Young & Empowered Women Announces Inaugural Board Leadership Team
Phoenix, AZ (Jan 21, 2026) — Young & Empowered Women (Y&E), a rapidly growing leadership network dedicated to developing and elevating emerging women leaders, is proud to announce the election of its first Board Leadership Team. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the organization, which has built a community of more than 250 cohort members and alumni, including 67% who identify as first‑generation college students and 65% who identify as women of color.
“From day one, Young & Empowered Women has been about creating access — access to mentorship, networks, and professional development opportunities for rising female leaders,” shared Veronica Aguilar, Founder of Young & Empowered Women. “The election of our inaugural Board Leadership Team is a powerful moment for our organization. Christina, Ashley, and Heather’s experience and passion will guide Y&E into an even stronger and more impactful future.”
Elected to serve as Board Chair is Christina Spicer, Co‑CEO of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. With nearly two decades of nonprofit experience, Spicer is widely recognized for her leadership in youth development, fundraising, and community engagement. A two-time Arizona State University graduate, she has championed major initiatives including the Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women, Badge Bash, and Day of the Girl—driving significant growth and impact for one of Arizona’s largest youth-serving organizations.
Serving as Board Treasurer is Ashley Kelly, a seasoned banking and community leader with more than 20 years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations. As Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager for Nonprofit Organizations at JPMorgan Chase, Kelly advises nonprofits on financial strategy, organizational growth, and long-term sustainability. Her relationship-centered approach and dedication to economic empowerment have earned her deep respect across the business and nonprofit sectors.
Board Secretary will be Heather Kivatinos, a media and advertising executive who leads the sales strategy for four television channels and digital and print platforms at Arizona PBS. With more than 15 years of leadership experience including prior roles with USA Today, Kivatinos is known for her strategic insight, empathetic leadership, and strong commitment to service. A native Arizonan and first-generation college graduate, she is deeply involved in civic engagement through Women United, Valley Leadership, the Greater Phoenix Chamber, Arizona State University Staff Council, and the PBS National Advisory Council.
Young & Empowered Women welcomes Christina Spicer, Ashley Kelly, and Heather Kivatinos to the Board Leadership Team.
Together, Y&E’s new Board Leadership Team brings extensive expertise in nonprofit leadership, financial strategy, media, community engagement, and a shared commitment to supporting young women. Their collective leadership represents a significant step forward as Y&E continues to expand programming, deepen member support, and strengthen its impact statewide.
In addition to the newly elected officers, the full 2026 Board of Directors includes:
Veronica Aguilar, Vice President of Recruitment, Teach For America
Laura Capello, President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Rachel Frazier Johnson, Founder & Managing Partner, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law
Sandy Martinez, M.Ed, Founder, Women of Web3
Monica Meyerand, VP Community Impact & Partnerships, OneAZ Credit Union
Carletta Miller, HR Business Partner, ArchWell Health
Anna Carolina Ortiz, MPH, Client Partner, STCHealth
Monica Trejo, M.Ed, Director of Community Engagement, Arizona Board of Regents
As part of this leadership evolution, Veronica Aguilar, Founder of Young & Empowered Women, will continue to serve on the board as a strategic advisory role, providing ongoing support to both the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee as the organization enters this new phase of growth
Young & Empowered Women’s proven model of integrating professional development, mentorship, and networking continues to deliver transformational results for its members. The new board will help guide the organization as it builds new opportunities for young women to lead with confidence, purpose, and community.
For more information about Young & Empowered Women, visit www.yewomen.org.
About Young & Empowered Women
Founded in 2020, Young & Empowered Women is committed to closing the gender gap and empowering women through mentorship, professional development, and networking. Our robust network of rising female leaders supports each other in achieving personal and professional growth. Learn more at www.yewomen.org
