Chandler Vice Mayor Christine Ellis has earned the distinction of being among the Women Achievers of Arizona, a recognition given by Arizona Capital Times to honor women who notably impact, innovate and inspire across various sectors. Ellis, as the first Black woman vice mayor and the first Haitian American on Chandler’s City Council, was recognized for her leadership during an Oct. 22 event at the Arizona Biltmore.
"I am deeply honored to share this recognition with an incredible group of women in our state, as the first Black woman vice mayor and the first Haitian American to serve on Chandler’s City Council, I carry the responsibility to lead with compassion, vision and courage," Ellis said, according to the City of Chandler's news release. Her tenure, having started in January 2021 and now in her second term, has seen her involvement in several key regional, state, and national boards as well as committees; her commitment extends to uplifting through collaboration, advocacy and service.
Ellis' work extends well beyond the council chambers; she's a registered nurse with over three decades of elder care experience and pulls double duty as a board member of the Arizona Board of Nursing. "This recognition reflects the countless women, mentors and community members who have walked alongside me in service," Ellis told the City of Chandler, highlighting the support that has underpinned her journey and expressing hopes that her achievements will motivate young women.
Her role as the Vice Chair of the Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee at the Maricopa Association of Governments since July and her previous positions such as the Vice Chair of MAG’s Regional Domestic Violence Council, Ellis' influence across policy areas signals a holistic approach to civic engagement; engagement that encompasses healthcare, legal frameworks, and more broadly national committees including the Human Development Committee, National Black Caucus, University Communities Council and Women in Municipal Government.
