A life of service
Yuma County women work to improve their communities
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the September/October edition of BIZ magazine, a publication of the Yuma Sun. Due to the length, the story will run in several parts over the next few weeks.
Yuma County is full of women who have chosen to work in public service or in the nonprofit world. They could be working in the private sector, but many of these women have chosen to serve their communities by working in government or holding elected offices.
Some head nonprofit organizations, small and large, whose sole mission is to make the lives of those who live in the community better. They lead employees and members. Many of them have raised a family while doing it, and others still juggle family and work.
In this edition, we profile some of these amazing women. We invite you to get to know them better.
AMANDA AGUIRRE
Amanda Aguirre is president and CEO of Regional Center for Border Health and a former Arizona state senator. She has been working for the not-for-profit RCBH for more than 35 years. She worked for the Yuma County Health Department for five years, 4½ years at Arizona Western College and five years with a public health foundation in Los Angeles prior to coming to Arizona.
Aguirre served eight years as a state legislator, with four years in the House of Representatives and five years in the State Senate.
She has been president and CEO for RCBH since 1991. The organization has offices and rural health clinics not only in Yuma County but also La Paz County, with another clinic to open in Lake Havasu next month. Why and how did you start?
I started by advocating for medically underserved and disadvantaged rural communities through my work in public health and program management throughout western Arizona. I became familiar with the legislative body and funding appropriations to the different local/ state and federal programs and I saw the disparities and inequalities in healthcare, public safety and education, and lack of employment. In 2001, I had the honor of being selected as one of three candidates by the Democratic Party and appointed by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors to represent back then Legislative District 24 (Yuma and La Paz counties). When a seat became vacant in the House of Representatives, I had the privilege to represent Yuma and La Paz counties D-24..
What have been the challenges and rewards?
It is a non-stop job, you have to be committed 100%-and-plus to represent your constituents 24/7 if you want to have a true impact locally and statewide.
The learning curve is stiff but achievable. Having introduced legislation that successfully became laws that have had a long life impact in our counties and state is very rewarding.
When representing rural communities, your work never ends as you always face the challenges from legislators focusing only in Maricopa or Pima counties with different priorities than those legislators from rural communities.
What advice would you give young people and women interested in public service?
Do not underestimate your ability to make a difference as a public servant. Our personal life, family, work and community involvement brings a unique perspective to issues and a “reality check” brings you down to real issues that families, business and communities are experiencing.
How do you juggle family and work?
This is the most difficult part, since you have to be away from your family during the legislative sessions and travel to meet with constituents on a regular basis. This is also very rewarding, but your family support is the most important to have. This is the personal sacrifice we all make when you decide to be in public service.
TIFFANY ANDERSON
Yuma County Elections Director Tiffany Anderson has worked in local government for about 15 years.
Why and how did you start?
My mom worked for a city in San Diego for over 38 years. I grew up admiring the work she did and decided that I also wanted to pursue a career in local government. I started working as a temporary, and then parttime, employee for a city government while I received my bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego and master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University.
After I graduated, I worked in the purchasing department of the San Diego Community College District for several years before being hired by the County of San Diego, where I spent nearly eight years.
When my family relocated to Yuma in 2019, I was fortunate enough to find a position with Yuma County.
What have been the challenges and rewards?
Working in local government is so rewarding because it is the most direct form of government; you can see the impact your job has on the community and your neighbors every day. There is a lot of opportunity for growth and continual learning.
There will always be challenges in local government, whether it be budget-related, a global pandemic, changing public expectations or community growth, but that is what keeps things interesting! And with each challenge comes an important lesson to learn or better way to provide services.
What advice would you give young people and women interested in public service?
Seriously explore the variety of jobs available in public service. There is something for everyone! Being a public servant is so impactful. You have purpose every day when you go to work. And, never tell yourself no. If you find a position you are interested in, go for it!
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my husband, Chris, for 10 years and we have two children, a 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter.
LYNDA BUSHONG
Yuma City Clerk Lynda Bushong has been employed with the City of Yuma since 2008. Prior to serving the citizens of Yuma, she worked for the County of Riverside for 13 years, working for the Palo Verde Unified School District, just up the river in Blythe, California.
Why and how did you start?
When I moved to Yuma, I thought about what direction I wanted to go with my career. I had been involved with local politics for 13 years at that time and wasn’t sure if that was my true calling. When I saw that the City of Yuma had a position open in the Clerk’s
Office, I decided to submit my application and see what happened. I received a call for an interview. After that interview, I was corresponding ra via email with my soonto-be ce boss, and I just knew in my gut that it just felt right.
It is incredible when a person can make such an impact on you that you just know you are where you are meant to be. I have been very fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career; they demonstrated many great qualities that I have worked to make my own, such as going to the source to gather knowledge, spend the extra time to get the job done right, kindness matters, and to put your best into each and every day.
What have been the challenges and rewards?
People and people. Not everyone shares the same views and opinions. And although I can honestly say that I have learned a lot from the views/opinions of those I serve, as well as my co-workers, it can also be very challenging, especially when those expressing the views/ opinions will not try to see the picture differently.
Many times a requirement or policy does not warrant what people are requesting. However, I find it very rewarding when we can work together to find a common ground, even if we disagree, and move forward. I enjoy going the extra mile to make someone smile and let them know their views/opinions have been heard, and that we truly want to work with them.
What advice would you give young people and women interested in public service?
These are statements that I truly believe in; some of them are borrowed from people who have inspired and mentored me, but all of d-them are good steps in the right direction:
– If you have the desire to work with people and want to make a difference in your community, you should seek a position within the public service realm. Always continue to grow and learn in whatever field excites you – just stay involved and continue to move forward.
– Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom – there is a lot of knowledge gained when you advance through the ranks. – Exploring what others have to say can lead you to great successes; they can also be a challenge. However, if you don’t explore what you don’t know … you will never be part of those successes.
– Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions – the only dumb question is the one that is never asked.
Tell us about your family.
I am married to my best friend; we have so much fun and yet can sit silently in a room and still enjoy each other’s company. We have two sons; both who proudly served in the U.S. Army. In our spare time, my husband and I enjoy camping in the beautiful Arizona mountains, jeeping in the desert, traveling the great outdoors and just hanging out with friends. We recently became grandparents for the first time and are very excited to explore this new adventure.
EMILIA CORTEZ
Emilia Cortez is director of Yuma County Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. She has spent most of her career in public service. For the last 17 years, she has worked in positions that allowed her to make a difference in the Yuma community, with the last five years managing the Yuma County Girl Scouts.
Why and how did you start?
As a child in Yuma, I joined Girl Scouts in primary school. Volunteering is a thread of the Girl Scout organization and throughout the years. I watched girls make a difference in their community through the highest award projects, earning badges and volunteering throughout the community.
It humbles me to see the difference one person can make regardless of their age. Just the other day, I found a drawing that I created about how I wanted to contribute to my community. So you could say that I have come full circle from where I started as a Girl Scout to now working with Girl Scouts throughout the Yuma community.
Additionally, since I was a little girl, my great-grandmas were great influencers; they taught me about the importance of giving back to your community. Honoring these women, I think I make them proud with not only
the work I do in the community but passing along their commitment to the young girls and women I have the privilege to serve.
What have been the challenges and rewards?
As with any business, we face challenges, and in Yuma, being a military town, our biggest challenge is the turnover of staff and girls due to moving. This challenge though also becomes a reward in that those families moving on take with them the commitment of volunteering and service to their new community. We effectively become the drop in the pond that creates ripples and waves continually from the initial drop. We have seen these women and girls create unique and effective changes in their new communities just as they did in Yuma. At the end of the day, the rewards of service to the community and to these Girl Scouts have created lasting friendships, wonderful projects, and I feel we make a difference in the Yuma community and beyond. It makes me proud to serve this wonderful community that is so giving and accepting of new projects.
What advice would you give young girls and women interested in public service?
My advice is to create a career you love regardless. If you love your job, it is not work. And if public service is your passion, your wealth is more to your heart than dollars in your account, but shouldn’t we do what we love to fill us? Public service is a career that, for me, gives me more than I can ever give back, but I try to keep the scale balanced.
LISA CULP
Yuma Deputy Police Chief Lisa Culp has worked in public safety for 30 years, since 1991.
Why and how did you start?
I was looking for a career change and applied for 911 dispatcher. Once successful in the dispatcher position, I applied and was selected for the position of dispatch supervisor. While working in the Communications Center, I decided to apply for the police officer position and the rest is history.
What have been the challenges and rewards?
I have been in public safety for more than half my life. I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It is extremely rewarding to help our citizens within our community. As a DARE officer, I really enjoyed working with our community schools and all the children. I still see some of them. It’s truly awesome
to see these now grown adults with their children. They happily introduce me as their DARE officer!
There are challenges. There are calls for service an officer will never forget. Families that have suffered. Sadness. Tragedy. However, as an officer and dispatcher, your job is to help quiet the chaos, help victims get out of a bad situation, to help people move out of crisis. That is why I have spent all of these years in public safety. To help those in our community. That is what is truly rewarding.
What advice would you give young people and women interested in public service?
I would say: “You can do it!” Be a guardian of our community. Be part of the public safety family. It is an outstanding career that is both challenging and rewarding. Law enforcement, in general, needs you. The Yuma Police Department needs officers, dispatchers and other positions within the department. Give it a chance. You’ll absolutely love it!
Tell us about your family.
I have a wonderful husband who has put up with years of late hours, odd shifts and emotional days! I have three beautiful daughters and two terrific stepsons.
JULIE ENGEL
Julile Engel, president and CEO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp., a not-for-profit corporation, has been serving for more than 18 years. She is the current chair of Yuma 50, a military support not-forprofit; a board member for the Yuma Regional Medical Center, a not-for-profit community hospital; a board member of the Arizona Mexico Commission, appointment by Gov. Ducey; a board member of the Yuma Education Advisory Council, a not-for-profit educational advocacy group; a former president of the not-for-profit Arizona Association of Economic Development; and a former board member of the
not-for-profit Yuma National Heritage Area.
Why and how did you start?
I was recruited to the Greater Yuma EDC in 2003. Prior to that I worked for the federal government, a municipal government and a tribal government. My entire adult life has been some form of public service. I didn’t purposely choose public service; I was attracted to the challenges and issues that I could try and take on. I’m truly happiest when I can help through service or giving back to my community. I’ve been driven by the need to raise others up while championing issues that continue to prevent that organic progression from happening.
The additional not-forprofits that I serve are by design. These organizations represent the issues I’m incredibly passionate about and want to see improved throughout our community and region.
What have been the challenges and rewards?
The most obvious challenges have been the recession and more recently COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources are always scarce, and these two monumental events put a critical strain on resources. This region is resilient, and we continue to fight for recovery.
The rewards are happening daily, every time a new job is created, it is a win. Every time we help an exiting military person find civilian work, it’s a win. We continue to fight to move the needle for educational funding and we have made tremendous strides in our health care offerings for the Yuma region.
We have sustainable relationships with our neighbors to the south and west. We withstand political changes occurring in both countries and continue to do what’s best for our communities. Challenges can and usually become our rewards. Some take longer than others, but we eventually prevail.
What advice would you give young people and women interested in public service?
If you have a passion for something, pursue it. You will never dread work a day in your life if you are doing what really matters to you. By our very nature (women in particular), we want to
help others. Helping brings us joy and fulfillment.
How do you juggle family and work?
I have been very blessed to have a family that supports everything each of us chooses to do. We are engaged and supportive. When there are fundraisers, everyone is there to help. When a project needs volunteers, everyone is there to help. It is a family affair.