Rachel Galvez finds purpose through community connection

PHOENIX (STN) – For Rachel Galvez, executive director of the Arizona Financial Foundation, purpose has always been at the center of her story, even if her path there began as a “happy accident.”

An Arizona native with humble beginnings, Rachel was raised by a strong, joyful mother who taught her to find adventure and light even during tough times. This early exposure to resilience and community inspired her lifelong passion for service.

Her professional journey took a surprising turn when, at her husband’s encouragement (or clever reverse psychology), she attended a job fair and met a representative from Arizona Financial Credit Union. Despite lacking a financial background, Rachel felt drawn in. After an unexpected on-the-spot interview, she was hired and has now been with Arizona Financial for more than 11 years.

Rachel’s career started at the branch level, where she discovered that the power of human connection went far beyond transactional.

“You get to cry with people, celebrate with them and truly understand their stories,” she said.

From there, she unexpectedly found herself in marketing, working on initiatives like “My Comeback,” a financial education reality series that deepened her love for helping others transform their lives.

The Arizona Financial Foundation operates under four key pillars: supporting first responders, promoting financial literacy and education, raising awareness about domestic violence, and engaging the broader community. Now, as the foundation’s first executive director, Rachel channels her experiences into a mission-driven focus.

“What drives my passion for social change is seeing how one person stopping to listen can impact someone’s life,” Rachel said. “Whether it’s a teacher, a cancer survivor or a first responder, everyone has a story worth hearing and supporting.”

For Rachel, the work is deeply personal.

“I think about the little girl who didn’t have much and the amazing women I saw growing up,” she shared through tears. “Now I get to tell my daughters how I helped someone today. That means everything to me.”