“I am excited to honor Maria R. Brunner as the West Valley Women Networking Association's 2026 Woman of the Year. Maria is an influential leader, whose career is reflective of her values - strengthening communities through sustainable relationships. I love that Maria R. Brunner works for the betterment of the community and champions others. She shows up and is available to help. She inspires others and advocates for women throughout the West Valley and beyond,” said Lisa Platt, Chief Connections Officer, West Valley Women Networking Association.
Maria has been in the financial industry for over 35 years. She loves working for Credit Union West as the Business Development & Community Impact Manager.
Maria has served on several boards throughout the Valley. These include the Women’s Council Realtors, Buckeye Elementary Education Foundation, HAREP Hispanic Association of Real Estate Professionals, WeSERV West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley, as well as with the Palo Verde Council for Special Olympics.
She currently serves on the board with West-MEC Alliance, Pendergast Elementary Community Foundation as Vice President, West Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, OCJ Kids, WeSERV Diamond Member, WESTMARC Workforce Development Member, Hispanic Business Association as the Treasurer, Glendale Chamber of Commerce, board member as well as the Chair of the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, and a member of the Public Policy, Leadership West class 24, and Hispanic Leadership Institute West Valley 2025.
Maria is a founding member of the “new” Buckeye Hispanic Chamber. Her passion is Mujer Inc, founded 45 years ago, and is proud to be the current board president.
She was the 2022 & 2023 Director for West Valley Women Networking Association and the 2023 West Valley Affiliate Member of the Year. She was named the 2023 Women of Scottsdale’s Woman of the Year, an Athena finalist for the Greater Phoenix Chamber in 2024, and ALM Credit Union Times Luminaries Finalist for Community Impact in 2024. Maria also earned her certification as a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) from the National Credit Union Foundation.
Maria loves the famous quote “I have come to serve not to be served.” Proudly following in the footsteps of her mother as a servant leader in her town in Mexico.
She is married to her Wild Cat husband, Jeff -Go UofA, who is now an ambassador for the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. She is the proud mother of her amazing son David, who is a Financial Advisor following in the footsteps of his mother. And her peace and joy is being a mother to her 3-year-old Goldendoodle Rory.
The West Valley Women Networking Association is excited to present its 2026 Woman of the Year Award to Maria R. Brunner at a festive luncheon held on October 6, The Lakes Recreation Center, Westbrook Village, Peoria.
The community is invited to join us at this celebratory luncheon sponsored by Arizona Public Service. Doors open at 11:15 am. We will present the award during the luncheon.
