May 13, 2021 – Valley of the Sun United Way President and CEO Carla Vargas Jasa has been recognized for her leadership while the organization is being celebrated as a community champion with today’s presentation of two prestigious accolades.
2021 Community Champion Impact Award
The Greater Phoenix Chamber has named Valley of the Sun United Way as 2021 Community Champion for organizations of 250 employees or fewer.
The Chamber recognized United Way for its role as a community leader and most especially for its work to quickly address the needs of the community at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the effects of the pandemic took hold in early 2020, United Way quickly mobilized to create the United for the Valley COVID-19 Fund to support Maricopa County’s health and human service and education nonprofits and school partners’ growing list of urgent and critical needs. Raising $1 million with the first week, United Way established a weekly rapid-cycle grant process that immediately put donations back into the community. Ultimately, United Way raised $3 million, funded 98 programs and provided 1.1 million individuals with services, such as such as emergency food, rental assistance, digital learning tools, PPE and many others.
“On behalf of the Board and the United Way staff, we are honored to receive the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s Community Champion Impact Award,” said Jenny Holsman Tetreault, Chair of the Board of Directors for Valley of the Sun United Way. “We are also so proud of our nonprofit, community and business partners whose generosity and hard work come together to fulfill immediate needs and foster systemic change for children, families and individuals across Maricopa County.”
Since 1987, the Greater Phoenix Chamber has honored the accomplishments of businesses and the impact they make on the Greater Phoenix business community. Each year, the Chamber seeks companies with a strong footprint in the Valley that deserve special recognition.
2021 Most Admired Leader
Valley of the Sun President and CEO Carla Vargas Jasa has been named a “2021 Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal.
Each year, the Phoenix Business Journal salutes Valley leaders who have guided their organizations to success with strong leadership, vision, values and a commitment to their community. A panel of previous winners and sponsors reviewed more than 170 nominations, which they narrowed down to just 27 honorees.
“I am honored to be counted among so many inspiring individuals,” Vargas Jasa said. “It is especially meaningful at this time, as I truly share this wonderful accolade with the United Way team, who has worked tirelessly to address the immediate and emerging needs of our community throughout the pandemic,” she said.
Vargas Jasa joined Valley of the Sun United way in June 2019 as the first female and Latina President and CEO. Previously, during her 20-year tenure at Orange County United Way, she served in leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Vice President of Major Gifts.
In 2020, Vargas Jasa was named a “2020 Leader of the Year” by the Arizona Capitol Times for Valley of the Sun United Way’s COVID-19 response and management efforts and was listed as one of the “Most Influential Women in Arizona Business” by AZ Big Media.
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