Judy Ferreira, Arizona Indian Gaming Association, named to Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2025

Contributed Article/Courtesy AZ Big Media

Being named one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2025 is a testament to exceptional leadership, vision, and impact. Selected from more than 2,200 women under consideration in 2025, the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business are recognized for their significant contributions across various sectors, including business, real estate, technology, healthcare, and nonprofits.

“We only allow women to make the list of Most Influential Women once,” says Az Business Publisher Amy Lindsey. “The fact that we are more than a decade into the Most Influential Women program and still have more than 2,200 women under consideration is a testament to the depth of female leadership we have in Arizona.”

Many people ask how the women being honored in 2025 were selected from the large pool of women under consideration.

“From the more than 2,200 women under consideration in 2025, the editorial board for Az Business used a vigorous vetting process to narrow that list down to 200 women,” Lindsey says. “We then sent that list of women to a panel of 12 judges made up of former Most Influential Women from a variety of industries, who then selected the women who are being honored in 2025.”

Judy Chavarria-Ferreira

Background: Judy Chavarria-Ferreira serves as the Executive Director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA), a role she has had since 2022. Before this appointment, she served in other capacities since 2013, including Deputy Director and interim Executive Director. As a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Judy, along with her family, resides on the 1.8 million-acre San Carlos Apache Reservation in east-central Arizona.

Source of pride: “Working with Tribal Nations is both a profound honor and a constant source of inspiration. The wisdom I’ve gained through my interactions with countless Tribal leaders has deepened my understanding of their rich traditions and the innovative solutions that will empower their nations to flourish. To serve these communities is not just a professional responsibility but a significant accomplishment that I hold close to my heart.”

Professional advice: “Your professional journey may take you down winding paths and unexpected detours, each one offering new growth opportunities. Embrace every experience, gather knowledge, build relationships, and equip yourself with the tools you need to navigate what’s ahead. Remember, the journey itself is just as important as the destination—each stop along the way offers valuable lessons. Enjoy every moment, and let it shape your future!”

Surprising fact: “A little-known fact about me is my love for live concerts, especially ’70s and ’80s rock musicians! Last year, to celebrate 25 years of marriage to my husband, Ben, we decided to embark on an ‘anniversary concert tour,’ seeing some of our favorite artists in various cities—and even in Ireland! We enjoyed unforgettable shows, including those by Sting, Billy Idol (twice!), Metallica, Madonna, Scorpions, and Queensrÿche. The grand finale was an outstanding performance by AC/DC in Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, Ireland! It was a year of music, memories, and celebrating a wonderful milestone.”

Celebratory dinner

The 2025 honorees will be celebrated at a special awards dinner on August 21, 2025, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Sponsors of the Most Influential Women in Arizona reception and dinner include presenting sponsor Phillips Law Foundation, cover photo shoot sponsor Greenberg Traurig, VIP red carpet sponsor Vertex Education and Legacy Traditional Schools, dessert sponsor Silver Cain, beverage sponsor Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation, 360 photo booth sponsor Clayco, digital sponsor Ganem Companies, fine jewelry sponsor Osborne Jewelers, and special gift sponsor Tarbell’s. Get tickets here.