We HEAR Her: Recent Episodes
Women Who Succeed
We HEAR Her is a podcast highlighting stories and lessons learned from our colorful network of important female leaders across Utah. We believe that women empower women by sharing their experiences and are impactful changemakers when they serve as role models to girls following in their path. So, listen in women and girls of Utah, we can’t wait for you to hear her!We HEAR Her is hosted by Erin Trenbeath-Murray and Jennifer Bean, who are passionate about uplifting women who can guide our next generation of girls to be brave leaders!
Melisa Griffith, is the Sr. Membership Director for the Ken Garff University Club. As her LinkedIn profile states she “Connects People with Purpose”. Melisa has traveled extensively around the globe for humanitarian purposes. In her podcast she describes how that path was not typical for a young, single woman in Utah but it worth it!
Amanda Morton, Vice President of Relationship Development for Cyprus Credit Union has gone from owning her own hair salons to 10 years in the banking industry. From being a small business owner to the world of banking Amanda shares how work-ethic and accountability are the keys to success!
Mallory Santa Cruz, newly appointed Vice President of Success in Education and Amy Browning, newly appointed Senior Director of Development talk about the journey of building Women Who Succeed over the past three years. Lessons they have learned, what they have shared with young staff, and the need for entrepreneurial flexibility in a non-profit setting.
Laura Peifer, Health Consultant and Vice President of GBS Benefits discusses the complexities of giving 120% to her professional career and 120% to her personal life. She reflects during yoga her affirmation “LCR”, which stands for “I deserve to be loved, chosen, and respected.”
Robin Huling, Founder of Warner Communication shares some of the best advice she ever received, “Have your kindling prepared before lightning strikes”. This successful entrepreneur, business owner, speaker, and consultant shares her personal journey with infertility while pressing through professional opportunities.
Liese Rodger, Vice President and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, shares insight into how she has created her identity separate from the expectations and pressures from others. As a female leader in Finance, with a background and love for history, food, and Princess Diana, Liese brings unique and creative insights to her role. In this episode, Liese gives guidance on balancing friendships and work, maintaining physical health, and becoming a successful woman in finance.
Jennifer Hall, Civil Engineer and Assistant Vice President at WSP USA, shares how her unconventional college journey and family-farm background has helped her become a fast learner and passionate leader. As a woman in the Engineering field, Jennifer understands the gender inequalities that are often working against her, but she never lets anyone, not even herself, put her in a corner.
Krista Parry, Chief Development Officer at Visit Salt Lake, has become a successful and attentive leader, mother, and woman by showing up and being willing to learn. In this episode of We HEAR Her, Krista shares some of her experiences and hardships that have made her the resilient and hard-working woman she is today.
Melanie Jones, Editor in Chief for Utah Business, reflects on her journey being a daughter of a single mother with 5 children to where she is now personally and professionally. Melanie is a huge advocate for young women completing their post-secondary education for their economic stability, personal confidence, and intellectual growth.
Georgi Rausch shares her insight into how fun and mindfulness keep her on a path of continual learning. “Good Job Georgi," is her mantra throughout the day as she accomplishes big and small accomplishments. Her hardship with her mom and her journey beyond that resonates with many women at this stage in their lives.
Melissa shares how she has learned to love and accept the story of her life even though it is different than what she thought it would be. It may not look the way she thought it would be, but she enjoys the surprises and opportunities around every door!
Dana Grinnell, Author, Speaker, and Business Strategy & Operations Leader at Grinnell Capital
Dana has a passion for women and their empowerment through money. She has a long corporate career in business development and executive leadership positions. With that experience and passion, she assists women in the financial services industry and as investors.
Elizabeth McMillian,Director of Communications at the Utah Department of Transportation
Elizabeth discusses how the practice of staying true to your values keeps you in alignment with all of your priorities, tasks, and projects. She also describes the difficulties of providing transportation services in the fastest-growing state in the United States.
Brandy Vega, CEO of Vega Media Studios
After nearly losing her daughter to suicide, Brandy made a decision to become an advocate, spokesperson, and event organizer of Live LIVE to share her mission of preventing suicide. For all of us that have struggled with mental illness or had a family member or friend who has struggled with mental illness, this is a must-hear episode.
Mary Crafts, Founder and CEO of Mary Crafts, INC., and Founder of Culinary Crafts
Mary provides depth and wisdom in this episode as to how to cut the cords of fear that bind you. She dives into her new book Unbounded: From Sorrow to Summit and shares insights from her journey.
Rachelle Morris, Co-Founder & Managing Director at RevRoad Capital
Rachelle shares her journey personally and professionally, as she has navigated the grief of losing her sister, Madie. Rachelle carries Madie with her every day in memories, love, loss, and hope. Hear from Rachelle how she “embraces hello” in honor of her sister each and every day.
Christina Qi, CEO of Data Bento
Christina shares with us in this podcast how she founded Domeyard LP hedge fund focused on high-frequency trading from her dorm room with $1,000. Born in China and raised in Logan, Utah, in poverty, here is how determination, hard work, and growing from rejection made Christina who she is today!
Brooke Newhall Lenzen, Senior Manager in Executive Education at the David Eccles School of Business
Brooke shares with us her curious nature and desire to continue to learn. She tells us about the Women’s Leadership Certificate program at the University of Utah and how women continually lean in to lift one another up.
Alison Dayton, Founder of Lift and Love Foundation
Allison shares the heart-wrenching story of losing her brother, who was gay, to suicide and how she now fiercely advocates for her son and other LGBTQ individuals to have a place of strength and belonging.
Lizzie Solies, Alaya Lopez, and Reece Richardson: You can't stick to a plan all the time
Lizzy Solies, Chief Operating Officer of CashMan, together with Women Who Succeed mentees Alaya Lopez, and Reece Richardson
Alaya and Reece discuss their bold moves, including moving to Utah from Hawaii and being okay with pivoting majors in college. Here is how they manage their busy lives in school, receiving recognition and engaging deeply in Women Who Succeed.
Lizzy Solies, Chief Operating Officer of CashMan
Lizzy describes how she overcame adversity as a teenager and young adult. Hear about her philosophy: when you hit rock bottom, dig deeper, plant a seed, and grow! As the Chief Operating Officer, she discusses empathetic leadership and how much she has learned from her mentees in Women Who Succeed.
Women Who Succeed mentees Addie, Abi, and Hannah all provide incredible guidance for young women in high school and college. Their advice about to try and not to get caught up in the small stuff that seems so big in high school. Secondly, put yourself out there and try new things in college. Be bold and be ready to shift and enjoy the ride!
Sidni Lloyd-Shorter, President and CEO of Utah Black Chamber of Commerce
In this episode, Sidni describes the importance of understanding your personal values and your “Why” early in life. Start with what matters to you and declare it to others. Sidni sees challenges as opportunities and embraces the future with zest and optimism for life!
Tori Horton, CEO of Reset Your Nest
Hear Tori describe what she believes are essential elements to being a successful, creative, interesting person without the need to be perfect! In this episode, Tori discusses the advantages and benefits of having a career and the role of a mother. She explains the value of being complex and adapting to multiple roles.
Nikki Walker, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at DOMO
In this episode, the “FABULOUS Nikki” describes the importance of being bold and being yourself as a woman. She encourages young women and women to find their power, speak up, get involved and VOTE! She wishes there were more diverse perspectives in our elected officials and our community and challenges us to step forward.
Melisa Griffith, formerly Development Director of Global Philanthropy at Young Living Essential Oils and now Chief Development Officer for Operation Gratitude, has always been passionate about working with girls and women to help them see their worth and become financially independent. In this episode, Melisa shares how her experience assisting at a safe haven center for trafficked individuals around the world pushed her to help others more. Listen in to hear how Melisa's big heart and bold personality are her forces for being successful in her career.
Dr. Lindsay Wilner is the founding director of the Christmas Box House, a center for at-risk children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In this episode, Lindsay shares how wrestling with her own midlife crisis inspired her to write a screenplay titled Ledge Dweller, dedicated to all women seeking rebirth in their middle age. This screenplay process gave Lindsay more insight into the filming industry and the need to support women behind the lens. Lindsay also produced a horror movie titled Severed, an entirely student-driven production that became a semi-finalist at the Vancouver Film Festival awards. Listen in to hear how Lindsay enjoys her favorite decade in life and how she turned her life experience into a screenplay.
Rhonda Nicoloff is an impressive woman who worked her way from an entry-level position at A&K Railroad Materials to its president and co-owner. While working hard to build her career, Rhonda also made time to raise a family and earn alum status at Harvard, completing their OPM (Owner, President, Manager) program. Following her railroad career, Rhonda started her own company called REBL Consulting. In this episode, Rhonda shares how her determination helped her succeed in a male-dominated industry and how she navigates the life of an empty nester. Listen in to hear how Rhonda enjoys overcoming challenges in her professional and personal life.
Erica Dahl, formerly Vice President of Government Relations at find help and now Head of Policy for ChargeNet Stations, has over 20 years of experience in public policy. In this episode, Erica shares how her social worker's parents inspired her to work in policy and to give back to the community. Erica also shares how being a mentor with Women Who Succeed gave her insight into what her daughter was navigating while preparing for high school. Listen in to hear the details surrounding the recent mantra that helped both Erica and her daughter tamp down self-doubt, "You’re doing just fine, sweetheart.
Dr. Susan R. Madsen is the Inaugural Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. She is also the Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, which focuses on strengthening the impact of Utah girls and women through research, resources, and events. Professor Madsen is considered one of the top global scholars and thought leaders on women's leadership. In this episode, Susan shares her passion for helping young women graduate college and become confident leaders. Susan also encourages women to take more chances and not to fear failing. Listen in to hear Susan shares how saying "YES!" is a beautiful opportunity for growth and building confidence.
Juliette Bautista is a community leader advocating for STEM diversity and the Founder and Director of Club Ability. Juliette believes strongly in the importance of providing disabled and Latinx children with better access to STEM, and she is actively working to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech space for all. Listen in to hear the inspiring story of Juliette building a community for special needs and Latinx students through her afterschool tech program: CLUB ABILITY.
Kat Falcone, Media Director at Ken Garff Auto, has been in the advertising/marketing world for over 22 years and has worked with all kinds of clients, from Subway to T-Mobile. In this episode, Kat shares how she navigated a previously male-dominated industry as a woman and one company in particular as the first pregnant woman. Listen in to hear how Kat did not allow fear of the challenges she faced to keep her from a field she loves.
Jessica Elwell, Chief Operating Officer at OxEon Energy, is shaping the history of aerospace engineering. Jessica helped create the Mars Oxygen In Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) that is currently aboard NASA's Perseverance Rover producing oxygen from planet Mars' atmosphere for the first time in human history. Listen in to hear Jessica share her new STEM career perspective and what it's like for women working in engineering today.
Kelli Booth, Executive Director at The Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science, is passionate about education and empowering students' growth and development. Under her determined leadership, NUAMES became one of the top high schools in Utah and doubled in size. Kelli is a Governor's Medal Award winner in Science and Technology. Listen in to hear how Kelli is working to limit the barriers for underrepresented students entering the tech world
Dr. Trent Kauffman, Senior Advisor at Cicero Group, has developed expertise in K-12 Education, quantitative and qualitative research methodology, performance management, strategy, and sales and marketing analytics. Trent's biggest passion is being a dad and seeing his daughters grow into strong women who can achieve anything. Listen in to hear Trent's advice on accepting feedback and finding the best talent for your business' growth.
Millicent Tracey, Board Director and Fintech Advisor, has worked in Fintech and financial services for over 22 years. Today, Millicent can be found working closely with nonprofits and mentoring young women to be strong, educated, and confident. Listen in to hear Millicent share the harrowing story of her daughter's passing and how her new perspective on life brought her to Utah.
Kristin Andrus is a social media and marketing-savvy mother of six, a community champion for women, children, and refugees, and a Youtube Fitness personality with a supernatural ability to get things done! Devoted to making an impact in the world, she is working on an initiative to end period poverty by providing menstrual products for free to schools, shelters, and foster care facilities throughout Utah. Listen in to hear Kristin describe the challenges associated with female product accessibility and the importance of finding the cause that speaks to you.
Entrepreneur, Women in Business, Skincare, Oud
Yasmin Khan, the founder and CEO of the luxury skincare brand Khalm ® Skincare, is honoring her Pakistani culture by bringing Oud to her skincare products. Oud is an essential agarwood oil popular in the Middle East that regenerates new healthy skin and reduces wrinkles. Through the brand's work, Yasmin hopes more young women find inspiration and purpose to go after whatever future they desire. Listen in to hear how Yasmin's intuition and Pakistani roots are the guiding forces in her business.
Professional Women Builders, The House That She Built, women in business
Jennie Tanner, the owner of Tanner Glass & Hardware, successfully shows that the construction industry is for women too. Jennie has worked in the finish hardware aspect of construction for 25 years. When she is not managing her company, Jennie dedicates her time to supporting and advocating for women currently working in construction. Together with other women professionals, Jennie helped build the first home in America constructed entirely by women on a project called The House that SHE Built. Listen in to hear how Jennie is changing the male-dominated construction industry by supporting fellow female professionals.
Gabriela Benitez, the Executive Benefits Consultant at Diversified Insurance Group, is a talented, native Spanish-speaking Latina driven by a passion for shaping the future of healthcare. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, Gabriela has become a respected agent in both Latinx and mainstream communities. Listen in to hear how Gabriela's tenacious leadership and perseverance brought her national recognition as the healthcare "guru".
Sheridan Mordue, the owner of the women's lifestyle boutique Hip & Humble, envisioned herself as a small business owner from an early age. Over the last 23 years, she made her vision into a reality by building her own successful business. Sheridan's boutique is known as the "go-to" gift shop. It showcases a fun and color-driven collection of clothing, home accessories, and gifts. You can find her Hip & Humble stores in five locations, including premier spaces at 9th&9th and the SLC International Airport. Listen in to hear how staying open to new paths and following her heart and gut enabled Sheridan to create a thriving, hip, and humble business.
Chiao-ih Hui, Director of Global Operations at Arcserve, is doing a remarkable job as a young, rising start in the technology sphere and a proud mom of two. Chiao-ih's unique background in technology and business has allowed her to participate in research with small R&D firms and work in large organizations such as the Central Intelligence Agency. Despite her impressive career, Chiao-ih's number one priority is being a mom to her two boys and raising them to act always with integrity. Listen in to hear Chiao-ih as she describes her "not-so-typical" Asian upbringing and how she enjoys "momying hard" .
Keywords: Women in Tech, Asian Heritage, Motherhood
Becky Edwards, former Member of the Utah House of Representatives and current candidate for the United States Senate, dedicated her career to making life better for Utah families. As a social worker and counselor, Becky got a deep understanding of unrepresented community issues and the need to show the power of individual voices in Utah politics. In an effort to expand her service as an advocate for Utah families, Becky is currently running for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Listen in to hear how Becky works tirelessly to learn more about diverse communities, increase visibility on unrepresented issues, and improve the power of individual voices.
Dr. Deneece Huftalin, the president of Salt Lake Community College, shares how her husband Tim took on a full-time parent role and enabled her to focus on her career goals. Before she became SLCC president in 2014, Deneece served at SLCC for nearly three decades. Due to her tireless efforts to strengthen overall completion rates, transfer pathways, workforce responsiveness, and equality of student access and completion, Salt Lake Community College, its student body, and our community have thrived. Listen in to hear how Deneece encourages young people to acknowledge their talent and intellect, commit to their education, and get it done.
Keywords: Education, Women Leader, SLCC, college, Utah
Davis Smith, founder & CEO of Cotopaxi, spent most of his childhood in Latin America, where his spirit for adventure and heart for humanitarian work was born. Being exposed to a variety of cultures, Davis gained a unique appreciation for diversity and that, coupled with his entrepreneurial vision, has become the outdoor gear brand that we know and love! Cotopaxi believes the products that get us exploring can make a positive impact on other people’s lives. And that is why they create sustainably designed outdoor gear that fuels both adventure and global change. Thank you, Davis for all that Gear for Good does improve our world and the people in it. Woman Who Succeed is thrilled to have you as a male-ally in our community. Listen in to hear Davis share his thoughts on creating diversity, advocating for women's leadership in business, and how adventure can turn into global change.
Madi Limansky, video, photo, and event producer and COO at ShePlace, shares her unique 17-year entrepreneurial background in fashion and production. Together with her degree in Gender Studies, Madi discovered her calling for breaking down old patriarchal structures that prevent women+ from living in their bodies and the world. As a COO of ShePlace, a community and an online platform, Madi is working on providing resources for advancing women+ in their financial independence and moving the needle of gender equality and equity forward through financial wellness and intentional relationship building. Listen in to hear how becoming a model at 15 years old and working all over the globe helped Madi to move closer to advocating for equality and equity for all self-identified women and girls in Utah and beyond.
Melissa Ballard, politician, pianist, and Advisory Board member extraordinaire, has embraced life with an adventurous spirit and committed early on to be a part of the solution. For Melissa, this means using her voice as Utah House Representative to speak up for Utah and speak out for her constituents, often on the national level on issues such as education funding transparency, water usage, and air quality. In fact, she has worked extensively across state lines to connect hydrogen producers and manufacturers with consumers and touts Utah as the hydrogen hub of the crossroads of the West for retail and wholesale distribution. Listen in to hear how Melissa is collaborating on big ideas, bringing awareness to important legislative issues, and connecting people and resources that build a better Utah for generations to come!
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Sui Lang Panoke, Zions Bank Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and founder of Rethink International, Rethink Tank, and Women Politics Media, was born and raised in Utah but took the leap early in her career to intentionally immerse herself in what she did not see here – adequate representation of women that shared her perspective. And, as it turns out, she found what she was looking for while living on Capitol Hill for 13 years. The experience was life-changing; for the first time, she saw women who talked like her, looked like her, and thought like her and this solidarity resulted in an unmatched layer of confidence that has propelled her successful craft. Listen in to hear the amazing ways that Sui Lang is welcoming allies to the table and starting conversations that tackle big issues around unconscious bias and creating inclusive cultures in the workplace. Thank you, Sui Lang, for challenging us to recognize it, talk about it, and invest in it - because what we do know is that Utah women care far more about making an impact than just making it!
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Women Who Succeed is a program of Success in Education.
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Shima Baradaran Baughman, Associate Dean of Faculty Research & Development and Professor of Law, had to learn her important life lessons in the hardest of ways. Growing up in worn-torn Iran, the daughter of a neurosurgeon who single-parented while their mother was an imprisoned political activist, Shima saw the example that sacrifice, hard work, and advocacy would lead her to success. Listen in to hear how Shima went from a 2nd grader in California who spoke no English to the successful mother, mentor, and published author carrying her mother’s torch for the disadvantaged.
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To learn more about Women Who Succeed, visit: https://www.womenwhosucceed.org
Women Who Succeed is a program of Success in Education.
Learn more about Success in Education here: https://sieutah.org/
Salt Lake County Health Department, State Epidemiology, Brown University, Women in Leadership
Dr. Angela Dunn, Executive Director & Medical Director for the Salt Lake County Health Department and former State Epidemiologist, has been a dedicated servant leader in Utah’s fight against the COVID 19 pandemic. A collegiate athlete and graduate of Brown University, Angela often leverages the work ethic and leadership skills she learned on the court to navigate her way forward. Listen in to hear how Angela has successfully played a supportive role to her two sons and our community by always meeting people where they are at and finding where she can best influence progress. Thank you, Dr. Dunn, for using your voice to keep Utahns safe and informed during such a critical time!
Emily Bell McCormick, an editor for KSL Studio 5’s “Smarter” series and founder of The Policy Project, is the voice that Utah is listening to when it comes to women’s issues and social equity. With a love of words and a colorful experience in communications, Emily has leveraged her skill and passion to serve as a changemaker for period poverty. First lobbying to successfully eliminate our state sales tax on menstrual products and most recently rallying to monumentally pass HB162 putting free period products in all Utah schools – Emily is moving mountains in Utah – period! Listen in to hear how Emily created the period movement and rallied her team in pink to immediately benefit 330,000 girls statewide in its first year!
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To learn more about Women Who Succeed, visit: https://www.womenwhosucceed.org
Women Who Succeed is a program of Success in Education.
Learn more about Success in Education here: https://sieutah.org/
Neylan McBaine, Owner of Duet Partner and women’s activist, grew up in New York City the daughter of a professional opera singer and Wall Street lawyer. It is this unique upbringing, coupled with the influence of several dynamic female role models, that inspired Neylan to take on Better Days 2020, a four-year project to unearth and celebrate the stellar leadership that Utah women provided in the quest for the 19th Amendment, giving our nation’s women the right to vote! Listen in to hear Neylan speak about what has shaped her, the challenges her three daughters are facing in today’s social and geopolitical climate, and what she uncovered about the spirit of Utah women.
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To learn more about Women Who Succeed, visit: https://www.womenwhosucceed.org
Women Who Succeed is a program of Success in Education.
Learn more about Success in Education here: https://sieutah.org/
Karen Rodriguez La Paz, Director of DEI at NBCU Telemundo and Founder of Code in Color, is a Utah transplant from New York City, and it did not take long for her to call this home! Karen originally fell in love with the kindness and sense of community that she found in Utahns and has parlayed these qualities with her talent in communications and her passion for Latina activation to cultivate and retain diversity in the corporate workplace. Listen in to hear how one simple act of kindness landed her on Season 2 Episode 3 of Netflix’s The Kindness Diaries and was the springboard to Karen’s dream of creating a space for black and brown young adults to access tech education!
Listen to We HEAR Her:
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To learn more about Women Who Succeed, visit: https://www.womenwhosucceed.org
Women Who Succeed is a program of Success in Education.
Learn more about Success in Education here: https://sieutah.org/
Scott Anderson, President and CEO of Zions Bank, and Sui Lang Panoke, Zions Senior VP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are two powerhouses that ARE the change Utah is ready to embrace! They share several common threads – championing inclusivity and a passion for building equitable partnerships – and together they are serving as our examples of how men and women work together to create space and leverage uniqueness that leads us to better decisions, stronger organizations, and ultimately dynamic and resilient communities. Listen in to hear these Utah icons talk about the evolution of women in the economy and the media, the critical nature of role models and representation, and the importance of male allyship. Many know Scott and Sui Lang by name and reputation, but this is your chance to hear the ‘why’ behind the fire that they have started for us!
Salt Lake Community College, Higher Education, Religion, Social Justice
Gina Alfred, Salt Lake Community College Coordinator of Student Affairs and President of the Staff Association, has truly found her purpose and home in Utah. Also ordained as a Pastor, Gina first found her place in religion, and later her voice for people; specifically, for those that are underrepresented and marginalized – after all, social injustice really ruffles her feathers! Listen in to hear Gina and Bev Uipi, Millcreek City Councilwoman, visit about women of color, culture shock in Utah, and finding your calling.
Education, Love Day Consulting, Woman of Color
Michelle Love-Day, Founder of RISE Academy and Love-Day Educational Consulting and Jordan School District Language & Culture Department Consultant, has been a student since she was growing up in Ohio as the daughter of a teacher and coach. Education is what was valued, what gave her opportunity, and what was ultimately the springboard to her career and passion. Listen in to hear Michelle’s enthusiasm for ensuring that all students have a rich and equitable educational environment and a champion who believes in their abilities!
Sarah Sherer, Chief Human Resources Officer at University of Utah Health, lives by her “people first” mantra which recently landed her and her team on the shortlist of 2021 HR Achievement Award winners in Utah Business Magazine. She is a wife, mother, colleague, and leader - a natural caretaker who has also learned the importance of taking care of herself. Listen in to hear how Sarah models self-care and work-life balance to remain adaptable and connected, even in the demanding healthcare environment during a global pandemic.
Analise Wilson, General Counsel for Ivory Homes, is full of grit and tenacity thanks to her father reminding her at a young age that their family “knows how to suffer”! They also know how to finish what they started, make the most out of every opportunity and keep education a top priority. Listen in to hear how these principles have helped write Annie’s story as a successful attorney, wife & mother, and a triathlon hopeful.
Astrid Tuminez, President of Utah Valley University, is leading the largest public university in the state of Utah by welcoming a record 41,000+ students to campus this year. Although there is never a dull moment in her day, Astrid has found a way to successfully balance donor relations, community champions, industry leaders, and government affairs that come together to make UVU the progressive and diverse community that it is. Listen in to hear how President Tuminez journeyed from a farming village in the Philippines to Utah, where she is succeeding by doing three things exceptionally well!
Laura Peifer, VP and Employee Benefits Consultant at GBS, is a native Utahn with a heart to connect and serve. Not only is she a competent leader in the healthcare industry, but she has also been a longtime volunteer champion with the Boys & Girls Club of Murray. Listen in to hear how Laura maintains her confidence in a male-dominated business, tackles tough conversations with her colleagues, and uses positive self-talk to encourage her success.
Alyssha Dairsow, Founder and Executive Director of Curly Me! saw a need and knew she could be a part of the solution. Moving to Utah from her native New Jersey home, Alyssha was determined to find her purpose and voiceworking in her new community. Listen in to hear how hernon-profit came to life and the unique ways she is using what she is paid to do to fuel what she is purposed to do.
Rick Folkerson, President of Success in Education, has used his sales training and personal passion for education to uplift the charitable mission of the Garff Family. Listen in as he describes how his granddaughter, Millie, helped him see the true importance of uplifting the Women Who Succeed initiative, making sure that girls have the same equitable opportunities as boys. Thank you for seeing the value in our work and perspective, and being an ally in a very male-dominated industry.
Brandy Vega, Owner, and Founder of Vega Media Studios and the non-profit Good Deed Revolution is a passionate, hardworking practical joker that opened her first business at the age of 5 selling pet rocks from the sidewalk in front of her home. Hard times were always the catalyst to Brandy’s next achievement. Listen in to hear how being vulnerable has become one of her biggest assets and helped move her closer to the next big thing! It's
also why we agree with Hyrum Smith when he said: “Brandy is the most impressive person I’ve met in a decade”.
Tiffany Clason is the Director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the
State of Utah and has embraced her British grandmother’s mantra “higgledy-piggledy”
as she navigates life’s twists and turns. Educated to be a teacher but working first in
corporate food and beverage hospitality and later in government relations, her current
position is the perfect marriage of her past experiences. Listen in to learn how Tiffany
maintains her identity as a wife, mother, and Utah’s liquor boss in the good ol’ boys club!
Bev Uipi, Millcreek City Councilwoman, shares how challenges can be self-inflicted or chosen for you, but either way, she is finding joy in the unexpected twists and turns. Recently re-elected for a second term, Bev is finding fulfillment in servant leadership in her community and getting creative with the next step of her evolving career. Listen in to hear how becoming a flight attendant was Bev’s answer to becoming the best mom for her high school football player.
Ellen Winkler, Co-Founder, and Owner of INDUSTRY, says her adventure started when
an Italian girl from Jersey met a boy in a bar. From the beginning, her best friend and
husband has been blazing trails right by her side, transforming tired downtown buildings
into energized and creative workspaces. Listen in to hear how this couple’s passion for
skiing and actions sports fueled their career in design and development; and inspires
them to create spaces that represent the people and vitality of evolving cities.
Crystal Maggelet, CEO and Chairwoman of the Board at FJ Management, was first influenced by her parent's example of entrepreneurialism, then later by her father’s hard work and determination to make their family business a success. Listen in to find out when young Crystal first sat at her father’s Board table, how she balances the role of mother and manager, and why she supports charitable causes that uphold our community and make her 8,000 employees feel like family. Crystal continually strives to be an enduring leader fueled by tenacity and optimism, so we have no doubt that she is making her father proud!
Ally Isom is currently a Republican candidate for the US Senate, a seasoned Utah
business leader, mother of four, and a grandmother to five. When she left her position as
Executive Officer at EVŌQ Nano to serve as a politician, she considered it might
possibly be the most reckless decision she’d made yet! But Ally is a convener; one who
welcomes others to the table for solutions and will realize a vision that will leave her
grandchildren a healthier and more cohesive nation. Listen in to hear how Ally’s rise
from poverty has been shaped by life’s challenges, giving her a new clarity and
tenacious determination because “life is what you make out of Plan B”. We vote for Ally
Isom!
Kathi Garff, Chair of Ken Gaff Enterprises and Board Chair of the Success in Education Foundation, and Erin Trenbeath-Murray, VP of Success in Education, were inspired to launch Women Who Succeed in March 2021 to help build confidence and grow leadership skills in young women across Utah. Listen in as both Kathi and Erin name their own mothers as their most influential role models. Kathi’s compass and character are a result of watching her own mother respond to interruptions with grace and dignity. While Erin shares that her mom, Lynn, was the best example of how you can be a hardworking, hands-on parent and professional at the same time.