Emma Garcia

Emma Garcia has a diverse work experience spanning over several roles and industries. Emma is currently serving as the Chief Community Development & Engagement Officer at Valley of the Sun United Way since August 2023. Prior to that, they held various positions at Desert Financial Credit Union, including AVP, Community Relations & Engagement from July 2021 to September 2023. Emma also worked as the AVP Community Development & Desert Financial Foundation Executive Director from January 2017 to July 2021 and as the Assistant Vice President, Marketing and Community Development from August 2012 to January 2014. Before joining the credit union, Emma worked at Destiny Arts Center as a Development Associate, where they developed a new funding strategy for the youth arts center. Emma also worked at Quilombo as the 21st Century Center Director and at Global Education Partnership as the Program Director. Emma's earlier roles include working as a Recruiter at INROADS and as an INROADS Intern at PHH Homequity. Emma began their career as a Program Director at Youth ALIVE! where they were involved in youth advocacy and violence prevention efforts. Emma has consistently demonstrated their expertise in community development, engagement, and fundraising throughout their career.

Emma Garcia graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Political Science, and Economics. Emma also completed the Sustainable Business Strategy program at Harvard Business School Online. In terms of additional certifications, Emma obtained the Skills for Inclusive Conversations certification from LinkedIn in August 2021. In April 2021, they obtained the Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences certification, as well as the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging certification. In March 2021, Emma obtained the Unconscious Bias certification. Prior to these certifications, they completed the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate from ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation in February 2019, along with the Balancing Multiple Roles as a Leader certification from LinkedIn in December 2018.