Mayo Clinic, Dr. John Shufeldt to Receive Mayor Gallego’s Prestigious Global Awards at Annual Gala

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<div class="ExternalClassE272EACC581C4563A7EFDB339BF4216A">PHOENIX, Ariz. – <a href="https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/mayor.html" target="_blank">Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego</a> will present Mayo Clinic and Dr. John Shufeldt with a Global Leadership and Global Citizen award, respectively, during the Mayor's International Gala on Friday, October 16 at Chateau Luxe.<a href="https://phoenixsistercities.org/" target="_blank">Phoenix Sister Cities</a> will host this annual signature event that brings together friends, community leaders, and international partners for an evening of cultural exchange, fine dining, and recognition of those who elevate the City of Phoenix profile on the global stage. The prestigious Global Leadership and Global Citizen awards recognize organizations and individuals whose vision and leadership strengthen Phoenix's international presence, and inspire community members to act and do more. 2026 Global Awards Honorees<ul><li>Global Leadership Award: Mayo Clinic – Phoenix </li></ul><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;">Since opening in 1987, Mayo Clinic in Arizona has transformed healthcare through a commitment to exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, and world-class education. Its presence in the state is anchored by a 450-acre campus in north Phoenix, which features an active research and education hub, and complements a sister campus in Scottsdale. In 2025, Mayo Clinic invested $1.9 billion to expand its Phoenix campus by 1.2 million square feet. This project increases the total campus size to 4.2 million square feet, to include a new procedural building, a five-floor addition to its Specialty Building, the addition of operating rooms and patient units, and an enhanced arrival experience for patients and visitors. </blockquote><ul><li>Global Citizen Award: Dr. John Shufeldt </li></ul><blockquote style="margin:0 0 0 40px;border:none;padding:0px;">Dr. John Shufeldt is a health care innovator who founded NextCare Inc., MeMD, LLC – which was acquired by Walmart in 2021 as part of its Omni Channel Healthcare Initiative – and Tribal Health to address health care disparities in Indigenous communities. He also launched Xcellerant Ventures, a venture capital firm supporting emerging health-tech startups. Shufeldt continues to practice emergency medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital and other locations.Along with his medical and entrepreneurial ventures, Shufeldt serves as a Distinguished Professor of Practice at Arizona State University's John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, and lectures at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. He shapes future leaders through his expertise in health law, ethics, and medical engineering.</blockquote>“The Global Awards celebrate extraordinary leaders and changemakers who personify the spirit of diplomacy, innovation, and community," Mayor Kate Gallego said. “When you look at trailblazers like Dr. John Shufeldt's health care innovations, entrepreneurship, and commitment to educating the next generation, alongside the immeasurable impact of a world-class institution like Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, they perfectly match what these awards signify – cross-sector leadership, life-changing medical breakthroughs, and a promise to elevate Phoenix worldwide and inspire more of our community to reach for the stars."Event Details When: Friday, October 16, 2026; 6 p.m. Where: Chateau Luxe, <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/HiRMJMnQRSpu3XJF8" target="_blank">1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr., Phoenix, 85024</a> <a href="/why-phoenix/mayors-international" target="_blank">Tickets and Sponsorship Packages are available for purchase</a> Themed “Blossoming Friendships," this year's gala celebrates the landmark 50th anniversary of the Phoenix-Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico Sister City relationship. This milestone honors five decades of cultural, diplomatic, and economic connections between Phoenix and its first sister city, Hermosillo. Attendees will experience an unforgettable evening inspired by the beauty of orange blossoms, the distinct flavors of Hermosillo and the Sonora region, live music including a mix of Bolero Jazz, Salsa, and Norteña, and the friendships that connect Phoenix to the world. Additional details about the sophisticated tasteful menu created by Chef Maria Teresa “Mate" Borja from Chez Suizie and other performances during the event will be announced later this summer. The event will be emceed by <a href="https://careypena.com/" target="_blank">Carey Peña</a>, Emmy Award-winning journalist, multimedia personality, and founder/CEO of Phoenix-based Inspired Media 360.Ticketing and Sponsorship Options <a href="https://phoenixsistercities.org/event/mayors-international-gala/#tribe-tickets__tickets-form" target="_blank"></a><a href="/why-phoenix/mayors-international" target="_blank">Tickets and Sponsorship Packages are available for purchase</a>, and range from $300 per person to $150 for Young Professionals. VIP and VIP+ tickets are $400 and $500, respectively, which include special admission to a VIP Networking Reception.Proceeds directly benefit <a href="https://phoenixsistercities.org/" target="_blank">Phoenix Sister Cities</a> and support international youth ambassador exchanges, cultural events, and cross-border community projects, as well as helping to further its mission of “Peace through Friendship." Additional event details will be announced in the coming weeks. Follow <a href="/why-phoenix/mayors-international" target="_blank">PhoenixMayors.International</a> for updates. Media Contact: Athena Sanchez, Senior Public Information Officer Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department 602-621-0507 (call/text) <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov" href="mailto:Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov" tabindex="0">Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov</a> </div>

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego standing at a podium

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8/3/2026 4:42:14 PM