Phoenix Sister Cities Announces 2026 Global Links Business Luncheon Awardees

https://www.investinphoenix.com/news/74

<div class="ExternalClass032E35C652F1458B8969CB17525D2577">PHOENIX, Ariz. - Mayor Kate Gallego and Phoenix Sister Cities announce the recipients of the 2026 Global Links Business Awards, recognizing leaders and organizations driving global innovation, investment, and economic impact in Phoenix. This year's honorees include ASML (Global Industry Leader Award), and Simer and Vicki Mayo (Global Innovation Technology Award). The awards will be presented at the Global Links Business Luncheon on February 19 at The Abbey on Monroe in downtown Phoenix, a signature event bringing together CEOs, founders, investors, and senior executives focused on international growth and collaboration. The luncheon will also feature a conversation on disruption and competitiveness across the space economy, quantum, and AI with Dan Hart (HarTechnologies) and Matt Cimaglia (Quantum Coast Capital). "The Global Links Business Awards recognize leaders who are driving real economic impact for Phoenix through global engagement," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "This year’s awardees demonstrate how international partnerships translate into jobs, innovation, and long-term growth. Their leadership strengthens Phoenix’s position as a globally competitive city for business, talent, and investment." Global Industry Leader Award: ASML ASML is a global technology leader whose innovations enable advanced semiconductor manufacturing worldwide, and whose presence supports Phoenix’s position in the global semiconductor ecosystem. ASML’s recent investment in Phoenix underscores the region’s growing role in global supply chains and high-skill job creation. In November 2025, the company launched a technical training academy, near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, serving as ASML's sole training center in the U.S. The 56,000-square-foot facility is designed to train more than 1,000 engineers per year, with capacity to scale. The academy supports workforce development tied directly to the servicing and operation of ASML’s highly advanced chipmaking systems. ASML’s expanding footprint reinforces Phoenix as an internationally connected hub for advanced manufacturing, talent development, and long-term economic competitiveness. Global Innovation Technology Award: Simer Mayo and Vicki Mayo Simer Mayo and Vicki Mayo are Phoenix-based entrepreneurs whose work exemplifies innovation-led growth and operational excellence. Together, they have built and scaled multiple companies that create jobs, strengthen the regional economy, and demonstrate how locally rooted businesses can compete nationally and globally. Their leadership reflects the kind of execution-driven entrepreneurship that continues to elevate Phoenix’s reputation as a global business city.<div>Simer Mayo is CEO and co-founder of Valor Global, a Phoenix-based customer experience and technology services company. Mayo launched Valor Global in 2004 with his wife, Vicki Mayo. Under their leadership, Valor Global has scaled into a multi-site organization with operations in Arizona, Costa Rica and the Philippines, supporting enterprise clients with customer support and tech-enabled service delivery. This award recognizes Mayo’s role in demonstrating how Phoenix can produce globally competitive, technology-enabled service platforms, combining operational execution with data-driven service models that support enterprise-scale delivery and workforce growth. In building Valor Global from Phoenix to a multi-market footprint and then scaled globally is a narrative that aligns directly with Global Links’ focus on competitiveness, innovation, and talent development. He is also actively engaged in youth initiatives and nonprofit leadership. His leadership and regional impact have been recognized through honors such as Phoenix Titan 100.</div>Vicki Mayo is a serial entrepreneur and humanitarian whose work spans technology, hospitality, sports and social impact. Through leadership roles with the Mayo Family Foundation, Sunny Day Sports, and Mayo Global Ventures, she has focused on expanding opportunity for underserved youth and women. As chairwoman and owner of GMI Cybersecurity, she has positioned GMI as Arizona’s largest minority-owned business. Her humanitarian efforts include leading the rapid relocation of 147 Afghan female students to the U.S. within 147 hours, along with recognition as a Titan 100 CEO and an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. Event DetailsWhat: 2026 Global Links Business LuncheonWhen: Thursday, February 19, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: The Abbey on Monroe, 302 W. Monroe St.Tickets: General Admission ($125); Young Professionals under age 35 ($85). Purchase at <a href="https://phoenixsistercities.org/event/2026-global-links/" target="_blank">PhoenixSisterCities.org</a> Sponsorship Opportunities: Contact Joseph MacEwan, President/CEO of Phoenix Sister Cities: <a href="mailto:joseph.macewan@phoenix.gov" style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Joseph.MacEwan@phoenix.gov</a>About Phoenix Sister Cities Phoenix Sister Cities is a nonprofit organization advancing Phoenix’s international friendship and global engagement through cultural, educational, and business exchanges. The Global Links Business Luncheon highlights the role of global partnerships in driving local economic growth and innovation. Media Contact: Athena Sanchez, Senior Public Information Officer Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department 602-621-0507 (call/text) <a href="mailto:Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov">Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov</a> </div>

Photos of Simer and Vicki Mayo

https://www.investinphoenix.com/Lists/News/Attachments/74/VickSMayo.png

1/26/2026 7:44:18 PM