Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2025 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 21, 2025. Today, meet Emelda Baca, senior vice president of consumer lending for Arizona Financial Credit Union.
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Emelda Baca, Arizona Financial Credit Union
Background: As a champion of innovation, inclusivity, and leadership development, Baca is committed to providing members with access to lending products all across the credit spectrum, implementing forward-thinking services such as buy now pay later options, artificial intelligence underwriting and implementing products to serve the underserved.
Source of pride: “The credit union industry is about people helping people, and that is my job every day – finding ways to help the community gain access to financial services that support their life’s journey. I am most proud of being able to implement artificial intelligence and the utilization of alternative data within our lending processes to be able to lend more inclusively across all types of credit. By doing so we create more avenues for our members to gain access to credit and financial services.”
Professional advice: “Own your voice, trust that your ideas and perspective are valued. Build a strong support system in mentors – peers who will offer guidance, challenge you to grow and celebrate your success. Lift others up. Leadership is not just about personal growth, it’s about creating opportunities and empowering others to thrive. And always be learning, stay curious and seek out new knowledge.”
Surprising fact: “I’m a big fan of old movies. ‘An Affair to Remember,’ ‘Bringing Up Baby,’ ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ are just a few of my favorites. I have gotten all three of my kids to be fans as well! We enjoy movie nights every weekend.”
Celebratory dinner
The 2025 honorees will be celebrated at a special awards dinner on August 21, 2025, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Sponsors of the Most Influential Women in Arizona reception and dinner include presenting sponsor Phillips Law Foundation, cover photo shoot sponsor Greenberg Traurig, VIP red carpet sponsor Vertex Education and Legacy Traditional Schools, dessert sponsor Silver Cain, beverage sponsor Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation, 360 photo booth sponsor Clayco, digital sponsor Ganem Companies, fine jewelry sponsor Osborne Jewelers, and special gift sponsor Tarbell’s. Get tickets here.
