Emma Garcia tapped to break new ground with community engagement
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Valley of the Sun United Way, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to improve quality of life and workforce development throughout Maricopa County, has named Emma Garcia as chief community development and engagement officer.
For over three decades, Ms. Garcia created a successful career as a corporate social responsibility executive and social impact strategist spending the past 20 years serving as the associate vice president of community relations and engagement at Desert Financial Credit Union.
Under Ms. Garcia’s leadership, Desert Financial Credit Union and the Desert Financial Foundation awarded more than $55 million in corporate and philanthropic giving, according to a press release.
In her new role, Ms. Garcia will work with the Valley of the Sun United Way team and board of directors, community partners, donors, foundation funders and public policy makers to apply her philanthropic experiences to achieve the 5-year goals of Mighty Change 2026.
“Not only does Emma have a deep understanding of our community, she has also worked with Valley of the Sun United Way for over 20 years as a committed volunteer and partner,” said Carla Vargas Jasa, president and CEO of Valley of the Sun United Way. “We are confident Emma’s tremendous experience and expertise will help us achieve Valley of the Sun United Way’s community goals that improve the lives of children, families and individuals throughout the Valley.”
Ms. Garcia is a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and volunteers as a board member for Wildfire and Rooted Sol. Her leadership has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Phoenix Business Journal’s Philanthropist of the Year and Diversity Champion Award.
