The city of Phoenix was presented the 2005 City Cultural Diversity Award by the National League of Cities - National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) for its annual International Women's Day Work Team.

As the award winner (for a population of more than 400,000), Phoenix was honored for setting a strong example of how cities can improve and promote cultural diversity in their communities. The award was presented at the “Celebrate Diversity” breakfast at the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. Vice Mayor Michael Johnson, District 2 Councilwoman Peggy Neely and Equal Opportunity Department Director Carole Coles Henry accepted the award on behalf of the city.

"This is a great honor for the city and special recognition to the Phoenix Women’s Commission and the International Women's Day Steering Committee for their annual International Women’s Day celebration," said Vice Mayor Johnson. "As a result of their efforts and community support, more than 450 women in need have realized their dream of pursuing a higher education."

Since 1994, Phoenix has received the City Cultural Diversity Award four times. Phoenix has championed its long-held value of cultural diversity and awareness by celebrating the unique contributions of women while empowering them to realize their educational dreams.

The Phoenix International Women’s Day event commemorates the struggle of women to improve their lives and honors the contributions of women to society. The event also raises funds for educational scholarships for women in need and promotes the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. In the past 10 years, the IWD Scholarship Program has raised more than $380,000 that has been awarded to 10 colleges benefiting more than 450 women.

For information about the Phoenix Women’s Commission, call 602-261-8242 or visit phoenix.gov/PHXWOMEN.