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 Joy Zilar, vice president new patient intake operations for City of Hope Phoenix.
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Joy Zilar, City of Hope Phoenix
Background: With 12 years of dedication to the organization, Zilar leads teams committed to ensuring a seamless and supportive experience for City of Hope’s new patients. Zilar’s team provides intake nurse navigation, new patient scheduling and record procurement services—all designed to ease the burden on patients and accelerate their path to receiving compassionate care. City of Hope’s mission is to remove obstacles so patients can focus on what matters most: their health and healing.
Source of pride: “I am deeply committed to supporting cancer patients, driven by a deep empathy for their journey. My priority is to provide the best possible experience while ensuring our patients receive the timely care they deserve. I will do whatever it takes to get patients in front of a physician as quickly as possible because, when facing cancer, waiting even a day feels too long. Speed to care is critical, and every interaction is an opportunity to offer comfort, compassion, and reassurance to those who need it most.”
Professional advice: “The healthcare field requires dedication, resilience, and continuous learning. Stay committed to the values that drive you and embrace every opportunity to grow. There may be challenges along the way, but your passion and perseverance will make a difference — not only in your career but in the lives of those you serve. Never stop believing in your ability to create positive change!”
Surprising fact: “I have never been much of a sports fan, but recently, I have started enjoying baseball and have officially become a Diamondbacks supporter—much to my family’s surprise. Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, I have also embraced and enjoy the sourdough bread-making trend as a new hobby. However, I quickly realized that eating it nonstop is not sustainable for my waistline—so I happily give most of it away!”
Learn more: cityofhope.org/locations/phoenix
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.
