Ioanna Morfessis, founder, IO.INC

As an economic development executive, including time as the founder of GPEC, Morfessis helped attract nearly $30 billion in private capital investment and created more than 200,000 new direct jobs.

Greatest accomplishment: “Helping to improve the quality of life and economies in the communities I served.”

Childhood aspiration: “I dreamed about being a ballerina. This aspiration helped me realize that the entire world is a stage, and each of us has a distinct and important role to play in the theater of life.”

Reception: The 2015 Most Influential Women in Arizona Business will be recognized at the Most Influential Women in Arizona Cocktail Party on August 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Chateau Luxe. Click here to purchase tickets.