Phoenix College Staff Member Recognized as '40 Under 40'
The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has selected Cecilia Quiroz, Phoenix College staff member, as one of the 40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40. Quiroz will be honored along with other Valley recipients at the 3rd Annual Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Arizona Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, September 23 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix.
“Cecilia leads by example, putting her entire heart into serving her family, her student-customers, and the community in a way that exemplifies the philosophy of servant leadership,” said Phoenix College President Dr. Anna Solley.
Quiroz, a PC alumna, has worked at Phoenix College for eight years. Currently she serves as the Transfer Office Coordinator in the Advisement & Transfer Center, a position in which she helps students achieve their educational goals by ensuring that they have the knowledge and academic credentials to make a successful transfer to the university of their choice.
She is a passionate, focused, courageous individual who consistently seeks a wide variety of opportunities to improve the lives of others. Through her volunteer work and in her professional capacity at Phoenix College, Quiroz is a strong advocate for education and the doors it can open. She takes great pride in helping students conceive and reach their educational goals.
“I tell students that I have just one request—to see them cross the stage at the annual Commencement Ceremony and receive their degree or certificate,” said Quiroz.
Quiroz’s work within the community is both a labor of love and an example for her son to continue in her footsteps. The broad range of her efforts benefits populations often overlooked by society, including homeless individuals, prison inmates, and children in need of foster care.
Quiroz’s commitment to excellence and exemplary character have garnered accolades from various organizations, including the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the City of Glendale; the Mexican-American Legal and Educational Defense Fund (MALDEF), and the Maricopa chapter of the Arizona Association of Chicanos for Higher Education (AACHE).
She has served in a wide range of capacities, including President-Elect of Maricopa AACHE; Treasurer, Secretary, and Membership Coordinator for the Phoenix College chapter of AACHE; President of the Professional Staff Association at Phoenix College; Advisor to the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlan (M.E.Ch.A.) chapter at Phoenix College; and Director for Young Adults for the State of Arizona LULAC council.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University, and is pursuing a master’s degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. Quiroz plans to put her educational background and community service philosophy to further use with a bid for election as Justice of the Peace for Manistee Justice Court (Glendale, AZ) in 2010.