The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation Board of Directors ratified the selection of two new members to their board of directors: Monica Villalobos and Jessica Yanow. The new members, each serving a three-year term, join current directors, including Dr. Shaharyar Ashraf, Dr. Laila Hishaw, Julia Wacloff, Dr. Melanie Hull, and Delta Dental of Arizona president and CEO Michael Jones.

“The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation exists to create a path to better health and wellness by improving access to care and providing health education for underserved and uninsured Arizonans. Monica and Jessica have been advocates for and champions of health equity in Arizona throughout their careers. Together with our current board members and partners statewide, we look forward to making an even greater impact in the years to come,” said Jones, who is also chair of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation.

Yanow is the president and chief executive officer for the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers (AACHC) and Collaborative Ventures Network. Prior to entering into this role in 2021, she provided leadership as senior manager of community and health advancement at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, developing and executing statewide strategies/initiatives to improve Arizonans’ health. Additionally, she spent 11 years at AACHC, serving as the chief operations 0fficer and director of women’s health programs and grant administration. Yanow holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and minors in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and Women’s Studies from Brandeis University. She holds a Master of Public Health in community health practice from the University of Arizona. Yanow also completed the Geiger Gibson capstone fellowship in community health and leadership at George Washington University and is certified in federal grants management by Management Concepts. She is a member of the Arizona Public Health Association and participated in Valley Leadership’s inaugural Catalyst class of 2022.

Villalobos is president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce after serving as vice president and foundation executive director for seven years. She is responsible for the growth strategy of the chamber. Her background and experience as a corporate marketing executive and as an entrepreneur result in a unique combination of skill and talent. She is also editor of 26 research publications over the last 10 years including the annual DATOS: State of Arizona’s Hispanic Market (2012-2022), DATOS Tucson (2012-2015), Minority-, Women-, Hispanic-, Family-owned Business Enterprise Reports; AZ Supplier Diversity, Employee Resource Group, Sustainability, Global Trade, Diversity & Inclusion Best Practices, and Minority Business Economic Indicator white papers. Villalobos also serves as co-chair of Governor Katie Hobbs' transition team, leading the effort to select a diverse administration reflective of Arizona’s population. Villalobos earned her doctoral degree in Education on Organizational Communication & Leadership from the University of Southern California. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Communications from Seton Hall University and is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles with a double major in Linguistics and Psychology. Villalobos is also a national bronze medalist in collegiate Lincoln/Douglas debate and a state silver medalist in team debate.

In 2023, the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation awarded grants to 33 non-profit organizations that are working to increase access to oral health services and provide nutritional programs for underserved populations across Arizona. These funds, totaling $743,536, were awarded to support projects and services promoting good oral health practices and increasing access to dental care among underserved children, pregnant women, seniors and – for the first time – adults. The Foundation will open 2024 grant applications later this summer.