Man and Woman of the Year

woman of the year, 2017

Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo

Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo is a long-time resident of Mesa who has been active in numerous community non- profit organizations for many years. She has a distinguished record of volunteer service that encompasses educational, community based and human service organization. These include the Mesa United Way, United Food Bank, A New Leaf, Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, East Valley Partnership and others. Deanna never hesitates to take on a community challenge and is a natural leader. She can be counted on to take leadership roles and has served as a Chair of A New Leaf Board and Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens Board of Directors. One of her nominators stated that “Deanna is not one to see a problem and step back - she jumps in with both feet, formulates a plan of action, gains consensus and moves forward. Many people are good at pointing out problems; Deanna is good at solving them”. Another nominator raved about her commitment to helping youth in the community adding that “she is committed to teaching and equipping the next generation of leaders through lectures, volunteer projects and personal mentorship”. 

Deanna has also had a distinguished career working for the City of Mesa, the Mesa Public Schools and currently serves as the Community Engagement Director for Maricopa Community College District. She is married to Manny and has one grown son.

Activities & Affiliations

• Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens

• East Valley Partnership

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Steve Adams is a well-known civic leader, community volunteer and businessman.

Like Deanna, Steve has served on a wide array of community non–profit Boards. The following is a partial listing of some of the Board:  Mesa Rotary Club, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Mesa United Way, Phoenix Little Theater, Grand Canyon Council, Boy Scouts of America, and the Mesa HoHoKams.  Steve is another individual who always is willing to assume leadership roles in the organizations where he serves. One notable example is his volunteer service on behalf of Mesa Community College. He was a member of MCC’s Commission on Excellence and as Chair of MCC Development Board where he was instrumental in helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for scholarships and facilities at the College. One of his nominators called Steve a “citizen leader”. He continued by saying that “there are dozens of respected, successful business owners in Mesa, but Steve can be counted on among the most kind, giving and caring. He is a wise counselor to his employees, a standard bearer of integrity, civility and community engagement.” He and his spouse, Joan, have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. They have always been extremely generous with their personal financial support of numerous causes. In addition they have contributed to hundreds of charities through his three Alphagraphics stores including the Pat Tillman Foundation, The Centers for Habilitation, The Tempe Union High School and many others. His peers and many friends universally recognize Steve’s “reach” and commitment to the community.

Activities & Affiliations