JA Welcomes Phoenix Union High School Superintendent to Board of Direc

Junior Achievement of Arizona is pleased to announce the appointment of Thea Andrade, Superintendent at Phoenix Union High School District to the Board of Directors, providing guidance and leadership for the programming aimed at empowering Arizona’s youth through career readiness and financial literacy.

“We are honored to have Thea on our board of directors and know her expertise and knowledge in high school education and the Arizona education environment will be invaluable," said Katherine Cecala, president, Junior Achievement of Arizona. "Junior Achievement of Arizona has a strategic focus on expanding its impact for high school-aged students in Arizona. Thea is exactly the right person to provide guidance on how best to achieve that priority. She has served in public education for over three decades and as an administrator for 25 years. Thea is passionate about bringing equitable opportunities to all students and will be a great asset to our board."

Thea Andrade joined Phoenix Union High School District in 2011 and was named Superintendent in 2023. She is the first female superintendent in the District's nearly 130-year history after earning unanimous approval from the Governing Board. She has a great deal of experience in K-12 education and classroom management, lesson planning, educational technology, and instructional design. A Boston native, she graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and has made her home in Phoenix for the past 30 years. She is passionate about having the privilege and opportunity to shape the future of Arizona, the city of Phoenix, and her local community.

About Phoenix Union High School District

Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) is one of the largest and most progressive high school districts in the United States. With 23 schools, over 26,000 students, and nearly 3,500 employees, PXU covers 220-square miles of Arizona's capital city. PXU is a portfolio district with 11 comprehensive high schools, six small specialty schools, three micro schools, three support schools, and a digital academy. At Phoenix Union, we provide schools of opportunity that welcome, love, and inspire all to go places and do things that matter. To learn more, visit: www.pxu.org.

About Junior Achievement of Arizona

Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that equips Arizona students to succeed in work and life by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money, plan for their future, and make smart academic, career and economic choices. Since 1957, JA has taught kids, kindergarten through high school, about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. The organization’s hands-on, age-appropriate programs are delivered by more than 8,000 corporate and community volunteers, reaching approximately 190,000 students this school year. Follow @JAArizona on social media or visit jaaz.org/resources for more free online educational tools.