Archuleta was the first Latina elected to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and served as District 2 for nearly 25 years.

Moving to a nonprofit space may be a more natural transition than it seems. For one thing, Archuleta has spent his 30 years working with United Way in Northern Arizona as a volunteer. During that time, she has chaired almost all of the nonprofit’s major committees.

She has served on the Board of Directors and the Community Investment Committee. She has chaired campaigns, summits, she has chaired societies, and she has chaired major donors.

The building itself is a testament to Archuleta’s previous work with the organization. Funding for United Way’s Cedar Avenue location was utilized in a fundraising campaign she led.

“I have been involved with United Way for decades because what it does is my passion, improving lives and making a difference in communities,” says Archuleta. I worked in the East Flagstaff office.

The office has a blue statement wall and a pen holder with a sock monkey motif.

It’s not uncommon for new leaders to get used to the role in the first week, but in Archuleta’s own words, she jumped right into the role.

She made presentations to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, met with key donors, and began reviewing strategic plans. All this was done by Thursday morning.

“I’m so excited about this position. It just feels like home to me,” said Archuleta. “This is the perfect culmination of all my experiences. It’s incredible.

Since its inception, the United Way of Northern Arizona has been a force in the community, working with community partners, business leaders, government officials and non-profit organizations to identify and address the issues facing our communities. We raise and use funds to solve problems.

“For me as President and CEO, this is the crossroads of my career experience. I have been on the side of government as an elected official and as a servant leader. My family has lived here for four generations, and it made sense for me that my career path would go in this direction,” said Archuleta.

One of United Way’s main goals is to inspire and support the youth of northern Arizona. For Archuleta, it’s best shown in one of her passion projects, Kinder Camp.

“I’ve raised thousands of dollars in the past to support that particular initiative,” she said with a broad smile. I know what it’s been like, and having boot camps to help little ones provide a bridge from home to their first day in kindergarten is something I’m really committed to. Getting kids to school, being able to face the process and what they are learning, really starting to get excited about school is the opportunity I want for every child. .”

Now, on her way to the office, Archuleta hands her a kind of makeshift mobile made out of a tree branch and a small translucent fish charm that says “Kirip Kinder Camp.” A head start.

Archuleta said he has always believed in the value of education and its power to bring academic opportunities to young people. Young people may now need more support and opportunities than ever before, she said.

“We are in a very critical time right now. We are going through the pandemic. We are coming out of it. Those are important conversations, and there are people who have been isolated during that time and have mental health issues as a result that need to convene some conversations. We need to look at young people and what opportunities exist for them,” she said.

That’s one reason she’s excited to take on the new role. She wants to provide more opportunities for people to connect with each other on the United Way and in person.

“You may find that people are feeling more isolated as a result of the pandemic. How can we reach out and involve more people?” asked Archuleta. “When we talk about improving lives and making a lasting impact on conditions in our communities, we want to make sure that’s true across Northern Arizona.”

Connecting people is the theme of Archuleta’s career, and she hopes to continue engaging stakeholders in the conversation about the region’s future.

“My goal is to get on board quickly and not only raise money for the community, but to help United Way become a household name. I want to,” she said.