The Black Chamber of Arizona recently announced the Arizona Impact Center — a 5,400 square-foot hub for business innovation and economic empowerment, scheduled to open in the spring of 2026. The organization unveiled the plan at its 27th Anniversary Pinnacle Pathways Gala, held at the Renaissance Hotel.
“These businesses exemplify innovation, perseverance and community impact,” Black Chamber President and CEO Dr. Velma Trayham said in a statement. “Their success stories reflect the Chamber’s mission to create pathways for generational wealth and inclusive growth across Arizona.”
The Arizona Impact Center will be located in Downtown Phoenix, housed in a historic building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and owned by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The space will serve as a collaborative space for entrepreneurs, corporate partners and community leaders with the purpose of generating generational wealth.
The major project was unveiled along with various rewards, recognitions and accomplishments of the Black Chamber’s partners, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Bank of America. Aviation Director Chad Makovsky accepted the Innovation & Regional Impact Award and Bank of America President Scott Vanderpool received the Community Impact Award. The Black Chamber of Arizona recognized both organizations for supporting small business and fostering inclusive economic development across the state.
Other awardees included TJ Stevenson and Copperstate Riding Club as recipients of the Rising Star award, as well as various Small Business Impact Honorees — Latha Restaurant and Bar, Look Better Naked Spa, First Step to Greatness, Arizona Filmmakers, Italian Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and Holy Hands Painter.
The purpose of the Pinnacle Pathways Gala, according to the chamber’s website, is to celebrate impact and excellence. As the organization’s signature fundraiser, the event also supports youth development programs, small business expansion, workforce readiness, and justice-impacted entrepreneurship — individuals with past involvement in the criminal justice system looking to start and grow their own businesses.
The event brings together hundreds of guests annually, with this year’s gala seeing 500 attendees — including Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. Weiers and Hobbs presented official proclamations to the Black Chamber and the governor additionally headlined the program and delivered the featured address alongside remarks from Trayham and the mayor.
In addition to Arizona’s local leaders, the gala welcomed elected officials and business leaders from Chicago, Detroit, Nevada, California, Texas and South Carolina. The evening’s program was emceed by The Bachus Firm, LLC Managing Attorney Brittany Erin Bachus and Ryan Garlington — senior manager of customer success at Rapidscale and Cox Communications. Other voices included keynote speaker National Business League President and CEO Ken L. Harris, who spoke about economic empowerment from a national perspective. Honorary Co-Chairs Dr. Sharon Smith of ASU and Tony Bell of SRP, as well as Slutty Vegan founder “Pinky” Cole Hays also spoke.
The evening of entertainment was accompanied by local artist Tina Estes performing the national anthem, followed by a performance by Ear Candy — a band based in Phoenix that plays original songs and covers across r&b, jazz, neo soul, reggae, pop and blues.
As announced at the event, the next Pinnacle Pathways Gala will be hosted by the city of Chandler on Dec. 12, 2026 — keeping the chamber’s tradition of celebrating resilience, regional impact and entrepreneurial excellence for the following year.