Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Ijana Harris, executive vice president and chief legal officer for Valleywise Health.

From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone. 

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Ijana Harris, executive vice president and chief legal officer, Valleywise Health

Background: Harris provides legal advice and strategic counsel to Valleywise Health’s senior leadership, the board of directors and the governing council. Harris advises on a wide variety of operational matters, including healthcare law and regulations, compliance, employment matters, financial matters, medical malpractice defense, open meeting law issues and overall risk mitigation. In 2017, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State recognized Harris as one of 50 distinguished alumni in ASU Law’s history. In 2026, she was named In-House Attorney of the Year in the Healthcare Sector at the Excellence in Law Awards.

Advice to younger self: “Don’t let intimidation limit your participation. In life, you will face many things that seem too big, too scary, or out of your league — go for it anyway. There may be people who have been doing it longer, who know it better, or who present more confidently. You may feel intimidated but press on anyway. Your presence adds value.”

Surprising fact: “I had to ask my wonderful assistant because I’m convinced there’s nothing all that surprising about me. She said, “You’re a softy at heart. You don’t show it often—only to those close to you. But you have such a big heart, and you truly care about people.”