PHOENIX (Aug. 30, 2023)— Valley of the Sun United Way, a local nonprofit working to improve health, housing and homelessness, education and workforce development throughout Maricopa County, announced Emma Garcia is taking the role of chief community development and engagement officer.

For over three decades, Garcia created a successful career as a corporate social responsibility executive and social impact strategist. Garcia spent the past 20 years serving as the associate vice president of community relations and engagement at Desert Financial Credit Union where she built programs that facilitated strategic investments and strengthened relationships in the community. Under her leadership, Desert Financial Credit Union and the Desert Financial Foundation awarded more than $55 million in corporate and philanthropic giving.

Garcia brings extensive knowledge of philanthropy to her new role as chief community development and engagement officer. With a diverse background in fundraising for community impact, she has both generated charitable dollars for organizations and managed grant-making initiatives. In her new role, 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 five-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.”

Garcia earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of California, Berkeley. She holds several additional certifications including a nonprofit executive leadership certificate from Arizona State University and a sustainability certificate from Harvard Business School Online. Garcia is also 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.

For more information about Valley of the Sun United Way and its journey to Mighty Change 2026, visit www.vsuw.org/mightychange.

About Valley of the Sun United Way

Valley of the Sun United Way envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live, and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in life and in work. As we work with our community, corporate and nonprofit partners to implement our five-year plan for Mighty Change by 2026, Valley of the Sun United Way will put all of its efforts toward reaching Bold Goals for Maricopa County in health, housing and homelessness, education and workforce development. Join us at www.vsuw.org.

Valley of the Sun United Way media contact: Ryan Narramore, 602-499-8894, rnarramore@vsuw.org