ABOUT
Arizona Capitol Times and State Affairs are proud to announce the 2026 Women Achievers of Arizona Awards.
Women Achievers recognizes exceptional women whose leadership, service, innovation and dedication have made a meaningful impact on Arizona’s communities, industries and public life. These women represent the best of Arizona — leaders who inspire others through their accomplishments and commitment to making a difference.
Nominations were open for women from across Arizona who are advancing their professions, strengthening their communities and helping shape the future of our state. Nominees may come from any sector, including business, government, education, health care, nonprofits, law, public service and the arts.
The winners will be recognized at the 2026 Women Achievers of Arizona Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
Women Achievers of Arizona is presented by Arizona Capitol Times, celebrating its 120th anniversary, and State Affairs.
Congratulations to all those chosen as this year’s Women Achievers of Arizona winners. The following women were chosen from more than 100 nominees for their contributions to Arizona, and are listed in no particular order.
Woman of the Year
- Sandra Watson — President & CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority
Corporate Leadership
- Jamie Blakeman — CEO Founder, Lōkahi
- Sara Gullickson — Founder & CEO, Cannabis Business Advisors
- Jennifer Kaplan — CEO/President, Evolve Public Relations & Marketing
- Emily Nachlas — Chief Risk Officer, Western Alliance Bank
Education
- Valerie Cimarossa — Chancellor, University of Advancing Technology
- Liz Gonzalez — Gifted Micro Leader, Maryvale Gifted & Talented Academy
- Christina Ngo — Assistant Vice President, Social Embeddedness, Arizona State University
- Cindy Segotta-Jones — Superintendent, Glendale Elementary School District
Government & Public Service
- Jennifer Allen — Chair, Pima County Board of Supervisors
- Lori Bays — Assistant City Manager, City of Phoenix
- Alexis Hermosillo — Mayor, City of El Mirage
- Joanne Keene — City Manager, City of Flagstaff
- Vicki Rios — Assistant City Manager, City of Glendale
Public Policy
- Pamela Bridge — Director of Litigation and Advocacy, Community Legal Services of Arizona
- Charlinda Haudley — Stakeholder Outreach Coordinator, Central Arizona Project
- Cora Tso — Senior Research Fellow, Tribal Water Policy, Kyl Center for Water Policy, Arizona State University
Healthcare
- Katie Brite Hillis — Interim Vice Dean, Medical Education for Yuma Branch, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
- Heather Carter — CEO of Health Choice Arizona and Medicaid Segment General Manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
- Jennifer Carusetta — Vice President of Public Affairs & Advocacy, Phoenix Children’s
- Mimi Coomler — President & CEO, TMC Health
- Tamika Sullivan — Director of Behavioral Health, Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc.
Legal
- Emily Ward — Director, Fennemore
- Linley Wilson — Partner, Holtzman Vogel
Nonprofit
- Sophie Allen-Etchart — CEO, Read Better Be Better
- Alejandra Gomez — Executive Director, Living United for Change in Arizona
- Dana Marie Kennedy — State Director, AARP Arizona
- Vanecia Kerr — President & CEO, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
- Barbara Ryan Thompson — EVP & COO, Helios Education Foundation
Unsung heroes
- Tiffany Jones-Bolling — Junior Vice Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 40
- Jeanmarie Simpson — Founding Artistic Director, Arizona Theatre MattersMaryvale Gifted & Talented Academy
Want to be in the room when these women are honored on October 8? Be sure to purchase your tickets to the 2026 Women Achievers of Arizona luncheon.
For additional event information or sponsorships please contact Sandy Mitchell at smitchell@stateaffairs.com or 602-889-7113