The Women’s Found­­ation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) innovates to create social, political, and economic change that achieves equity for women and girls of all identities through our integrated framework of research, advocacy, grantmaking, and innovative programmatic solutions.

Our Vision

An Arizona where women and girls of all identities thrive

Our Values

We are Connectors 

We are more than funders. We are amplifiers and collaborators. We are uniquely positioned to connect the grassroots to the grass tops.  

Practicing Trust-Based Philanthropy

We strive for a reimagined philanthropy with flexible funding, fewer hoops to jump through and deep trust and relationship between funders and nonprofits.  

Led by Lived Experience

Women and girls of all identities should be leading the way. The experience that comes with living as a member of marginalized communities adds layers of essential knowledge to professional qualifications. We trust our grantees and community partners to know their needs and solutions.  

Of All Identities

When we say all identities, we mean everyone who identifies as a woman or girl, and those whose experiences are shaped by gender. That includes transgender women, nonbinary and gender-expansive people, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of every race, culture, ability, and background. Our vision is an Arizona where mothers, daughters, wives, tías, chosen family, and every person navigating the world as a woman or girl feels seen, supported, and able to thrive.

Intersectionality

Intersectionality affirms that there is no single story of womanhood. A Black woman, a Latina immigrant, a disabled girl, or a transgender woman may all face gender-based discrimination, but those experiences are shaped and compounded by other systems of oppression. 

Intersectional feminism acknowledges these layered realities and works to address them together, not in isolation. 

There is no liberation without intersectionality at the forefront.  

When movements center only one experience, they leave others behind. True gender equity requires confronting racism, economic injustice, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and other inequities alongside sexism.  

By uplifting women and girls of all identities and walks of life, intersectional feminism builds a more inclusive and lasting path toward freedom for everyone. 

We are focused on holistic systems change work above all else.

WFSA innovates to create social, political, and economic change that achieves equity for women and girls. 

Our Priorities

Our work is grounded in a simple belief: lasting change happens when communities are heard, trusted, and resourced. Everything we do is guided by the real experiences of women, girls, and gender-expansive people across Arizona. Through research, innovation, advocacy, and investment, we turn insight into action and ideas into impact. 

  • 1

    We Research

    We shine a light on the barriers and opportunities facing women, girls, and gender-expansive people in Arizona. Our nonpartisan, evidence-based research reveals the economic realities shaping their lives.

  • 2

    We Innovate

    We center community voices and pair lived experiences with data to shape real solutions. Through collaboration, we design and scale programs that meet the needs of women, girls, and gender-expansive people.

  • 3

    We Advocate

    We turn community experiences into action by advancing bold, informed policy solutions. From supporting legislation to mobilizing partners, we work toward a more just Arizona for all.

  • 4

    We Invest

    We fund community-led organizations that put women, girls, and gender-expansive people first. Through trust-based philanthropy, we strengthen grassroots efforts and build lasting community power.

Team & Board

Read on to learn more about the people bringing their incredible talents, experience, and passion to work every day for women and girls in Arizona. 

Board of Trustees

  • Sarah Gonzalez

    Board Chair

    Sarah is a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion practitioner. She works to build healthy communities where all members can thrive. Sarah brings her lived experience as a Latina and community leader to her projects, enabling an authentic connection to those she serves.

    Sarah is committed to approaching her work through a lens of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). She values lived experience as expertise and believes those closest to the issues have the solutions we are seeking. Sarah works tirelessly to support institutions in building right relationships and centering those that are most impacted. She is highly collaborative and motivated by engaging in opportunities to deconstruct, reimagine and redesign systems traditionally designed to leave out individuals and communities of color.

    Sarah has served in various leadership roles and brings a wealth of experience in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and government sectors, locally and nationally. She brings know-how in strategy building, leadership development, program design, partnership building, community engagement, neutral facilitation, and awareness initiatives. Sarah is a certified Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator to assess individual and organizational cultural competency. She often uses the IDI as an entry point to conversations in the continuum of JEDI work.

    Some of Sarah’s work includes stepping into leadership of a failing community center and transforming it into a thriving community hub serving 8,000- 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in the Maryvale area. Additionally, while utilizing a community-led approach, she then facilitated the creation of The Heart of Isaac Community Center through a partnership of the Isaac School District with parents, school staff, residents, community partners, and public officials. It is the first resident-driven Family Resource Center implemented within an education setting in Arizona.

    Sarah is bilingual and bicultural. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona. She also holds a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. She is a member of the Latina Giving Circle, is a Valley Leadership Alumni- Class 38, and is a graduate of the Hispanic Leadership Institute through Valle Del Sol. She is an alumni of Hispanics in Philanthropy Líderes Cohort 3, where she served as a member of the inaugural steering committee that established and activated the HIP Líderes Alumni Network. She serves on the board of Dignity Health St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center, Chairs the Community Benefits Committee, and is an active participant on the Board Development Committee, ensuring that the Hospital promotes DEI at all levels of the organization. Additionally, she serves as a committee member for the Women’s and Girls of Color Fund for the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona. Most importantly, she is a wife and a mother of a daughter and a son.

     

     

  • Rachael Morczynski

    Board Treasurer

    Born and raised in Tucson, Rachael Morczynski has deep roots in her community and a wealth of financial expertise. As a Branch Manager at National Bank of Arizona, she’s spent years helping local businesses and nonprofits thrive. Rachael’s passion for empowering others drives her to go above and beyond for her clients, crafting financial strategies that make a lasting impact. Outside of work, she’s a dedicated mom of three, always looking for ways to instill a sense of giving back. As WFSA’s Board Treasurer, Rachael is excited to support the foundation’s mission to ensure women and girls across Arizona have the opportunities they deserve to succeed.

     

     

  • Sharifa Rowe

    Sharifa Rowe is a dynamic change agent and the principal consultant at S. Rowe Consulting, LLC. With more than 15 years of experience in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, she’s a master of facilitating dialogue and driving systems change. Sharifa has worked with coalitions, government entities, and foundations to deliver innovative solutions that bring real results. She’s passionate about using her skills to empower women and girls through WFSA’s work, and she’s excited to be part of a team that’s making such a powerful impact across the state.

Staff

  • Katia Jones

    Chief Executive Officer

    Katia Jones has been a steadfast presence at the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) since June 2021, initially joining as a vital member of the Development team. With a rich background spanning over 20 years in development and donor relations, Katia played an instrumental role in driving WFSA’s impact statewide. Her dedication has been unwavering, leading to her promotion to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2024.

    In her previous role as VP of Community Mobilization, Katia’s hallmark was her enduring commitment to transparency and her ability to foster genuine connections throughout Arizona. She prides herself on nurturing authentic relationships and practicing Community-Centric Fundraising within WFSA’s Giving Collective and beyond.

    Katia holds a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the esteemed W.P. Carey School at Arizona State University, reflecting her commitment to personal and professional growth. Her passion for community engagement extends beyond her professional life, as evidenced by her active involvement as a board member for the Fiesta Sports Foundation and her longstanding membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She remains a dedicated alumna of the University of Georgia as the President of the Phoenix chapter and continues to support and volunteer for various other community groups.

    Katia enjoys quality time with her loved ones, including her husband and two kids. Whether exploring new local spots in Arizona, cheering on sports teams, or engaging in lively discussions with her cherished, live-in elders, Katia’s loyalty to her family and her community shines through in every aspect of her life. As she completes her first year in the CEO position, Katia is driving the vision of WFSA with commitment to community and authentic connection to create a better Arizona for women and girls of all identities.

     

     

  • Sarah Whelan

    VP of Finance and Operations

    Sarah Whelan is an accomplished and visionary finance and administration professional, known for their ability to drive strategic growth and cultivate operational excellence within the non-profit sector. With a unique expertise in financial management, budgeting, and forecasting, Whelan consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to achieving organizational goals while upholding impeccable standards of financial sustainability and transparency.

    Over the past decade, Whelan has left a lasting mark on the vibrant community of Tucson and the state of Arizona, where they have dedicated their talents to esteemed organizations such as the Tucson Bird Alliance (formerly, Tucson Audubon Society), Read Between the Bars, the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, the Fox Tucson Theatre, and now the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona. Throughout their tenure, Whelan’s invaluable contributions have spanned from establishing robust financial systems to forging strong community connections.

    Renowned as a strategic thinker and creative problem solver, Whelan offers a distinctive and intersectional approach to financial planning and management.

     

     

     

  • Desiree Hammond

    VP of Community Impact

    Desiree Hammond is a community-centered nonprofit leader with over 13 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, women’s advocacy, and philanthropy. Her work focuses on guiding strategy, grantmaking, and cross-sector partnerships that advance long-term outcomes.
    Throughout her career, Desiree has held leadership roles with the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, Greater Tucson Leadership, The Dunbar Pavilion, and Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, leading initiatives that expand access, deepen engagement, and build organizational capacity.

    In addition to her work in philanthropy, Desiree is a certified yoga instructor, somatic practitioner, and full-spectrum doula. She has collaborated with human rights activist and professor Loretta J. Ross on the “Calling In” framework, was featured in the University of Arizona’s Afro-Chicanx Digital Humanities Storytelling Project, and co-produced and co-directed Unerased: Stories of Black Tucsonans.

    Desiree is committed to advancing equitable systems that ensure resources and holistic well-being are accessible to all communities.

     

     

  • Kirsten Larsen

    Director of Operations

    Kirsten Larsen (she/her/they) joined WFSA in June 2022 as Operations Coordinator, bringing over 15 years of experience in nonprofit administrative support at organizations advancing women’s health care, LGBTQ+ community, and access to housing. Kirsten was promoted to WFSA’s Director of Operations position in 2023. Kirsten places integrity at the center of everything she does, and she enjoys combining systems, communication, and heart to create processes and relationships that help advance an organization’s mission. Kirsten is passionate about access to reproductive healthcare and supporting queer and trans youth. A Midwesterner by birth, Kirsten has called Tucson home for 20 years.

  • Hannah Terpening

    Director of Marketing and Communications

    Hannah Terpening was the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) from 2016-2023. Hannah started with WFSA in March of 2023 and gets most excited about graphic design, branding and representation through content creation. Hannah describes herself as “a problem solver who puts my design and communication skills to work to better our community.” At HSSA, one of Hannah’s notable achievements was the launch of the HSSA Thrift store with a new branding and marketing campaign resulting in social media pages with over 12K followers and average store sales of $110k per month. Hannah also serves on the Board for the Tucson Community School as the Co-VP of Fundraising and lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband and two awesome kids.

     

  • Brittany Duran

    Director of Philanthropy

    Brittany Duran (she/her) is a philanthropy professional dedicated to building scalable development systems that ensure both sustainability and growth for mission-driven organizations. Growing up in rural Eloy, Arizona, she was intentional about seeking out diverse lived experiences, both to understand others and to better see how systems and policies affect herself and her loved ones. This journey is the foundation of her passion for centering community voices and her belief that transformative philanthropy is built on trust-based relationships and strategic investment in community solutions. She is passionate about connecting donor values to meaningful impact and ensuring that philanthropic practices are equitable, transparent, and effective. Her work is driven by a commitment to using data-driven insights to achieve shared goals and create systemic change.

     

     

  • Abril Valenzuela

    Development and Marketing Coordinator

    Abril Valenzuela (She/Her) is a proud first-generation Arizonan raised by immigrant parents, grounding her commitment to advocate for equitable futures for families across Arizona. Guided by her lived experiences, she brings a passion for civic engagement, advocacy, and storytelling through an intersectional lens.

    Abril earned her B.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University and is driven to expand access to opportunities for all women and girls. Her diverse background spans from communications, community organizing, to leadership development, allowing her to elevate community voices and mobilize change.

    Abril is a recipient of the 2023 Congressman Ed Pastor Civic Leadership Medallion for her civic leadership and commitment to public service in immigration advocacy. She is part of Valley Leadership’s Catalyze Class 5, where she aims to expand her knowledge of the issues facing Arizona and, in turn, continue advocating for women and girls of all identities.

    In her free time, Abril loves to read, spend time with her family and her dog Bow, and explore new brunch spots in Phoenix!

     

Careers

WFSA offers a dynamic, collaborative workplace where passionate people are valued as whole individuals and work together to build a more equitable Arizona. 

  • No open positions at this time. Please check back again soon!

WFSA originated in 1991

Through many iterations WFSA has become more than a funder, now serving women and girls of all identities statewide.

With a team and board now expanded across the state, WFSA continues to invest in communities, build partnerships, and advance gender equity so women and girls of all identities have the opportunity to thrive.

 

WFSA launched the FORGE and ember grant programs, funding 22 Arizona-based nonprofits serving women and girls of all identities. The foundation also relaunched the Unidas Youth Leadership program in partnership with RE:Frame Youth Arts Center. That same year, WFSA released the updated 2025 Self-Sufficiency Standard Report and an interactive Tableau tool to show the real cost of living for women across Arizona.

As WFSA marked 30 years of impact, the organization announced a statewide expansion in response to the pandemic’s disproportionate effects on women. In October, the foundation changed its name to the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona. That same year, WFSA launched the Women & Girls of Color Fund, Arizona’s first grant designed specifically to support organizations led by and serving women of color.

WFSA incubated the Pathways for Single Moms program, which helps single mothers obtain a certificate in growing fields that pay sustainable wages. The Pathways for Single Moms Program provides access to a combination of educational and economic opportunities to equip mothers with the tools they need to become economically self-sufficient. The program is now offered statewide and operated by Dress for Success Phoenix.

WFSA’s impact expanded across Southern Arizona. Signature programs like Unidas grew, new leadership initiatives launched, and grantmaking surpassed $30 million to more than 600 organizations. WFSA research informed statewide conversations, and its advocacy helped shape legislation and advise state leadership.

 

For more than two decades, WFSA was sustained by passionate volunteers, board members, and a small staff. As the foundation grew, four key priorities emerged to guide the work: research, grantmaking, advocacy, and leadership development.

The fund evolved into the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona and was officially incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization.

The founders formally established the Southern Arizona Women’s Fund at the Tucson Community Foundation, recognizing the urgent and growing need for focused investment in women and girls.

 

The idea for WFSA began when two Tucson women, frustrated by philanthropy’s failure to address the economic challenges facing women, decided to take action. With $20,000, they launched a women’s scholarship fund to support those facing poverty, systemic barriers, and limited opportunity.

Our Programs

Unidas Youth Leadership Program  

Unidas is an award-winning program that builds skills among girls, young women, and gender-expansive teens. Reintroduced as a partnership with RE:Frame Youth Center, Unidas increases awareness of advocacy efforts while supporting the development of confident youth leaders in our community. 

Pathways for Single Moms  

Designed and piloted by WFSA, the Pathways for Single Moms program helps single mothers earn certificates in growing, living-wage career fields. Through a combination of educational and economic supports, the program equips mothers with the tools they need to achieve long-term self-sufficiency. After proving successful, the model was trained and transitioned to Dress for Success Phoenix, which now operates the program statewide under the name EducateHER. 

Women’s Legal and Self-Empowerment Certificate 

In collaboration with Innovation for Justice (i4J) and I Am You 360, WFSA designed and piloted the Women’s Legal and Self-Empowerment Certificate—a 20-week virtual program that combines leadership development with legal training for women serving their communities. The program builds confidence and advocacy skills while providing Arizona-recognized certification as Community Legal Advocates, empowering participants with lived experience to help others navigate housing and domestic violence challenges. 

Annual Impact Reports 

Explore the impact of our work to strengthen the lives of women and girls of all identities across Arizona, backed by more than $30 million invested in community partnerships since 1991. 

News

Stay up to date with the latest at WFSA - explore new statistics, grant opportunities, and exciting programs for Arizona’s youth and MORE in our news section.

More News

You know your community best.

Our trust-based grant opportunities offer unrestricted funding, streamlined applications, and minimal reporting so you can focus on impact, not paperwork.
Grantmaking

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Join us in building a more equitable Arizona. However you choose to get involved, you become part of a movement helping women and girls of all identities thrive. Are you with us?
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Your gift fuels change across Arizona

When women are resourced and supported, families, communities, and generations thrive. Your donation powers grassroots leaders, drives policy change, and expands opportunity for millions of Arizonans. 

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