Secretary Fontes Celebrates Callie Lowe as the Recipient of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
PHOENIX – Secretary of State Adrian Fontes announced Callie Lowe as the esteemed recipient of this year’s National Association of Secretaries of State John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. This accolade is granted to young leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to civil rights and voter engagement, reflecting the enduring values upheld by the late Congressman John Lewis.
“Callie Lowe has shown remarkable leadership and dedication in her pursuit to empower and engage voters, particularly student voters, in Northern Arizona,” said Secretary Adrian Fontes. “Her approach to collective impact at Northern Arizona University has significantly elevated the civic discourse in-and-outside the classroom. We are proud to honor her with this award, acknowledging her impact in shaping a more informed electorate.”
As the inaugural student director of the NAU Votes! Coalition, Callie led a series of successful voter engagement campaigns, looking to boost registration and voter turnout among students. Her efforts were instrumental in NAU receiving the “Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting” recognition in 2024 via ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
Callie served on the Arizona Secretary of State’s Voter Engagement Advisory Committee, where she played a crucial role in promoting youth involvement in elections across the state. Her initiatives included innovative projects funded by an EAC grant, such as an “I Voted” sticker design contest and educational tours of the Coconino County Elections Center.
Callie has been a fierce advocate for community service and social justice. In 2024, Callie won the President’s Award from the national Blue Key Honor Society and NAU’s Golden Axe award.
Callie’s work as an immigration paralegal continues to mark her commitment to justice and equality, defending the rights of marginalized populations and ensuring they have the support needed to exercise their rights fully.
The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office extends its warmest congratulations to Callie Lowe on this well-earned achievement and anticipates her ongoing contributions to the democratic processes of our state and nation. Watch Callie's acceptance speech and the ceremony, here.
About the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Named in honor of the late Congressman John Lewis, this award is given annually to young individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in civil rights, particularly in the realm of voting rights and civic engagement, embodying the spirit of Congressman Lewis’s dedication to justice and democracy.