Who We Are
About Sun State Impact Fund
Sun State Impact Fund, Inc. is an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to building healthier futures for families and communities. Meet the founders and board guiding our work, and the mission and values that drive it.
Our Mission
To strengthen the maternal, child, and family health ecosystem through community investment and collaboration — empowering the organizations families already trust.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Our Founders
Sun State Impact Fund was founded by Cecilia and Christopher Masters, a husband-and-wife team passionate about strengthening healthier futures for families and communities. Through decades of combined experience in nonprofit leadership, health equity initiatives, partnership development, operations, and community engagement, they recognized the need for sustainable, community-centered solutions that address disparities impacting families. Their shared vision led to the creation of SSIF — an organization rooted in collaboration, compassion, and long-term community impact.
CECILIA MASTERS, MNLM
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Senior nonprofit and health equity executive with more than 25 years of experience leading community-centered initiatives focused on health equity, philanthropy, systems change, and partnership development. Cecilia has helped secure more than $100 million in funding supporting historically underserved communities and health equity initiatives.
CHRIS MASTERS
FOUNDER & VICE PRESIDENT
Relationship-driven leader with expertise in operations, strategic coordination, customer engagement, and partnership development. Chris brings a collaborative and solutions-focused leadership approach that supports organizational growth, sustainability, and community-centered impact initiatives.
TOGETHER, SSIF LEADERSHIP COMBINES COMMUNITY-CENTERED VISION, OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP, AND LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES.
Our Values
The principles that guide every decision we make
Collaboration
We strengthen the organizations families already trust, investing in community partners rather than duplicating efforts.
Compassion
Every initiative is rooted in care for families and a commitment to dignity, equity, and respect for lived experience.
Community-Centered
Solutions are informed by the communities we serve, ensuring programs are relevant, trusted, and built to last.
Sustainable Impact
We invest in long-term capacity, funding, and partnerships that create durable change for generations to come.
FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
VICKIE SPITZER, PSYD
BOARD CHAIR
Licensed clinical psychologist with 26+ years in trauma-informed care, psychological assessment, and child & family services. Doctorate from Argosy University; co-founder of AZ Heart to Home advancing trauma-informed residential care for vulnerable children.
ERIKA MENDOZA, M.ED.
TREASURER
Education and family-engagement professional with nearly three decades working with students, parents, schools, and community programs. Expertise in special education, bilingual education, and family support; holds a Master of Education degree.
SANDRA RIVERA
SECRETARY
Community representative and advocate bringing grounded understanding of the experiences, strengths, and challenges of families in the communities SSIF serves. Committed to advancing family wellness and ensuring community perspectives inform organizational decisions.
RICKY MENDIVIL, PSYD
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Psychologist with extensive experience in behavioral health, culturally responsive care, and the cultural factors influencing mental health within Hispanic communities. President & CEO of the Mendivil Family Foundation for Change, empowering underserved youth through mentorship and education.
FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Community-Driven Leadership & Governance
“Strong leadership creates stronger communities.”
Contact Us
Reach out to learn more about our work, explore partnerships, or get involved.
Physical and Mailing Address
6751 N. Sunset Blvd. Suite #320, Glendale, AZ 85305
Phone
623-303-8188Sun State Impact Fund, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 41-3829679