Meet our 2026 Business Awardees
Woman of the Year
Alicia Nuñez
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicanos Por La Causa
Alicia Nuñez is President and CEO at CPLC, an organization with more than 1,700 employees. She has more than 30 years of financial and operational management experience in non-profit and for-profit businesses, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, California, where she served as Assistant Director of Finance.
Alicia joined CPLC in 2006 and has served as Vice President of Business Enterprises, Vice President of Accounting, President of CPLC Insurance, Inc., and Chief Financial Officer. Since she became President & CEO, CPLC completed 263 affordable housing units; expanded into Colorado and California; and expanded its lending portfolio to $100M.
Alicia was named one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona in 2025 by Arizona Business Magazine and 2024 Women of Achievement by Greater InBusiness PHX Magazine. Alicia earned a BA in English from California State University Northridge and an Executive MBA from The University of Arizona.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Carlos Tarazon
After many years working in software development and contact center leadership roles my wife Elizabeth and I decided to harness the entrepreneurial spirit that we both shared. We started a photobooth operation, bringing very little in the way of photography or event services experience. We leaned into the process and learned as we went along.
In August of 2015 we launched our LLC, MomentWave, and set forth to provide branded, memorable, engaging and fun photo activations for clients and event attendees. Our very first big event: AZHCC 2015 DATOS in Phoenix. Working events with the AZHCC over the last 11 years continues to be a very rewarding experience. We soon added COX, Arizona State University, The Arizona Republic, Topgolf, Harrah’s Ak-Chin, Navajo Parks & Recreation, the Phoenix Suns, to our clientele.
After a gazillion photos, smiles and great memories captured, we continue to lean forward.
Advocate of the Year
Anna María Chávez
President & CEO, Arizona Community Foundation
Anna María Chávez serves as President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona’s largest statewide grantmaker, managing over $1.6 billion in charitable assets. Since assuming the role in February 2023, she has championed inclusive philanthropy while strengthening communities across Arizona. With over 25 years of experience in public service and nonprofit leadership, Anna María is a transformative leader known for driving innovation and impact.
Her career includes prominent roles under President Bill Clinton and Arizona Governors Jane Hull and Janet Napolitano. She made history as the first woman of color to lead the Girl Scouts of the USA and later served as CEO of the National School Boards Association. Recognized nationally, Anna María’s accolades include the Arizona Diamondbacks Pete Garcia Hispanic Leadership Award and recognition as one of Fortune’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders. She holds degrees from Yale University and the University of Arizona College of Law.
Corporation of the Year
