Who is JoAnna? AKA Jo (she/her/ella)
JoAnna is a retired Marine, a mom, and a small-town kid from rural Arizona. Since retiring from the Marine Corps, she has served in various positions, giving her a unique professional background. JoAnna has served as a school board member in her small rural school district and on several congressional advisory councils and as a congressional staffer for a Member of Congress from the Arizona Congressional Delegation. She has a passion for community service, serving vulnerable populations, and advocating for underrepresented communities. Currently, JoAnna serves as the Executive Director for the Arizona Center for Economic Progress working to advance economic opportunities for all Arizonans.
MY Experience
2023
Executive Director
Arizona Center for Economic Progress
2022
Frontline Political Campaign Manager
Tom O'Halleran for Congress Reelection Campaign AZ-02
2021
Deputy District Director
US House of Representatives
2019
Governing School Board Member
Red Rock Elementary School
2019
Candidate for Arizona State Senate, District 11
Arizona State Senate
2019
Veteran Outreach Coordinator
Military & Veteran Services Department, Pima Community College
2018
Veteran Services Representative
US House of Representatives
2016
Military Service
US Marine Corps, Retired
What do I bring to the table?
effective leadership that can only be earned through experience
Humility &
A Can-Do Attitude
Develop & implement strategies
Outside of the box thinking to solve complex problems
Adaptable & Flexible
Essential in fast-paced environments
Political acumen
Education & Certificates
Political Psychology, MA
Arizona State University, In Progress
Leadership, MS
Grand Canyon University, 2019
Political Campaign Management
University of Richmond, 2023
Social Media Management Certificate
Georgetown University, 2022
Brand Management Certificate
eCornell University, 2022
Veterans Program for Politics & Civic Engagement
Syracuse University, 2022
Veterans Campaign Workshop
University of San Francisco, 2022
Foundations & Answering the Call
New Politics Leadership Academy, 2022 & 2023
Political Candidate Training
Emerge Arizona, 2019
Three Fun Facts
In 2020, I ran for the Arizona State Legislative in Legislative District 11 and was part of a slate of political candidates that Former President Obama endorsed.
I used to be a marine corps drill instructor.
Not as lean, not as mean, but still a MARINE. I had the honor of shaping the lives of young Marines and Marine Corps Officers. Most people think that being a Drill Instructor is about yelling and telling recruits what to do; it is actually about instilling discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of moral character.
I Wrote and self-published book.
The first year after retiring from the Marine Corps, I wrote a book called Esprit De Corps: Guiding Principles & Spirituality for Modern Marine Teams.
Leadership & Volunteer Experience
Vote Mama Pac, Arizona State Chair
Assist in shaping the strategy to build the pipeline and elect more mothers in Arizona.
Vets Forward, Board Member
Advise on the political strategy of veteran policy in the State of Arizona.
AZ Democratic Women, Board Member
Promote women's issues within the Democratic Party in Arizona.
Poderoza Strategies, Founder
Empower and equip our clients with the tools necessary for them to successfully launch their brand into the public eye.
Children's Action Alliance, Board Member
An independent voice for Arizona children at the state capitol and in the community.
2018 YMCA Military Ball Council of Heroes
connect with Me
JoAnna Mendoza
Veteran. Mother. Leader.
About me
l am an accomplished leader who has demonstrated the ability to lead effectively in different positions, settings, and challenging situations. I have extensive experience in developing staff, managing cross-functional teams, growing public partnerships, identifying systemic issues in government processes, developing action-oriented solutions, mobilizing resources, and adapting to fast-pasted environments.
Education
2019
Leadership, MS
Grand Canyon University
Experience
2023
Executive Director
Arizona Center for Economic Progress