spirit of dedication to social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
Award Recipients
The inaugural Sylvia Mulka Legacy Change-Maker Award is being presented to Dr. Russ Toomey, a distinguished professor at the University of Arizona. Dr. Toomey is recognized for their groundbreaking research on the resilience of sexual and gender minority youth, as well as his unwavering commitment to advocating for transgender rights. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the system-level policies needed to support their well-being.
Dr. Toomey’s advocacy extends beyond academia, as evidenced by their role as the lead plaintiff in a landmark class action lawsuit against the State of Arizona. The lawsuit challenges the state’s exclusion of medically necessary, gender-confirming healthcare for transgender employees, a case that underscores Dr. Toomey’s personal sacrifice and dedication to achieving justice. Their courageous efforts to fight for equal healthcare access exemplify the values of the Sylvia Mulka Legacy Change-Maker Award, making him a deserving recipient of this honor.
Doug Noffsinger Solidarity Award
Doug Noffsinger, an Emeritus Board Member and former Board Chair, was a distinguished audiologist, passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, enthusiastic bird watcher, and world traveler. After retiring, Doug and his partner Roger moved to Tucson, where he became a dedicated supporter of the Alliance Fund and a tireless champion for gay rights. Doug’s vision and generosity were instrumental in expanding the Alliance Fund’s impact, including being one of three major donors to fund a paid staff position to enhance its work in Southern Arizona.
In his honor, the Doug Noffsinger Solidarity Award recognizes the allies in our community who uphold and support LGBTQ+ individuals. This award honors Doug’s legacy by honoring contributions to equality and solidarity.
Award Recipients
We’re excited to present the Doug Noffsinger Solidarity Award to Adiba Nelson, a writer from Tucson, Arizona. Adiba is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and the LGBTQ+ community, writing about inclusion and her life as a Black mother and daughter. She authored the memoir Ain’t That A Mother, praised by Essence, Bustle, Ms. Magazine, and Shondaland, and is the subject of the Emmy-winning documentary The Full Nelson. Adiba is also a disability rights activist, literary activist, executive producer, creative consultant, freelance journalist, and semi-retired burlesque performer.
In 2013, she self-published her first children’s book, Meet ClaraBelle Blue, which has sold over 7,000 copies in 20 countries. She gave a TEDx talk in 2017 and has contributed to Arizona Public Media. Her next children’s books, Oshun & Me (coming January 2025) and Hazel’s Best Day! (Summer 2026), continue to explore themes of inclusion and accessibility.
Adiba Nelson exemplifies thoughtful and impactful solidarity. While leading work on disability rights, Adiba opened doors for Tucson’s trans community and other LGBTQ+ groups and actively sought ways to support, elevate, and create needed spaces and opportunities where they previously did not exist. Her dedication serves as a model for us all, demonstrating how to act in the interest of multiple communities.
