About
President & CEO
Brenda Avalos
Hi, I’m Brenda Avalos, a proud Latina leader passionate about empowering others to follow their dreams. I care deeply about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and I’m especially committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and abuse. I believe that with the right guidance and encouragement, we can all rise above the circumstances we were born into and create a future we’re proud of.
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Growing up in poverty and watching my parents struggle financially inspired me to take a different path. I became the first in my family to graduate from college, and now I work to help others — especially those from underserved communities — take control of their finances and build generational wealth.
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I know how hard it is to find role models who understand your journey, especially when you're young and vulnerable. That’s why I’m committed to showing up as the kind of mentor I wish I had — real, relatable, and genuinely invested in helping others grow.
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Whether it’s through community work, financial education, or simply listening and sharing my story, my goal is to empower people from all backgrounds to live intentionally and reach their full potential. I’m a firm believer that your past doesn’t define you — your vision and your actions do.
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Educational
Background
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Bachelor of Applied Science in Global Business
W.P. Carey School of Business
Arizona State University
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Bachelor of Applied Science in Accountancy
W.P. Carey School of Business
Arizona State University
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Certificate of Entrepreneurial Studies
Scottsdale Community College
Experience
I've been a Tax Accountant for about 10 years and gained valuable experience in audit, accounting, and tax preparation for both individuals and businesses. I had the opportunity to advise many small business owners on tax-saving strategies and financial decisions, and I loved being able to help people understand things like rental property income, deductions, and saving for retirement in a way that felt attainable.
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A few years ago, I made the decision to transition out of the corporate world and into the nonprofit sector so I could do work that felt more aligned with my heart. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring youth, supporting them in developing leadership skills, and helping them reach their career and educational goals.
Outside of that, I also work as a Brand Ambassador for well-known corporations at community events across the Valley. I enjoy bringing good energy, engaging with attendees, and simply helping people have fun and feel welcomed. These events allow me to stay connected to the community in a way that brings me so much joy.
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Over the past few years, I’ve also had the honor of serving on a Civic Advocacy Panel and facilitating leadership workshops for youth in high school leadership positions. I’ve volunteered with the Arizona Council on Economic Education’s Financial Fitness in Action, helping students navigate financial literacy through hands-on simulations, and with Bite of Reality, supporting both youth and women in learning about real-world money management. I’ve also volunteered at various events to support civil and women’s rights — causes I care deeply about.
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I'm a lifelong learner and truly believe that education is power. I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and networking events so I can keep growing personally and professionally. I love connecting with people from all walks of life and learning from their stories.
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Above all, I believe that we can enjoy life more when we’re pursuing our passions. Even with all the hats I wear, I strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance and make space for what matters most — creating joyful memories with the people I love.
Everyone can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
