Linda Mazón Gutierrez Recognized as AZHCC’s ‘Woman of the Year’

By: Cindy G. Castillo

Linda Mazón Gutierrez says having been named “Arizona Woman of the Year” represents years of hard work for many women who have come to support the leadership growth of Latina women and their families.

The award was presented to her by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC) during their 58^th Annual Black & White Fashion Gala in celebration of her role as President and CEO of the Hispanic Women’s Corporation (HWC).

“[Being awarded] is very poignant to me in terms of the long history my family has had with the chamber,” she said, “in many respects, I wish very much that my father were still here to see me receive this very special award, but I just smile because I think he knows.”

Mazón-Gutierrez’s work with HWC has also allowed her to support hundreds of students through their different scholarship programs, awarding over $380,000 every year.

“The 50 college scholarships we provide every year to students from high school to medical school is the culmination of work from the sponsors who believe in the continued education of students,” she said.

Furthermore, Linda explains that being able to offer scholarships to students is also an opportunity to give them the tools they need to keep pushing for their academic goals.

This year, HWC’s Corporation Professional and Leadership Institutes will do just that — focusing on professional goals, and the best way for students to move up the career ladder.

“From my own personal experience, I would suggest not giving up on your own personal mission and the dreams you have for yourself,” Linda explains, “[the Institute’s sessions] will be structured to inform, and to enhance an introspective look to understand how personal traits affect one’s job performance.”

The institute is able to gather more than 2,000 Latina women and students ever year.

As a Phoenix-native, Linda has her own story to tell when it comes to moving up the professional ladder. Among other things, Linda was elected Chair of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Affiliate Council based in Washington D.C., representing over 3 million Latinos across the nation. She was subsequently elected to the National Board of Directors in 2008.

Moving forward, she believes in leaving a legacy that involves providing strong Latinas and their families with a “personal sense of goodness, empowerment and celebration of who they are and knowledge of their cultures to pass on for generations.”