Az Business and AZRE magazines announced the publications’ lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2021, including, Lea Márquez Peterson, chairwoman of the Arizona Corporation Commission. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Most Influential Women program, azbigmedia.com is profiling one of the Most Influential Women of 2021 each day leading up to the Most Influential Women of 2021 dinner and reception.

READ ALSO: The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2021

The Most Influential Women for 2021 will be honored at a reception on August 26 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For sponsorship information, email Amy.Lindsey@azbigmedia.com. For information about the event honoring the Most Influential Women, email Lynette.Carrington@azbigmedia.com or click here.

To buy copies of the Most Influential Women in Arizona issue, click here.

Today’s spotlight: Lea Márquez Peterson

Chairwoman

Arizona Corporation Commission

Márquez Peterson is the chairwoman of the Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates the utility industry. She is the first Latina to serve as a statewide public official. She formerly served as the president of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber and has been a business owner in Southern Arizona for decades.  

Lesson learned in 2020: “As a commissioner, I worked to protect Arizonans who were facing financial difficulties by supporting disconnection policies for our utilities. Additionally, I’ve focused on supporting efforts to ensure high speed internet to vulnerable populations across the state. My priority is the public’s health and safety during the pandemic.”

Source of pride: “I am very proud to have been elected statewide to the Arizona Corporation Commission especially during the pandemic. I received a vote of confidence from over 1.4 million voters during a very challenging time for our state. I am the only Commissioner based outside of Maricopa County and the only Southern Arizonan in a statewide role.”

Surprising fact: “I am a voracious reader and will often have two to three books (fiction and non fiction) that I’m reading at the same time.”