Q. What led you, specifically, to say "yes" to joining the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona board?
I’ve had a connection to United Way since I started my career at GEICO 24 years ago. It’s always been part of the fabric of how GEICO shows up in the community. When Michelle Trindade’s board term was ending, she recommended that I step in, and I was honored to say yes. As the GEICO site leader here in Tucson, it felt like the right next step to deepen that connection and contribute in a more hands-on way.
I first learned about the impact United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona has in our community not through observation, but through lived experience. My husband and I had our children later in life than many of our friends, and we quickly realized that while there were plenty of adults in our children’s lives, there weren’t many other children. Through a series of fortunate events, we found ourselves at The Parent Connection—a wonderful place where parents could bring their children to play, read, sing, and socialize. For our family, it became so much more than that. It was where we learned that we could become the parents our children needed. It was where we found a community of professionals who were invested in our family’s success. In time, those professionals became part of our family, and many of them still are, all these years, retirements, and relocations later. Simply having a place where we could ask questions, wonder, learn, and explore alongside our children changed our trajectory. We were set on a new course and given the knowledge and support to see that journey through. So, when I had the opportunity to give back even a portion of what our family received all those years ago—and to contribute, even in a small way, to creating that kind of impact for other families in our community—I jumped at the chance. Saying yes to United Way was, in many ways, an opportunity to help make sure that other families have access to the same kind of support, community, and possibility that changed our lives.
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Q. What is one interesting or fun fact about you that others may not know?
I love spending time outdoors with my dog. We try out a new park almost every weekend. I’m also an avid bird watcher, whether it’s in my own backyard or out exploring new trails. Southern Arizona is an incredible place for both.
I’m 100% on team paper books. There is something irreplaceable about holding a physical book, turning its pages, and feeling your way through a story.
Q. What aspect of United Way of Tucson’s work inspires you most? Is there a particular program that stands out to you?
What inspires me most is the measurable, real impact this organization has on people right here in our community. The VITA program stands out to me. Over 15,000 low-income working families used no-fee tax preparation services this past year, and those refunds go directly back into our local economy and into the hands of families who need it most. I also love the Cradle to Career Partnership and the bold commitment to put 42,354 additional youth on a path to economic mobility by 2030. That kind of long-term, data-driven thinking is something I connect with personally and professionally.
The Cradle to Career initiative really stands out to me. I could not overstate the need we have for this work in our community. I’m inspired by the idea of looking at a person’s journey holistically rather than addressing challenges piecemeal. Supporting children and families from the earliest stages of life through education and into a sustainable career creates the opportunity to change not just an individual outcome, but the trajectory of an entire family. It’s a long-term investment in our community with the potential for generational impact, and I think that’s incredibly powerful.
Q. How would you describe your leadership style?
People-first. I believe the best results come from building trust, being direct, and genuinely caring about the people you work with. I lead with warmth, but I’m not afraid to have the hard conversations. I want people to feel supported and challenged at the same time. I’m also very data-driven. I want to understand the “why” behind the numbers before making decisions. And I’m a big believer in giving people room to grow, making sure they have what they need to do their best work, and then getting out of their way.
I would describe my leadership style as collaborative, direct, and focused on results. I believe the best leaders listen first, bring people together, and make sure everyone understands both the goal and their role in achieving it. I’m not afraid to have difficult conversations when they’re necessary, but I also believe in treating people with respect and creating an environment where different perspectives are valued. Ultimately, leadership is about bringing people together around a common purpose and then getting the work done.
Q. What do you find most unique or special about the Tucson community?
Tucson has a heart that is hard to find anywhere else. People here genuinely care about their neighbors and show up for each other. There is an authenticity to this community that you feel the moment you get here. The natural beauty is a bonus, but what makes Tucson truly special is the way people from different backgrounds, industries, and walks of life come together to solve real problems. It’s a place where community is not just a word; it’s how people live.
I was born and raised in Tucson, and my family has been here for five generations now. Looking back over the years and the family stories shared, what I find most special about Tucson is the way people here show up for one another. We have a strong sense of community, loyalty, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves and help solve problems. Tucson is also incredibly diverse—in its people, cultures, industries, and experiences—and that gives our community a character that is difficult to replicate. By and large, there’s a real sense locally that while we may not always agree on everything, we all have a stake in making Tucson a better place. That honest sense of community is something I value tremendously. Oh, and the food—you won’t find better anywhere else.
