Hello, I'm

JoAnna Mendoza

Veteran. Mother. Leader.

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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