Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will honor autism advocate and business executive Denise Resnik with the Global Citizen Award during The Mayor’s International event hosted by Phoenix Sister Cities on October 19 at Chateau Luxe.
Resnik is the founder and president/CEO of First Place AZ (established in 2012), co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC, established in 1997), and founder and CEO of DRA Collective (established in 1986), a marketing/communications firm serving clients in real estate, economic development, healthcare, education and hospitality.
A native Phoenician, Resnik merged her business background with her marketing and communications skills to become an international leader in autism advocacy. A collaboration between First Place AZ, SARRC and dozens of government, private and non-profit organizations led PBS NewsHour to produce a nationally broadcast series in 2016 that identified Phoenix as “the most autism-friendly city in the world.”
“Denise is improving the quality of life for countless numbers of people on the autism spectrum here in Phoenix and worldwide,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “Her efforts expand resources for neurodiverse individuals, contribute to research, improve community understanding and acceptance, and deliver a path towards independence and attaining careers.”
First Place AZ develops and maintains housing and community options for adults with autism and other neuro-diversities, collaborating with private, public, non-profit and philanthropic community partners. These partnerships provide individuals self-directed options, along with the benefits of a supportive community that includes homes, jobs, friends, health and wellness, continuing education, transportation, recreation and culture.
Additionally, First Place AZ has facilitated 12 Global Leadership Institute Symposiums, with the next one scheduled for later this month (October 16 to 18), and has hosted representatives from more than a dozen countries. During 2024 alone, the organization welcomed leaders from England, Canada, India and Ireland. Resnik has become a sought-after expert for international forums on autism, and housing and community development for adults with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs).
Mayor Gallego will present Resnik her award during The Mayor’s International on October 19. The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr., and will also celebrate the Phoenix sister cities: Prague, Czech Republic, and Suwon, South Korea. Dinner will feature a creative menu of Phoenix, Prague and Suwon cuisine and beverages. Event entertainment includes folk tales performed by the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre, courtesy of the Czech Consulate General in Los Angeles. Tickets for the event are $200 for the general public and $100 for young professionals. Tickets can be purchased online: The Mayor’s International 2024.
