Lora Mwaniki-Lyman

Lora has an extensive background in economic research, international trade, and infrastructure development, having spent 14 years as a regional and research economist advancing Arizona’s competitiveness. She began her career in Kenya’s agribusiness and floriculture-export supply chains, advancing to economist roles with the University of Arizona, the Maricopa Association of Governments, and Arizona State University, where she advised government agencies, planning bodies, trade authorities, and private clients on regional strategies, Arizona-Mexico economic relations, transborder industry clusters, foreign direct investment, trade, and tourism. She managed statewide initiatives and contributed research, impact studies, technical papers, presentations, and policy briefings supporting Arizona’s economic development and business attraction.

Lora applies this economic foundation to commercial real estate, guiding site selection, acquisition, and investment decisions for supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, and medical clients across the Phoenix Metro Area and Arizona. Her work centers on translating infrastructure pipelines, trade corridor dynamics, and market intelligence into location strategy. Lora also founded Valukrest, a consultancy connecting African and North American businesses, and holds master’s degrees in Agricultural & Resource Economics and Financial Management from the University of Arizona.