Councilwoman Laura Pastor Inducted into Grant Park Hall of Fame

Phoenix City Councilwoman Laura Pastor was inducted into the Grant Park Hall of Fame on Friday during the Grant Park Barrio Youth Project Inc. Annual Hall of Fame Fundraiser.

Hosted by community leaders Earl and Mary Rose Wilcox, the annual fundraiser supports youth programs and services at Grant Park and recognizes individuals whose leadership and service have strengthened the community. This year’s event honored Councilwoman Pastor for her longstanding support of youth development and community-building efforts at Grant Park, as well as her commitment to creating opportunities for young people throughout Phoenix.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Earl and Mary Rose Wilcox and the Grant Park community,” said Councilwoman Pastor. “Grant Park has long been a place where young people can find support, mentorship, and opportunity. The work being done here changes lives, and I am grateful to have played a role in supporting that mission.”

Grant Park has served generations of families through athletics, mentorship, educational programming, and community engagement. Through a longstanding partnership between the City of Phoenix and Grant Park Barrio Youth Project Inc., the park continues to provide a safe and supportive environment for youth and families.

Mary Rose Wilcox, the first Latina elected to the Phoenix City Council and a former Maricopa County Supervisor, and Earl Wilcox, a former Arizona state legislator, have dedicated decades of service to improving opportunities for Phoenix families and youth. Through Grant Park Barrio Youth Project Inc., they have helped preserve Grant Park as a vital community resource and center for youth development.

Over her 12 years on the Phoenix City Council, Councilwoman Pastor has championed initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunities for young people, and connect residents to resources that improve quality of life. Her work has included support for parks, youth programs, transportation, public safety, and community development efforts across Phoenix.

“Councilwoman Pastor has been a dedicated advocate for youth and for the communities she serves,” said Mary Rose Wilcox. “For decades, she has supported the mission of Grant Park and the young people who depend on it. Her leadership, partnership, and commitment to community service have helped create opportunities for countless families, and we are proud to welcome her into the Grant Park Hall of Fame.”

The annual fundraiser raises support for Grant Park Barrio Youth Project Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people succeed through mentorship, recreation, educational support, and positive community engagement.