In Arizona, generosity is more than a value; it’s a way of life. From boardrooms to classrooms and ballfields to board service, people across the state give their time, talent, and resources to strengthen the communities they call home. This #MissionMonday column spotlights those difference-makers, highlighting philanthropic leaders and volunteers whose service is creating real, lasting impact. Through their stories, we explore the “why” behind their giving and the nonprofit missions helping meet Arizona’s most pressing needs.
Today, we welcome Jessica Yanow, MPH, President and CEO of the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers, who serves on the board of directors for the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation.
What inspired you to get involved with this organization, and why has its mission remained important to you?
As President and CEO of the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers, my work focuses on supporting Community Health Centers that serve as a lifeline for patients across Arizona. My background in public health and a career dedicated to these centers have reinforced how essential access, prevention, and whole-person care are to strong communities. Oral health is a critical part of overall health, yet it is still too often overlooked. What drew me to Delta Dental of Arizona was its clear commitment to expanding access to care and reinvesting in communities in meaningful ways. Serving on the Foundation’s board aligns closely with my values and my life’s work. Contributing to an organization that strengthens systems of care across Arizona feels both energizing and deeply personal, which is why this mission continues to matter to me.
For those unfamiliar, can you share the core mission of the nonprofit and the community it serves here in Arizona?
The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of underserved and uninsured communities through strategic, community-driven philanthropy. Guided by the belief that oral health is essential to overall health, the Foundation focuses on expanding access to dental care, supporting preventive education, and addressing critical needs such as food insecurity.
Since 2010, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in nonprofit organizations serving children, seniors, pregnant women, and low-income adults across urban, rural, and tribal communities statewide. Its annual competitive grant program supports both dental and non-dental initiatives, including oral health education, disease prevention, food banks, school meal programs, and senior nutrition services. Beyond grant making, the Foundation partners with health systems, educational institutions, and community organizations to advance long-term solutions that support healthier communities across Arizona.
What is one program, initiative, or moment that truly captures the impact this organization is making right now?
It is hard to choose just one.
A standout example is the Foundation’s partnership with Banner Health Foundation to implement a twice-daily toothbrushing protocol for hospitalized patients. Led by nursing and clinical staff, the program aims to reduce hospital-acquired pneumonia, improve health outcomes, and lower costs. The initiative reaches nearly 300,000 patients each year across 29 hospitals in six states.
Another is the partnership with the University of Arizona Medical Center Phoenix, where oral health education is being embedded throughout the medical school curriculum. This first-of-its-kind program helps future physicians better understand the connection between oral and overall health and how oral health can serve as an important diagnostic tool.
Are there any upcoming events, campaigns, or initiatives you are especially excited about in the coming months?
February is Children’s Dental Health Month and marks the Foundation’s 18th consecutive year partnering with the Children’s Museum of Phoenix on month-long oral health programming. Through Feb. 28, the Museum will host interactive activities, shows, and educational experiences focused on teeth, oral health, and overall wellness. All oral health activities are free with paid Museum admission. Children under 1 and Museum members receive free admission. A full schedule is available online.
How do you balance your professional life with your commitment to giving back, and what advice would you offer to others who want to do the same?
For me, balance is not about doing less. It is about doing what aligns most closely with my values. My professional work is rooted in service, so giving back feels like an extension of that purpose rather than a separate obligation. Serving on the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation board is energizing because the mission mirrors my life’s work and passion for improving health outcomes.
I am also intentional about investing time in my family. Traveling together, experiencing new places, and enjoying live music help us recharge and stay connected. Those moments make me a better leader and a better partner in service.
My advice is to be intentional. Choose opportunities that reflect what matters most to you rather than trying to do everything. When your professional work, service, and personal life reinforce one another, giving back becomes sustaining instead of draining.
If your philanthropic work had a theme song, what would it be and why?
I have lost count of how many times I have seen the Grateful Dead and its later iterations, but their song “Ripple” captures the spirit of giving back. It reflects how small, intentional acts can create wide-reaching impact. Like a single drop of water sending ripples across a pond, philanthropy begins with one person choosing to care. It is not about grand gestures, but about steady, meaningful contributions that shape lives and strengthen communities.
Outside of your work with the organization, what are three local spots you especially love?
Rusconi’s: Great food, friendly people, and a true neighborhood spot. Chef and owner Michael Rusconi is from Chicago, like my family, which adds to its sense of familiarity.
The Van Buren: We are a music family, and this venue offers the chance to see great bands in an intimate setting. The architecture is an added bonus.
The Foundry: The 5:30 a.m. hot yoga class at the Paradise Valley location is unmatched. I have been going since 2018 and recently surpassed 1,000 classes. This community supports both my physical and emotional well-being.
