Here are the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026

Success can be measured in titles, accolades and accomplishments. But for many of Arizona’s Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026, legacy is measured differently — in relationships strengthened, communities transformed and opportunities created for future generations.

Chosen from a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, this year’s honorees represent some of Arizona’s most accomplished leaders. Yet when asked how they hope to be remembered, their answers reveal something deeper: a desire to leave lasting impact that extends well beyond professional success.

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For Lily M. McNulty, shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, legacy begins with trust. In a profession built on solving high-stakes challenges, McNulty hopes to be remembered as a trusted advisor known for integrity, responsiveness and unwavering commitment to helping clients succeed. Beyond navigating sophisticated employment law matters, she wants her work to be defined by strong relationships and practical counsel that empowers businesses and their people to thrive.

Others are focused on leaving behind a healthier, more resilient world. At Local First Arizona, vice president of resiliency Ginger Sykes Torres is tackling some of Arizona’s most urgent sustainability challenges, from extreme heat and water scarcity to clean energy workforce development. Her vision of legacy is deeply future-focused: creating resilient communities and ecosystems that allow future generations to inherit a more equitable and sustainable planet.

For Laura Bianchi, co-founding partner at Bianchi & Brandt, legacy is rooted in authenticity. Bianchi hopes to show future generations that success does not require sacrificing individuality. She wants to be remembered not only for professional accomplishments, but for encouraging others to dream bigger, take risks and define success on their own terms.

At the Arizona Office of Tourism, director Alix Skelpsa Ridgway sees legacy through the lens of statewide prosperity. Her mission is to help build a stronger, more resilient tourism economy that uplifts communities across Arizona while ensuring the state remains a world-class destination for generations to come.

And at Salt River Project, water and forest sustainability senior manager Elvy Barton hopes to inspire global action around nature-based solutions that benefit communities and ecosystems.

While their industries differ — from law and tourism to sustainability and entrepreneurship — these women share a common thread: a belief that true influence is not measured by what you achieve for yourself, but by what you make possible for others. Their legacies are still being written, but Arizona is already stronger because of the chapters they have authored.

The Most Influential Women of 2026

From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, here are the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026, as selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. Women can only earn the honor of being one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business one time. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.