Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona receives 2025 ASU MLK Jr. Community Servant-Leadership Award

Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona, an organization focused on bringing people together and building community, has been chosen to receive the 2025 MLK Jr. Community Servant-Leadership Award.

They will be recognized at the university’s MLK Jr. breakfast celebration on Jan. 23. The questions below were answered by Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona President and CEO Jason Barlow.

Question: Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona has been honored with the 2025 ASU MLK Jr. Community Servant-Leadership Award. Describe how you and your team felt when you heard the news.  

Answer: My team and I were very humbled by the news. All you have to do is look at the long list of past honorees to understand this.  

Q: As a leader of an impactful organization, how have your life experiences shaped you into the leader you are today?   

A: I like to think my leadership style and capabilities are an amalgamation of all my past supervisors — learning from both the ones I thought were sensational to those I didn’t. I also credit my 40-plus years in the Boy Scouts of America as a young person and adult leader and my 20 years as an officer and pilot in the U.S. Air Force. But I have also been very much influenced by the quality and compassion of the people who I have been privileged enough to lead. Habitat for Humanity is one such organization. Habitat’s mission just brings together the most amazing people I have every worked with. I am blessed to be a part of that. 

Q: How have you or the organization incorporated Martin Luther King Jr.’s values of service and inclusion in your everyday life? 

A: Dr. King's values of service and inclusion are at the heart of our mission at Habitat for Humanity — working to build the beloved community. Every day, we emphasize the importance of service by encouraging our volunteers and staff to see not just the work to be done but the people we are serving. We actively create opportunities for community involvement, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds to participate in building homes — and hope. Our work is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard in the process. Dr. King’s call for justice also guides us to advocate for affordable housing policies that promote equality, making it clear that every person deserves access to safe and stable housing. 

Q: What has been your most memorable experience of helping others? 

A: There have been so many but one that sticks out occurred rather recently. We were called by the Havasupai tribe to help them rebuild two homes — a five bedroom and a three bedroom — that had been consumed by a fire. We partnered with three other Habitat affiliates in the state, and used 125 volunteers and staff who donated 4,000 hours to get the job done. The Supai live at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, so everything — including our food — had to be flown in by helicopter; that was nearly 100 flights. It was a complex logistical operation that went off without a hitch. The tribe was very grateful for our efforts and both homes are now occupied. Everyone who went said it was one of the best Habitat experiences they had ever had, and many became good friends with tribe members who helped out.   

Q: Who or what keeps you inspired and motivated to serve others? 

A: My inspiration comes from the families we work with and the volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to help others. Their stories of resilience and perseverance fuel my passion and commitment to the mission. I also draw inspiration from the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who relied heavily on his faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Sometimes, many times, you need just enough faith to take the next step and the courage to do the right thing.  

Q: What advice would you give to other community organizations about commitment to servant leadership?  

A: My advice would be to always prioritize the voices and needs of those you serve. Servant leadership is rooted in empathy, active listening and collaboration. Engage with your community to understand their challenges and involve them in the solutions. Additionally, cultivate a culture of inclusivity within your organization, allowing for diverse perspectives to shape your approach. Lastly, be adaptable and resilient; the journey of serving others is fraught with obstacles but each challenge presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. Plans can change, but vision never changes.  

Q: Anything you’d like to add?

A: I would like to emphasize that our work at Habitat is just as much about the relationships we build as it is about the homes we construct. It's the connection with families, the team spirit of volunteers and the support of community partners that make our mission successful. As we move forward, I invite everyone to join us in this essential work. Together, we can create spaces that foster belonging and community, ensuring that everyone has a safe, decent place to call home. Thank you for your commitment to service and for believing in the power of community.