Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2025 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 21, 2025. Today, meet Judy Ferreira, executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association .
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Judy Ferreira, Arizona Indian Gaming Association
Background: Judy Chavarria-Ferreira serves as the Executive Director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA), a role she has had since 2022. Prior to this appointment, she served 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 reside 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 deeply meaningful 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 opportunities for growth. 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 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.
