The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation (the Foundation) is proud to welcome Isabel Gonzalez as the new vice president for ElevateEdAZ, the education initiative of the Foundation focused on aligning education to workforce learning pathways with the needs of Arizona’s leading industries.
Gonzalez brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role, including a diverse background in education, economic development, and transportation sectors across Florida, New York, and Arizona. Her leadership experience includes stakeholder engagement, program development, and more.
“The most exciting part of joining ElevateEdAZ is the opportunity to lead an incredible team united by a meaningful mission, driving partnerships that transform education in Arizona,” said Gonzalez. “I’m thrilled to step into a role where we’re working hand in hand with educators, business leaders, and school administrators to create career-connected learning experiences for students and helping them see what’s possible now and in the future.”
As vice president, Gonzalez will lead district and school-based staff in fulfilling ElevateEdAZ’s primary objectives which include increasing the number of students enrolled in and completing high-wage, high-demand career pathways, increasing student attainment of industry-recognized credentials and early post-secondary credit, providing more students with work-based learning experiences, and empowering educators to reimagine classroom learning through educator externships.
The appointment comes at a time of tremendous growth for the initiative, with its recently expanded team reaching 21 schools through five districts and one charter network across the Greater Phoenix region.
To date, ElevateEdAZ has impacted nearly 170,000 students and teachers through internships, job shadows, transportation programs, educator externship experiences, career awareness and exploration events, and interest and aptitude assessments.
Gonzalez completed her bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University, majoring in Political Science and Spanish, before obtaining her Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. A native Phoenician, this new leadership role supporting improvements in the communities where she was raised is full circle for Gonzalez.
