Joya Elena Kizer

About Joya Elena Kizer

Joya Kizer is the President & CEO of CASA Unlimited Enterprises, Inc, a woman- and minority-owned airport concessionaire founded in 1989 by her parents, Yolanda Collazos Kizer and Aaron Silvas Kizer. Headquartered in Phoenix, CASA operates and partners in over 25 joint venture locations at major U.S. airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Miami International (MIA), with expansions underway at San Diego (SAN) and Albuquerque (ABQ).Appointed CEO in 2013, Joya leads with a focus on operational excellence, strategic growth, and inclusive leadership. She has helped grow CASA into a nationally recognized airport retail partner through innovative brand development, culture-building, and high-performing joint ventures with industry leaders such as WHSmith North America, Hudson by Avolta, InMotion, and XpresSpa.Joya’s leadership is shaped by her family’s legacy of activism, service, and entrepreneurship. She began her airport retail career with HMSHost in 1998 and joined CASA in 2001, gaining hands-on experience in all areas of operations. She is a frequent national speaker on topics including airport concessions, ACDBE partnerships, and legacy leadership.Her recognitions include: • ASU Sun Devil 100 Honoree (2019–2025)• ACDBE Retail Champion, Aviation Business Summit• Excellence in Collaboration Partner, WHSmith Summit• Overall Guest Experience Champion• Univision/Valle del Sol “40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40”Outside of the airport industry, Joya is a passionate community advocate and nonprofit founder. She co-launched the Kizer FTD Awareness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting dementia awareness and caregiver education, in honor of her mother. She also serves on several community boards and supports causes including the Cesar Chavez Foundation, Rosie’s House, and New Pathways for Youth.Joya’s leadership is marked by strategic vision, cultural depth, and a deep commitment to advancing opportunity through business and service.

Experience

1. President, Chief Executive Officer

   Casa Unlimited Enterprises, Inc

   Jan 2001 — Present

   Joya Kizer serves as the President & CEO of CASA Unlimited Enterprises, Inc, a woman- and minority-owned airport concessionaire founded in 1989. Under her leadership, CASA has grown into a nationally recognized business with operations and joint ventures at over 25 locations across major U.S. airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor, Los Angeles International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, and Miami International, with new locations under development at San Diego International Airport and Albuquerque International Sunport.As CEO, Joya oversees all aspects of business operations, growth strategy, joint venture development, and compliance within the ACDBE program. She has led CASA’s expansion through partnerships with industry leaders including WHSmith North America, Hudson by Avolta, InMotion, and XpresSpa. Her leadership focuses on operational excellence, long-term brand building, team culture, and a commitment to enhancing the inclusive airport experience.Key Achievements:Expanded CASA’s footprint into six major airport marketsDeveloped and managed over 25 active joint venture partnershipsSpearheaded innovation in concept development, customer experience, and employee retentionLed CASA to receive national recognition for excellence in operations, service, and partnershipsNamed a six-time ASU Sun Devil 100 Honoree (2019–2025), celebrating exceptional alumni-led business growthJoya is a frequent industry speaker on topics including ACDBE strategy, entrepreneurship, and inclusive leadership, most recently featured on the “Pushing Possible” panel at the 2025 WHSmith Summit.

Education

• Arizona State University

  Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)