Carla Vargas Jasa joins past Valley of the Sun United Way CEOs Paul Luna, Merl Waschler and Brian Hassett at Waschler’s retirement party, celebrating the past and looking to the future. Before the couple was married, Steve promised that if he took the job here, they would see each other every weekend. After five years, they only missed three weekends. NOV/DEC 2021 | 58 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA four key areas: health, housing/homelessness, education and workforce development. “The gift helped us to think about longer-term investments to really stabilize the community,” Vargas Jasa said. “MacKenzie Scott gave everyone so much confidence in knowing that we were seen.” Of course, being seen can take some getting used to. Especially as Vargas Jasa was being increasingly called to do something that actually makes her pretty nervous. “I do a lot of planning of my time because I know that I need to be ready to speak publicly, have all my points and feel like I’m prepared,” she said. Her nerves are easier to manage than they once were. “I’ve learned to give myself grace and tell people that my voice shakes when I’m nervous. So if it does, just bear with me.” Big and busy as her job is, Vargas Jasa’s life is grounded by home. She goes to bed at 8:30 p.m. so she I’ve learned to give myself grace and tell people that my voice shakes when I’m nervous. can get up to prepare for her day. She and Steve love to cook, play bocce and entertain friends at home. They also enjoy exploring Arizona and have fallen in love with Sedona. Big foodies, they like trying new restaurants, too. “I will tell you that the restaurant scene in Phoenix completely outpaces the restaurant scene in Orange County,” she said. Last year’s string of emergencies and triumphs has been followed by a dizzying amount of work. The upcoming holiday season offers a chance to reconnect with family and maybe recharge just a bit. Growing up, Vargas Jasa enjoyed her family’s tradition of having a quiet Christmas Eve dinner at home. They would open some gifts at midnight and leave some for the next day.

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