Flg spc1 020418 01 a 001 00 01

WOMEN IN

BUSINESS

Awards

About us

2017

The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Northern Arizona Healthcare present the 29th Annual ATHENA Awards celebrating and honoring women who demonstrate excellence, leadership and creativity in their careers, valuable service to the community, and The Chamber is honored to recognize inspire other women in reaching their full 19 extraordinary nominees for the 2017 leadership potential.

Awards.

Recipients of the 2017 ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional Awards will be announced during the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting Luncheon on Friday, February 9, 2018 at High Country Conference Center.

Athena History The Athena Leadership model identifies eight tenets of leadership that reflect women’s unique ways of leading. Infused with the 21st century demands for balance, accountability, and continuous learning, the model is a guide for leadership behavior and emphasizes the tenet’s interdependent relationship to the practice of dynamic leadership. The tenets include the authentic self, relationships, giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, fierce advocacy, celebration and joy.

The ATHENA Award was founded nationally in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz and ATHENA International, a non-profit organization that seeks to support, develop and honor women leaders. The goddess Athena was chosen as the symbol for the program to reflect the qualities the award honors - strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment.

The 2017 ATHENA Award also marks the tenth year that the Greater Flagstaff Chamber recognizes an emerging female leader with the ATHENA Young Professional Award, designed to honor women under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence in their careers, contribute to the community, and clearly stand out as role models for young women both professionally and personally.

Athena Nominees Amanda Kristinat Heather Ainardi Heidi Poturalski Janet Sweigart Joanne Keene Julie Lancaster Melissa Bernasconi Theresa Bierer Vicki Burton-Taunton

Athena Young Professional Nominees Amber Ramirez Dorsch Colleen Maring Davina Vergara Elise Skorin Khara House Maraka Oltrogge Michelle Linton Langmack Rachel Buzzard Sarah Benatar Stephanie Gerst

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Rick Smith President & CEO

Congratulations, Heather Ainardi on your Athena nomination!

Sara Mason Administration

Special Events Manager

Natalie Harlan Grants Department

Sandra Kowalski Community Engagement

Winnie Ennenga Grants Department

Joe Wagner Finance Department

We would like to recognize Foundation staff as they work to meet our vision of a future when every person in our region has equal access to quality healthcare and an opportunity to achieve the highest levels of health.

Megan Roach Special Events

Anita Honeyfield Special Events

nahealthfoundation.org

Jennifer Motsenbocker Development

Stephanie Giesbrecht Development

Carol Fisk Community Programs

Amanda Gerard Database Management

2 - Sunday, February 4, 2018

Women in Business

2017 ATHENA NOMINEES Amanda Kristinat

CEO Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff Amanda always goes above and beyond the call of duty. There is no challenge she will shy away from. This commitment not only shows in her job as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, but also in her own company, Silver Lining Business Consulting, where she provides free help to local non-profits. She does strategic planning, operational organization, accounting clean up and more for her clients. She has worked with many organizations to take on cleaning up their financial database and information, making it more accurate and organized. Amanda’s commitment to excellence doesn’t end there. Every organization she has ever been directly responsible for has increased their income, increased community awareness and partnerships and created a sustainable level of operational organization. Amanda also has extensive volunteer experience, including Sechrist PTO Treasurer, Flagstaff Youth Chorale Treasurer, NAU Recreation Advisory, The Professional Association, American Business Women Association, Alliance of Arizona Non-profits CEO, Leadership Circle, Trailside Discovery Camp and Fronteras Spanish Immersion School Afterschool Activities Council.

Amanda has always been an advocate for those around her. She has helped countless young women grow from entry level positions to the job of their dreams by taking them under her wings and helping them be the best version of themselves. She sees the strengths in others and helps them to shine.

Heather Ainardi

Manager, Special Events Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation For almost 20 years, Heather’s feet have been firmly planted in Flagstaff where she has made a difference in the community through her career and volunteer work.

Her first employment was with the City’s Park and Recreation department where she oversaw all city organized events working closely with the area’s promoters, and organizing many Flagstaff family-focused community-wide events. Heather then moved to the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau, where from 2006 until 2016 she wore several leadership hats as Public Relations Manager, CVB Director, and Marketing & Public Relations Manager.

In this capacity, she also served as Flagstaff Film Commissioner for nine years. Tapping into her initiative and creativity, Heather envisioned and executed award-winning campaigns like: #VisitCool, the Flagstaff Cool Zone, and the Flagstaff Selfie Trail.

In August of 2016, Heather brought her talents to the Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation. The Foundation’s focus is inspiring philanthropy to support NAH and health-focused non-profits in the community. Heather serves as the Manager of the Special Events Department and she works tirelessly to plan and implement a variety of fundraising events to support programs and services like the Taylor House, the Valley View Hospice, the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, Trauma Services and the Trauma Survivors Network, and the Children’s Health Center at the Flagstaff Medical Center. She has lent her talents to others by volunteering at the Flagstaff Blues and Brews, the Flagstaff Wine Festival, and several Flagstaff Cultural Partner events. Heather also volunteers at the Flagstaff Family Food Center. Heather is a multi-talented “people person” with a positive coaching and mentoring personality and she currently serves as a mentor to female students in the Hotel and Restaurant Management program at Northern Arizona University as they pursue certifications in event management.

Heidi Poturalski

Manager, Employee and Labor Relations UniSource Energy Services Heidi has over 26 years of experience in all aspects of Human Resources Management and has been a resident of Flagstaff for 30 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from NAU in 1992 and obtained her Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix in 2005. In her current role as Manager of Employee and Labor Relations for UniSource Energy Services, Heidi has primary Human Resources and Labor Relations responsibility for UNS Gas & UNS Electric on a statewide basis. Heidi serves as the management representative with union officials on employment matters. She manages three separate labor contracts, and plays a vital role in labor negotiations for her company. Heidi also

serves as her Corporation’s Affirmative Action Officer for multiple subsidiaries which include UES Gas and Electric as well as Springville Generating Station, Southwest Energy Solutions and Tucson Electric Power. For many years, Heidi has volunteered her time and coordinated fundraising efforts for the local American Cancer Society, she has been the Team Captain for UniSource Energy’s Climb the Mountain to Conquer Cancer team, she has helped coordinate corporate sponsorship for the ACS’s annual Denim and Diamonds and she actively participates each year in Big Brothers Big Sisters events. Heidi is a member of the Public Utilities Employer Institute and the Labor and Management Public Affairs Committee. In 2016, Heidi received an award from the Wellness Council of Arizona for Excellence in Workplace Wellness. Heidi is involved in her company’s Women in Energy Program that is committed to promoting and inspiring diversity and inclusion and is focused on the professional growth and development of women. This program helps women succeed in the energy industry and fosters camaraderie and connection with women in her organization.

Janet Sweigart

Owner/Principal Designer SweigART Designs Almost 25 years ago, Janet started SweigART Designs, a woman-owned business in Interior Architectural Design. Over the years, her talent has been recognized in the Flagstaff community and she has designed many notable projects including the Magnum, Wall, Stoops and Warden law offices, as well as other commercial and residential projects. Janet has been a member of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce through her business, SweigART Designs, for over 22 years and an Ambassador for 21. She was one of the original members of the Flagstaff Chamber’s Women in Business group and served as cochair for the committee on Presentation and Selection of its Programs. For many years, Janet participated as a member of Flagstaff Communicators, and served as program coordinator in that organization for several of those years. In Soroptimist International Mountain Morning club of Flagstaff, Janet did community work through fundraisers and programs to help support teenagers and women who are heads of households. As a 4 year member of the Flagstaff Childhelp Chapter & a current board member, she has been instrumental in organizing and running the annual fundraiser, “25 Men Who Think They Can Cook”, raising money towards the prevention of child abuse and for the treatment and support of abused children. In addition, she has served as a Docent at the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff Trinity Heights United Methodist Church (THUMC) Board of Trustees, as well as on the Building Committee and Design Team involved in the planning and building of their Family Life Center.

Recently she was voted “Best of Flagstaff in Interior Design”. Professionally, she passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam, achieving full professional membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); is also a professional member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and is Certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).

Janet has taken many opportunities to help mentor young women through both her business and community involvement, and she continues to help guide young women in the professional field, as well as in the challenges of life.

Joanne Keene

Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Northern Arizona University Ms. Keene has built and maintained positive relationships as she has moved through various phases of her career. This ability has earned her the respect and loyalty of people who have crossed her path, both personally and professionally. Her more than twentytwo-year career in public service started as a legislative staff person in the U.S. House of Representatives both in Washington, D.C. and Flagstaff, and eventually landed her a role as the Government Relations Director of Coconino County. Currently, she employs her professional skill set at her alma mater, Northern Arizona University, serving as Executive Vice-President and Chief of Staff. Ms. Keene handles controversial conversations and circumstances with a level of grace and professionalism that is unmatched. She is an inspiration, particularly for women who understand the challenges of achieving success in traditionally male-dominated fields. She is a Flinn-Brown Fellow and, in 2013, traveled to Germany as a McCloy Fellow on Urban Affairs through the American Council on Germany. Ms. Keene currently

is a Governor’s Appointee to the Arizona State Fair and Exposition Board, and was a Governor’s Appointee to the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. She also serves on the Board of the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA), Chair of the Northern Council for Arizona Forward and as NAU’s representative on the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Board. As an avid runner and outdoorswoman, Ms. Keene also dedicates her time to Team Run Flagstaff and Northern Arizona Trail Runner’s Association. Finally, Ms. Keene has served as a volunteer juvenile mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her dedication to community has made a significant impact while she served as an advisor for multiple environmental and social issues. Her commitment to community service is inspiring to all who know her. What sets Ms. Keene apart is her understanding of her impact as a role model. Ms. Keene truly has shattered the glass ceiling, showing women that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Julie Lancaster

Owner, Leadership Coach and Management Consultant Lancaster Leadership Julie Lancaster is the founder of Lancaster Consulting and is an experienced management coach and leadership consultant. Her business is results oriented, future-focused, and is a positive advocate for professional success.

Julie got her start as an entrepreneur 9 years ago by creating and selling Flagstaff Planting Guides to meet the needs of the gardening community. Just 6 years ago, Julie opened the doors to Lancaster Consulting, a leadership consulting business that gives back to the community. Julie is impassioned to work with individuals and groups to strengthen their leadership skills and increase joy and satisfaction in their lives. Julie has provided training to 11,000 participants in government, non-profit, and private sectors with American and global scope for 22 years. Julie holds a Master’s Degree in Education, is a certified Myers-Briggs practitioner, has been awarded Adjunct Instructor of the Year.

She facilitates the Coconino County Executive Leadership Academy, the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) Leadership Academy, the Excellence in Leadership Program for Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), the Grand Canyon Association Leadership Academy, the North Country HealthCare Aspiring Leaders Academy, co-facilitates the NAU University Leadership Program, the Goodwill & Performance Staffing Customer Service and Leadership Academies, and works with 55 distinguished teams. Julie Lancaster has served in many leadership roles and has done community service with Coconino Community College, Family Food Center, Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Flagstaff Leadership Program, Parent Communications Team, Montessori Schools of Flagstaff, to name just a few organizations.

Julie facilitates 2 women’s-only retreats each year, and a portion of the proceeds goes to a local charity. Julie’s goal is to create positive change and thriving leadership communities and she believes in uniting women to share their success and failure stories, learn from one another, and for each to become empowered to be the kind of leader they aspire to be.

Melissa Setren Bernasconi

Co-Founder Quality Connections

Melissa Setren Bernasconi started her career in Social Service in the late 80’s, after graduating from Northern Arizona University. She began working at Goodwill as a Job Coach.

However, her leadership skills quickly allowed her to work her way up to Department Director. Having a deep understanding of the industry and tremendous need for services in Flagstaff, in 1999 Melissa started Quality Connections, a not for profit company. Its mission is to help individuals with disabilities become independent, productive members of our community by providing them with employment opportunities, job training, and practical life learning programs. Quality Connections has four interconnected departments providing Day Program Services, Employment Service, Residential Services and a Social Enterprise called QCoffice.

Working one on one and assisting individuals with disabilities in finding employment is her passion. Tapping into her creativity and her relationship with the Flagstaff Business community, Melissa developed QCtoner, a program that collects empty toner cartridges and E-waste from community employers and remanufactures items to like new condition.

The incredible demand of QCtoner products by the Flagstaff business community gave rise to QCoffice, a Social Enterprise which provides training opportunities to people with disabilities in assembly, packaging, sales, customer service, Ecommerce and

deliveries. Melissa’s creativity and years of hard work of building relationships have given rise to Arizona’s most creative and innovative Community Rehab Program. In the last 20 years, Melissa has worked tirelessly with the City of Flagstaff Disability Awareness Commission and she was instrumental in putting disability issues in front of people who would otherwise not be aware. Melissa’s career and success puts her in a league of her own.

She is not only well accomplished in her career, but she has made it possible for countless woman with disabilities to achieve their career goals.

Theresa Bierer

Assistant Professor of Practice, Management Northern Arizona University Theresa Bierer has held some highly visible positions in her career, yet it is the work she does behind the scenes that tells her true story. In 2009, Theresa became the first editor of Flagstaff Business News. Later, she became editor of the Quad Cities Business News and White Mountain Business News. In these positions, she mentored inexperienced writers, helping them learn journalistic style and setting them up for more success in their writing/reporting careers. In 1995, Theresa was first hired by KNAU, Arizona Public Radio, where she continues to fill in for on-air hosts. Beginning in 2016, Theresa returned to teaching at the university. Spending most of her days teaching college juniors, she empowers students by giving them the tools they will use to succeed in their careers.

Not only is she a beloved member of the university, but she has made it her mission to help women throughout the community succeed personally and professionally. As owner of a consulting agency, Mediascape, LLC., Theresa empowers others to present themselves well in public. Some clients need specific tips for media interviews, others are looking to find their voices in leadership roles, including public speaking. Community service is where Theresa truly shines. Theresa has been involved with LAUNCH Flagstaff Communications as Team Director, Flagstaff Women’s Leadership Network Board of Directors, Public Relations Society of America Volunteer Committee Member, United Way of Northern Arizona Marketing Team and Arizona Women in Higher Education. Theresa has received many awards throughout her career, including an Emmy Award nomination, the IPEX Award in Excellence for TV, five First-Place Associated Press Awards for Best Writing, NPR Award Poverty with a View and Flagstaff MOM’s Club Most Inspirational Mom Award. Theresa has been described as the ultimate professional, a wonderful mentor and a community gem. Theresa is generous with her time and expertise, always willing to help. She is an inspiration as she helps young women not just realize their potential, but to also understand that they have potential to begin with. There are countless women out in the world, breaking glass ceilings, who were pushed to succeed by Theresa.

Vicki Burton-Taunton CEO Shadows Foundation

When it comes to helping others, Vicki sets the example for everyone. Vicki created the Shadows Foundation with the sole purpose of helping others in time of need. Shadows seeks to meet the needs of individuals and their families affected by life threatening disease and illness when they need it most. During the year, she does several fund-raising events, including LOL Comedy Night, Huckin’ for Hearts, Hearts911 Run, Color Vibe Run, Celebrity Golf Tournament, Heart of Hope Celebration, Beth’s Ball Drop, Big Sting Country Music Festival and Shop with a Cop. These events take countless hours to coordinate and Vicki does it with ease. If you have ever been to one of these events you might have seen her flash by as she is non-stop. She is like the energizer bunny … she keeps on going and going and going! Vicki and the Shadows Foundation have won Best of Flag 4 different years, including Best NonProfit, Best Event Planner and Best Non-Profit Charitable Organization. However, working as CEO of the Shadows Foundation isn’t Vicki’s only job, she also works a full time job as a DJ at KAFF radio. She is always looking for ways to help others out there, too. Vicki was fundamental in coordinating with the MakeA-Wish Foundation in putting together a play set for a boy with a disability. It couldn’t have been possible without her partnership and assistance. She rounded up young ladies from NAU sororities to help clean up the yard and get it ready for the professionals to come in and build the playset. There were over 50 volunteers helping with the project and each one of them learned the value and importance of giving back to our amazing community. Her passion to help others has given many others the vision of greatness on Giving Back to our community. So many are thankful to have the opportunity to work with Vicki, as she reminds people the importance of helping others in need. Vicki never judges she just reaches out to help in any way she can.

Sunday, February 4, 2018 - 3

Women in Business

2017 ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD NOMINEES Amber Ramirez Dorsch

Colleen Maring

Supervisory Forester U.S.D.A. Forest Service Amber Ramirez Dorsch is a fourth generation Flagstaff native and currently employed with the USDA Forest Service as the Supervisory Forester for the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. She is responsible for the district timber program which entails budget management, timber planning and implementation and supervision of 6 direct reports and 8 indirect reports (not including 12+ seasonal field workers).

Having been awarded numerous internal agency merits for her effort to lead several multidisciplinary teams, she has been acknowledged as an emerging young leader in the agency and has gained the respect of her predominantly male peers. Amber has been the Chair of the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests Civil Rights Group for the last 9 years. She has a great passion for sharing knowledge and history, and she strives to help the community through the Civil Rights group. She has lead several public outreach initiatives to the community and neighboring Native American reservation communities.

Amber spearheaded the Forest Service’s presence in the Natural Resources Job Fair annually and local high school work shadowing programs. She created a student mentorship program helping high school students network, attend fire courses and participate in current environmental service projects for the Coconino District. She has been influential with the Hopi 3 Ranch program in which a group of students from Hopi High School work alongside Forest Service employees and build internal excitement about natural resources. She is an active PTG member for her son’s school and an active supporter of the JLB Project. Amber has expressed that without the strong examples and mentors that have taken her under their wing, she never dreamed she would make it to a supervisory staff position at the age of 31 in her home town. This is considered her greatest achievement next to her 2 children and 10-year marriage to her NAU college sweetheart.

Attorney at Law Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, PLLC Colleen Maring’s professional experience is rich and diverse, and she pulls from her various experiences to provide insight and ingenuity to the representation of her clients. She is currently admitted to practice law in Arizona, Oregon, the District of Columbia, several State and Federal Courts of Appeals, including the Ninth Circuit, as well as in the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribal Court. Colleen’s career began when she was hired on as an associate attorney straight out of law school by one of the nation’s most powerful law firms, Williams & Connolly LLP, in Washington, D.C. Her experience is further diversified by the time she spent advocating for women in law and policy at the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights in Cairo, and having used her fluency in American Sign Language to seek justice for clients at the National Association of the Deaf. Colleen attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for her undergraduate degree, earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She was a McGregor Scholar, earned four merit scholarships, the Daling Memorial Scholarship for excellence in Psychology, won the MIAA Student Athlete Award, and graduated with Honors on the Dean’s List. Colleen was also the recipient of several awards and honors during her time as a law student. When she moved to Flagstaff in 2014, Colleen first took on the role of teacher and administrator at BASIS Flagstaff, then as a faculty member at NAU before returning to her passion for practicing law full-time by joining Aspey, Watkins & Diesel. Recently, Ms. Maring was appointed to the board of the Arizona Justice Project. This appointment speaks to her success leading the Innocence Project at Northern Arizona University, as well as the respect she has garnered in the legal community. Colleen’s exploits in volunteerism are expansive and began with mentoring youth through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, countless volunteer hours working with deaf and hard of hearing children, serving as an interpreter for the deaf, and working with other entities such as the AIDS Care Network.

While in D.C., Colleen also volunteered dozens of hours tutoring high school girls at Thurgood Marshall Academy, a charter

Congratulations

school in D.C.’s poorest and most violent neighborhood. Recently, Colleen was recognized as one of Flagstaff’s 20 Under 40 by the Arizona Daily Sun and Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

Colleen possesses extraordinary character, drive, work ethic, and philanthropic nature, she is also a devoted wife and mother. She is kind, down to earth, and committed to excellence in every aspect of her life.

Davina Vergara

HR Coordinator/Board Member (Social Media and Marketing) Schuff Steel/Shadows Foundation Davina Vergara makes a huge impact to our community. In an HR position, she has a lot of responsibilities, but she is one of the few I’ve met of many in her role that completes her daily duties with passion and consideration for others every day. Davina has worked side-byside with the leaders and management team of Schuff Steel to create inventive training and retention programs. Going above and beyond is a normal behavior for Davina, both in and out of work. Davina has been with Shadows Foundation for the last 6 years, helping over 200 families/individuals in Northern Arizona.

During that time, she helped raise well over $10,000 annually through her events. She’s been instrumental in the planning, execution, and volunteering of many events supporting the Shadows Foundation. Davina is helping people in their greatest time of need and, specifically with The Shadows Foundation, the families get to know her and recognize the qualities in her that are amazing. She makes everyone around her want to do better every day at work and in life in general. She is a hard-working individual that is selfless with her time and committed to helping others. Davina is a big advocate of women supporting other women and shows her support by promoting the local businesses throughout the community. Davina is often the behind-the-scenes person who may not get all the recognition or praise, but she puts in the work for others to get it. Often times when someone around her is in the spotlight, Davina has had a huge impact on them getting there.

Elise Skorin

Assistant Manager Fremont Station Last year when Elise was hired as assistant manager with Capstone Collegiate Communities, she learned within her first few days that the job was going to be much more challenging than she expected. Elise’s first few months on the job were a Masterslevel course in conflict management and diplomacy, fielding many calls and visits from angry students and parents. She handled this challenge extremely well and kept a positive attitude. As an assistant manager for a housing property of over five hundred college-aged women, the nature of her position would make Elise a role model regardless, positive or negative.

Luckily, Elise is an exceptionally goodnatured individual who is energetic, caring and hard-working. Elise graduated from Northern Arizona University with a BSBA in Marketing and is a strong mentor and an example of what soon-to-be graduates should strive for. She is also a former member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

Over the past year, she has put in hundreds of hours of unpaid overtime assisting students. She is constantly looking for ways to improve customer service and making the office run more efficiently. Elise has been remarkable as a support person and advisor to so many people. Whether she is helping with a major project, giving advice or just being a listening ear, Elise shines in all that she does. Seeing her strength, maturity and intelligence at this early point in her career, it is without question she will be one of tomorrow’s most distinguished leaders.

Khara House

Property Management & Operations Coordinator Bella Investment Group Khara is certainly an example to those around her, she has provided training and leadership to various property managers in multiple communities. She is a strong, capable, successful African American woman and a rising star in Flagstaff. When life gives her a challenge, she rises up with style and class. Khara is a very gifted writer, coming from NAU with a background in creative writing. Recently, Khara was an

CONGRATULATIONS

Melissa! ATHENA

NOMINEES Joanne Keene

Thank you for more than 20 years of service to

Executive VP for University Affairs & Chief of Staff

Flagstaff’s disabled population! Your commitment and dedication has helped countless people become independent, productive members of our community.

Theresa Bierer Assistant Professor of Practice, Management

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Buy Office Supplies Hire Disabled Workers Make a Donation

QualityConnections.org

4 - Sunday, February 4, 2018

Women in Business

2017 ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD NOMINEES instrumental part of the outreach trip to Houston, just after the hurricane. She worked alongside Houston locals to provide emergency care packages and moved elderly residents into new apartment homes.

The article she wrote to document her experience was published by the National Apartment Association, the Arizona Multi Housing Association, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Daily Sun. Khara has a knack for seeing beauty in the most desperate of situations, and is then able to communicate that to the world with her words. Khara also is very in touch with Social Media and has a wonderful eye for creating marketing campaigns. Her latest project has been to create a social media campaign for all of Bella Investment Group properties to use online; getting the word out about the new animal policy.

Khara put together a creative, eye catching campaign with banners, announcements and a logo. Khara is also involved with the local chapter of the NAACP, the Arizona Multi-Housing Association and the National Apartment Association. She loves to get involved and be informed with local and national politics. Getting people to be informed with what is going on has always been a passion of hers. In addition, she is involved in the Bella Initiative Grace Fund, which is a charitable fund that the employees contribute to and manage as needs within our community arise. Khara is a key participant in the Washington DC lobby efforts for 2 years in a row. She is well spoken and feels very comfortable speaking to our representatives in DC. In all that she does, Khara is an amazing role model for young women everywhere.

Maraka Oltrogge

Senior Philanthropy Officer Grand Canyon Association Maraka began her career at the young age of 14 as a professional model with Elite Model Management. She was living in Manhattan during 9/11 and spent a great deal of time traveling through Eastern and Western Europe for work afterward, visiting over 35 countries. She soon realized that helping others was her true passion. She taught at an all girls in school in Kuwait, where she brought a western perspective and American curriculum to her students inspiring them to be independent and thoughtful young women. She remains in contact with many of her students to this day. Maraka earned an undergraduate degree in History and a Master’s degree in Education from NAU, and she recently received an online certificate from Harvard Business School.

Currently, Maraka is a Development Officer at the Grand Canyon Association. She works with local and national donors who have an affinity for the Grand Canyon and who want to make a positive impact on the park. Maraka previously held development positions with NAU Annual Giving and the American Cancer Society working on their distinguished events. Her passion for the mission of the Grand Canyon Association has made her successful in matching donors from around the country with the needs of the National Park Service to help preserve and maintain the park. Maraka has worked or volunteered for local and nationwide American Cancer Society fundraising events including; Coaches vs. Cancer, Gala committees and the Climb to Conquer Cancer of Flagstaff. She has also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity Internationally where she has had the opportunity to do builds in Nepal, Cameroon & New Zealand.

She is hoping to do more in the near future.

It is her enthusiasm for life and a willingness to help those in need that has led her to her career in the non-profit sector. Maraka is constantly striving to better herself and those around her.

Michelle Linton Langmack

Realtor Linton Real Estate Michelle epitomizes integrity, energy & hard work. Michelle grew up in Flagstaff and returned in 2009 to once again call it home. Her career began while working for Nordstrom in San Francisco. That was the springboard for Michelle in the customer service arena and she gained excellent customer service skills during that time.

Michelle is a graduate of the Urban Land Institute of Arizona’s Young Leadership Group and has worked in all aspects of real estate, including both residential and commercial. She has enjoyed watching the revitalization of the southside district of historic downtown and is passionate about affordable housing options for all. Michelle has volunteered with Ban the Bags & Stryo busters and she has also been involved with Flagstaff Shelter Services, Catholic Services, People’s Pantry, the American Cancer Society and is currently a coach for Girls on the Run. Michelle is a natural born leader. Her success as a real estate agent, positive attitude and generous nature have made her a wonderful role model for those she mentors.

Rachel Buzzard

Manager Flagstaff Extreme Flagstaff Extreme is lucky to have Rachel’s calm leadership helping to efficiently run Flagstaff Extreme since the start of the company. She started out as Rescue Guide and Operations Manager , and worked her way up to eventually becoming one of our Course Managers, viewed by the staff at Flagstaff Extreme in an extremely positive light and respected by all staff members. Flagstaff Extreme is a Public/Private Partnership with Coconino County and Rachel is a significant part of the entrepreneurial flexibility, financial success, communication, spirit of cooperation and environmental stewardship that are hallmarks of the partnership. She and her family purchased, and now run, the Mountain Man multisport company. She has always been passionate about fitness and athleticism, but her involvement in Mountain Man shows her passion to help others achieve their goals in fitness and life. The Buzzard Construction Company is also very successful and was started just after Rachel began employment at FLG X. Rachel is responsible for managing their retirement program so all company workers will have an opportunity to participate in a quality retirement program. Even though she is extremely busy with her many jobs and roles, Rachel still finds the time to dedicate to helping various groups and people. Rachel has been coaching her young daughter’s basketball team at the YMCA because there was a shortage of coaches. Rachel worked with Coconino County Parks and Recreation to find a way to divert the recyclable waste to the County recycling efforts, even though there is not a dedicated recycle program in place.

Rachel also leads the FLG X Adopt-a-Mile trash pick-up on I-17 near mile marker 337.

As an avid runner and athlete, Rachel not only participates in athletic events, she volunteers at them as well including local running races and regional volunteering at events like Ironman Arizona. Through Mountain Man Events, Rachel coordinates the opportunity for a local Boy Scout troop to perform their community service requirements. She demonstrates a strong drive to live a positive healthy lifestyle and is an excellent role model for everyone she encounters.

Rachel also takes time to specifically work with FLG X young women to help them become more proficient in their work and develop them professionally.

She is a great mentor and example for our young women.

Congratulations Davina!

Sarah Benatar

Stephanie Gerst

County Treasurer Coconino County

Sarah Benatar has been serving as the Coconino County Treasurer since 2014.

At the age of 27, she was appointed by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors to finish off a term of office, becoming the youngest County Treasurer not only in Coconino County, but in the State of Arizona. In 2016 Sarah was re-elected by the citizens of Coconino County. Sarah believes that knowledge and education empowers individuals and provides them with tools to improve their overall quality of life. Prior to serving as County Treasurer, she worked for United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), serving in a variety of leadership positions including oversight of community initiatives, and the organization’s finances and operations.

She was responsible for growing the Volunteer Income Assistance Program (VITA) inspiring hundreds of volunteers to assist low income working families with tax preparation resulting in millions of dollars in tax refunds. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan. She completed legal coursework at the University of Oregon School of Law, and holds a certificate in public finance from the University of Missouri.

Additionally, Sarah was a Flinn-Brown Fellow in the fall 2015 and graduated from the American Express Leadership Academy at Arizona State University, Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation in 2015. Sarah proudly advocates for her constituents’ interests through a number of volunteer leadership roles at the State and national level, including VP of the Arizona County Treasurer’s Association, Coconino County Representative on the Arizona Association of Counties Board, President of the National Association of Hispanic County Elected Officials, Board member of the National Association of County Collectors and Arizona Representative for the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers. Sarah has received many professional awards including the Summit Award in Civic Engagement & Public Information by the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo).

Sarah was raised by a single mother, who came to this country from Guatemala with a dream for a better life. Sarah knows what it takes to create a better life, so she goes the extra mile to help other women achieve their dreams.

Co-Owner Creative Spirits

Stephanie’s full-time professional role is as an adult probation officer with Coconino County Adult Probation. She has been with county adult probation since 2008 in various capacities, but most recently as a probation officer.

Stephanie works diligently with her caseload and completed an American Probation and Parole Association Leadership Institute in 2014. Stephanie is co-chairing the American Probation and Parole Association annual conference programming committee.

In addition to her full-time job as a probation officer, Stephanie also owns and manages two businesses. She has been a certified massage and bodywork therapist since 2003 and in December of 2016, Stephanie co-purchased Creative Spirits, a local paint and sip studio. She has been very active in establishing a monthly lineup of local non-profits to benefit them through mutual marketing opportunities and fundraising via a weekly paint night downtown. Stephanie also has pioneered “community canvas” paint events in downtown Flagstaff on behalf of Creative Spirits. On First Friday art walks, Stephanie takes an oversized blank canvas and stands outside of Blendz wine bar, encouraging downtown passersby to add their unique marks to a community painting. She has collected donations for hurricane relief and has themed the paintings based on what she takes donations for. Donations gathered were sent to the American Red Cross both for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief efforts. As part of Creative Spirits, Stephanie is participating in a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and the Southwest Folklife Alliance that pairs them with Victim Witness Services of Coconino County, Adult Probation and the art studio to allow grassroots-level input into what defines “good” community art. Additionally, Stephanie volunteered on the Children of Incarcerated Parents Task Force from 2009-2014 and has run with the Change of Pace Running Club for the past two years. Finally, Stephanie is an active member of and volunteers for Christ’s Church of Flagstaff, helping coordinate youth group nights. As a small business owner, Stephanie is a role model for young women. Stephanie’s leadership roles as a business owner and a law enforcement peace officer inspire women on so many levels.

Congratulations, Michelle Linton Langmack on your Athena nomination and meeting the needs of Flagstaff’s first time home buyers with passion and dedication for the last 14 years.

ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AT BELLA INVESTMENT GROUP, WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY

THANK YOU for all your hard work in making Shadows Foundation an amazing resource for Flagstaff and the Northern Arizona Community!!

SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT US Providing programs and support to our community comes with hard work and volunteers like Davina Vergara.

Providing financial assistance & services to those affected by life threatening disease Heart's Worth Saving Program Heart Screening for All Northern Arizona First Responders Better Bucks Compassionate Solution to Panhandling

WWW.SHADOWSFOUNDATION.ORG

TO KHARA HOUSE ON HER NOMINATION FOR THE ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD AND TO ALL THE ATHENA AND ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD NOMINEES! Khara, You are a key member of our team and we are so thankful to work with you!