Mission 
To recognize and celebrate accomplished women of the West and to inspire other women to further the Western spirit.

Julia “Julie” Brooks to Receive Prestigious Elizabeth Hudson Smith Award 

The Desert Caballeros Western Museum is proud to honor Julia “Julie” Brooks with the Elizabeth Hudson Smith Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the community. The award will be presented at the 4th annual Western Woman of Distinction Luncheon, held at the Museum’s Cultural Crossroads Learning Center on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Starts at 12 p.m.; doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Now retired, Brooks dedicated 33 years to the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, serving as Executive Director/CEO and playing a pivotal role in economic development, event planning, tourism, governmental affairs, and non-profit management.

Her extensive expertise also includes public and governmental relations, volunteer recruitment, marketing, special event production, committee leadership, and film location services.

Brooks began her Chamber management career at the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, where she served for seven years, before spending 33 years as Executive Director/CEO of the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, retiring on July 31, 2021.

A fifth-generation Wickenburg native, Julia and her husband, Art, live on five acres of her family’s original 160-acre 6M ranch, established by her great-great-grandfather Ramon Macias.

Together, they own Brooks Air Conditioning, a 47-year-old HVAC company in Wickenburg. This October, they will celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary. Their son Michael and wife Carolyn reside in Oregon & Arizona.