SPONSORED BY
CCC would like to honor Meghan Remington for your hard work, dedication and leadership to our community!
www.coconino.edu
2 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
CONGRATS TO THE 2021 NOMINEES
M cKenzie Bevirt Lindsey Blum Kimberly Duran Emery Eaves Jessica Gee Emily Giralt Claire Halligan Jon Hansen Claire Harper George Holberg
Estella Hollander Ryan Kennedy Jamie Medina Kayley Quick Meghan Remington Dawn Tucker Travis VanderMale Davina Vergara-Burton Elizabeth Vogler Bret Wojciak
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 3
20 UNDER 40
Welcome to the 2021 edition of 20 Under 40
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he Arizona Daily Sun, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, City of Flagstaff, OneAZ Credit Union and Discover Flagstaff are pleased to present this year’s group of 20 individuals under 40 years of age who have made and continue to make significant contributions to Flagstaff. These 20 individuals come from diverse backgrounds and careers, yet they all stand out for their commitment to Flagstaff’s vitality. From a professional who began their career in public service as a swimming instructor and now helps callers throughout Coconino County navigate questions about the COVID-19 pandemic response to a business owner who has beaten outdated gender roles to run a successful construction company, each honoree has a unique story of how they came to work and thrive in Flagstaff. However, a common thread between them is service with local nonprofit organizations. Many are role models for the next generation as
educators and through involvement with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and Girls on the Run. Many are graduates of the Flagstaff Young Professionals program and sit on the board of a variety of nonprofits, volunteering their time to support the causes closest to their hearts. It all comes back to service to the community, The 20 Under 40 professionals recognized in this publication are chosen through a nomination and selection process. After a brief pause in 2020, this marks the fifth year of highlighting the positive impact these chosen individuals are making here in Flagstaff. Their unique stories can be a source of inspiration for us all as their dedication to success—especially during the past year when even day-today life presented a struggle for many—is truly impressive. Please join us in a big round of applause for this year’s 20 Under 40 honorees.
MacKenzie Chase
C Congratulations Congratulations Emily
Ryan Kennedy
For being selected as one of this years 20 Under 40 Recipients
for being selected a 20 Under 40 recipient
510 North Humphreys Street Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-774-0695 • benefitandfinancial.com
FLAGSTAFF.LITTLEAMERICA.COM | 928.779.7935
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| SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021
McKenzie Bevirt
20 UNDER 40
Lindsey Blum Owner, R & J Services, LLC
Chief Health Administrator, Flagstaff Unified School District
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healthcare professional for more than 15 years, McKenzie Bevirt has been a leader in the Flagstaff Unified School District since 2010 when she first came on board as a school nurse. During the current health crisis, Bevirt has served as the Chief Health Administrator to coordinate the school district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She began her education at Northern Arizona University and graduated from Coconino Community College’s nursing program before completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing through Chamberlain University. Previous professional experience within the community has included positions with Northern Arizona Healthcare, Coconino County Health and Human Services, Flagstaff Birth and Women’s Center and Coconino Community College. Bevirt also teaches at CCC, preparing students for careers in the nursing field through classes such as nutrition and medical terminology. In her ongoing role as a leader, Bevirt has worked tirelessly to support students, families and team members by working with community stakeholders to create safe learning environments through the creation of mitigation plans, executing contact tracing procedures, and working with partners to ensure health and safety resources have been readily available throughout the pandemic. “I really appreciate the partnerships that we have with Coconino County and I just really appreciate the parents’ support,” Bevirt said in an FUSD update with Director of Communications Zachery Fountain as the district looks to return to in-person learning. “This has been a really difficult year and we can do this is we follow these mitigation strategies and support each other. Let’s have a great end of the 2021 school year.”
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hen Lindsey Blum graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2012, she was one of very few women to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction Management. Along with her minor in Business Administration and an Associate Constructor certification, she took her skills to the family construction company R & J Services, which she now owns. R & J Services offers home improvement, remodeling and repair services, and was ranked in the top three for Best of Flagstaff ’s Home Builders/General Contractors category in 2019 and 2020. “In 2020 I was also nominated as one of Professional Remodeler Magazine’s Top 40 under 40— one of 40 in the nation for 2020,” she said. “I also just recently found out that I have been nominated for this year’s ATHENA Young Professionals award.” In her acceptance of Professional Remodeler Magazine’s listing, Blum explained how the construction and remodeling industry can provide autonomy, creativity, collaboration and innovation for workers. She is a big proponent for educating the future workforce on what they can achieve within the industry. “I am passionate about our youth and have begun community outreach to teach children about the construction industry,” she said. “In part to show young girls that women can be in construction and that it is a viable career path, as well as to teach young boys and girls alike about the trades and basic construction principles.” Born and raised in Flagstaff, Blum has been active with various wildlife conservation groups throughout the state since she was young. She has served on the board of Flagstaff chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and continues to support these groups both by donating her time and as a sponsor.
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 5
20 UNDER 40
Kimberly Duran Branch Manager, OneAZ Credit Union
Congratulations for excellence in service to NAU and the Northern Arizona community.
Emery Eaves,
Assistant Professor, Anthropology
BRING YOUR ASPIRATIONS TO
K
imberly Duran’s career in the financial industry began as a part-time teller in 2007, but it wasn’t until she joined the OneAZ Credit Union team as a Personal Banker in 2010 that she found a clear path for her goals. “At that time I was interested in finding a professional career that allowed me to help people while building my customer service skills,” she said. “As I think about what interests me now, there are two areas that I have become incredibly passionate about. “One is truly helping members reach their financial goals and making a difference in their lives. I instill that with my team and strive to provide that experience in my branch. And my number one motivator is working with my tellers and bankers to identify their strengths and passions and working with them to help them reach their potential.” As the Branch Manager at OneAZ, Duran is proud to say that the majority of her associates have been promoted within the company with help from her leadership. She has also been recognized as Northern Region Branch Champion numerous times based on factors such as membership growth and member experience. Within the community at large, Duran has worked with employees of local businesses and nonprofits to help grow financial literacy by teaching topics like budgeting and credit basics. She has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and High Country Humane, and has selected local nonprofits as recipients of OneAZ Community Impact Grants. Duran was born and raised in Arizona, and said the beauty of Flagstaff captured her heart at a young age. Her professional and personal achievements aim to continue bettering the community.
6 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
Jessica Gee
Emery Eaves
Public Relations Coordinator, North Country HealthCare
Assistant Professor, NAU Department of Anthropology
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lagstaff local Emery Eaves received her bachelor’s in anthropology from Northern Arizona University in 2003. She then completed her PhD studies in sociocultural anthropology with an emphasis in medical anthropology at the University of Arizona before returning to Flagstaff in 2015. Eaves is currently an assistant professor in NAU’s anthropology department, where her research focus is on “behavioral health, prescription drug abuse, self-medication, cultural influences on medication adherence and patient-provider interaction.” “My work is focused on working toward more equitable policy for people, especially women with children, in drug recovery,” she explained. “My current projects include a rapid ethnographic assessment of changes in policy guidelines for people to access medication for opioid use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a project focused on developing a mobile app to support women transitioning out of comprehensive recovery/housing programs.” A recent write-up by NAU News announced that Eaves has also received a Fulbright U.S. Scholars award to conduct research on decriminalization and maternal drug use in Portugal in the fall. The program sends around 800 scholars to more than 100 countries to either lecture or conduct research in their area of expertise, offering a prestigious opportunity for professional development. Eaves mentors graduate anthropology students as well as undergraduate health sciences students in local health research projects. Beyond her role as a professor and mentor, she has research partnerships with Sage Home in Flagstaff and Arizona Women’s Recovery Network in Phoenix, both of which help provide housing for women in recovery and their children.
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efore beginning her role as Public Relations Coordinator for North Country HealthCare in 2016, Jessica Gee worked for the organization as a health benefits advocate, helping patients apply for affordable health insurance and state benefits. These first two years solidified her dedication to the work. “I am passionate about working at North Country HealthCare because of our mission to provide quality healthcare to all, regardless of one’s ability to pay,” she said. “As the public relations coordinator, I have increased awareness of our programs and services among the 12 communities we serve throughout northern Arizona.” This increased awareness contributes to the overall health and strength of Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Holbrook, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Payson, Round Valley, Seligman, Show Low, Williams and Winslow. By helping to manage a variety of platforms such as the website, blog and social media accounts, Gee is able to reach a variety of audiences.. She also coordinates advertising messaging in each of North Country’s locations and regularly works with media groups to share the organization’s story with the public. Her service outside of North Country is largely entrenched in her faith. When Gee first moved from Phoenix to Flagstaff with her husband in 2012 it was to help launch Redemption Church Flagstaff, the members of which meet each week, with virtual options, to worship together as a community. Because of these accomplishments and more, Gee has been recognized as a leader in Flagstaff through her nomination for the Arizona Daily Sun’s annual 20 Under 40.
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 7
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8 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
Claire Halligan
Emily Giralt Agency Manager, Benefit & Financial Strategies
Program Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff
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mily Giralt is no stranger to hard work. Early on in her studies at Northern Arizona University, Giralt drew from her experience as Vice President of Finance with Delta Sigma Pi to help prepare her for a career in financial planning. Within two years of graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business finance, she received the Series 7 and 66 financial certificates while working full time at Benefit & Financial Strategies. She then returned to NAU to pursue a Master of Business Administration, completing the one-year accelerated program with honors and important hands-on experience. “While working on my MBA, my cohort team traveled to Coventry, England, and partnered with Coventry University to consult a company on International expansion,” Giralt explained. “Additionally, I was fortunate to complete an internship at Coconino Community College in the Human Resources Department where my skills were used to prepare a self-lead project that was later presented to the CCC Board of Governors.” In her current role as Agency Manager at Benefit & Financial Strategies, Giralt has helped put in place new protocols and procedures that have allowed the agency to run more efficiently than ever. She was recently selected to serve on the Broker Dealer’s Office Administration Roundtable, where changes and new technology are reviewed before being rolled out to the public. Among all her professional accomplishments, Giralt’s family grew from two to four and she volunteered or served on the board of organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, Flagstaff Young Professionals and Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. “Supporting and being involved in the Flagstaff community is something I am very passionate about. Although we are no longer the small town that we once were, I still feel the sense of a small-town community,” Giralt said. “However, without community involvement, that sense would not exist. It is up to me and the rest of the community to support each other and continue to be Flagstaff Strong!”
A
fter Claire Halligan graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2016, she gained experience as a high needs case manager working with transitional-age youth who had Serious Emotional Disorders (SED) and as a housing specialist for Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) adults before being recruited by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff in November of 2019 to manage youth mentoring programs. “As Program Director, I supervise and lead four staff and each intern within our organization from the NAU Bachelor of Social Work program,” she explained. “It’s fun to work with a team full of such unique individuals and support them in providing the best service possible to the children we serve.” Halligan is currently studying at NAU again for her master’s degree in social work, and will be graduating next May. Her involvement within the community includes as a council member with the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, as well as membership on the Child Abuse Prevention Conference Sub-Committee. Within her role as a leader with BBBSF, she said she enjoys collaborating with other nonprofits throughout Flagstaff to work together on the issues that are facing the community. “Working in the community and serving is a great honor and privilege,” Halligan said. “I feel most proud of the accomplishments my clients achieved as I worked with them. Their success during our time working together is all a social worker can truly ask.”
20 UNDER 40
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 9
10 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
Claire Harper
Jon Hansen Vice President & Owner, Loven Contracting
‘M
ike Loven gave me an opportunity to join his company as a project manager and I guess I did a good job because he kept giving me more to do!” Jon Hansen, Vice President and an owner of Loven Contracting, said. Following the company motto, “Building Relationships since 1985,” Hansen has consistently given his all to exceed clients’ expectations across commercial, automotive, healthcare, historic preservation, hospitality, recreation, restaurant and government projects throughout the state. “I really enjoy the technical challenges of working in a hospital environment—we collaborate with everyone from doctors and nurses to the essential facility staff that so often go unacknowledged in a healthcare environment,” he said. Hansen earned his degree in civil engineering from Northern Arizona University in 2007, taking the skills he learned to help better the community. “Perhaps the thing I am most proud of is our team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “Our healthcare construction team members were in local facilities almost immediately, helping to construct containments and places for healthcare workers to safely don and doff their PPE. We’ve completed thousands of hours of work in this regard, and everyone on the team really gave it their all.” Hansen serves on the board of the Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club and said he was particularly excited for a partnership with several of Loven’s trade partners and vendors to expand the facility. By bettering the experience of the local youth, he hopes to contribute to building upon the welcoming environment he found when he moved from Casa Grande, Arizona. “I moved to Flagstaff to pursue my degree, and stayed for the reasons we all stay— this is a beautiful community,” Hansen said. “My wife Megan and I have two young daughters and we are so glad to be raising them in Coconino County.”
Public Affairs Management Analyst, Coconino County
A
decade of experience as a City of Flagstaff employee—beginning as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Flagstaff Aquaplex and then as a manager in Community Events—provided Claire Harper with a solid foundation in the public sector. “I’ve taught hundreds of kids to swim between lessons at the Aquaplex and Flagstaff Athletic Club,” Harper said. “I still get recognized as, ‘Hey, did you teach swim lessons?’ Stories like this are why I love our town and why I am committed to public service.” Harper earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University, graduating with a Master’s of Public Administration in 2018 before she began working for Coconino County as Public Affairs Management Analyst in September of 2019. Five months later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and her role quickly shifted from focusing on government affairs to managing the county’s COVID-19 Information Line, commonly known as the Call Center. “A year later, here we are—still facing this pandemic daily,” she said. “The Call Center has received and responded to more than 20,000 calls since March 2020. “We’ve assisted in testing registration and now shifting focus to vaccine registration, as well as any other pandemic information and assistance with rent and utilities. We are speaking with people who are frightened, anxious and sometimes frustrated. I try to remind my team this often so that we can be empathetic and caring in every interaction we have with the public.” She is also proud to serve members of the community as a coach for Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona, inspiring 3rd-8th grade girls to be confident and healthy.
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 11
20 UNDER 40
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12 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
Estella Hollander
George Holberg Patrol Officer, City of Flagstaff Police Department
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fter George Holberg graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in finance he worked at a finance firm for a few years helping people build small portfolios. His previous work experience also involves stints driving buses for NAU and NAIPTA, in the construction industry and with AmeriCorps NCCC, where he received the President’s Service Volunteer Award. As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. “I’ve had lots of interests,” he said with a laugh. Holberg began his current career with the City of Flagstaff Police Department at the end of 2017, being appointed to solo status after his field training to become a friendly face and reliable resource for people within the community. “Officer Holberg’s analytical approach and his calm demeanor allow him to quickly de-escalate incidents as he develops a rapport with those he interacts with,” Lieutenant Charles M. Hernandez II wrote in his nomination of Holberg for 20 Under 40. “He has been recognized by The Guidance Center and Terros staff for helping individuals who may be experiencing a crisis.” Holberg said building a relationship based on mutual respect with the public is one of his favorite aspects of the job, making sure people recognize that he’s here to help so they can be encouraged to call the police in the event of emergency. “I always try to address people respectfully, talking to them like what they are, human beings, and it goes a long way toward figuring things out and building a better relationship with all parts of our community,” he said.
Mobility Planner, Mountain Line
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hroughout the span of her career with Mountain Line, Estella Hollander has secured more than $300 million in grant funding to support transit planning, operations and capital improvements in Flagstaff, as well as received certification in Transportation Demand Management, making her the first in the county with such recognition. Hollander also spearheaded partnership efforts with organizations such as the Flagstaff Family Food Center to deliver food boxes to homebound individuals during COVID-19, Northland Family Help Center’s Flagstaff Initiative Against Trafficking (FIAT) to help reduce human trafficking instances in the region, and she is currently coordinating with more than five agencies through the planning and implementation of a microtransit pilot in the Huntington and Industrial corridor to debut in the fall. Hollander graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2003 with a bachelor’s in public planning and then completed her master’s in urban planning in Denmark. When it was time to return stateside, she looked for opportunities close to home and said she is grateful to have found a position utilizing her skills in Flagstaff. “My family lives in Phoenix, so I wanted to find a job in Arizona to be closer to them,” she explained. “I am a big hiker, biker and skier, so the wonderful outdoor opportunities was another huge reason I wanted to live here.” Hollander has been a member of the City of Flagstaff’s Bicycle Advisory Committee since 2018 and her leadership also includes membership of Flagstaff Young Professionals since 2018, later joining the board of directors in 2019.
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 13
20 UNDER 40
Jamie Medina
Ryan Kennedy
Property Manager, Bella Investment Group — Woodland Village Apartments
Senior Sales Manager, Little America Hotel
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orthern Arizona University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management prides itself in helping students to thrive in jobs within their preferred area. For Ryan Kennedy, he began working at the Little America Hotel concurrently with his studies in HRM. Over the years, he took on a variety of roles including Reservationist in the Reservations Department, Hotel Bellman, Guest Services Agent at the front desk and Sales Manager. Kennedy has held his current position as Senior Sales Manager since 2017. While he spent a brief time traveling after graduation, Kennedy was pulled back to Flagstaff, a place he’s proud to call home. “I moved to Flagstaff in 2004 to attend school at NAU with my high school sweetheart and now wife,” he said. “After completing our degrees, getting married and traveling in 2008, we decided we love this community and wanted to build our careers and family in this beautiful mountain town. Fast forward to 2021 and we have two beautiful children, a home and careers.” Kennedy gives back to the community through serving on the board as directors for Flagstaff Sister Cities, the goal of which is to connect with cities that share common values such as higher education, tourism and respect for the natural environment. Kennedy also serves on the grants committee for SERVE, a new nonprofit organization developed to offer assistance to families of present and past employees of the Grand America Hotels and Resorts that have been affected by COVID-19.
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amie Medina’s accomplishments in the property management industry are extensive. She is NALP (National Apartment Leasing Professional) and CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) certified through the National Apartment Association, and was the winner of the first ever Alexandra Jackiw Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship from the NAA, chosen from an applicant pool encompassing professionals across the country. It doesn’t end there though. Medina was also a member of the inaugural NAA Diversity Leadership Program and for two consecutive years, apartment communities under her leadership have been voted Best of Flagstaff by readers of the Arizona Daily Sun. “With each property I have been able to increase profitability for my owners and investors by creating value and community engagement with my residents,” she said. 2021 marked another achievement as the elected co-chair of the BIG Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bella Investment Group dedicated to finding ways to give back to the community. “Through my first year serving on the BIG Fund we were able to approve $85,250 in charitable giving with the majority staying within our local community,” Medina said. “This year I look forward to continuing working with the BIG Fund to give back to Flagstaff.” She currently serves on the AMA Big Hearts Committee, AMA Membership Committee, the NAA Conference Committee and the NAA GIVES Committee. As a parent, Medina has also volunteered at schools throughout the Flagstaff Unified School District as well as partnered with the Parent Teacher Organization to give back to teachers, faculty and staff. Medina said she is proud to be born and raised in Flagstaff and plans to continue working toward bettering the community through her leadership.
14 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
Meghan Remington
Kayley Quick
Community Education Coordinator, Coconino Community College
Owner, Art with Kayley & Graphic Design Teacher, Flagstaff High School
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dream for many creative types, Kayley Quick has been able to make a living as an artist. Her work has been installed at the Coconino Center for the Arts four times, graces the walls of Starlite Lanes, Salsa Brava, The Sweet Shoppe and Southside Tavern in the form of murals, and she has also created a number of commemorative band posters for the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park. As a graphic design teacher at Flagstaff High School, she takes this expertise and uses it to help students develop their own style and skills, leading them to several wins in national design contests over the years. Quick’s hard work has been recognized by the community in a number of ways. She was voted Best Local Artist in the Arizona Daily Sun’s annual Best of Flagstaff magazine in 2018 and 2020, and was a Viola Award finalist for Excellence in Education last year. As a way to connect with the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and share the joy of creating, Quick began teaching virtual art classes for adults in the community and beyond. Outside of teaching, her community involvement includes serving as a member of the Coconino Center for the Arts Advisory Council and board member for the Flagstaff Foundry. Quick graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in art education in 2009, originally relocating from the Phoenix area in search of a smaller and more personal place to call home. “It’s funny remembering now, because I had no idea how connected I would feel to the community and this town,” she said. “I had no idea the amount of beautiful, hard-working and contributing individuals I would meet that selflessly work together to make this town exceptional. I moved here to find myself, but it turns out I found a community that serves as a mirror of who I want to be.”
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hroughout her professional experience, Meghan Remington has followed her passion for building communities and crafting experiences that are engaging, unique and fulfilling. “My greatest challenge and opportunity has been to define niche community education programs in a market that already has established community education providers such as the Coconino Center for the Arts, Coconino County, City of Flagstaff,” she said of her current role as Community Education Coordinator at Coconino Community College. Successful partnerships with organizations like CCA, Flagstaff Shelter Services, National Park Service, Mexican Consulate, CCC’s American Sign Language department and High Altitude Home Brew Supply and Bottle Shop have led to accessible learning like the first-ever community-focused Northern Arizona Home Brew Academy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Remington broadened CCC’s reach to the community via webinar, increasing local attention and interest by more than 100%, and more than 1000% in some areas. She also oversaw and coordinated a completely new virtual registration system that has increased revenue to her department. Her numerous employment achievements include helping NAU Alumni Relations establish the local Alumni Happy Hour, and assisting with the McCain Institute Sedona Forum as part of the Arizona State University Foundation. Among Remington’s leadership roles within the community are volunteer positions with alumni groups for both her alma maters, ASU and NAU, as well as a 15-year involvement with the Southwest Kids’ Cancer Foundation where she coordinates transportation and communicates with parents to ensure positive experiences. She also handed out virtual activity boxes last year. “It’s been one of the most fulfilling and joyful experiences of my life,” Remington said. “Because programs tend to revolve around Phoenix and Tucson communities, I help make sure campers residing in Flagstaff get special attention, too.”
20 UNDER 40
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 15
Thank You Flagstaff !
Dawn Tucker Founder & Executive Director, Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival
Congratulations Dr. Wojciak Top 20 Under 40 ! Naturopathic Chiropractic Acupuncture Active Stretch Massage
MTNMEDICINE.COM 928.226.1556 1585 S Plaza Way Suite 150 Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Congratulations Davina!!
You are an amazing and integral part of the Shadows Foundation team and we couldn’t be successful without YOU! WWW.SHADOWSFOUNDATION.ORG
D
awn Tucker’s lifelong dream has been to bring her passion for Shakespeare to Flagstaff. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in theatre performance from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s in Shakespeare in Performance from the American Shakespeare Festival, her dream came true with the founding of Flagstaff Shakespeare Company in 2015. “FlagShakes, as the company is fondly called, is now in its seventh year with three year-round employees and over 60 independent contractors each year,” Tucker said. “Each year we produce a summer Shakespeare festival featuring two plays by the Bard or his contemporaries and throughout the year we produce additional Renaissance and actor-driven work.” Like many other arts and performance organizations, venue closures and cancelations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique set of hurdles for FlagShakes. Unable to perform for in-person audiences, the company adjusted its programming to offer two full-length films and two filmed poetry compilations, keeping the safety of the community in mind. “I grew up here and could not wait to come home after grad school,” Tucker said. “It took me a few years, but I’m so happy to back in our beautiful mountain town surrounded by family and an inspiring artistic community.” Her wider involvement has included serving on the Flagstaff Foundry board of directors from its incorporation until last summer and she currently serves on the board of newly formed nonprofit Culture Connection. Before FlagShakes was created, Tucker taught middle and high school students for three years. She currently teaches Intro to Theatre at Coconino Community College.
Check out all the winners profiles online starting MARCH 24
16 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
! s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C TO ALL THE 2021 20 UNDER 40 RECIPIENTS From all of us at
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 17
20 UNDER 40
Davina Vergara-Burton
Travis VanderMale Sales Manager, Findlay Honda Flagstaff
HR Business Partner, Schuff Steel Company
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ravis VanderMale grew up just north of Flagstaff and his family relocated here in 2002 when his mom accepted a teaching position at Northern Arizona University. He studied vocal performance at NAU and after he began his own career as a car salesman, VanderMale was able to open his own insurance agency, which he operated in the downtown Flagstaff area for five years. “Climbing to a management role in my early 20s allowed me an opportunity to buy my very own business by the age of 25,” he explained. “Now, back in car sales, I am able to lead our team through these unprecedented times to achieve goals many thought unreachable.” As the Sales Manager at Findlay Honda Flagstaff, VanderMale helps customers navigate the often stressful car-buying process in a pain-free way, with the added bonus of supporting the community at large through charity events like Pat’s Run with the Pat Tillman Foundation. “One of my favorite things about working for the company I do is the level of community involvement,” VanderMale said. “And while I was self-employed our team was able to support the charitable causes that really struck close to home for each of us. We were big with the American Cancer Society as my father is a survivor.” His insurance agency also regularly supported organizations related to diabetes in solidarity with one of his office assistants and her daughter who both used insulin pumps. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and VanderMale consistently works to ensure the people of Flagstaff have access to the tools needed to succeed in a variety of situations.
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avina Vergara-Burton’s career with Schuff Steel Company, a nationally recognized steel fabricator, began in Bellemont almost 10 years ago when she came on board as an HR Coordinator. Following her passion to help others, Vergara-Burton also began volunteering and providing design work for The Shadows Foundation on top of her full-time job in 2011. The Flagstaff-based nonprofit has provided services and financial assistance to more than 200 northern Arizona families and individuals affected by a life-threatening disease since 2010. It aims to make sure people know they are not alone. As its website states, “Disease doesn’t care about age, faith or finances, family or friends. Disease pays no attention to mortgage, utilities or grocery bills; the size of a Wall Street portfolio or balance in a checking account; whether the electricity is on or a porch light needs to be changed.” “I do anything and everything for the foundation that is needed to be successful in assisting the recipients in their greatest time of need,” Vergara-Burton said. Her role within the organization grew when she joined the board of directors in 2014. In this active position, Vergara-Burton helps the Shadows Foundation in all areas of media, marketing and events. Vergara-Burton was raised in Flagstaff, attending Christensen Elementary School, Mount Elden Middle School, Sinagua High School and Coconino Community College.
18 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
Estella Hollander Mobility Planner
Elizabeth Vogler Coordinator, Flagstaff Festival of Science & Owner, Biz Fit LLC
Mountain Line
Congratulations
on being named one of 20 Under 40. Thank you for keeping Flagstaff moving and living our mission of:
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lizabeth Vogler first moved to Flagstaff for her studies at Northern Arizona University, graduating with her master’s in cultural anthropology in 2007, but her professional and community involvement in the years since runs the gamut. She served two years in AmeriCorps following graduation and then four years with the Arboretum at Flagstaff as the volunteer coordinator and later assistant director. Then from 2013 to 2019, Vogler took on the newly created role of Deputy Director of Flagstaff Arts Council, and this year worked as coordinator for the Flagstaff Festival of Science, the second person to hold that title in 32 years. She also became certified in Fitness Instruction in 2016 and has regularly taught classes in spinning, strength and cardio training, aerobics and TRX at Summit Health and Fitness, The Aquaplex and Pine Canyon Health Club. Leadership comes easily for her, and completing the Flagstaff Leadership Program in 2015 also provided Vogler with a number of tools for success. She has received recognition as a nominee for the ATHENA Young Professional Award in 2015 and served as manager for the annual Viola Awards for 10 years. Vogler has also served on a number of nonprofit boards such as Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona, the Northern Arizona Book Festival, Flagstaff Cultural Partners and her homeowner’s association. She is currently on the boards of directors for the Arboretum and Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival. All this and more have lead Vogler to be recognized among this year’s dedicated nominees in 20 Under 40.
Sunday, March 21, 2021 | 19
20 UNDER 40
Bret Wojciak Owner & Naturopathic Physician, Mountain Medicine Integrative Wellness Center
Congratulations, Dawn!
B
ret Wojciak opened Mountain Medicine Integrative Wellness Center in January 2018 with the goal of creating an integrative wellness home for the community. Now in 2021, the center offers chiropractic care, acupuncture, active stretch therapy and treatment from seven massage therapists. “Not one therapy alone is all encompassing enough to give patients what they require,” he said. “Having a multidisciplinary practice allows people to get extra care through different modalities and find out what works best for them.” It was a winding journey to discover what he wanted to achieve in his career though. Wojciak graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, working as a professional river guide in Colorado, Utah and Arizona for five years. While this role presented a variety of exciting adventures, Wojciak found himself looking for different opportunities. “Over time I had the desire to build longer relationships and be of service to a community in a more impactful and sustaining way,” he explained. This desire led him to Portland, Oregon, where he attended the National University of Natural Medicine. Upon graduation, Wojciak returned to his hometown of Flagstaff to be closer to family and friends, eventually going on to offer naturopathic services through Mountain Medicine. “Prior to COVID, our clinic was active in community health fairs as well as holding educational talks at our clinic,” he said. “In the near future we plan on launching an informational website for those seeking lifestyle and natural medicine health advice. We also donate yearly to local nonprofits.” Wojciak works hard to leave a lasting impact on the lives of people in Flagstaff.
We celebrate your passionate and visionary leadership of FlagShakes and your dedication to the Flagstaff arts community.
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20 | Sunday, March 21, 2021
20 UNDER 40
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