Liza Gail Quiñones
Liza Gail Quiñones is an education, leadership, and community engagement professional with more than 25 years of experience serving youth, families, and multicultural communities across the United States and the Caribbean. Presently based in Arizona, her work focuses on developing purpose-driven leaders, strengthening community partnerships, and connecting individuals with meaningful resources that foster long-term growth and resilience.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Liza is known for her ability to build authentic relationships, lead transformational learning environments, and design programs that empower young people to discover their identity, gifts, and calling. Her professional background includes senior educational leadership and program coordination roles with organizations such as the University of Arizona, Child & Family Resources, and Saga Education, as well as serving most recently as a Training Manager, where she oversaw curriculum development, licensing and compliance training, onboarding, and performance evaluation.
She now dedicates her full-time efforts to developing and establishing Leadership with Purpose International Ministries, where she serves as Director and Co-Founder alongside her husband, a retired U.S. Army veteran. The ministry is a faith-driven movement of courage and action that equips individuals to identify needs within their communities, design solution-focused programs, and lead service initiatives that bring lasting transformation and hope.
Liza is also the author of the upcoming book,
The Art of Leadership with Purpose: An Interactive Guide for Christian Leaders, which expands her mission of equipping the next generation to lead with purpose, courage, and compassion through faith-centered leadership development.
• Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe – Postgraduate Studies, Caribbean Studies
• Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo
• Southern Connecticut State University
• University of Arizona
• Co-Founder and Co-Leader, nonprofit foundation focused on youth leadership and community development
• Peer Mentor for Wounded Warrior Project
• Volunteer Fort Huachuca Hospitality House
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to authenticity, staying grounded in my values, and a deep belief in each individual’s unique purpose. Throughout my career, I have focused on encouraging others, creating supportive environments, and embracing new chapters with intention. This approach has allowed me to transition from traditional education into nonprofit leadership and community-based work while remaining aligned with my core mission.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to stay anchored in purpose rather than position. Titles may change, opportunities may shift, and paths may look different than expected, but when your work is guided by service, integrity, and a clear sense of calling, every experience becomes meaningful preparation. I’ve learned that leadership is not about arriving somewhere—it’s about consistently growing, serving others, and faithfully stewarding the gifts and opportunities God places in front of you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to stay true to who they are, trust their sense of purpose, and step into leadership even when the path is not fully defined. Surrounding yourself with supportive mentors and peers, remaining grounded in your values, and understanding that leadership is built through service and consistency are essential for long-term growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges is creating sustainable leadership development programs for youth in smaller or underserved communities, where resources and long-term support can be limited. At the same time, there is significant opportunity due to the growing demand for values-driven, community-based leadership initiatives. Expanding seminars, deepening partnerships, and developing curriculum and written resources offer meaningful potential for lasting impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity, purpose, service, and encouragement are central to both my professional and personal life. I am committed to honoring individual purpose, building trust within communities, and creating environments where people feel supported and empowered to grow.
Locations
Leadership with Purpose International Ministries
Sierra Vista, AZ 86535