D-backs name 2022 Garcia Award winner

We stand on the shoulders of giants, those who came before us to clear the path, demand opportunity for all and fight for what is right. In 2007, the Arizona Diamondbacks decided to recognize one of those giants, Pete Garcia, with the Hispanic Leadership Award and established what is now an important tradition celebrating the lives of strong leaders in our community. That year, Garcia stood out among the rest. Throughout his entire life, Garcia empowered communities when he headed the Victoria Foundation, which is dedicated to awarding college scholarships to low-income youth. He was also an agent of change and justice serving as president of Chicanos Por La Causa for 27 years. For this and many more important contributions, the D-backs honored Garcia by naming the award the Los D-backs Pete Garcia Hispanic Leadership Award in 2017.

This Hispanic Heritage Sunday, the D-backs will honor Tony Astorga as the 2022 Los D-backs Pete Garcia Leadership Award winner.

The giants are still standing strong, and their shoulders continue to strengthen each of us with their example and passion. Even the giants start as small children, however, from many backgrounds and cultures and each have wonderful experiences as well as difficult challenges that shape them.

Tony spent his young life in the Arizona mining communities of Sonora and Superior, about 75 miles east of Phoenix. Unfortunately, his father passed when he was only 5 years old, but he shares that he was blessed to have his mother, a nina and a nana who taught him family values and gave him spiritual support. He remembers his mother teaching him to be self-reliable, so Tony was already shining shoes at the ripe age of 6 and his work ethic has continued throughout his life.

“In my upbringing, my mother taught me that God helps those who help themselves and always pray for others, do not pray for yourself,” Astorga said.

Tony also shared that his mother’s lesson has shaped him to “work hard, help those in need, help others succeed and when you help others, it comes back to you many times over in many different ways."

In a recent interview with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, where Tony served as long-term chairman of the board, he said, “I always tell my friends that life is all about opportunity, timing, choice, luck and persistence.” He also added, "I have been successful thanks to a strong support system and driving forces to that have helped me with my journey to success."

Today, Tony is the support system for many young professionals, leaders and even many current business leaders. Teaching others and mentoring is something Tony is known for in the community. Many leaders share that Tony has been an important part of their career, education or business.

Tony is a philanthropist, a friend and mentor and a source of encouragement and inspiration. He has provided pathways for so many young professionals and led important efforts to provide Hispanics opportunity.

Tony is also known as a strategist and a visionary and has been appointed to national, state and local boards and commissions due to his leadership, vision and expertise.

“I focus on youth and education," Tony said. "By teaching kids about economic development and the importance of education, I know it will make a positive difference in their future."

Tony truly takes time to support, mentor and guide the next generation of leaders at the same time he teaches about the value of giving back, making sure they are thinking about the future and giving their time to make an impact.

Tony’s big heart comes with big expectations, mentoring includes deliverables and giving back to the community. This is how Tony lifts up and prepares the next generation.

Before we get into his impressive career that spans several decades in his journey as servant leader, mentor, and a friend, we must mention that he was present at the 2001 World Series when the D-backs won the championship.

Tony retired in 2011 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona where he served for 23 years as the Senior Vice President, CFO. During his tenure at BCBSAZ, he also held the position as president of BCBS of Mexico from 1994-99 and CBDO at BCBSAZ 2009-11. Tony currently is the owner/principal of AZTOR Health Management Strategic Advisors and has been a consultant to various organizations including, BCBSAZ, CTCA Global-Mexico, CPLC, Equality Health, Lattice Biologics, Martinet Medical and Valle del Sol. He served as chairman of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation 2011-21 and also previously served in community leadership roles as co-chair of the Governor’s Citizens Finance Review Commission and Governor’s Film and Television Commission and is currently the chairman of the host committee for the USHCC’s 2022 Annual Conference in Phoenix.

Tony has received numerous civic and business awards, including the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2022 Legacy Award and the 1981 Professional of the Year Award, Valle del Sol, Inc. He also was honored with the 1998 Profiles of Success Exemplary Leadership Award, Chicanos por la Causa 2001 Professional Achievement Award, Phoenix Art Museum 2011 Exemplary Service Award and the Arizona Community Foundation 2015 Latino Philanthropy Award. in 2013, Tony was named one of Arizona Business Magazine’s 25 most influential Hispanic business leaders.

In closing, Tony shared a quote from Stephen Covey’s book on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “Begin with an end in mind. Live your life by helping others succeed. Help others in need and get involved to make a difference in your community.”