Eva Osuna

Eva Osuna comes from a Peoria family whose roots in the community now span six generations. She has lived her entire life in the same Peoria zip code, building lifelong relationships and a deep commitment to serving the community she proudly calls home. Having witnessed Peoria's transformation from a small farming town into a thriving urban city, Eva remains dedicated to preserving the sense of community that defines Peoria.

Anywhere Eva drives in South Peoria, she often sees familiar faces, friendly waves, and longtime residents who share memories of the community's past. These everyday connections have strengthened her belief that strong neighborhoods are built through relationships, trust, and shared experiences.

Eva attended Peoria schools throughout her educational years and later continued her studies locally. In honor of her sister, she founded a nonprofit scholarship organization in 2014 that provides educational scholarships to students in the Peoria Unified School District.

After high school, Eva began working for the State of Arizona, where she served for 25 years. During her career she worked with the Department of Developmental Disabilities. It was through this work that she discovered her passion for special education. Supporting individuals who could not always speak for themselves taught her to listen carefully, understand their needs, and advocate on their behalf.

At the age of 35, Eva made the decision to return to college. With determination and hard work, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University West, becoming the first in her immediate family to earn a bachelor's degree. Her journey was inspired by her sister, who as a young mother worked full time while continuing her education and ultimately earned her Associate of Arts degree.

Public service runs deep in Eva's family. Her mother helped with the 1954 census effort that contributed to Peoria's incorporation. Her uncle, Johnny Osuna, served on the Peoria City Council for 16 years and has a city park named in his honor.

Throughout her life, Eva has volunteered hundreds of hours in her community, working with local schools, churches, and community organizations wherever needs were identified. She believes strong communities are built through connection, service, and listening to the people who live there.