10 Most Influential Latinos in Arizona

The Latino Community in the state of Arizona is blooming professionally. We have gathered a list of the 10 Most Influential Latinos in Arizona to get a sense of their efforts, hard work, and the legacy they wish to leave behind.

1. Benito Almanza | Arizona president | Bank of America
Born into a family of migrant workers, Almanza is now responsible for all lines of business efforts, community and civic activities in the state. The graduate of Stanford University and the University of Santa Clara has been with Bank of America for 30 years, working in California before moving to Arizona in 1992. He hopes to hire top talent and mentor them enough to one day be able to replace him.

2. Marty Alvarez | CEO, principal in charge | Sun Eagle Corporation
Alvarez is founder of family-owned and operated Sun Eagle, one of the top minority-owned general contracting and construction management firms in the country. He has been a chair and officer for the Associated Minority Contractors of America since 1993. He hopes that his company’s buildings have in some way improved the landscape, and their assistance to individuals and families  have improved lives.

3. Victor M. Aranda | Area president, Northern Arizona | Wells Fargo Arizona
Aranda manages six Wells Fargo Community Banking markets; Northeast Arizona, Central Arizona, White Mountains, North Phoenix, North Scottsdale and Scottsdale. He is responsible for 816 team members, 69 banking stores, and $4.1 billion in deposits. A 25-year financial services veteran, Aranda presently serves as a board member for Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Valley Leadership Arizona.
“My passion in life is to add value to those I come in contact with.  What I would like to be remembered for is how I spent my life serving, helping and developing the leaders of tomorrow.”

4. Tony Astorga | Retired CFO | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Astorga recently retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona where he served as the Senior Vice President, CFO & CBDO since 1988. He currently serves as chairman of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is a member of the board of directors for the Arizona Community Foundation, AZHCC, ASU Foundation, CSA General Insurance Agency, Phoenix Art Museum, and US Bank Arizona. He wishes to be remembered in his profession as a CPA and CFO for being a good mentor and for helping develop his staff in their work ethic and level of growth.

5. José Cárdenas | Senior vice president and general counsel | Arizona State University
Before joining ASU in 2009, Cárdenas was chairman at Lewis & Roca, where he became the first Hispanic to serve as managing partner of a major law firm in Arizona. A Stanford Law School graduate, Cárdenas has served on many boards and commissions and has received various awards. He wishes to be known as a good lawyer who was able to serve his clientele and community well with the utmost integrity.

6. America Corrales-Bortin  | Co-founder | America’s Taco Shop
Corrales-Bortin grew up Culiacán in Sinaloa, Mexico, watching her mother prepare the dishes that would become the recipes for success at America’s Taco Shop. Founded in 2008, America’s authentic carne asada and al pastor quickly built a following that has led to rapid expansion and a partnership Kahala, a franchise development company. So far in 2013, America’s has already moved into California, Texas and Maryland. He wishes to be remembered as someone who has a passion for the food served at America’s Taco Shop.

7. Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick  | Executive vice chancellor and provost | Maricopa Community Colleges
Harper-Marinick oversees all areas of academic and student affairs, workforce development, and strategic planning. She serves on several national and local boards including ABEC and AMEPAC, which she chairs.  Originally from the Dominican Republic, Harper-Marinick came to ASU as a Fulbright Scholar. His legacy involves his passion for, and unwavering commitment to public education as the foundation of a democratic society.

8. Julio Herrera | National Spanish Sales and Retention Director | Cox Communications
Herrera and his team work across markets and cross-functional departments to drive Spanish language sales and grow Cox’s Hispanic markets nationally. He also helped establish LIDER, a leadership program tailored for Hispanic team members looking for advancement opportunities in Phoenix and Southern Arizona. He hopes to continue growing and improving the Hispanic customer experience and making a difference in the community.

9. Ana María López, MD, MPH, FACP | Associate dean, outreach and multicultural affairs | Professor of medicine (Tenured) and pathology, College of Medicine | Medical director, Arizona Telemedicine Program | University of Arizona
López has a passion for addressing health inequities and human suffering. From clinical research with molecular targets to health services research, her work focuses on optimizing the health of individuals and communities. She believes life is an opportunity to contribute, and to make a difference.

10. Roberto Yañez | Vice president and GM | Univision Arizona
Yañez is a 27-year broadcast television veteran, who has served 17 of those years with the Univision Television Group (UTG). Yañez has created various opportunities that helped build the station’s relationship with the community: Cadena de Gente Buena, El 34 Esta Aqui and Ya Es Hora. He hopes to be remembered as someone who used his craft to build bridges between the problem and the solution.

Source: AzBusinessMagazine http://aznow.biz/small-biz/25-influential-hispanic-business-leaders