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21st Annual Business Leaders for Early Education Breakfast Hosted by Women United

February 19th, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00am

Tucson Convention Center

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ABOUT THE BUSINESS BREAKFAST

On February 19th, 2026 we will celebrate our 21st Annual Women United’s Business Breakfast promoting the importance of early childhood education with our business community and also celebrate two Literacy Champions and a Business Champion for Early Education. Women United spearheads this event each year as they utilize their combined financial power and collective talents of local philanthropic women leaders to address early childhood education in our community.

Children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to succeed academically and graduate from high school prepared for the workforce, college, and careers. In Southern Arizona, 6 out of 10 children are not reaching this crucial benchmark.

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TICKETS INCLUDE

Free Breakfast
Networking with Local Business Leaders
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Chad Gestson
Access to the Literacy Award & Business Champion Ceremony
Support our Earliest Learners!

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Literacy Champion Awards

A Literacy Champion is a local hero – a classroom educator who has gone above and beyond to improve early childhood education in our community. Now in its 10th year, the Literacy Champion Awards are presented to three early childhood educators teaching in preschool through 3rd grade. *Nominations closed for the 2026 Business breakfast, stay tuned next year to nominate again!

Learn More about what a Literacy Champion is

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Business Champion Award

This is the third year Women United is presenting the Business Champion Award. The award is presented to a Business Leader from the community who has acted as an individual to advance early childhood education policy in a way that has created a community-wide impact. *Nominations closed for the 2026 Business breakfast, stay tuned next year to nominate again!

ONLINE TICKET AND TABLE SALES ARE NOW CLOSED

For last-minute purchase inquiries, please contact Tina McCloskey at mccloskey@unitedwaytucson.org or Sharly Scannell at sscannell@unitedwaytucson.org to check on availability. Please note that tickets will not be available for purchase the morning of the event.

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Meet Keynote Speaker: Dr. Chad Gestson

Dr. Chad Gestson is a nationally recognized education leader and the founding Executive Director of the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy, where he advances policies that connect educational equity with long-term economic prosperity. A former superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District, he led major innovations including new academies and the groundbreaking “PXU City” model. He now also serves as Special Advisor to the President on K–12 Initiatives at Northern Arizona University and provides leadership coaching and keynote speaking through High Ground Leadership Group. Dr. Gestson brings deep experience at the intersection of education, workforce development, and community impact.

Thanks to our generous 2026 sponsors:

– TITLE SPONSOR –

– LITERACY CHAMPION SPONSOR –

– GOLD SPONSOR –

– SILVER SPONSORS-

– COPPER SPONSORS –

Sara Cohen & Naomi Karp

– CORPORATE CHAMPION –

Congratulations 2026 Literacy Champion Winners

Rebecca Garcia

Manzanita Elementary School, Catalina Foothills School District

Rebecca Garcia is a Reading Specialist at Manzanita Elementary School, and an exceptional literacy leader whose holistic, student-centered approach transforms the way children experience reading. With a background that spans early childhood education and advanced literacy training, Rebecca brings deep expertise and intentionality to every aspect of her work. Her instruction is engaging and responsive. Grounded in careful observation, data-driven decision making, and a genuine understanding of each child’s unique needs.

Rebecca’s impact extends far beyond direct instruction. She leads schoolwide literacy efforts, including reading interventions, progress monitoring, and professional learning for staff, ensuring strong and consistent practices across classrooms. She partners closely with parents to explain student progress and equip them with practical strategies to support reading at home. Her classroom and schoolwide initiatives foster confidence, joy, and a true love of reading among students.

A tireless advocate for literacy, Rebecca continuously deepens her practice through ongoing learning and leadership, including pursuing her doctorate and advancing statewide literacy collaboration. Her passion, empathy, and unwavering belief that every child deserves to thrive as a reader make her an inspiring educator and a powerful champion for early literacy in her school and community.

Lindsey Gilchrist

Prince Elementary School, AMPHI School District

Lindsey Gilchrist, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Prince Elementary School, is a true literacy champion whose expertise and passion create lasting impact for students, families, and colleagues alike. Grounded in LETRS training and the Science of Reading, Lindsey brings research-based practices to life through engaging instruction that makes vocabulary and comprehension memorable for young learners.

She fosters a literacy-rich environment where reading is woven seamlessly throughout the day across subjects like math, science, and social studies, and where every child is met with intentional instruction tailored to their individual needs. Beyond her classroom, Lindsey serves as Chair of the Family Engagement
Committee, designing joyful literacy-focused events that connect families to learning through interactive activities, free books, and practical at-home support.

A collaborative leader and mentor, Lindsey generously shares her knowledge to strengthen schoolwide literacy practices, guide colleagues, and support new teachers. Her unwavering commitment to the belief that every child is a reader makes her an exceptional educator and an inspiring force in early education.

Watch the Literacy Champions in Action Below!

Congratulations 2025 Business Leader Award Winner

Phil Swaim, AIA

President, Swaim Associates, LTD

Phil Swaim, AIA, is president of Swaim Associates, LTD, a Tucson-based
architectural firm founded in 1969. A Tucson native, he joined the firm in
1985 and became president in 1992, leading a 22-person team delivering
impactful projects in education, health care, commercial development,
and community revitalization across the region.

Though Phil is not one to seek recognition, he has been a steady
champion for education across Southern Arizona’s P–20 spectrum.
He is being honored as the Business Champion for Early Childhood
Education for his consistent support of early learning initiatives,
participation in community efforts such as PEEPs, and advocacy for
policies and programs that strengthen children, families, and the
workforce. Professionally, he specializes in designing modern learning
environments, partnering with educators at all levels to create spaces
that support student success.

Phil also serves on the boards of the Tucson Airport Authority and the
Southern Arizona Leadership Council. In his private life, he enjoys the
outdoors and spending time with his wife, Sabrina, and daughter, Kelly.

Thank you to the 2025 Business Breakfast Sponsors!

Check out last year's Business Breakfast Literacy Champion Winners!

9th Annual Literacy Champion Award

Congratulations to our 2025 winners:

Kayleigh Paul, Imagine Preschool at Rio Vista Amphi School District
Jennifer Flores, Los Amigos Technology Academy, Sunnyside Unified School District