Azura is pleased to announce Johanna Fierstein as the organization’s new Vice President of Development.

“We’re excited to have Johanna on board,” said Mark Young, CEO of Azura. “She has a proven track record and is energetic about raising funds for our programs that support health, education, and welfare. Azura reaches foster care children and aged out youth, veterans and children living in poverty throughout our state. We are looking forward to expanding our efforts.”

Most recently, Johanna served as executive director & grants manager for Defenders of Children in Phoenix. She spent over five years in this role and was able to help the financially struggling nonprofit stabilize and grow to scale. She will bring expertise in major gift fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning, leadership, and community outreach to the team.

Fierstein holds a B.A. in Political Science & Gender Studies from the University of Arizona and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. She has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, the National Association of Social Workers, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Maricopa County CASA and MISS Foundation.

About Azura

Founded in 2023, Azura believes that poverty is the root cause of almost every social problem in our world. Our goal is to end the cycle of poverty for Arizonans, so they have a brighter future. Our programs focus on supporting foster care and kinship families, providing tax preparation services, improving literacy at low-income schools, helping veterans and offering housing for aging-out foster youth. To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit: https://www.azuracares.org.