2007
Womenof Distinction MARCH 30, 2007 | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO IN BUSINESS LAS VEGAS dare to dream
SPONSORED BY:
DARE TO DREAM | 2007 represent women who have risen to the top of their Southern Nevada branch, formed a Women of Women fields. They represent organizations in the cultural, Distinction Foundation. This foundation will pro- Distinction professional, government and philanthropic fields. vide seed money for the inception and growth of Their accomplishments and contributions are small women business owners. We are so excited dare to dream extraordinary and capture the essence of women to be able to give back to many of the outstanding who had a dream and have reached their inspired women in Southern Nevada who Dare to Dream! achievement. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to NAWBO Southern Nevada and the WODA the wonderful WODA Committee, the NAWBO event would not be possible without the generous Board, and various other NAWBO members who support of our Corporate Partners and Spon- contributed their talent and time towards the suc- It is with great sors. These companies assist in underwriting our cess of the WODA event. You know who you are, pleasure that I welcome luncheon speakers, educational programs, and and I hope you know that without your contribu- you, on behalf of the our recognition gala, the Women of Distinction tions, this event would not have been possible. A NAWBO Board of Awards. These partners and sponsors contribute special thanks go out to my WODA Administrator Directors and the countless hours of time and professional services and Treasurer, Toni Jo Artz of The Speaker’s Advan- Women of Distinction and resources to ensure the growth of our South- tage — she was invaluable. I’d also like to thank the Committee, to the pub- ern Nevada chapter. In fact, it is due to their con- employees of Millenium Staffing and my business lication celebrating the tributions that we are one of the fastest growing partner Donna Lattanzio, for your support, time 9th Annual Women of chapters in our national NAWBO organization. We and encouragement. Remember, “dreams become Distinction Awards! ask that you help us in thanking these companies a reality when you believe in yourself.” This year is full of by choosing them when you are in need of their changes. We are recog- pertinent services. Jennifer DeHaven nizing three women in each of the 12 categories, Much of the proceeds from the silent auction, Millenium Staffing Services and selecting one as the Honoree. The 36 finalists raffle and awards event — held last week — went Women of Distinction Awards Chairperson to a very worthy cause. This year, the NAWBO,
The Southern entrepreneurs is how to find the money necessary Welcome, everyone, Nevada Chapter to start or expand a business. Most traditional to the publication of the National lending institutions do not have lending criteria celebrating our Women Association of Women that allows them to consider financing loans of Distinction Awards. Business Owners under $35,000 or new business start ups. The The National has a long track Women of Distinction Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) Association of Women record of supporting corporation (pending) that will be empowering Business Owners is various charitable small business owners by offering micro-loans an organization that organizations in from $500 to $10,000 for the start-up or expansion celebrates women of Southern Nevada, of a business. These loans may be used for distinction every day. particularly those that equipment, inventory, supplies and some working In particular, we address the needs capital. celebrate women who of women in our We will be starting small but as loans are are so brave that they community. The primary fund-raising method repaid each year and the pool of available funds forge their own paths, women who take the for NAWBO Southern Nevada to support this controlled by the Foundation grows, we will be steps to make their own dreams come true. So philanthropy has been our annual signature able to continue expanding our positive impact on this year at our annual Women of Distinction event, the Women of Distinction Awards. the community every year as we help more and Awards ceremony, we celebrated women who, During the past year, we have completely more small business owners get established and not only dared to dream, but whose skills and revamped the Women of Distinction Awards to achieve their personal vision of entrepreneurship. perseverance have brought them to the top of be more reflective of women in business and We thank you for being a part of the Women of their fields. our membership. We have also established the Distinction Awards and for helping us bring the Congratulations, Women of Distinction! We Women of Distinction Foundation to support the Women of Distinction Foundation from a dream NAWBO members could not be more proud. vision of our organization to empower women to reality. entrepreneurs and to help propel them into political, social and economic spheres of influence Renee Ryan-Thrailkill Brenda J. Stout in our community. Millennium Commercial Real Estate Services President One of the primary obstacles faced by small Women of Distinction Foundation President NAWBO Southern Nevada
Corporate Partners Visionary Silver Member Partners Citibank, N.A. Bank of the West A-1 Janitorial Services In Business Las Vegas Business Bank of Nevada A Flamingo Glass & Engraving Colonial Wealth Management Alternative Management Platinum Community Bank of NV Horizon Wireless Bank of Nevada Embarq Marketing Essentials Harrah’s Entertainment Enterprise Rent-a-Car Merchants Billing Services MGM/Mirage Nevada Power Millenium Staffing Services Southwest Gas Nevada State Bank Millennium Commercial Real Estate Services Payroll Solutions Moving On Coaching & Consulting Gold Bank of America Sierra Health Services Mustang Accounting First National Bank of Nevada Sun West Bank Swanson Realty Group Littler Mendelson Washington Mutual The Speaker’s Advantage M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers Wells Fargo Your Entity Solution Perini Building Company Western Risk Insurance Silver State Bank
| WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2007 WODA AWARD SPONSORS
Women of Distinction • The Antique Mall Sponsor: • Harrah’s Entertainment • The Speaker’s Advantage Glass Ceiling Sponsor: Better • Nevada Power • University of Company Southern Nevada by byassociation. association.by association.by association.byby association. association.by association.by association. In nature, whenIn nature, one thing whenIn is one nature, made thing whenbetter isIn made one nature, by its thing better when is In by made one nature, itsIn thing nature, better when is by when made one itsIn thing one nature,better thing is by whenmade is itsIn made one better nature, thing better by when itsis by made one its thing better is by made its better by its Rising Star Sponsor: Raffle Sponsors: by association. • MGM / Mirage • M.J. Christensen In nature, when one thing is made better by its Diamond Centers Platinum Sponsor: association with something else, it’s called symbiosis. • Perini Building Company • The Speaker’s At Littler Mendelson, we like to think of it as simply Advantage good practice. As the top ALM Go-To Firm® for Diamond Sponsor: labor and employment chosen by Fortune 500 • A&B Printing and In-Kind Contributions: companies*, we work every day with the nation’s Mailing • A. Flamingo Glass & Engraving, LLC largest and most demanding companies, on some of Ruby Sponsors: the most complex and challenging legal problems • HSBC Bank • A Warm Wish facing employers today. At the end of the day that Nevada, N.A. Gift Baskets leaves us smarter, stronger and better prepared to • TerraWest Property • Adventures in face whatever comes buzzing around tomorrow. Management Advertising * “2006–2007 Corporate Counsel Directory of In-House Law Departments at the Top 500 Companies.” Emerald Sponsors: • Marty Mahoney Trio •Business Community Capital • Mary Wilson (of the Supremes) • Euphoria Hair Salons
Vendors: • Greater Las Vegas 600 Attorneys + 41 National Offices = One Integrated Solution • A&B Printing & Mailing Association of Realtors www.littler.com Patrick Hicks, Founding Shareholder, Nevada Offices • Millenium Staffing • Bella Flora & Special Wendy Krincek, Managing Shareholder, Nevada Offices Services • Tea Shoppe • Millennium Commercial Real Estate • Chiemi Floyd 3960 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89169 • PH: 702.862.8800 Photography 50 West Liberty Street, Suite 400, Reno, NV 89501 • PH: 775.348.4888 • Nevada State Bank • Computer Design • PostNet Studio
• Rano Financial • In Business Las Vegas
• Southwest Gas • Luxor Las Vegas
• Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center
COMMITTEE LIST Congratulations to all
Jennifer DeHaven Cheleen Morgan Chairperson The Antique Mall Millenium Staffing Services & Millenium Jennifer Parker Brenda J. Stout Executive Search Business Community WODA Nominees... President Capital NAWBO Southern Nevada Toni Jo Artz Administration & Treasurer Renee Ryan-Thrailkill The Speaker’s Advantage Millenium Commercial You’re all Winners! Real Estate Services Leslie Caywood Computer Design Studio Karen Scherer A Flamingo Glass & Irene Fenolio Engraving, LLC Horizon Wireless & PostNet Robin Shoemaker Amerprise Financial Kathy Gillespie A&B Printing and Mailing Brenda Stout Mustang Accounting Laurie Kalnin Business Community Melodie Swanson Capital Swanson Realty Group www.abprint.com 702-731-5888 • fax 702-731-2272 Donna Lattanzio Whitney Whiteman Millenium Staffing The Cookie Zoo 2900 S. Highland Dr., Ste. 18B • Las Vegas, NV 89109 Services & Millenium Executive Search DARE TO DREAM | 2007
Womenof FINALISTS Distinction COMMUNICATIONS dare to dream Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, Colleen May “ Weekend Evening Anchor even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor KLAS-TV, Channel 8 spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. Growing up in a military family exposed Colleen May to a ” lot of change. The variety of environments and experiences she saw growing up helped propel her into the field of broad- WINNER Theodore Roosevelt Paige (Paige Fleming’s Inspirational Quote) cast journalism. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Cali- Paige Fleming fornia State University at Chico and working at a local station Fleming for a few years, coupled with a summer stint at CNN, Colleen Publisher/CEO Heart Association, in 2000; the Business Nevada Woman Inc. May came to the valley to continue her career as a television and Professional Women’s southern news anchor with KLAS-TV, Channel 8 in 1998. May has been the weekend evening anchor at the station Paige Fleming, a 25- district “Woman of the Year” award in since that time, and since coming to the valley has been year Las Vegas resident, the same year; the “Women in Business recognized as “Best Local TV Anchor” in 2002 and 2004 came to the Valley as a performer for Media Advocate of the Year” award from by the Las Vegas Review Journal. She was also voted “Best TV Anchor” by the Electronic Media Awards in 2005 and Siegfried & Roy in 1981. After more the Small Business Administration in nominated again in 2006. than a decade with the group, she 2004, and the “Outstanding Business put her marketing degree to work as Leader” award from the City of Las Vegas Darcy Neighbors publisher and CEO of Nevada Woman, in 2002. .Founder and CEO in 1995. Fleming’s magazine focuses on Fleming also sits on the UNLV College Consultants in Marketing Inc
women’s personal and cultural issues, of Business Executive Advisory Board; Darcy Neighbors founded marketing, public relations finance, politics, fashion, cuisine, travel, and has also had past sponsorships and advertising firm, Consultants in Marketing Inc. in health and plenty more, and has become with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 1996, the realization of a life-long dream to run her own company. Neighbors is also a 2003 graduate of the Leader- known as the women’s voice for Nevada. American Cancer Society, UNLV ship Las Vegas Class, an intensive, 10-month program de- Fleming oversees all aspects of her Academic Corporate Council, Jean voted to strengthening and educating community leaders, company, including advertising, editorial, Nidetch Women’s Center, and the which is run by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. With more than 10 years of success under her financials, printing and marketing. Southern Nevada Candlelighter’s for company’s belt, Neighbors is also sought out by industry Through the years, Fleming has Childhood Cancer. Nevada Woman has peers and trade organizations for her insight into success- garnered her share of awards, among also held fundraisers for Opportunity ful strategic marketing concepts. She is also a frequent speaker at regional and national conventions, and is a them: the C. Everett Koop Media Award Village, Shade Tree Shelter and Inner member of the UNLV Executive Advisory Board and the for best editorial series by the American City Games among others. past president of the Las Vegas chapter of the American Marketing Association.
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Perini is proud to support the National Association of Women Business Owners and all of the women who are being recognized for their outstanding contributions in the workforce.
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| WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2007 2007
Womenof EDUCATION Distinction Colleen May dare to dream “ Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people.” George H.W. Bush WINNER (Sarah Heislen’s Inspirational Quote) Sarah Heislen Never underestimate Middle School Principal Faith Lutheran Jr./Sr. High School In 1997, she was chosen to participate the power of in a leadership development program a single person. Sarah Heislen’s sponsored by the Association of professional career in Lutheran Secondary Schools, which education spans 12 years. While she helps to identify potential leaders AARP congratulates Carla Sloan, finalist for a Women of Distinction award. currently serves as the middle school for the nation’s Lutheran secondary principal for Faith Lutheran Jr./Sr. schools. Through the program she was AARP would like to thank Carla Sloan High School in Las Vegas, Heislen’s encouraged to pursue her career as a for her significant contributions to passion for teaching history and playing school administrator. humanitarian efforts. Carla is a finalist volleyball have brought her a variety She has served as a board member for for the Nevada Association of Women Business Owners’ award in the category of important professional and personal Lutheran Social Services of Southern of philanthropy, community and experiences. Nevada and has implemented a middle government services. While teaching social studies for eight school-wide service day where all 550 years, she was able to take students to of Faith’s middle school students travel 66GE^hldg`^c\]VgYidXgZViZedh^i^kZ three presidential inauguration events, throughout Las Vegas to serve those hdX^VaX]Vc\Z^cZkZgnXdbbjc^in#NdjXVc ]Zae# FINALIST FINALIST Renee Coffman Rebecca Mills Dean, College of Pharmacy Vice President for Student Life University of Southern Nevada University of Nevada, Las Vegas After receiving her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rebecca Mills has served as Vice President for Student Ohio Northern University in 1987, Renee Coffman went Life at UNLV since May of 2000. In this role, Mills works on to practice pharmacy in the community and hospital with more than 500 individuals to provide services and settings. But the urge to further her education and go into programs that support out-of-classroom learning for UNLV’s research took her to Purdue University in 1990. 28,000 students. Among the recent accomplishments of While at Purdue, Coffman received the Kienle Award the Division of Student Life are the current construction of for Excellence in Teaching, the Jenkins-Knevel Award a new student union building and a new student recreation for Outstanding Graduate Research, and was awarded center, as well as the integration of wellness programs and an AAPE-AFPE Association Fellowship in Pharmaceutical services for students. Sciences. Following her Purdue experience, Coffman Mills is active in the National Association of Student went on to become a founding member of the Western Personnel Administrators. She has presented on student University of Health Sciences, in Pomona, Calif., where she affairs topics at NASPA and the American College Personnel also received the AACP (American Association of Colleges Association conferences. She has authored chapters on of Pharmacy) Innovations in Teaching Award. working with college students in their identity development In 1999, she moved to Las Vegas, where she helped and organizing student affairs to best serve students. establish the Nevada College of Pharmacy, now the Mills received her doctorate in secondary education University of Southern Nevada. The school’s college of from the University of Arkansas before joining UNLV in pharmacy has graduated 350 pharmacists to date and has 1987. A professor of Curriculum and Instruction, Mills has recently launched a satellite program in South Jordan, Utah. published and presented nationally on such topics as middle The school boasted a 97 percent national licensure pass level education, teacher beliefs, and teacher development. rate for its most recent graduating class, and 71 percent of Mills won several teaching awards including the Carnegie its graduates have become licensed pharmacists in Nevada. Foundation’s Nevada Professor of the Year award. Coffman is also a member of the American Association Prior to coming to UNLV, Mills taught high school English of Colleges of Pharmacy, the American Pharmaceutical in Jacksonville Ark. A lifelong educator, she values and has Association, the American Association of Pharmaceutical studied learning contexts that help maximize students’ Scientists, the International Pharmacy Federation, and the opportunities for success. American Association of Higher Education. DARE TO DREAM | 2007 Womenof ENTREPRENEUR of the YEAR Distinction TM dare to dream “People will forget what you said, people will 4(% 30%!+%23 forget what you did, but people will never forget !$6!.4!'% how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou (Renee Ryan-Thrailkill’s Inspirational Quote) Freeing speakers from WINNER registration to evaluation. Renee Ryan-Thrailkill Founder and Corporate Broker Toni Jo Artz Millennium Commercial 702-261-9229 www.thespeakersadvantage.com With over 26 years of retail and land leasing, as well as sales and experience, 13 of which property management for commercial were in Las Vegas, Renee Ryan-Thrailkill assets. The firm has been recognized has consistently been at the top of her among the largest commercial real estate commercial real estate game since she management firms in metro Las Vegas in 2005 and 2006. Ryan-Thrailkill was also started in 1978 in Southern California. recently honored with the “Enterprising Through the years, her knack for Women of the Year for 2007 award by success has landed her positions with Enterprising Women Magazine. some of the industry’s biggest names, Ryan-Thrailkill’s community including: Lee & Associates, Transwestern involvement resume is extensive, Commercial Services and The Olen including: president of the National Companies. At Lee she was a partner in Association of Women Business Owners the industrial division and won Rookie of (NAWBO) – Nevada Chapter (2005-06), the Year and Top Producer awards at the membership on the board of directors firm. At Transwestern, she oversaw the for the Greater Las Vegas Association company’s institutionally-owned Nevada of Realtors, the Commercial Alliance president (2003), and membership on the properties, valued at $50 million. National Association of Realtors License Ryan-Thrailkill started Millennium in Reciprocity Task Force in 2003, 2004, 2005. 1999. The firm handles office, industrial, FINALIST FINALIST Shelly Rounds Kathy Gillespie CEO President/Owner uptimeLV A&B Printing and Mailing With 20 years of business management and marketing experience, Shelly Rounds has helped supervise and After spending 19 years helping to run a farmer- restructure multiple companies since 1987. Prior to arriving owned cooperative, Agway, in New York, Kathy Gillespie in Las Vegas, she oversaw systems operations for Body was ready for a change. Having supervised more than 250 Wise International Inc., overseeing the firm’s commission employees and overseeing $350 million in sales, she was run of $22.8 million annually. She successfully streamlined up to the challenge of running her own company. and restructured operational procedures to handle 142 So she moved to Las Vegas in the late 1990s and percent growth in four months. purchased A&B Printing in 1999. When she bought A&B, Her current endeavor is uptimeLV, a local information there were six employees – including herself – and annual technology firm, which she created in 2001. Since starting sales were at $265,000. Today, the company sees more the company, it has experienced 201 percent growth. than $5 million a year in sales and employs 40. There In 2006, uptimeLV was honored as the city’s Innovative has even been a slight name shift, to A&B Printing and Business of the Year by the Las Vegas Chamber of Mailing. The company serves a broad range of clients, Commerce. including casinos, doctors, event companies, management Rounds earned her Bachelor of Science degree consultants, real estate companies, advertising agencies from California State University, Chico, in 1987. She is and more. currently in the process of obtaining her MBA from Regis Gillespie, whose education is in horticulture, one time University. She is also a 2006 graduate of Leadership Las served as president of the Atlantic Seedmens Association, Vegas, an intensive, 10-month program hosted by the the New York Seed Association, and Western Seed Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The course is devoted Association, while working on the east coast. She is also to educating local leaders on and encouraging active a pioneer in that she was the first woman to work in the involvement in a variety of community issues. production and operation of a seed business, paving the An advocate of the community, Rounds is a member way for other women to follow. of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Henderson Kathy has served as past Women Of Distintion Awards Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of chair for two years and has chaired various not-for-profit Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Association of organizations involved with AIDS, gay and lesbian youth Information Technology Professionals (AITP) and Women outreach and other not-for-profit groups in the valley. in Technology International (WITI). She recently accepted a board member position for the Technology Business Alliance of Nevada (TBAN), the state’s largest trade association representing the high-tech industry. | WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2007 2007 Womenof GAMING, HOSPITALITY & CONVENTION SERVICES FINALISTS Distinction dare to dream Valerie Murzl “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I Vice President of Human Resources Station Casinos Inc. would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent A New York native, Valerie Murzl has worked in hospitality left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me. ” industry human resources for over 25 years. As vice president of human resources for Station Casinos Inc. for the past nine years, Debi NUTTON Murzl has strategically moved human resources and training WINNER (Debi Nutton’s Inspirational Quote) from a traditional role to a progressive, dynamic level. Debi Nutton She strategically designed an HR/training function that led Senior Vice President of Casino Operations to Station Casinos winning a place on the prestigious FORTUNE MGM Grand Las Vegas “100 Best Companies To Work For” list in 2005 (Ranked 54th), 2006 (Ranked 55th) and 2007 (Ranked 18th). Through her leadership, in 2006 the company received the second place “HR Service Excellence” Award. Also in 2006, Station Casinos Debi Nutton began her gaming of casino operations at the Golden received second place for “Best Place To Work” and first place career in 1979; where she was one of Nugget. She then joined the 5,034- for “Best Gaming Company Committed to Diversity” from the the first female craps dealers in Las room MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Southern Nevada HR Association. Vegas. She spent eight years at the as senior vice president of casino Martie Sparks former Sands Hotel as a dealer, floor operations in 2001. In her position, she Vice President, Catering and Convention Services person and pit manager and worked oversees table games, poker and race Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino at other properties including the Silver and sports book operations for the In her role as vice president of catering and convention City, Flamingo Hilton and Bingo Palace mega-resort. services for the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Martie Sparks (now Palace Station). Nutton holds a degree in both is involved in the daily operation of the nation’s fifth largest Nutton joined MGM Mirage in nursing and medical office assisting convention center in the United States. Sparks, has been with MGM since 1992, when she moved 1989, when she opened the Mirage from the University of Nevada Las to the valley to be part of the pre-opening team for the MGM as a dice pit manager. Two years later Vegas, and is currently enrolled in the Grand and to assume the role of director of leisure sales after she moved to the Golden Nugget as a school’s business college. Debi is also a the property’s opening. In 1998, when the MGM Grand’s $100 million conference center was under construction, Sparks was casino shift manager then opened the member of Team in Training, the world’s charged to develop the convention services department. She Treasure Island at the same position. largest endurance training program helped organize a focus group of meeting planners to consult She subsequently moved back to where participants raise funds for the on the design and functionality of the center. She added the catering department to her responsibilities in 2001 and helped to the Mirage as a shift manager, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. increase banquet revenue by 16 percent in four years. eventually became vice president 2OCK SOLID 3OLUTIONS 0RUDENTIAL #2%3 #OMMERCIAL 2EAL %STATE OFFERS A LOCAL SPHERE OF INmUENCE THATS SECOND TO NONE /&&)#% ).$5342)!, s )NTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF ,AS 6EGAS MARKET NUANCES s 0ROVEN TRACK RECORD IN HANDLING COMPLEX ,!.$ TRANSACTIONS IN SALES LEASING AND INVESTMENTS s 5NMATCHED COMMITMENT TO TECHNOLOGY 2%4!), s ! NATIONAL NETWORK THAT ACCOMMODATES MULTI MARKET EXPANSIONS 702.363.7600 PRUCRESCOM &ORMERLY 3HEA #OMMERCIAL "ROKERAGE )NDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED DARE TO DREAM | 2007 Womenof FINALISTS Distinction GL A SS CEILING dare to dream Jackie DeLaney President/CEO “Never, never, never give up.” Sun West Bank Jackie DeLaney has been in banking for 33 years, and is WINSTON CHURCHILL known in the industry for being the first woman to found and (Terry Meistering’s Inspirational Quote) organize a bank in the Silver State. DeLaney opened Sun West Bank in July 1998 after more than 20 years of experience, which included stops with Sun State Bank, Nevada Community WINNER Reinvestment Corp., and First Interstate Bank. Sun West Bank Terry Meistering offers banking services and loans for small to medium-sized Vice President of Design and businesses, professionals, commercial real estate and construc- Construction, Western Division tion trades, among other services. Harrah’s Entertainment DeLaney won a community achievement award from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce in 2003; was a Glass Ceiling As vice president construction organization within the award finalist with the National Association of Women Business of design and company. In 2006, she was named to her Owners in the same year and has won a Women of Valor construction, Terry Meistering is a current position. Award from the American Diabetes Association in 2002. woman in a predominantly man’s field. Meistering received her MBA in Anita Romero But with a solid education background Finance from UCLA’s Anderson School Vice President, Southern Nevada Division and work ethic, she has thrived in this of Management and holds a structural Southwest Gas Corp. non-traditional role. In her job with engineering degree from Princeton Anita Romero is a highly respected Harrah’s, she oversees design and University. She is also an active member role model for aspiring female engineers. One of the few construction projects at 13 Harrah’s of the National Association of Women women to graduate with distinction from University of New Mexico with a mechanical engineering degree, Romero joined properties, all located in its western in Construction (NAWIC), and is called Southwest Gas in 1992 as Manager of Design and Standards. division. upon as featured speaker by the group Prior to joining Southwest Gas she spent seven years in various Meistering joined Harrah’s in 1986 from time to time. NAWIC also does engineering and managerial positions at the Public Service Company of New Mexico. in Las Vegas as a president’s associate, promotional events that expose young At Southwest Gas, she was promoted to Director of then rejoined the company in 1993 after women to the field of construction. Engineering Staff in 1997, then to Southern California Vice working for Caesars in Atlantic City for One of the events is a workshop for the president in 2002. In 2005, she was promoted to the Southern Nevada division, one of the company’s fastest growing territo- several years, where she helped with the Junior Girl Scouts, where participants ries, with nearly 600,000 customers and 500 employees. opening of the Harrah’s New Orleans can earn their “Miss Fix It” badges Romero supports the company’s commitment to volunteer- property. Since 1996, she has held while being introduced to the world of ism and philanthropy. In 2006, her division donated its Nevada various positions with the design and construction. Motor rebates to the Salvation Army. | WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2007 2007 Womenof HUMAN RESOURCES, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT FINALISTS Distinction dare to dream Lori Calderon “Inside each and every one of us are powers so Director of Employment strong, treasures so rich, possibilities so endless that Project CityCenter to command them all to action would change the Lori Calderon is busy to say the least. Handling any mass hiring for one of the world’s largest gaming and hotel history of the world.” operators, comes with its set of challenges. And when that H. Jackson Brown (Betty Mahalik’s Inspirational Quote) company is MGM MIRAGE, chances are pretty good that hiring for one of its new projects will be nothing short of a huge undertaking. Betty Mahalik Life and Business Coach Calderon has been employed by MGM MIRAGE for 13 Dynamic Solutions Coaching & Training years. In her current role as director of employment for Project CityCenter, she is tasked with planning and implementing the hiring process for the center’s 12,000 future employees, who Betty Mahalik, July 1998, she completed her professional need to be hired by 2009. She is involved with developing the Professional Certified coach training through Coach U, and in e-recruitment software, as well as running the employment Coach (PCC), is a life and business 2007 was awarded her PCC designation process for an expected 70,000 applicants. coach, corporate trainer and facilitator, from the International Coach Federation. who has been teaching people how In February 2007, she released her Cheri Gould to communicate effectively, set goals, first book “101 Ways to Improve Your Training Manager Palms Casino Resort manage stress and deal with change Life,” which she co-authored with leaders Cheri Gould has lived in Las Vegas since for two decades. She founded her firm, in the personal development industry, 1997. In those 10 years, she has kept busy in Dynamic Solutions Coaching & Training including Mark Victor Hansen, Les the local human resources arena, both professionally and in the in 1987. Brown, Byron Katie and Ken Blanchard. world of academia. After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in A former television news reporter and In 2001, she published a communication business education and an accounting minor from Bloomsburg anchorwoman, Betty worked in public booklet titled “101 Secrets of the Master University, the Pennsylvania native came to Nevada to work in relations for eight years prior to starting Communicators.” human resources in a dynamic and growing city. While working Dynamic Solutions. Her client list includes Mahalik is a past-president (2004-05) in the field, she also earned her Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification from UNLV, then later taught continuing public utilities, convention groups, hotels, of the National Association of Women education courses in her respective field at the university. She government agencies, professional Business Owners Southern Nevada has also helped to establish a community scholarship program organizations, chambers of commerce and chapter. She is a graduate of the Las Vegas and developed a supervisory course, which was established as a college accredited class at the university. other businesses. Chamber of Commerce Leadership Las In her current role as training manager at the Palms Casino A resident of Nevada since 1962, Vegas program and has served on several Resort, she is responsible for the creation and facilitation of training programs and team member events, as well as MahalikSWB_IBLV_Cha_4c_prog earned a degree in 3/16/07 broadcast 10:43 AMplanning Page teams1 for both the youth and journalism from the University of Utah. In adult leadership programs. community events. LIVE YOUR DREAM. SECURE YOUR FUTURE. THE TIME TO EXPAND YOUR DREAMS IS NOW! 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BUSINESS LOANSAPPLY TODAY• SBA LOANS • EQUIPMENT 702.949.2265 702.921.2100 702.949.2277 *Please consult your tax advisor regarding eligibility on accel- eratedFINANCING depreciation. **Financing• BUSINESS subject CHECKING to credit approval. • PAYROLL SUN CITY SUMMERLIN LAKE MEAD OFFICE ADDITIONAL OFFICES IN RENO 9350 Sun City Blvd. 8531 W. Lake Mead Blvd. SERVICES • CASH MANAGEMENT & MORE 702.949.2273 702.228.0531 Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC DARE TO DREAM | 2007 Womenof MULTIBUSINESS OWNER of theYEAR Distinction dare to dream “If you follow all the rules, you’ll miss all the fun…” Katherine Hepburn (Donna Lattanzio’s Inspirational Quote) WINNER Donna Lattanzio Co-Owner • Millenium Staffing Co-Owner • Millenium Executive Staffing, which continues to operate Founder • Prime Staffing as a provider of staffing services to the banking and financial industries. She joined forces with Jennifer Before starting a DeHaven, in 2001 to launch Las Vegas- 22-year career in the staffing industry, based Millenium Staffing Services. The Donna Lattanzio led a full and varied firm has garnered national recognition, career. earning a place on Entrepreneur A native New Yorker who was Magazine’s Hot 100 list of fast-growing, educated in Queens, New York, new companies in 2006. The two Lattanzio began her career in the were also honored by Enterprising advertising division of Columbia Women magazine with one of its 2007 Pictures. She later earned a Series 7 Enterprising Women of the Year awards. license and sold financial products for Lattanzio is active in the local Integrated Resources. She then found business community. She co-chairs her way into the staffing industry, the Nevada Staffing Association’s and began working for Cosmopolitan Philanthropy Committee and serves Personnel Systems. as committee chair of the National In 1987 she helped launch Champion Association of Women Business Owners’ Personnel with two partners. The Women of Distinction Awards. She’s company still exists, but she is no also involved in the Las Vegas Chamber longer involved. In 1995 she helped of Commerce’s We Care program. found Elmhurst, N.Y.-based Prime FINALIST FINALIST Irene Fenolio Mary Beth Hartleb President/CEO • Horizon Wireless Corp. President/Owner • PRISM Owner • PostNet Human Resource Consulting Services Owner • Market Your Job Search.com Owner/Operator • Symphony Foods International Owner/Operator • The Rosarito Beach House.com Irene Fenolio wears many hats. Mary Beth Hartleb certainly isn’t lacking in Not only does she run two businesses, and is active in the entrepreneurial spirit. local business community, but she also is a Eucharist minister at Hartleb launched PRISM Human Resource Consulting Services Christ the King Catholic Community. in 2003, which offers a variety of human resources services, Her involvement in the business community includes her products and technologies for companies in all industries. She also position as president of the Las Vegas Advertising Cooperative owns Market Your Job Search.com, which coaches job seekers for PostNet, her job as secretary for the PostNet Franchisee and offers recruitment services for employers. If two businesses Advisory Council Advertising Coop and the roles she’s played weren’t enough, she also owns and operates Symphony Foods on various committees for the board of directors of the National International and The Rosarito Beach House.com. Association of Women Business Owners. Before going into business for herself, Hartleb worked in Before Fenolio became an entrepreneur, she worked her human resources for a variety of companies, in a variety of way up in corporate America. She worked for 10 years for industries. Her background includes expertise in recruiting and Xerox Corp. in her hometown of Albuquerque, N.M. staffing, training, compensation, benefits, policy and procedure After moving to Las Vegas in 1980 she began a 17- development and mergers and acquisitions. year career in the telecommunications industry. Her work In addition to her nearly 20 years of experience in human for such companies as Centel Cellular, Sprint Cellular, 360 resources, Hartleb is also highly educated. She earned a law Communications and Alltel, earned her numerous awards. degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University In 2002 she began turning her fledgling PostNet franchise of Nevada, Las Vegas. She also has a master’s in human resource at Horizon Ridge Parkway and Eastern Avenue into an award management and a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business winning business. The company offers an array of postal and administration. business services and targets small business owners. Under Further, Hartleb is very active in the Las Vegas business Fenolio’s guidance, the business rose through the ranks of community and also shares her knowledge through teaching PostNet franchises from 240th in the nation to 30th in the and mentoring. As business development chair for the National nation. Association of Women Business Owners Southern Nevada she In 2005 she joined her son in launching Horizon Wireless created and implemented the first Women Mean Business Expo. Corp., on West Horizon Ridge Parkway. The company sells She also volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, teaches at UNLV cellular phones, accessories and activation packages. and has taught at the University of Southern Nevada. 10 | WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2007 2007 Womenof PHILANTROPHY, COMMUNITY& GOVERNMENT SERVICES FINALISTS Distinction Laurie Richardson dare to dream Vision without action is merely a dream. Child Advocate “ ” Clark County Legal Services Laurie Richardson has turned years of volunteer child advocacy Joel Barker work into a career. (Carla Sloan’s Inspirational Quote) As a foster parent to several children, some with disabilities, Richardson learned to navigate the school district’s system in WINNER order to gain needed services on their behalf. Other parents took tees, task forces and boards regarding issues notice and she began working to gain the same services for their Carla Sloan children. School district officials decided that Richardson’s keen State Director that impact seniors. She serves on Senate advocacy skills would be an asset to the system and hired her as a AARP Nevada Majority Leader Harry Reid’s Ad Hoc special education parent mentor. Richardson’s work has also captured national and international Medicaid Advisory Committee, is an advi- interest. Last year American Mothers Inc. named her National Carla Sloan has been sory member of the Nevada Department of Mother of The Year. She was appointed to the State of Nevada Special Education Advisory Committee in 2006. She’ll also be a a champion of Nevada’s Human Resource’s Pharmacy & Therapeu- panelist at the United Nations Status of Women Conference in senior population for more than 20 years. tics Committee and Drug Utilization Review New York and the World Congress of Families in Warsaw, Poland this year. She joined AARP Nevada in 1999 as state Board and in 2002 former Gov. Kenny Guinn director, where she oversees the group’s appointed her to the Governor’s Commission Elizabeth Trosper work on behalf of its more than 300,000 on Aging. Partner MassMedia Public Relations, members. She manages the implementation She serves on the task force for the Fund Advertising & Government Affairs of AARP’s national initiatives in Nevada and for a Healthy Nevada and the 10-year Senior Elizabeth Trosper has had more than 18 years to cultivate her oversees the establishment and maintenance Citizens Strategic Plan Accountability expertise in public relations. That expertise allowed her to launch and grow MassMedia’s of relationships with other organizations and Committee for the Nevada Department of government affairs division. In her role, Trosper oversees the agencies within the state. Human Resources. Further she served on the division with her partner Jack Finn, and leads new business development efforts for the company. Before joining AARP, she worked as Model Assisted Living Action Committee, a The division provides political management, crisis administrator for the Nevada Division for public-private partnership that developed the communications, community messaging and public outreach services to clients in local and national arenas. Since its launch in Aging Services, where she gained valuable Silver Sky Assisted Living Residence. 1999, the government affairs division has built up a list of local, experience in senior issues. She also served Silver Sky is the state’s first tax-credit state and national clients. Trosper’s contribution to the Las Vegas community includes the interests of seniors in her positions as financed affordable assisted living residence her role as a founding board member of the Southern Nevada coordinator and acting resident programs for seniors. The project was built on land Child Abuse Prevention Center. She is also active in the business community and is a member of the Government Affairs director for the Las Vegas Housing Authority. donated by the Bureau of Land Management Committee of the National Association of Industrial and Office She has also served on various commit- in northwest Las Vegas. Properties and is financial chair for the Silverado District, Boy Scouts of America Boulder Dam Council. Mary Beth Hartleb "Of all the properties which belong to honorable people, not one is so highly prized as that of character." ~Henry Clay Congratulations to the 2007 Women of Distinction Nominees including our own Lori Caldron of CityCenter, Debbie Nutton of MGM Grand and Martie Sparks of Mandalay Bay. MGM MIRAGE and NAWBO of Southern Nevada applaud you for being people of great character. Nevada Bellagio • MGM Grand • Mandalay Bay • The Mirage • Treasure Island • Monte Carlo New York-New York • Luxor • Excalibur • Circus Circus • Railroad Pass Primm Valley Resorts • Circus Circus Reno • Colorado Belle • Edgewater Gold Strike • Nevada Landing Outside Nevada mgmmirage.com Beau Rivage • Gold Strike - Tunica • MGM Grand Detroit DARE TO DREAM | 11 62850_LionsManeAd_NAWBO_DistincA1 1 3/2/07 11:27:58 AM 2007 Womenof PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINALISTS Distinction Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve Elizabeth Delgado-Schuetze dare to dream “ Partner/Vice President of Investments anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, TriCor Financial Services. hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember Elizabeth Delgado-Schuetze is considered to be an all things are possible for those who believe.” invaluable team member of TriCor Financial Services. Since joining TriCor she has earned her Series 7 and 66 Gail Devers WINNER (Karla Perez’s Inspirational Quote) licenses, renewed her life and health insurance licenses with Karla Perez the State of Nevada and has advanced to her current positions Chief Executive Officer/ officer for Valley Hospital, the hospital earned as vice president of investments and partner with the firm. She Managing Director was also nominated to be the firm’s director and secretary in Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center an accreditation with commendation from 2006. the Joint Commission on Accreditation of She began working for TriCor in 2001 as a supervisor A string of promotions Healthcare Organizations. Soon after that, the of operations, as a result of the recruitment efforts of Frank Aguilar, the firm’s president, and Jason Garofalo, the firm’s in more than 23 years have hospital became the first to earn the United executive vice president. In that role, she worked on new taken Karla Perez far. States Senate Quality Improvement Award for accounts, transfers, distributions, cashiering, compliance, From her start in the industry in 1983 as a the state. licensing/registration, branch reviews and audit prep. medical record clerk for Valley Hospital, she Perez is very active in the community. She Kathy Phillips has worked her way up to become the award- is on the board of directors for the Nevada President/Chief Executive Officer Nevada Commerce Bank winning chief executive officer and managing Hospital Association and is chair of the Kathy Phillips is not only committed to excellence director for Spring Valley Hospital. In that Facility Advisory Board for the Clark County in banking, she’s also committed to excellence in education. position, she leads business development Emergency Management System. She also is In addition to her post as president and chief executive officer and physician recruitment efforts and is an adjunct professor for the University of St. for Nevada Commerce Bank, Phillips is a director of the Pacific Coast Banking School, a member of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas accountable for the hospital’s operations and Francis. Foundation and a member of the Literary Society of Las Vegas. financial performance. She graduated from the University of She also is very active in the business community. Phillips serves as Since taking the reins of Spring Valley, Perez Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in health chapter president of the Risk Management Association, is vice chair of the Nevada Bankers Association, is president of the Association for was named to the 2006 UHS Chairman’s records administration. The school honored Financial Professionals of Southern Nevada and is a member of the Council, an award she also earned in 2002 her in 1992 with its Graduate of the Decade American Bankers Association’s Community Bankers Council. while running Desert Springs Hospital. The Award. That same year she earned her Further, she is a member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Com- merce and the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, along with the honor is given to the top chief executives in the master’s degree in health care administration Associated Builders and Contractors and the Nevada Contractors Universal Health Services system. from the University of St. Francis. Association. Also, when Perez worked as chief operating Phillips’ has nearly 20 years of banking experience. CONGRATULATIONS WOMEN OF DISTINCTION! (702) 873-0249 • lundandmanasse.com 12 | WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2007 2007 of Women REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT Distinction dare to dream “At the end of the day when all is said and done, I KNOW the sun rises in the morning and I say “Thank you.” Thank you for another day, another chance to be, do and have all.” Katherine Matheson (Katherine Matheson’s Inspirational Quote) WINNER A native of Las Vegas, Matheson, began Katherine Matheson 1UALITY PEOPLE 1UALITY SERVICE Principal/Chief Executive her real estate career in 1977 and became Officer/Broker a broker in 1978. She went on to earn her Terra West Property Management Since 1979 property management permit from the Katherine Matheson Nevada Real Estate Division in 1999. is a leader in Las Vegas’ As a leader in the area’s property property management arena. management industry, Matheson helped She and Deborah Ogilvie formed Terra to develop many industry practices and West Property Management’s predecessor, policies. She is a founding member and past K.G.D.O. Holding Company Inc. in 1982. It president of the Community Association became Terra West in 1989. The company Management Executive Officers Inc. specializes in managing homeowners and is a founder and previous member associations and residential rental properties. of the executive board of directors of the $POHSBUVMBUJPOT UP PVS DPGPVOEFS BOE $IJFG Before launching their own firm, the two Community Associations Institute, Southern &YFDVUJWF 0îDFS ,BUIFSJOF .BUIFTPO GPS CFJOH TFMFDUFE BT B ñOBMJTU GPS UIF 8PNBO PG had worked together to develop a property Nevada chapter. %JTUJODUJPO"XBSET management division for Americana Group, Matheson is also a member of the National Realtors. During that time they realized as Association of Realtors and the Greater Las 8FTBMVUF,BUIZTNBOZBDDPNQMJTINFOUTBOEBSF HSBUFGVMUPIFSGPSBMMPXJOHVTUPTIBSFIFSESFBN the area’s real estate market grew, there was Vegas Association of Realtors. a growing niche for property management As CEO of Terra West, she manages the and homeowners association management company’s long-range planning and its The Terra West Team services. Under their leadership, Terra West Directors of the Community Association WWWTERRAWESTCOM has now grown to more than 110 employees Management Division to ensure high- and has three locations. quality customer service. FINALIST FINALIST Lorrinda Gray-Davis Sia Howe Director of Diversity Vice President of Marketing Perini Building Co. Astoria Homes As director of diversity for Perini Building Co., Lorrinda Sia Howe is not only an established leader in Las Vegas’ Gray-Davis works to include more women and minority homebuilding industry, but she also is a champion of green business owners in the company’s projects. building practices. In her role, Gray-Davis oversees Perini’s diversity She has helped lead the effort to raise awareness of the development staff and their efforts to recruit minority Energy Star program in Southern Nevada. Energy Star is a and women-owned suppliers and contractors to work on joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency their projects. Perini Building Co. works for a number of and the U.S. Department of Energy to promote energy- companies and government organizations that require efficient building practices and products. Howe helped to women or minority-owned companies to participate in organize the Breakfast Club, an effort by local homebuilders their projects. and leaders in the real estate industry to educate people Gray- Davis’ job is to ensure women and minority- about the Energy Star program. owned business leaders are educated about the industry Astoria Homes has supported Howe’s marketing efforts and are qualified to work with Perini on its projects. She and has implemented Energy Star into its building practices. developed a program that creates mentoring opportunities The company won the 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007 for less established minority and women-owned suppliers Energy Star Partner of the Year awards and also earned and contractors with more established firms. the prestigious Sustained Excellence Award for building Gray-Davis’ work has garnered her recognition within practices that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. the business community. The Grand Canyon Minority Howe has 25 years of experience in Las Vegas’ Supplier Development Council Inc. named her 2005 homebuilding industry and has worked for Astoria Corporate Advocate of the Year. Homes for seven. As the company’s vice president of She‘s also active in the business community. She serves marketing, she oversees its marketing, advertising and on the board of directors of the Grand Canyon Minority public relations efforts, as well as the merchandising of the Supplier Development Council, and is a member of the model complexes and sales offices. She also manages the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s company’s charitable efforts. Business Enterprise Council and the Associated Minority Howe, who has lived in Las Vegas for more than 40 Contractors of America. years, is active in the area’s homebuilding community. Further, she has been active in promoting the She has chaired the Sales & Marketing Committee of the participation of women and minorities in the sport of Southern Nevada Home Builders Association for the past drag racing and helped Frank Pedregon become the first three years. Hispanic owner of a NASCAR team through the Drive for Diversity program. DARE TO DREAM | 13 2007 Womenof RETAIL & BUSINESS SERVICES Distinction dare to dream “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.” LORETTA HOLT (Loretta Holt’s Inspirational Quote) WINNER themselves, but it also welcomes SOUT Loretta Holt OF HE Y R T N I N mainstream businesses interested in S Co-Founder/President R E E V A V I D N A Sin City Chamber of Commerce U networking with adult businesses. The Sin City Chamber also supports and promotes From car dealerships the positive impact its members have on to brothels, the Sin City tourism in Southern Nevada and works Chamber of Commerce welcomes them to create a positive image of the adult all, and so does Loretta Holt. industry. Holt helped found the Sin City Chamber The group publishes the Sin City Vision of Commerce in 2004 after realizing there online magazine and published its 2006 wasn’t an organization in the area that Membership Directory & Visitors Guide. really welcomed adult-related businesses. The group also offers its members other She decided that an organization needed benefits like advertising opportunities, 1UALITY #ARE #LOSE TO (OME to be formed that embraces businesses in educational opportunities and a group the adult entertainment industry and those health care plan. that cater to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and In her role as president of the Sin City transgender communities. The group Chamber of Commerce, Holt creates, plans strives to treat all businesses with dignity, and hosts networking events for members equality and respect. at a variety of venues. She previously The Sin City Chamber’s events offer worked for the Las Vegas Chamber of leaders of those businesses a place to Commerce and also worked as a civilian network in a low-pressure environment. in the moral, welfare, community services WWWSPRINGVALLEYHOSPITALNET The group not only provides those and recreation arenas for both the US businesses a chance to network among Army and the US Navy. FINALIST FINALIST Sheila Conway Jennifer Lund Managing Partner Founder/President Urban Environmental Research Lund & Manasse Advertising & Public Relations Sheila Conway is considered to be a go-to person in the Launching a business is no easy feat. Launching a Las Vegas Valley for companies and organizations looking for business with no capital is an uphill battle. research work into environmental, socio-economic or fiscal But that’s what Jennifer Lund, and her partner Jill issues. Manasse did when they launched Lund & Manasse Conway is managing partner of Urban Environmental Advertising & Public Relations in 2001. By the end of the Research, which was launched in 1998 and serves Southern company’s first year in operation, Lund & Manasse had Nevada and the western United States. Private and public- $5.5 million in sales. The company now has $14 million in sector entities alike commission the company’s strategic annual billings. planning, socio-economic and environmental impact Lund & Manasse captured the attention of Entrepreneur assessment services. Magazine and ranked highly on its list of Hot 100 In her role as the firm’s managing partner, Conway Companies, both in 2002 and 2003. Lund & Manasse has oversees the company’s Las Vegas office and is responsible attracted a strong list of clients including Madame Tussauds for managing and growing the woman-owned firm. She also Las Vegas wax attraction, Findlay Cadillac-Saab, Memphis plays a hands-on role in the firm’s research efforts. She shares Barbecue, SKY Las Vegas and the Clark County Regional her in-depth expertise through speaking engagements with Flood Control District. The company was also involved in various workshops and conferences and she’s also written the public relations campaigns for the openings of Green numerous articles and two books. Valley Ranch, The Cannery Casino & Hotel and the Palms. Before joining Urban Environmental Research, she Lund serves as the company’s creative director, develops served as executive director of the Colorado Center for the firm’s strategic advertising planning and concepts for all Environmental Management in Denver. of the agency’s clients and manages the creative staff. She Conway balances her more than 20 years of experience is a graduate of the California Polytechnic State University, with a great deal of formal education. She earned her San Luis Obispo. bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of South She also provides free work for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Florida and earned both her master’s degree in geography Las Vegas and was instrumental in helping Las Vegas Crime and doctorate degree in environmental planning and design Stoppers with the conversion of its Secret Witness program. from Arizona State University. She is a member of the Institute of Business Forecasters, the International Institute of Forecasting, the International Society for Quality of Life Studies and the Balanced Scorecard Collaborative. Further, she supports the Lupus Foundation of America and the American Heart Association. 14 | WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 2007 2007 Womenof RISING STAR Distinction dare to dream “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt (Kelli Bowling’s Inspirational Quote) FINALISTS WINNER managed a portfolio of about $30 million Patricia Graves in commercial and consumer loans. She Vice President/Relationship Manager Kelli Bowling Bank of the West Vice President Commercial Lending/Team Leader then moved on to 1st National Bank of 1st National Bank of Nevada Nevada in September as a commercial Patricia Graves’ banking career has taken her many places. lending team leader, where she managed After graduating with a degree in finance from The College Kelli Bowling began to a team of four commercial credit and of William & Mary in Virginia, Graves completed management training at First Virginia Bank. Soon she was promoted to the excel in her banking career early on. lending professionals and $50 million position of assistant branch manager for the bank. Bowling worked as the youngest in commercial loans. She has since After that is when her career took on an international flavor. assistant branch manager Fifth Third ascended to her current position as vice She took a position as a branch manager in Bank of America’s U.S. military banking division in Okinawa, Japan. In that role, Bank in Columbus, Ohio ever had at age president of commercial lending/team Graves managed 50 employees in two offices. 21. She hadn’t even graduated The Ohio leader for the bank. She later returned to the United States and began a specialty State University yet. She then became a Bowling has also been active in the in business banking as an underwriter for Wachovia Bank in Charlotte, N.C. She has since risen to the position of vice presi- branch manager at age 22 and graduated community, both in Ohio and since her dent and relationship manager in the Las Vegas Commercial with a degree in business administration. move to Las Vegas. She’s been an active Banking Office of Bank of the West. Graves now generates She then began working her way up in the member of the National Association commercial loans and other banking products, underwrites industry by working in various positions at of Women Business Owners, and is a credit and manages a loan portfolio. Her work earned her Bank of the West’s Circle of Excellence several banks. member of the group’s corporate partners award for being the top relationship manager in the Central While working for Unizan Bank, a small committee, she also is in the Vegas Young California/Nevada division in 2005. community bank, Bowling earned her Professionals and is a national and local Graves is also active in the community. She is a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners’s Com- master of business administration degree member of the Association of Financial munity Outreach committee. from Franklin University in 2003. Professionals. Further, she is waiting to be When she moved to Las Vegas in 2006, approved as a big sister in Big Brothers Big Michelle Newcomb Bowling began working as a commercial Sisters of Southern Nevada. Vice President Operations Training and Development Coordinator lender for Bank of Nevada, where she Silver State Bank In nine years Michelle Newcomb has made the leap from teller to becoming a vice president of Silver State Bank. In that time, Newcomb has sharpened her banking expertise so much that she now is working to develop a comprehensive training department for the bank. Her current position is vice president operations training and development coordinator. to all of the 2007 Women of She previously worked as a branch manager for four years, earning her vice president status. She Distinction Finalists. managed multiple branches concurrently and dozens of employees. Newcomb is a native of Las Vegas and she We are grateful for your earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. Newcomb has grown as the bank has grown. Silver far-reaching contributions State Bancorp, through its wholly owned subsidiaries to our community. Silver State Bank and Choice Bank, now operates 10 full service branches in Southern Nevada and another two in the Phoenix area. Silver State Bank also operates loan production offices in Nevada, California, Utah, Washington, Oregon and Colorado. We are proud of our Woman of Distinction. Congratulations, Darcy. ~ Your Team Darcy K. Neighbors Founder & CEO WODA Finalist 3TRATEGY 0ASSION 3UCCESS 702.944.2464 • wemarketu.com DARE TO DREAM | 15 HARR.TEMP-2. AD 5/18/06 10:01 PM Page 1 E VEN O UR C HIPS A RE D IVERSE AT H ARRAH ’ S E NTERTAINMENT, WEASPIRETOREFLECTDIVERSITY INALLASPECTSOFOURBUSINESS - F ROMOUREMPLOYEESTO T HEORGANIZATIONSWESUPPORT, FROMOURCUSTOMERSTOTHE COMPANIESTHATSUPPLYUSWITHGOODSANDSERVICES. AT HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENTWEUNDERSTANDEVERYCHIPHASVALUE. HARRAHS.COM