Carina Burtell has made substantial and meaningful contributions to the empowerment and support of women in the East Valley by demonstrating outstanding leadership and vision, introducing innovative ways to assist women, and dedicating significant volunteer time to various causes that benefit women.

Carina's involvement with A New Leaf for more than 20 years reflects her commitment to introducing new and innovative ways to assist women in the East Valley. Serving as the chair of the Planned Giving Advisory Council which she co-founded and actively serving on the Philanthropy Committee, she has effectively educated donors and clients on the significance of planned giving, enabling them to make informed decisions about contributing to the cause. By leveraging her expertise as a financial advisor, she has introduced creative approaches to fundraising and financial planning, ensuring the sustainability and growth of resources for supporting women in need.

Her work with A New Leaf extends well beyond her leadership role. She commits significant volunteer time to the organization, as well as to Faith House, a domestic violence shelter for women. Her hands-on support at Faith House is a testament to her dedication to the welfare of women facing challenging circumstances. By volunteering at the shelter, she offers tangible assistance and emotional support to women in need, demonstrating her deep commitment to their well-being.

Carina's role as a spokesperson for helping women is exemplified through her engagement with the Valley of the Sun United Way. Serving as a member of Women United and the Steering Committee since 1995, she has actively contributed to planning events and initiatives that promote community impact and networking, furthering the mission of the organization to support and uplift women in the community.

Demonstrating outstanding leadership and vision, Carina Burtell has played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting women in both her professional and volunteer capacities. As the Women's Inclusion Leader at Edward Jones, she has actively mentored and fostered the professional growth of numerous female advisors, emphasizing the importance of empowerment and inclusion in the workplace. Her leadership has paved the way for the recruitment and retention of a significant number of female advisors within the company, helping to build confidence in female advisors and preparing them to become leaders in their own right, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive financial industry.

In summary, Carina Burtell's profound contributions to women in the East Valley are characterized by her exceptional leadership, innovative approaches, significant volunteer work, and collaborative efforts. It is clear Carina has a heart for women of the East Valley and could not be more aligned with Positive Paths’ mission of providing a life bridge to economic stability and empowerment for women. We are proud to honor Carina as the 2024 East Valley Women of the Year.