Mónica Susana Villalobos has been a driving force in Arizona’s business and civic landscape, serving as President & CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since 2019, following seven impactful years as Vice President and Executive Director of its Foundation. In her current role, she leads strategic growth initiatives for the Chamber and oversees several federally funded programs, including the Arizona MBDA Business Center, the Native American Business and Economic Development Center (NABEDC), and the Capital Readiness Program, with support from the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Treasury.
A thought leader in multicultural markets, Ms. Villalobos also serves as Editor-in-Chief of 23 research publications—most notably the annual DATOS: The State of Arizona’s Hispanic Market. Her work has become a critical resource for understanding the economic and social trends impacting Latino communities. In 2023, she was appointed by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to co-chair the transition committee responsible for selecting the new state agency directors—underscoring her influence and trusted leadership.
Before her work with the Chamber, Ms. Villalobos founded ResearchByDesign, a marketing research firm specializing in primary qualitative and quantitative studies. Her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have earned her numerous accolades, including:
- 2015 Latina Style Inc. Entrepreneur of the Year.
- ASU Entrepreneurship & Innovation Visionary Award.
- 2017 Achieving My Purpose: Celebration of Women Honoree.
- 2018 Cox Communications Hispanic Heritage Award.
- 2018 Phoenix Business Journal Outstanding Women in Business.
- 2020 Most Influential Women in Arizona – AZ Business Magazine.
- 2022 Titan 100 Honoree and Trendsetter – Trends Magazine.
- 2023 Women of Achievement – In Business Phoenix Magazine.
- 2024 Latinas Take Charge – AZ Business Magazine.
Most notably, Ms. Villalobos received the prestigious Ohtli Award, the highest recognition granted by the Mexican government to individuals living abroad whose work has benefited Mexican communities internationally. She was honored by Ambassador Barragán on behalf of the Government of Mexico.
Her earlier career includes serving as Director of Accounts at Latin Force LLC (acquired by Goldman Sachs), a strategy firm focused on the U.S. Hispanic market. There, she led initiatives for major clients such as Wells Fargo, the NFL, Kraft Foods, and ING, developing integrated multicultural communication platforms and ROI-driven business cases.
Ms. Villalobos is also a dedicated scholar. In May 2025, she will earn her doctorate from the University of Southern California. She holds a Master of Arts in Communications from Seton Hall University (graduating with honors), and a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Psychology from UCLA. Her academic distinctions include a scholarship to Oxford University’s Study Abroad Program, a fellowship nomination for research on the Quechua language, and Dean’s Honors. She is also a national bronze medalist in collegiate Lincoln-Douglas debate and a state silver medalist in team debate. At Seton Hall, she was selected by her peers for the Elizabeth Ann Seton Spirit Award.
Beyond her professional and academic accomplishments, Ms. Villalobos is a dedicated community leader. She currently serves on the boards of Valley of the Sun United Way, Delta Dental Foundation, St. Mary’s Food Bank, and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce.
A proud first-generation Mexican-American and daughter of an elementary school teacher and a truck driver, Ms. Villalobos lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband and two sons. She also cares for her mother, embodying the strength, resilience, and dedication that define Latino excellence.