Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Jennifer Villalobos, senior associate at Cushman & Wakefield.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. 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.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026
WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE: The Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2026
Jennifer Villalobos, senior associate, Cushman & Wakefield
Background: Jennifer Villalobos is a first-generation Mexican American breaking barriers in commercial real estate and beyond. Since transitioning to brokerage in 2024, she has completed nearly 50 transactions entirely through referrals, closing over 20 deals in her first year and securing a 30,000 SF, five-year office lease in her second year. She was selected as one of only four recipients across North America for the 2025 NAIOP Developing Leaders Award and was the sole honoree representing the Southwest region. Deeply engaged in her community, Jennifer serves on the boards of Valleywise Health Foundation and Arizona Financial Credit Union and is committed to mentorship and advancing the next generation of diverse leaders.
Advice to younger self: “I would tell myself to give myself grace and trust that everything will fall into place exactly as it’s meant to. Stop trying to fit a mold that was never made for you. The moment you show up authentically, bringing your full self, your color, personality, and heart into your work, that is when everything starts to click. You don’t need to do business like anyone else to be successful. People will be drawn to you because you genuinely care. Lean into that, your confidence and your business will flourish. Si se pudo!”
Legacy: “A legacy defined by impactful leadership, inclusion, and community. I want to be recognized as someone who broke barriers for minority professionals in industries traditionally lacking diversity and inclusion. More importantly, I hope to be remembered as someone who opened doors rather than guarded them, creating opportunities, mentoring others, and uplifting people in a city full of untapped potential. I hope to be remembered as someone who led with a thoughtful, people-first approach that valued genuine relationships, while proving that success and strong leadership can absolutely be achieved through authenticity, compassion, and service to others.”
Surprising fact: “A surprising fact about me is that I was never an athlete growing up, I was always focused on academics. In 2014, feeling bored & not professionally challenged, I decided to push myself in a completely new way and began training for bodybuilding competitions. Over five years, I competed in two shows, placing third in my first and second in my next. I eventually “retired” to move to Phoenix and begin what would become the most challenging and exciting pivot of my life: pursuing a career in commercial real estate. Today, fitness remains my outlet, and I can’t imagine life without it.”
