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BCC Member Spotlight: A Commitment to Community, Advocacy, and Opportunity
Commissioner Stephanie Noriega
One of the greatest strengths of Tucson's Boards, Commissions, and Committees is the residents who volunteer their time, knowledge, and lived experiences to serve our community. These volunteers help advise the Mayor and Council on important issues affecting our city while ensuring community voices remain part of the conversation.
This month, we're proud to spotlight Stephanie Noriega, Ward 5's commissioner on the Pima County/Tucson Women's Commission (PCTWC). With more than 20 years of experience in social work, community organizing, and advocacy, she brings a deep commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls, along with a personal connection to the neighborhoods and families of Ward 5.
A Career Rooted in Advocacy
For Stephanie, the journey to the Women's Commission began long before her appointment.
More than two decades ago, she began her social work career with a particular interest in supporting women and girls impacted by abuse and trauma. Over the years, her work expanded to include direct services, community organizing, and advocacy, giving her firsthand experience with the challenges facing women and families throughout our community.
Serving on the PCTWC now allows her to bring those experiences into local government, helping connect community knowledge and lived experiences with the policies and decisions that affect residents.
For her, meaningful progress requires more than good intentions. It requires listening to the people most directly affected by the issues being addressed and ensuring their experiences help guide the work.
Throughout her years advocating for reproductive justice and addressing violence against women and girls, Stephanie has learned that lasting change cannot happen without the voices of those who have historically been underrepresented.
She sees it as her responsibility to help create opportunities for others to participate in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.
Turning Community Voices into Meaningful Action
The Pima County/Tucson Women's Commission works to advance equality of opportunity for women while helping identify, address, and prevent discrimination.
The Commission has identified six key areas that contribute to women's quality of life throughout Pima County: economics, justice, education, housing, safety, and civic engagement. These priorities guide its efforts to address challenges, strengthen opportunities, and support meaningful progress for women throughout our community.
For Stephanie, the PCTWC represents an opportunity to bring residents, Pima County, and the City of Tucson together through shared governance.
Serving on the Commission has also reinforced her appreciation for the dedication, knowledge, and passion of those working to make a difference throughout Tucson and Pima County.
While she recognizes that advocacy can involve difficult conversations, competing priorities, and systemic challenges, she believes collaboration remains essential.
As she puts it, "We have to always remember it's community over competition."
A Personal Connection to Ward 5
For Stephanie, serving Ward 5 is personal. She grew up in the Fairgrounds neighborhood, where her family has lived since the 1960s. Those deep roots and the stories passed down through generations continue to shape her commitment to the community.
Her grandmother, Irene, remains a source of inspiration. When participating in the Women's Commission, Stephanie often reflects on what her grandmother would want her to say or bring to the conversation.
"I often think about what my nana Irene would want me to say or bring forth when doing my work for the Women's Commission."
Through her service, Stephanie hopes to honor her grandmother and those who came before her while advocating for the families and neighborhoods that helped shape her life.
Finding Your Place in Public Service
After more than 20 years of advocacy and community involvement, Stephanie remains a strong believer in the power of people coming together to create change.
Her advice to residents considering civic service is to give it a chance, even if finding the right opportunity takes time.
She encourages people to recognize that leadership comes in many forms and that everyone has something valuable to contribute, whether through their knowledge, talents, skills, or willingness to serve.
"Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes; identify your gift, talent or skill, there is room for everyone!"
For Stephanie, public service is ultimately about recognizing our shared responsibility to one another and the strength that comes from working together.
From her roots in the Fairgrounds neighborhood to decades of advocating for women and girls, her story reflects a commitment to ensuring community voices are heard, opportunities are expanded, and future generations have a role in shaping Tucson's future.
Ward 5 is proud to have Stephanie Noriega representing our community on the Pima County/Tucson Women's Commission (PCTWC), and we thank her for volunteering her time, knowledge, and voice to help shape Tucson's future while advancing opportunities, strengthening community connections, and advocating for a more equitable community for all.
Commissioner Noriega & Council Member Barajas
Interested in getting involved? Tucson's Boards, Commissions, and Committees provide residents with an opportunity to help shape local decisions and strengthen our community through public service. We encourage anyone interested in civic engagement to explore the many ways they can make a difference.
For more information on the Pima County/Tucson Women's Commission (PCTWC), click here.
Connect with Us!
The Ward 5 team can be reached at ward5@tucsonaz.gov and 520-791-4231. Our office is located at 4300 S. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ 85714.
Our office is open Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Fridays: Community Engagement, Off-site meetings (Office is closed to the public).
Until next time,
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