Paloma Santiago

2024 Greater Tucson Leadership Alumni Excellence Award

By Sovay Hansen

Now, more than ever, local communities need leaders who are genuinely passionate about building a successful future for all, especially children and teens. 

Paloma Santiago is precisely this kind of dedicated leader who has worked on behalf of the Tucson community for 27 years. She has been honored with Greater Tucson Leadership’s 2024 Alumni Excellence Award.

Santiago lights up when asked to describe why she loves Tucson: “Tucson is my family – everyone is just a phone call away,” she said.  “If I ever need help, they are there for me.” 

From her own childhood growing up in both Rock Springs, Wyo. and Tucson, Santiago understands that developing far-reaching, supportive, and knowledgeable networks nurtures a successful personal, academic and professional life. A graduate of Pima Community College, Santiago points to Pima’s student clubs and committees as the true beginning of her deep knowledge of – and involvement in – the Tucson community. 

Santiago’s passion for nurturing local communities and young people is evidenced by her role as Southern District Director of the Arizona chapter of Junior Achievement USA. This national nonprofit, which has been serving Arizona schools since 1975, brings roughly 800 volunteers into Arizona classrooms to teach K-12 students age-appropriate financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship – skills that often aren’t taught in school curricula or even at home. 

Santiago has spent plenty of time in the classroom. She began her work at Junior Achievement more than a decade ago as a volunteer engaging with students in schools. When asked what she enjoys most about working with JA, Santiago points out that going into the classroom to support students, beyond the clear benefits it has for the children, has also nurtured her own positive view of the world.

“If you ever have a bad day, if you ever question the world, if you ever wonder what your purpose is, go into a kindergarten classroom,” Santiago said.  

In 2024, early in her director role at JA – and after a decades-long successful career working on behalf of community efforts in Tucson – Santiago enrolled in the Greater Tucson Leadership program because she wanted a “refresher course” on how to lead effectively. 

She described GTL as “Tucson 101,” because of its comprehensive focus on the Tucson economy and its various sectors. Santiago said GTL provides a clear view of the numerous potential networks available in Tucson’s business community.  

Santiago’s contagious optimism, her genuine desire to roll up her sleeves and face challenges head-on, and her commitment to preparing young people to be independent adults were among the many reasons that she was chosen for this year’s GTL Alumni Excellence Award. 

One of her nominators was Annette Pinuelas, a student who Santiago mentored at San Miguel High School. “She possesses a unique talent for creating an environment where I feel heard and motivated me to reach for the stars,” said Pinuelas, who has continued to connect with Santiago even after moving out of state for college. 

When asked about her goals for her future with JA, Santiago’s focus is on continuing to support her team’s professional development to equip them to take the baton and run with it as effective, inspired leaders in their own rights. She emphasizes to herself and her team that they are running a marathon, not a sprint, and that resting and caring for themselves is part and parcel of taking care of the community. 

Over the next decade, Santiago wants to see the excellent work that JA is doing in Tucson expanded into rural Southern Arizona communities such as Bisbee, Wilcox, and Nogales. 

Santiago has immense gratitude for her own mentors and thanks the Tucson community for supporting her, as well as her two sons. 

“Every time I see your faces and smiles when I come to an event, it means so much to me,” Santiago said. “Thank you for embracing me.” 

Photo by Chris Mooney