2020 Business Woman of the Year 

Jennifer Burwell

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recognized three outstanding women and announced the recipient of the 25th Annual Business Woman of the Year award at the 2020 State of the Chamber & Annual Awards, held virtually on June 26th. The Business Woman of the Year award recognizes an individual’s excellence in her industry and demonstrated leadership within the community. The award honors those who serve as a positive role model to others and are active in community and Tempe Chamber programs.

The Tempe Chamber selection panel, made up of past Business Women of the Year Award recipients, reviewed 17 nominations to determine the three finalists for this year. After selecting the finalists, interviews were held by the panel before selecting the recipient. 

Jennifer Burwell, 2020 Business Woman of the Year

Jennifer Burwell, vice president and director of Programs at MAC6, is an accomplished leader, facilitator and speaker who has a passion for small business. In previous years, Jennifer has provided educational workshops and sessions to Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University students interested in small business or entrepreneurship — furthering her passion and work in professional development and education. Jennifer currently serves on the Tempe Chamber Women in Business Council and has provided personal values workshops to numerous Tempe Chamber Mentoring Programs throughout the years. 

“My personal mission statement is Impact through serving others. My purpose is to help others understand themselves to truly connect to others, work collaboratively and do great work.”
—Jennifer Burwell

Alissa Serignese, Finalist 

Alissa Serignese, vice president of the Arizona State University Alumni Association, is a vocal advocate for the Tempe Community who enjoys helping others with every opportunity she has. As a Tempe Leadership Class XXV alum and 2019 International Women’s Day Presenter, Alissa demonstrates her leadership as a way to help others improve theirs. Alissa has helped create and implement several programs at ASU, including the ASU Leadership Institute and Sun Devil 100. 

Cecilia Ashe, Finalist 

Cecilia Ashe, vice president and chief operations officer at Landings Credit Union, has more than 40 years of experience in the banking industry and a passion for elevating others to financial success every day. Cecilia has participated in the Tempe Chamber Mentoring Program three years in a row, and volunteers at the Tempe Union High School Orientation every year. Cecilia is a founding member of the Franklin Club and has a variety of previous board experiences with past affiliations that include board member for TCH, Diversity & Inclusion Committee for Tempe Union High School District, and City of Chandler Economic Development Advisory Board.