MEDIA CONTACT:
Lindsay Hansen
PR Consultant
(C): 480.205.6195
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Phoenix, Ariz. (xxx, 2025) – The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation (the Foundation) is proud to welcome Isabel Gonzalez as the new vice president for ElevateEdAZ, the education initiative of the Foundation focused on aligning education to workforce learning pathways with the needs of Arizona’s leading industries.
Gonzalez brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role, including a diverse background in education, economic development, and transportation sectors across Florida, New York, and Arizona. Her leadership experience includes stakeholder engagement, program development, and more.
“The most exciting part of joining ElevateEdAZ is the opportunity to lead an incredible team united by a meaningful mission, driving partnerships that transform education in Arizona,” said Gonzalez. “I’m thrilled to step into a role where we’re working hand in hand with educators, business leaders, and school administrators to create career-connected learning experiences for students and helping them see what’s possible now and in the future.”
As vice president, Gonzalez will lead district and school-based staff in fulfilling ElevateEdAZ’s primary objectives which include increasing the number of students enrolled in and completing high-wage, high-demand career pathways, increasing student attainment of industry-recognized credentials and early post-secondary credit, providing more students with work-based learning experiences, and empowering educators to reimagine classroom learning through educator externships.
The appointment comes at a time of tremendous growth for the initiative, with its recently expanded team reaching 21 schools through five districts and one charter network across the Greater Phoenix region.
To date, ElevateEdAZ has impacted nearly 170,000 students and teachers through internships, job shadows, transportation programs, educator externship experiences, career awareness and exploration events, and interest and aptitude assessments.
Gonzalez completed her bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University, majoring in Political Science and Spanish, before obtaining her Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. A native Phoenician, this new leadership role supporting improvements in the communities where she was raised is full circle for Gonzalez.
Interested in making an impact on your community? The Foundation is hiring to support ElevateEdAZ’s continued expansion! Check out our open positions here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-phx-chamber/jobs/
About ElevateEdAZ
Launched in 2020, ElevateEdAZ prepares individuals for college and career through stronger alignment between education, business, and the community. ElevateEdAZ is focused on increasing the number of students completing high-quality education to workforce learning pathways that align with the needs of the industry and supports students in completing industry-recognized credentials, attaining early post-secondary credit, and participating in capstone work-based learning experiences, such as internships and job shadows. For more information, visit https://elevateedaz.com.
About the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation convenes and catalyzes business, education, and community to enhance college and career readiness, develop a more robust workforce, and build healthier communities throughout Arizona. The Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, leads the charitable and education initiatives of the Greater Phoenix Chamber under the four pillars of education, workforce development, wellness, and research. For more information, visit https://phoenixchamberfoundation.com.
About the Greater Phoenix Chamber
Representing 2,400 businesses across the Greater Phoenix region, the Greater Phoenix Chamber promotes regional prosperity by serving as a catalyst for economic vitality and strong communities. The Chamber pursues this mission by collaborating with business, political and community leaders to grow the regional talent pool, create a regional approach to economic development, and drive a pro-Arizona agenda.
Follow Online:
Twitter: @ElevateEdAZ
Instagram: @elevateedaz
Facebook: @elevateedaz
LinkedIn: ElevateEdAZ
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