“Driving change and innovation is a challenge and a gift. There is no better place to lead than in the nonprofit sector.”
Arjelia “Argie” Gomez is an experienced and well-respected leader in the nonprofit sector and a champion for people and organizations to work together to take action on behalf of youth and other at-risk populations. She is the president and chief executive officer of Open Hearts Family Wellness, a high-quality provider of mental healthcare since 1974. Prior to joining Open Hearts, Gomez served in the top three officer positions of Chicanos Por La Causa as the chief operating officer, chief economic development officer and chief financial officer. Her drive for innovation secured sustainable funding for the social services programs and brought diverse opportunities to the community.
Throughout her career, Gomez has been an advocate and a driver of change in multiple nonprofits. At her core is the passion to work collaboratively with individuals and families to promote and improve mental health. She is also comfortable directing outpatient care, community-based mental health services, substance abuse treatment and a wide variety of other services for medically diagnosed conditions.
Her core philosophy was forged over many years of steering organizations and working closely with partners in both the private and public sectors. She stands at the forefront of the nonprofit sector and believes that connecting families to communities is about generational help and giving people the tools they need to succeed today, tomorrow and to the future.
Her nomination for the Women’s Achievement Award is a testament to an individual dedicated to servant leadership. With the crisis of mental health at a tipping point, she understands the need for timely and compassionate intervention has never been greater. This is why she continues to confront and solve the mental health dilemma that is ravaging our families and communities.
Gomez has been recognized by The Arizona Republic as a top female leader in Arizona, “Who’s Who” in Business, the Phoenix Business Journal as a top female leader, and Women in Business. She is a former member of the multi-cultural business advisory board of ONE Community, served on the Grand Canyon University business advisory board, board of the Arizona Council of Human Service Providers, board member for the National Latino Children’s Institute and is an Arizona Los Diamondbacks Ambassador. Currently, she serves on the board of ASU Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center strategy planning committee. Gomez has worked tirelessly for justice, inclusion, collaboration and integrity.
As a former probation officer, Gomez was influenced by the strength, values and culture of her family in Superior, Arizona. Her mother, Amparo “Ampy” Gomez, was a powerful leader and the first female judge in Superior, who influenced Gomez’s mindset of service, in addition to thousands of others whose lives were touched. Gomez combines a strong background in program management with experience in community outreach, business development, budget management and team management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and political science from Northern Arizona University and an MBA from Grand Canyon University in addition to being a champion for diversity and inclusion.
Organization Name: Open Hearts Family Wellness
Main Office Address: 4414 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: (602) 285-5550
Website: openheartsaz.org
