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 Gaby Cardenas, founder and CEO of The Colibri Collective.


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Gaby Cardenas, The Colibri Collective

Background: Cardenas is the founder of The Colibri Collective, a Latina-led and certified Women-Owned full-service marketing and advertising agency dedicated to creating positive change through innovative strategies and meaningful partnerships. Her work empowers communities, nurtures future leaders, and redefines what inclusive, impactful marketing looks like in today’s world.

Source of pride: “This year, I had the honor of launching The Colibri Foundation. This moment symbolizes our evolution from a thriving business to a purpose-driven one, empowering communities through education, the arts, and advocacy. It reflects our mission to lead with impact while investing in long-term and generational change.”

Professional advice: “Lead with authenticity and purpose. Don’t wait for permission, take off and create your own path. Invest in your growth, find mentors, and use your voice. Your lived experience is your superpower, and when you stay rooted in it, you’ll open doors not just for yourself, but for others, too.”

Surprising fact: “I love collecting items that inspire me. As a kid, I loved Barbies and classic cars — thanks to my dad, who showed me the value of well-made vehicles. Now, I invest in vintage cars, collectible Barbies and art, all of which reflect my passion for elegance and invigorate my life with beauty.” 

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.