Arizona, a land of diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, has been home to many of history’s most influential women who have left an indelible mark on our culture. One such woman is Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female Supreme Court Justice, and one of the members of Az Business magazine’s first group of Most Influential Women in Arizona Business. Her appointment shattered barriers, inspiring generations of aspiring female leaders.

Equally remarkable is César Chávez’s lifelong partner, Dolores Huerta, a labor rights activist who fought for farmworkers’ rights and co-founded the United Farm Workers union. In the field of journalism, Arizona boasts the trailblazing Linda Valdez, an esteemed journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist known for fearlessly tackling social issues. These women exemplify the power of determination, intellect, and resilience, forever shaping Arizona’s legacy.

The Most Influential Women of 2023 show the same level of fearlessness, leadership and innovation who have defined Arizona’s most accomplished leaders. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business of 2023 were chosen from a field of more than 1,900 women under consideration. They were selected by an editorial board that consists of 12 former Most Influential Women. They will be honored at a recognition dinner Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Tables and sponsorship packages are available. Please email Amy Lindsey at amy.lindsey@azbigmedia.com with questions about sponsorships. Email lynette.carrington@azbigmedia.com with questions about the event or tickets.

Here are the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2023. Be sure to check back daily because tomorrow we will announce the Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2023 and each day leading up to the awards ceremony. We will profile one of the Most Influential Women of 2023 right here: azbigmedia.com.

Most Influential Women of 2023

Rachel Aja, Cox Communications

Heather Boysel, Gammage & Burnham

Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Ann Marie Chischilly, Northern Arizona University

Stacy Derstine, APS

Allison Lynn Dozbaba, CPA, Wallace Plese + Dreher

Sister Joan Fitzgerald, Xavier College Preparatory

Julie Fletcher, Enterprise Bank & Trust

Sarah Frost, Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, UMC South

Heather Genovese, Connections Health Solutions

Sara Gordon, JPMorgan Private Bank

Elizabeth Hart, Axon 

Lisa Heppler, Lovitt & Touché 

Rosary A. Hernandez, Burch & Cracchiolo

Amy Hysell, Arizona Financial Credit Union

Megan Irwin, Husch Blackwell

Zivit Katz-Tsameret, Intel 

Linda Luman, Achieve 

Andrea Marconi, Fennemore 

Dr. Allison Mason, Grand Canyon University

Leslie Meyers, SRP

Joanne Mizell, Banner|Aetna

Jodi Noble, Deloitte

Erin Moran, American Heart Association

Katie Pehrson, PNC Bank

Pam Perry, Eller College of Management

Amilyn Pierce, Arizona Diamondbacks 

Lisa Riley, Wells Fargo

Melissa Swift, WaFd Bank 

Robin Villareal, Gila River Resorts & Casinos

Catrina Wakefield, Casago 

Christine Whalin, DM Cantor

Jennifer R. Yee, Snell & Wilmer

Jaclyn Yoder, Wilde Wealth Management Group