This event is open to "women and femme-identified members" only.
Join the Worldly Women Collective to celebrate and share the inspiring journeys of Latina leaders in Arizona, creating a platform for empowerment, connection, and inspiration beyond the public service sphere.
Wednesday, May 29th | 5:30-7:30 pm
at Heritage HQ, 515 E Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 @ The Lawrence Building
Admission: $5
*Free for official WWC participants using member code. Want to join?
Event Agenda
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Arrival and Check-in
5:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Networking
5:45 PM - 5:50 PM: Opening Remarks
5:55 PM - 6:25 PM: Panel 1 - Local Leadership
6:25 PM - 6:35 PM: Q&A
6:40 PM - 7:10 PM: Panel 2 - State Leadership and Beyond
7:10 PM - 7:20 PM: Q&A
7:20 PM - 7:30 PM: Closing Remarks and Invitation to Networking
7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Networking, Organization Exhibits (TBD), and Mingling
8:00 PM: Event Concludes
Parking Information
Getting to The Lawrence Building Parking
The Lawrence is located at 515 E Grant St, between 5th St and 7th St, just south of Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. Please park in any slot that does not have a "RESERVED" sign.
For those using public transportation or Park & Ride, the closest light rail stations are at 3rd St & Washington St and 3rd St & Jefferson St, which are approximately a 15-minute walk from The Lawrence.
Featured Panelists
Panel 1: Local Leadership Journeys (5:55-6:25 pm)
Honorable Alexis Hermosillo
City of El Mirage, Mayor
Alexis Hermosillo is in her second term as the Mayor of the City of El Mirage. As a proud fifth generation El Mirage resident, the Mayor is passionate about her community and is committed to enriching the lives of El Mirage residents. Through her experience in public service, she has worked for the largest public transportation company in Maricopa County, was the manager of a radio network under the Cesar Chavez Foundation and worked for the U.S. House of Representatives as a District Representative for Arizona Congressional District 3. Mayor Hermosillo has also led national efforts to improve climate conditions through carbon pricing and provided operational and managerial support to numerous non-profits on a state and national level.
Patricia Jimenez
Isaac School District #5, Board Member
For the past 21 years, Ms. Patricia Jimenez has served on the Isaac Elementary School District Governing Board and her enthusiasm, love, and passion for the families she supports have never waned. She has held the position of Board President thirteen times prior and currently serves as a Board Member.
She humbly and graciously accepts responsibility for educational, safety, health, and wellness decisions that directly impact the nearly 5,100 students and their families within her sphere. It’s a community she knows well as she is an alumni of Butler Elementary and Isaac Middle School. Having been a resident for more than 30 years, Jimenez raised her two children in the district and both attended Isaac schools. Both have earned their college degrees and continue to give back to the community. Jimenez has been a steadfast and instrumental leader, committed and connected to the needs of the Isaac Community. She believes in the importance
of providing all students with high quality education that will lead them to a successful future.
Ms. Jimenez reflects the values, mission, and vision of the Isaac School District. She knows firsthand the importance of being an active parent and community leader and has the experience and knowledge to evidence her tenure as a Board leader and fervent community advocate. Jimenez understands and values the importance of higher education as she received her AA in Criminal Justice.
Beyond her countless hours of service to the community, Jimenez was an instrumental part of the reading tutoring services to students inside and outside of the district. She has spearheaded this community service project as she understands the importance of connecting with students and providing a layered approach to support.
Belinda Quezada
Tolleson Elementary School District, Board Member
Belinda Quezada has been a dedicated member of the Tolleson Elementary School District Governing Board for the past four years. With extensive experience as an Arizona educator, she previously served as the Principal at Villa De Paz Elementary. Belinda is deeply committed to her community and educational excellence, continually striving to enhance the learning environment and opportunities for all students in her district. Her leadership and dedication make her a valuable asset to the educational community in Arizona.
Panel 2: Expanding Influence: State Leadership & Beyond (6:40-7:10 pm)
Ylenia Aguilar
Gybe, Business Development Manager (Candidate - Corporate Commission)
Ylenia Aguilar, born in Veracruz, Mexico who was raised in Arizona and rural Illinois, brings a diverse background and a passion for community advocacy to her work. With a strong commitment to public service, Ylenia has held various leadership roles, including serving as a Governing Board Member in the Osborn School District, a Vitalyst Health Foundation Board of Trustees member, and an advisor for Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). Currently, she serves as a member of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, where she actively addresses water issues impacting Arizona.
Ylenia is also deeply invested in the future of her family. She is the proud mother of two sons, one of whom is pursuing Environmental Sciences and Sustainability at Northern Arizona University (NAU).
Honorable Anna Hernandez
Arizona State Senator LD24 (Candidate - State Senate)
Anna Hernandez was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and is a first generation daughter of Mexican-born parents. Family is a core value for Anna. She has spent a majority of her career in mortgage and banking. The last few years, Anna has been involved in community organizing work with a heavy focus on police accountability and funding after losing her youngest brother to police violence. She is rooted in community and looking forward to working on ways to ensure critical resources reach her community members.
Honorable Lea Marquez Peterson
Commissioner, Arizona Corporation Commission (Candidate - Corporate Commission)
Lea Marquez Peterson currently serves on the Arizona Corporation Commission and is the past Chairwoman. During her tenure, she has fought hard for affordable utility rates and has focused on ensuring energy reliability. She was appointed by the Governor in 2019 and later won election to a four year term in 2020. Lea is the first Hispanic woman to serve in a statewide seat in the history of Arizona.
Lea received her undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona and her Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
Lea previously owned a chain of gas stations and convenience stores in the Tucson area putting many people to work. Additionally, she served nearly ten years as the President of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber – one of the largest chambers in the state.
In her role as Commissioner, Lea co-chairs a national advanced nuclear taskforce and is vice chair of national water utility committee. Additionally, she is the Vice chair of the board that works on regional interconnection on the west coast (WIRAB).
Lea has served her community and state in a number of other positions. She lives in Tucson with her husband and 2 children.
