“To me, an inspirational leader helps others recognize their strengths, believe in what is possible and understand that their contributions truly matter.” —Barb Kozuh
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community?
Honoring achievement is important because recognition creates connections, strengthens communities and inspires others to continue pushing forward. When we celebrate people who are making a difference, we are not simply recognizing what they have accomplished; we are showing others what is possible through leadership, collaboration and perseverance.
In Arizona, some of the greatest progress happens when business, nonprofit, education and community leaders come together around shared goals. Recognition helps shine a light on those partnerships while giving successful ideas and approaches a larger platform. It also creates opportunities for emerging leaders to see examples of people who have taken risks, overcome challenges and used their positions to help others. Ultimately, celebrating achievement strengthens the entire business community because it encourages people to keep innovating, serving, mentoring and finding new ways to create meaningful impact.
What is the single most important thing you have learned throughout your career that would inspire others/other women?
The single most important lesson I have learned is simple: Always show up.
Showing up means being present when an opportunity arises, but it also means being dependable when the work is difficult, speaking up when a perspective needs to be heard and continuing forward when circumstances do not go according to plan.
As a single mother, two-time cancer survivor and professional who has spent much of my career working to improve health outcomes, I have learned that there will rarely be a perfect time or perfect set of circumstances. Progress happens by continuing to participate, learn and contribute. Showing up also creates opportunities that may never have existed otherwise, from meeting a future mentor to becoming part of a conversation where important decisions are being made. Careers are built through talent and hard work, but they are also built one day, one relationship and one opportunity at a time.
What do you think we can do – now – to make a difference for young people/women in Arizona?
One of the most important things we can do is help young people and women earn a seat at the table and then make sure they are prepared to use it. That means developing technical skills, but it also means teaching strategic thinking, communication, confidence and how leaders make decisions.
Mentorship is incredibly important, particularly when it goes beyond encouragement and gives someone opportunities to participate in meaningful projects, meetings and conversations.
Leaders should also be willing to open their networks, make introductions and advocate for talented people who may not yet have the visibility to advocate for themselves. Arizona continues to grow, and the next generation should have opportunities to help shape what that growth looks like. Investing time in emerging leaders today creates stronger businesses, nonprofits and communities tomorrow, while ensuring more voices and experiences are represented when important decisions are made.
In Few Words
- What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? I earned a certification in Corp. Sustainability from University of Colorado, successfully completing a semester-long class that required 10 hours a week of reading, creating presentations and writing essays.
- What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Dependability
- What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Prioritization
- What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Ideation
- What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Arizona must strengthen its K-12 education system so every student has the opportunity and preparation needed to succeed.
About Me
Barb Kozuh is executive director of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, where she leads statewide efforts to improve oral and vision health, nutrition, prevention and access to care. Since joining Delta Dental of Arizona in 2013, she has helped advance more than $22 million in community investments, including partnerships with Phoenix Children’s, St. Vincent de Paul, Arizona State University and other organizations. In 2025 alone, Foundation-supported initiatives positively impacted 724,544 Arizonans across all 15 counties.
Kozuh serves on the boards of Arizona Impact for Good and the Corporate Volunteer Council and is a member of the Arizona Oral Health Coalition and Delta Dental Institute Advisory Council.
