Emma Garcia is taking the role of chief community development and engagement officer at Valley of the Sun United Way.

The local nonprofit works to improve health, housing and homelessness, education, and workforce development throughout Maricopa County.

For more than three decades, Garcia served as a corporate social responsibility executive and social impact strategist. She spent the past 20 years as 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.

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,” Carla Vargas Jasa, Valley of the Sun United Way president and CEO, shared in a press release. “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.”

Click here for information about Valley of the Sun United Way and its Mighty Change 2026.