Athena Sanchez

About Athena Sanchez

I lead communications and marketing strategy for the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development department, where I promote Phoenix as a global center for innovation, bioscience, workforce development, and business investment.In my current role, I help position Phoenix as a destination for corporate investment and international partnership. I oversee messaging for initiatives such as Phoenix Global Forum, BIO International Convention, PHXisHot, and workforce programs that expand career access in underserved communities.The City now hosts TSMC’s massive semiconductor manufacturing campus, a multibillion-dollar foreign investment that brings advanced chip-making capabilities to Phoenix and positions the region as a key node in global technology supply chains. My work focuses on positioning Phoenix in national and international markets as a destination for talent, capital, and innovation. I translate complex economic-development priorities into messages that resonate with corporate leaders, site selectors, elected officials, and global partners.Earlier in my career, I led communications for major infrastructure, transportation, and public services initiatives, ensuring residents and stakeholders understood how city investment connects to long-term economic growth and quality of life.I also serve as an Adjunct Professor at Phoenix College, teaching communication and intercultural studies, and as Vice President of the City’s Disabled Employees Allies and Leaders organization, where I help lead its launch as a nonprofit.My work sits at the intersection of economic development, communications, and community impact.

Experience

1. Senior Communications Manager

   City of Phoenix

   Jan 2023 — Present · Phoenix, AZ, US

   Lead citywide communications and marketing strategy for business attraction, workforce development, and international engagement.• Direct messaging for Phoenix Global Forum, BIO International Convention, and PHXisHot business recruitment campaigns.• Position Phoenix as a bioscience and innovation leader through targeted campaigns in genomics, life sciences, and advanced technologies.• Support Phoenix Sister Cities by promoting cross-border partnerships, cultural exchange, and global business engagement.• Align messaging across business attraction, workforce development, and bioscience teams to promote a unified city brand.• Lead communication strategy for the Mobile Career Unit to expand access to workforce resources and employer connections.• Evaluate market conditions and economic trends to inform campaign strategy and performance metrics.• Serve as senior communications advisor on global and national initiatives positioning Phoenix as a destination for investment.

Education

• Northern Arizona University

  Bachelor's degree, Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis

• Phoenix College

  Associate's degree, Communication and Media Studies

• Northern Arizona University

  Master of Arts - MA, Strategic Communications

• Thunderbird School of Global Management

  Graduate Certificate , Global Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation