Maria R. Brunner-President

Maria has been in the financial industry for over 30 years and has served on several boards throughout the Valley, including HAREP–Hispanic Association of Real Estate Professionals, the Women’s Council of Realtors–West Valley, where she is a strategic partner and 2024 Director of Membership, and the Palo Verde Council for Special Olympics.

Her leadership extends across many community organizations. Maria has been a board member of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce since 2014 and became the first Latina to serve as Chair of the Board in 2018. She also contributes through Public Policy and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committees, serves as Co-Chair and Treasurer of the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, and sits on the Prescott Valley Chamber’s Hispanic Business Association board.

Maria has been a member of WeSERV West Maricopa Realtors since 2012, currently serving as Chair of the Community Involvement Committee and previously as Affiliate Chair in 2023, when she was also named WeSERV West Valley Affiliate of the Year. She is a graduate of Leadership West Class 24 and remains active with West Valley Women, Women of Scottsdale, where she received the 2022 Woman of the Year award, and several nonprofit boards, including OCJ Kids, Buckeye Elementary School Foundation, West-MEC Alliance Foundation, and Pendergast Elementary Community Foundation.

In 2024, Maria was nominated for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award and named a finalist for the Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards. She currently serves as Community Impact Manager in the Business Development & Community Impact Department at Credit Union West and lives by the words, “I have come to serve, not to be served.”

Cecilia Quiroz-Vice President

Cecilia “CeCe” Quiroz is a seasoned life skills coach, educator, and community advocate with over 30 years of experience in higher education and student support. She founded B.L.O.S.S.O.M.S. Life Skills Coaching, a heart-centered practice dedicated to supporting individuals navigating life after trauma, adversity, or emotional challenge and ready to grow from the inside out.

CeCe’s coaching philosophy blends practical tools, such as grounding, self-reflection, and mindfulness, with deep compassion and cultural connection. Her work focuses on healing, resilience, emotional regulation, and personal development, helping people rediscover their voice and thrive in their lives.

Inspired by her late mother’s legacy of compassion and strength, CeCe champions growth through culture, art, and community. She guides young women to move beyond survival into wholehearted living, reminding every individual: you are not broken—you are blooming.

CeCe also leads workshops, facilitates healing experiences, and speaks on wellness, empowerment, and trauma-informed practices. Through her work with B.L.O.S.S.O.M.S., she continues to expand access to culturally grounded coaching and personal transformation for people across the region.

Andrea Frausto-Treasurer

Andrea became a general member of Mujer, Inc. in 2001 while working at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and has maintained a position of support and leadership for more than twenty years. During the course of that time, she has held many positions. She was elected to serve as a Director-at-Large; Membership Committee Chair; Treasurer; President-Elect; President and Immediate Past President. 

Andrea’s passion for Mujer, Inc. has continued to evolve from her experiential motivation with the Project Mana Leadership Conferences. After months of planning, it was at the annual flagship event where all the hard work and dedication came to fruition with the process of watching the empowerment of young Latinas through the precepts of “Modeling, Mirroring and Mentoring”. 

In keeping with that mission, Andrea served as co-facilitator in 2002/03; as lead facilitator from 2004/12, and 2018. Andrea accepted the position of Project Mana Chair and has managed the Leadership Conferences since 2019.

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and recently retired as the Digital Production Manager for Savvas Learning.

Suzie Moreno-Secretary

Suzie is a native Arizonan, born in Phoenix and raised in Tolleson, and is proud that Arizona is her home, strengthening her ties to long-time friends and community. Suzie began her career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) just a few days after graduating from high school and her summer job developed into a career that has spanned more than four decades. She is currently the Manager, National Account Client Services  and manages a staff responsible for the sale, implementation and servicing of multi-state employer accounts. Suzie is a graduate of Valley Leadership, and has a wealth of expertise in group insurance sales, service and administration management. She has represented BCBSAZ’ role in the Hispanic community in support of people and organizations,  especially those serving the disadvantaged, with tools to achieve economic and social equality.

Suzie enjoys her volunteer work and is active with several community organizations. Currently serving on the Board of Directors of Mujer, Inc., Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation,  The Tia Foundation and is a member of ASU’s Minority Advisory Council.  Family, friends, golfing, reading, and hiking are also among her top priorities.

Cynthia Burruel-Immediate Past President

Cynthia brings 30+ years of business experience working in the garment/textile industries in sales and management capacities. Her work life has taken her to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and Las Vegas as well as international destinations. Cynthia began her second career in insurance and financial services and is currently a Medicare insurance representative for E-Telequote. She loves helping people!

Cynthia has been a member of Mujer Inc. since 2012 serving in various roles and as a Board member throughout the last ten years. She recently began another term on the Board for 2022 overseeing membership services. Her other service endeavors include events for Chicano Por La Causa, Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation and the Kino Border Initiative. Cynthia graduated from Maryvale HS in Phoenix and received her degree from Brooks Fashion College in Long Beach, Ca.

M. Teresa Santiago-Immediate Past Vice President

Teresa’s involvement with Phoenix non-profits began when she moved here from New York City  in the 1980’s and was welcomed into the community.  Teresa became a member of Mujer when the organization was still in its founding cycle, and served as both President and newsletter editor. During this time, she also served as a board member of The Friendly House, Planned Parenthood and Grand Canyon Credit Canyon.

Moving on to other endeavors, Teresa had moved away from community involvement. However, a chance encounter with two members of Mujer, Inc. was all the encouragement she needed to reengage with this group of dynamic, passionate women. In keeping with her marketing background, Teresa had returned to lend her support as a Board Member focusing on marketing and website management, and this year will serve as Vice President.