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About Emilia

About Emilia-

Born and raised in Yuma, Arizona, Emilia has devoted her entire career to public service and Yuma County. As an educator with the Yuma Union High School District, she works to strengthen our public schools. Beyond the classroom, Emilia is deeply involved in her community, serving as a board member on several local organizations, including the Yuma Regional Partnership Council, First Things First, and the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Board. She is also an elected member of the Yuma County Board of Trustees for Libraries, where she serves as Vice Chair. Emilia’s involvement in the community reflects her passion to foster collaboration, education, and to expand opportunities within her hometown.

Emilia has been a community philanthropist for sixteen years, actively volunteering with the Yuma Rotary Club and other local organizations to support youth in their development. She is a passionate advocate for early childhood education and youth empowerment, committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

She holds a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on leadership from Northern Arizona University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with a specialization in Health.

Emilia lives in Yuma with her fiancé, Anthony Sharkey, and their two dogs, Jolene and Dolly Maize. She has been nominated by community leaders for the Heart of Yuma award for her outstanding contributions in volunteering and leadership. Emilia is also a proud alumna of Project CENTRL, Class 32, and a graduate of Yuma High School (Proud Yuma High Criminal), Class of 2003.

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​​Paid and approved by the committee to elect Vote Emilia Cortez Campaign

emilia cortez meeting.jpeg
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