Meet Your Mesa Leadership Board Members - Carrie Aranda, Curriculum Co-Chair
Posted on Jul. 31, 2025 / Subscribe 0
Carrie Aranda, Curriculum Co-Chair
- Tell us about yourself and what you do for work.
I am the Director of Mission Advancement at Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), a human services nonprofit that serves Tempe and the East Valley. I spend my day connecting people who care about the community with causes that matter to them—helping neighbors stay housed, fed, and supported. I oversee the teams working in fundraising, communications, marketing, volunteer and community engagement. I love to build relationships that strengthen our community and get to see the real change that happens in our community and in individual lives when we work together.
I am a Phoenix native, 3rd generation Arizona native and have lived in Mesa for almost 30 years. My husband is a Mesa native, and we have loved raising our kids in this community. In my small amount of free time, I enjoy playing co-ed softball in a City of Mesa league.
- What is your position on the board, and what do you do in your board position for Mesa Leadership?
My position on the board is Curriculum which means I am one of 3 board members who coordinate the details and lead the Friday classes.
- What attracted you to attend the Mesa Leadership, Training, and Development Program?
With my love of building relationships in the community, Mesa Leadership, Training and Development Program gave me the opportunity to meet and learn more about the City of Mesa.
- What class year did you graduate?
2024
- What was your class project?
We renovated the patio at Oakwood Creative Care, allowing them to use it for outside activities.
- What leadership principle(s) did you learn from attending Mesa Leadership and still use in your leadership style?
I have always identified with the principle of being a servant leader. Leadership isn’t about the position you hold in a job or how many people you supervise, but how you influence the people around you. - What would you say if someone asked you about Mesa Leadership?
Do it! While it can be a big commitment of time, it is worth every minute. - What is a good leader?
A good leader brings people together to make their world a better place. They know how to adapt their leadership to the needs of the people they lead in order to help them achieve their goals.
- Is there anything else about Mesa Leadership you want to share with us?
I greatly enjoyed being part of the Class of 2024 and am excited to join the board this year.
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