Az Business and AZRE magazines announced the publications’ lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2024, including Anna María Chávez, president and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation. In celebration of the Most Influential Women program, azbigmedia.com is profiling one of the Most Influential Women of 2024 each day leading up to the Most Influential Women of 2024 dinner and reception.
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The Most Influential Women of 2024 will be honored at a reception on Thursday, August 22 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For sponsorship information, email Amy.Lindsey@azbigmedia.com. For information about the event honoring the Most Influential Women, email kari.vanwinkle@azbigmedia.com or click here.
Anna María Chávez
President and CEO
Background: Anna María Chávez is president and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation. Previously, Chávez was the chief impact officer of Encantos, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, and CEO of the National School Boards Association. She worked for President Bill Clinton’s administration and Governors Jane Hull and Janet Napolitano.
Key to success: “My parents. They raised me to look at life as a gift, taught me to use my talents to help others in need, and gave me unconditional love which infused within me the confidence to try new things, see failure as a learning opportunity, and always see the blessings in every situation.”
Source of pride: “Since 2002, I have been fortunate and honored to have been the first woman or woman of color in every CEO role that I’ve held. And once I entered these historic roles, I propped the door open after me and was succeeded by other people of color. It’s great to be the first at something, but it’s even better knowing that I won’t be the last.”
Surprising fact: “I served as an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base and had the great honor of flying an F-16 supersonic fighter aircraft. It was one of the best experiences in my life and I seriously considered becoming a JAG officer in the Air Force!”
