Southwest Colorado Women in Business

OUTSTANDING WOMAN

ROSE JERGENS

WOMEN

YOU NEED TO KNOW 2

0

1

9

PROUDLY BROUGHT YOU BY

BUILDING WOMEN

SAVE THE DATE Parade of

HOMES

SEPTEMBER 2 0TH - 2 2ND

S E P T E M B E R

2 0

TH

—

2 2 ND

DURANGOPOH.COM

n

THE DURANGO HERALD

n

LOCAL AREA BANKS

n

SMART ENTERPRISES, INC.

Home Builders Association of Southwest Colorado Building Women! Bayfield High School Trades N Training (TNT) student, Rachel Morris is supported by a pair of prominent Association women. Leigha Natzke, Association Director and owner of Aspen Design Studio a TNT Investment Partner, and the Parade of Homes Chair along with Natalie Springer, Association Secretary and Project Coordinator with Veritas Fine Homes a TNT Founding Partner. Follow the story through the 2019 Parade of Homes journey.

TICKETS AVAILABLE

n

2018 People’s Choice Award Winner DURANGO WOOD COMPANY

H O M E B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F S O U T H W E S T C O LO R A D O

20 19

2018 People’s Choice Award Winner DURANGO WOOD COMPANY

Contents 2019 4 Letter from the Editor 6 Meet the Selection Committee 8 Maegan Crowley, Arts & Culture 10 Vivienne McIntyre, Emerging 14 Ellen Shinkle, Fitness 18 Grace Shepard, Tourism 22 Rose Jergens, Outstanding Woman 26 Christina Rinderle, Homes 28 Women’s Resource Center honoree 30 Joyce Humiston, Medical 34 Kelsea Ferrato, Sales/Professional 38 Andrea Avantaggio, Business Owner 42 Sheila Casey, Nonprofit 44 2019 Nominees

E D I TO R I A L

Amy Maestas Claudia Laws Hunter Harrell Jerry McBride Laurie Kain

executive editor editor reporter photo editor videographer

D E S I G N

Tad Smith Christian Ridings Gary Markstein

manager of creative services designer designer

A D V E RT I S I N G

David Habrat

vice president of advertising

Kelly Bulkley, Amy Baird, Tana Bowen, Emily Campana, Cole Davis, Liz Demko, Abby Feldman, Heather Mobley, Joe Nelson, Teressa Nelson P RO D U C T I O N

Ryan Brown

production manager

M A R K E T I N G

Jamie Opalenik

marketing director

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Douglas Bennett DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Carrie Cass DurangoHerald.com/women The-Journal.com/women

STORIES BY PHOTOS BY

Hunter Harrell Jerry McBride

ON THE COVER: Rose Jergens, the 2019 Outstanding Woman award winner.

Makeup and hair styled by Faith Kimbrel, facewithfaith.com.

Photo by Jerry McBride.

2

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

The Durango Herald uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special magazine publications. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted. To view the online version of this guide, visit www.durangoherald.com

Inspiring greatness.

Connecting community.

Creating change.

Ballantine Communications is proud of the enduring contributions of the extraordinary women of The Durango Herald, The Journal, Four Corners Expos, DGO magazine, Directory Plus, BCI Media Services, Dorado Brand Studio, Adventure Pro Magazine and more!

Letter from the Editor

how it worked

• Nominations were open to the public for a month.

• A committee of eight local stakeholders (read about them on page 6) chose the top nominee in each category.

• The committee selected the Outstanding Woman award winner from among all nominees in each category.

4

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Encouraging.

Inspiring.

Empowering.

THESE WORDS CAN BE APPLIED to each of our honorees in this inaugural edition of Southwest Colorado Women in Business.

When this magazine was a small idea, we debated how many people would be nominated.

We wondered if the magazine would resonate with readers.

We were wrong: We received 252 nominations.

I didn’t envy the task before our selection committee. Being presented with an inch-thick book of the nominations, representing 134 individuals, and charged to cull that number to 10 could have been overwhelming. But the committee selected each nomination thoughtfully. It was not an easy decision in any category, but listening to the committee identify the slivers of accomplishment that propelled one woman to the top of her category was thrilling.

When we were done, the committee and I were confident in and proud of the 10 honorees.

Women who work face myriad underlying issues that can make it difficult to succeed, from earning 80 cents for each dollar men make – lucky us, it’s 84 cents in Colorado – to sexism, discrimination

and that ever-present glass ceiling. Despite those difficulties, or perhaps because of them, the women on these pages work tirelessly. They are aspirational, they support others, they always show up and they always lend a hand. These are the women we would like to be if we ever grow up. They are the women we want to be our best friends. And they’re the women we want to be our supervisors, colleagues and desk mates.

Here at Ballantine Communications, Inc., we’re lucky to have many aspirational women employed with us across all of our products, from The Journal and The Durango Herald to Adventure Pro, DGO, Directory Plus, Dorado Brand Studio, BCI Media Services and Four Corners Expos.

We are incredibly thankful for the support we received from the community, and, more importantly, the yearning that our community has to honor the women who help us thrive.

This edition is about those women: Our top 10 honorees, the 128 women nominated and all the women who contribute to improving our lives every day.

Thank you for taking this journey with us.

The Professional Women's Dream N e t w o r k o f D uBig rango's wildly popular event is back!

The Vault is a gym in Durango, CO designed to support the fitness goals of all clients. Co-owners Donnis Dolso and Jessika Buell serve a diverse clientele by focusing on the physical and psychological aspects of working out.

Region 9 partnered with Bank of Colorado to help Donnis and Jessika receive loan funding to grow The Vault.

Region 9 is celebrating 30 years supporting women owned and operated businesses.

Plan Well

Tuesday, February 12th | 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Learn more at

scan.org

The Underground, downstairs at The Irish Embassy

Bring your business cards and good energy for fast-paced connections with other local boss babes. $10 atWomen’s the door gets of you a The Professional Network Durango presents thebigger opportunity for women the Four appetizers.

Corners to gather network and in delicious in a collaborative environment and make connections that inspire personal and promptly professional support Cash Bar. Speed rounds begin at 5:30,growth, latecomers will not business be admitted. and personal goals, and enrich lives.

Learn more about our mission and become a member at

Learn more about our upcoming events and become a member atpwndurango.com pwndurango.com.

@pwndurango WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

5

M E E T T H E

Selection

Jessika

Karen

Though she began her career as a teacher, Jessika Buell soon moved to sales and marketing.

After nearly seven years in that role with Okland Construction, she launched her own appbased errand-running company, Lucky Services, where she has 50 employees. In 2016, she opened her second business, Marketing Concepts Squared.

“I love getting to know other business owners,” Buell said.

“The people, hands down, are some of the most supportive, kindest, greatest people I have ever met.” In 2017, she purchased a local gym and now co-owns The Vault. In 2019, she was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the Durango Chamber of Commerce. She has two sons with whom she enjoys hiking, snowboarding and playing hockey.

Karen Sheek is a retired educator, former business owner, volunteer, mother of two and has been the mayor of Cortez since 2016, a role she sought after serving on the city council. She moved to the area with her husband, John, in 1975 after he was hired as a park ranger at Mesa Verde National Park.

“We liked the area and it was close to my family that lived in Phoenix, so we stayed,” she said. “Cortez became our home.” She taught thousands of students at Cortez Middle School over 30 years, and was co-owner of the catering company Seas’nings, LLC, and the Seas’nings at 319 venue for private parties and full-service afternoon teas. To relax, Sheek enjoys reading and gardening.

BUELL

Pearl

E. CASIAS The first female chairwoman to serve on the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, Pearl E. Casias recently completed her fourth term, but she still collaborates with the Ignacio community and tribal elders on numerous projects.

She is currently working on updating the Ute dictionary, constructing the Colorado Department of Education’s Ute curriculum, mapping Southern Ute lineage and sharing her culture and traditional values with those who are interested.

“I like to be involved,” Casias said. “Most of the involvement I get is with the tribe.” She also serves as a board member for Pathkeepers for Indigenous Knowledge, the Fort Lewis College Fundraising Foundation, Indigena Capital and the Ignacio Community Library.

6

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

SHEEK

Sharon CRAIG

Sharon Craig owns and operates Meadowbrook Mobile Home Park in Ignacio with her husband, Clark. For years, Craig’s focus was raising their three daughters as they moved around the country for Clark’s career before landing in Ignacio in 2017. She joined the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce as an elected officer in 2018. That year, she was elected town trustee and was appointed as the Ignacio representative for the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance. “It is a small community,” she said.

“And because of the way it is situated with the Southern Ute Tribe around it, it will always be a small community. But the people are great, and we are so lucky to have so many things.”

Committee Krii

Lynn

While planning her wedding, Durango native and Fort Lewis College graduate Krii Black developed a passion for the wedding industry and became certified by the Association of Bridal Consultants. After coordinating events for Durango Party Rental, she launched her own business, LePlatt’s Pond.

She also works with Rodan + Fields, and runs Shine Bright, Inc., with Rodan + Fields, mentoring a team of 1,500. A rancher’s wife and mother of two, Black focuses on building positive relationships. “We have a very large network of women that we work with daily to inspire them to do big things with their life,” she said. “Being a part of that journey and supporting them from day one has been really remarkable.”

As the president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado, Lynn Urban works with other nonprofits and individuals to help residents build more stable lives by focusing on education, health and personal finance. “I have met so many fascinating, interesting and talented people,” she said. “I have learned a lot from a lot of them.

New people keep coming to the community and bringing their talents, so it is always new and interesting here.” A former instructor and college dean, she also owns and operates College Plaza Laundry in partnership with her husband, Jeff. As recent empty nesters, they are spending more time riding bikes, playing with their pets and going to movies.

BLACK

Regina

LOPEZWHITESKUNK Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, and an advocate for animals and the environment. Born and raised in Towaoc, she attended school in Cortez and continued her education in Montana and Illinois. Lopez-Whiteskunk is a former co-chairwoman of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and a Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe councilmember. She currently serves on the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. She enjoys working on various boards and committees to generate conversation and change for the community. “We are awake. We are alert. We are aware,” she said.

“The engagement is energizing.”

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, participating in traditions and powwows and reading with a cup of hot tea.

URBAN

Kelly

DiGIACOMO In her role as the special events coordinator for the Women’s Resource Center, Kelly DiGiacomo works on fundraising, sponsorships and events that support the nonprofit’s mission of helping local women, a pursuit close to her heart. She has volunteered in the community since attending Fort Lewis College in the 1990s. “It’s just been really important for me to stay involved,” DiGiacomo said.

“There’s an intimacy in this town that I am really impressed with, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else because of it.”

DiGiacomo also has her real estate license. In her free time, she enjoys yoga and spending time with her three children.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

7

Arts & Culture

SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Blacksmith

artist, owner of

Iron Maegan Metalworks

e d u c at i o n

University of the

Arts (bachelor’s

degree in

metalsmithing), Cranbrook

Academy of Art

(master’s degree

in metalsmithing)

Maegan CROWLEY 8

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Sparking Creativity

BLACKSMITH ARTIST CREATES DELICATE SCULPTURES IN METAL

M

aegan Crowley is a fiery spirit. She is an artist, Crowley’s art is influenced by the natural landscape, blacksmith and educator, as well as owner of and she loves the challenge of making metal look alive Iron Maegan Metalworks in Dolores. and delicate.

Crowley specializes in creating custom “I am inspired by plants, but I am not trying to duplicate metal structures: signs, sculptures, door handles, any specific plant,” Crowley said. “I am trying to duplicate fireplace accessories, railings and more. She handles the way they grow or where they are in their life cycle. I every detail from design to development. don’t see a lot of people doing it. And that is actually what “Although I got into metal work as an artist, I also do a I am trying to do: Make things I haven’t seen before.” lot of commission work, production and commercial work,” While sculptures are her favorite pieces to work on, Crowley said.

Crowley also enjoys helping clients bring their Her skills and techniques are unique, and “I love creating own ideas to life. each completed project is an incredible work She is currently working on a project for a really organic of art. However, she didn’t always know she resort in Utah that involves melting aluminum would be a blacksmith. She discovered the sculptures. But and pouring the metal into a slab of wood. She profession through a program at the University said the company tried to work with a couple if I am doing of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. of other artists who thought the request “When I first went to college, I started as fabricating or was too weird before they found her custom a classical musician,” Crowley said. “In high portfolio. She likes the challenge. jobs for other school I always had art classes and I loved “It’s hard, and I like working hard,” Crowley art. When I got to college, I had a scholarship said.

“It’s just kind of part of who I am now, so people, I really to go for music, but when I got there, they I don’t know how to separate it. It’s the only like making had an awesome jewelry and metalsmithing thing I know how to do, except teach.” program. I didn’t even know you could go to Teaching comes naturally for Crowley. She things perfect.” college for that.” was invited to teach at many of the programs Crowley switched her major to jewelry she attended as a student, and routinely works making. Toward the end of her senior year, her class with local schools to provide educational experiences for made tools designed to add texture to the jewelry and children through demonstrations and field trips. she was fascinated.

Crowley is focused on creating a balance between Mostly self-taught, Crowley became an expert at her art, family and work. She wakes up in the morning, forging, forming, grinding, welding and finish work. While drops her daughter off at school and then drives just two working as head of the blacksmithing department at Peters blocks to her shop. She lights a fire, turns on her music Valley School of Craft’s Education Center in Layton, New and creates.

Jersey, she met her husband, Gene Reininger.

“Success is being creative and being happy,” Reininger, though from New Jersey, was living in Crowley said. “I feel happier because I have Dolores. Crowley loved the small town, the people and the this creative outlet.” l landscape. While trying to decide whether to move, she sold some of her artwork. “That was kind of like a sign to go,” she said.

Crowley moved 33,000 pounds of blacksmithing equipment to Montezuma County. While she searched for an open space for a shop in Dolores, she worked for a welding company in Durango. After two years, she opened her shop on Central Avenue.

Now, 15 years later, residents can find her sculptures at local businesses, parks and trailheads in the region.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

9

Caregiver and Educator

NIF T Y N A NNY CRE AT ES NEW C H I L D C AR E B U S I N E SS M O D E L

V

10

ivienne McIntyre has big things ahead of her.

Her athletic prowess paid off. The summer after McIntyre is the brain behind Nifty Nanny, a graduating from Durango High School, McIntyre took a child care business and app-based babysitting softball training camp at Fort Lewis College where she was service in Durango. offered a partial scholarship.

Each day she arrives at the Smiley Building, While attending FLC, she began to babysit to earn where she spends time with school-age children. money. As word of her skills spread, she went from Together, “Miss Vivienne” and the children play games, watching one or two children a couple days a week, to create arts and crafts, participate in dance and yoga classes eight children, five days a week. and go on field trips around Durango.

“All I had to do was show up, and bring my cart of crafts McIntyre’s education philosophy is inspired and games. Every summer since then, it has by her homeschooling experience with her just grown and grown and grown,” she said.

“I’m just four sisters, where each had their own desk With encouragement from parents, and supplies facing a chalkboard inside a McIntyre created a summer camp and giving it my small white shed with a red door. named the business Nifty Nanny. Charles all, pouring “I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher Shaw, owner of the Smiley Building, allowed in some aspect,” she said. “Some of my favorite McIntyre to use the space as a central my heart memories growing up are in our house in meeting point. She worked with the children and soul into Evansville, Indiana. It was a huge corner lot on academic activities in the morning and with plenty of room for us to run around. We took them to places like parks, museums everything.” had a schoolhouse in the backyard.” and the library for fun and educational McIntyre said they also participated in experiences in the afternoon. homeschool cooperatives in the area, where they had After graduating from FLC in 2014, she worked for classes like oil painting and sign language. She started Durango School District 9-R while maintaining the business attending public school in middle school. During her junior for two years. During that time, she realized her personal year of high school, she moved to Durango and attended beliefs about child care and education did not match that Grace Preparatory Academy for one semester before of the public school system. In fall 2016, she decided to not transferring to Durango High School to play softball her return to teaching, and to instead focus on her business. senior year.

“I wanted to see if I could make this happen for myself,” “By that time, it was my fourth high school so I she said. was pretty burnt out with social life and did not want Her husband, Patrick, helped her set up a classroom at to make any friends,” she said. “I just focused on my the Smiley Building and she was ready to take the business athletics and academics.” to the next level. It was a success, and after little more than a year she moved into a larger room with space for 25 children. Her business has continued to expand, and she now has nine part-time employees.

McIntyre would like to have her own school that would be a homeschool cooperative or community enrichment center, where children and parents can engage in educational experiences side by side.

“As I’ve grown and as I’ve had my business, what my school will look like has changed a little bit,” she said.

“Parent participation is just really important in kids’ lives. I think parents would feel more welcomed and maybe even more willing to participate.” l

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Emerging SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Owner of

Nifty Nanny e d u c at i o n

Fort Lewis College

(bachelor’s degree in elementary education)

Vivienne McINTYRE WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

11

The Spaaah Shop and Day Spa offers luxurious treatments for the whole body using only the best products like Eminence Organic skincare and bare Minerals makeup. Our highly trained staff is ready to pamper you in our tranquil atmosphere so we invite you to come experience all that we have to offer.

934 Main Avenue, Durango, CO | 970.375.1866 | Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm | Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

FZA’s Management Team: Sidny Zink, CPA; Charles Fredrick, CPA, CGMA; Michelle Sainio, CPA, CGMA; and John Lopez, CPA, CGMA.

“

If You Can Laugh Together…You Can Work Together.”

— Robert Orben, Comedy Writer

What do comedy and accounting have in common? People.

Men, Women, Young, Old(er). None of us does it alone. You can be a great comedian, but if no one is there to laugh are you funny?

Each of our FZA team members has individual strengths and personalities. And we know we can only instill Confidence in our clients, help everyone Perform at the highest level, and be Accountable to each other only if we have each other.

So in this premier issue of Women in Business, FZA salutes the women of FZA and those in this amazing business community, and also the teams of people who make doing business in this great place just plain fun!

CONFIDENCE. PERFORMANCE. ACCOUNTABILITY.

954 East 2nd Avenue #201 | Durango, CO | 970-247-0506 | durangocpas.com

12

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

CONGRATULATIONS TO SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS! Fun for the Ladies: • Tuesday Ladies Night • Craft Nights in partnership with Pine River Public Library • Yoga and Mimosas Sunday mornings

FEMALE-OWNED BUSINESS Proud to support women and communities throughout La Plata County.

(970) 884-9155 · 39848 HWY 160, GEM VILLAGE, CO

CHECK OUT ALL THE HAPPENINGS AT THEBILLYGOATSALOON.COM

Owner Julie Cifuni

“I have lived in Durango since 2001 and have used indoor cycling as a way to stay in shape for the amazing biking season we have here. Over the years I have seen the boutique cycling industry grow and decided Durango is ready. Axiom offers a high energy, contemporary twist on indoor cycling in a non-intimidating and fun environment. Whether you are training for a race or simply getting back in to fitness, we have the classes you want!”

FIRST RIDE IS FREE!

Visit axiomcyclingstudio.com for details or find us on Mindbody.

225 East 8th Avenue Durango, CO 970-764-4944 WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

13

Fitness

SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Owner of

Evolution Gym,

CrossFit Cortez e d u c at i o n

University of

North Carolina, Asheville

(bachelor’s

degrees in

sociology and

Spanish)

Ellen SHINKLE 14

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

A Little Sweat, a Lot of Heart GY M OW N E R W E LCO M E S E V E RY ‘ B O DY ’

E

llen Shinkle lies on her stomach in the middle She continued to share her fitness knowledge with of her studio, surrounded by eight sweaty others while working a gym in Cortez before friends students. Today, the strength skill focus is strict pushed her to open Evolution Gym, CrossFit Cortez in April pushups. As the class takes a breath, Shinkle 2017. demonstrates different varieties of the pushup.

“I went into it thinking ‘Oh, I’ll just rent this place for six Then she hops up with a smile, and encourages months to see if I can make it,’” she said. “It was very scary, the group to try each one. and very nerve-wracking but very exciting.”

Slowly spinning to observe each person’s form, Shinkle started to work with about 10 clients. After six she shares a few facts about which muscles are being months, she looked at her operating expenses and decided targeted. Now it’s time for the day’s workout: cardio, to give it another six months. Word spread, and soon she gymnastics and weightlifting. had more people participating each month. By spring 2018, “Programming is fun,” Shinkle said. “I like to teach a lot, she knew she had made it. so there is always some sort of skill we are “I think the coolest thing is I get to come working on. I’ll come up with four or five to work every day and love it,” she said.

“I just knew things we are going to work on for six to eight “There are some days where it feels like a lot, weeks, and then shift it.” but it is totally worthwhile.” this is where I The owner and founder of Evolution Gym, Today, Shinkle’s gym has 55 members. wanted to be.

CrossFit Cortez has always been an athlete.

There are an average of five classes a day, Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, she and clients meet with Shinkle or one of I don’t know competed in gymnastics and soccer. However, her five employees for personal training how, it just when she went to college, she discovered between classes. Though 75 percent of her rock climbing and fell in love with the sport. gym members are female, she takes pride happened.”

Her passion to stay active, combined with in providing a space for everyone and every her new love for the outdoors, led her to “body.” the West. She first worked for the National Outdoor Shinkle encourages people to worry less about a number Leadership School Program, before moving to wilderness on the scale, and more on liking the way they look. To therapy at the Aspen Achievement Academy in Loa, Utah, reach that goal, she creates personalized programs for the first licensed wilderness therapy program in the state. every person. And with each client’s success comes some She enjoyed working with at-risk teens because she was personal success for Shinkle. one herself, she said. In Utah, she met the people who “I want to be the place that you can go if you’re nervous started Open Sky Wilderness Therapy in Durango and left about working out. You can feel comfortable and not Utah to work there. intimidated in a gym,” she said. “Everyone starts out the “I helped start that program,” she said. “I eventually was same. We set goals and make plans.” l the field and operations director for four years. And then it was time to do something else. It’s a lifestyle, working in that field. It is amazing; so it is hard because nothing is as good as that.”

After leaving Open Sky in 2012, Shinkle said she needed to reinvent herself. She worked for a few guide companies and as a mentor and substitute teacher for Southwest Open School, then got the job as coordinator for Montezuma Inspire Coalition.

“She’s a very open person,” said Matthew Keefauver, director of Southwest Open School. “She completely meets people where they are at, and educates them.”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

15

Train.Grow.Prosper.

Curious about

CrossFit? ›› Start with the basics in a safe environment. ›› Free Introduction classes will be offered mid March, space will be limited so email us today to inquire/ sign up. ›› Moving from a 1000 sq ft facility to a 6000 sq ft. facility early March

CREDENTIALS ›› Certified Personal Trainer ›› CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Meet Ellen Shinkle.

Owner and Head Coach at Evolution Gym, home of CrossFit Cortez.

Come Train With Us!

www.crossfitcortez.com ›› 970-403-5238 ›› info@crossfitcortez.com ›› 15 N Maple St. Cortez, CO. 81321

(970) 247-8454 www.rappcorral.com

Giving Girls Grit Since 1983 - Anne Rapp

In Every Woman There’s a Queen!

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

17

Showing Off Durango TO UR ISM H E A D ENJ OYS SH A R I N G T H E CO LO R AD O S H E LOV E S

E

18

very month, thousands of visitors stop by the In 2013, Shepard joined the Durango Welcome Center Durango Welcome Center at the corner of Main under then-Executive Director Bob Kunkel. She instantly Avenue and Eighth Street in downtown Durango, loved sharing her favorite off-road adventures or hiking where Visitor Services and Operations Manager trails with visitors. But one of her biggest challenges was Grace Shepard is responsible for providing a and continues to be teaching tourists to “Leave No Trace.” quality experience to each one.

“We try to be true stewards and ambassadors of our Shepard leads a team of 10 women who engage area,” she said. “We try to educate in a friendly way. We are with guests, answer their questions and provide a great playground, but don’t leave the playground a mess.” directions. When tourists want to experience life like a Shepard also works with groups visiting for large local, the group suggests accommodations, gatherings like conferences, events, reunions “(Tourism) is community events and restaurant options and weddings. When she is not assisting based on their interests. and educating visitors, she is handling the one of the main “I really like helping the visitor,” Shepard center’s operations. Shepard maintains economic drivers the building and the parking lot nearby, said. “It is so rewarding to share my Colorado with someone. People want to experience and orders office supplies for the other of our town, so your place like they actually live here.” businesses in the building. we need to get Shepard was born and raised on the Nora Stafford, a retired teacher who Western Slope, so she knows the region well. works with Shepard, said the work Shepard it right.”

Her background and hospitality experience as puts into the center makes locals and a hotelier help her grow the number of people who visit tourists feel comfortable. the Durango Welcome Center each year.

“Grace has an eye for design, and is not afraid to “I’ve been in hospitality most of my adult career,” she get her hands dirty, climb a ladder or get the drill out,” said. “I got into tourism in 2008. Carrie Whitley [now Stafford said. “Grace genuinely cares about the clients that chairwoman of Durango Area Tourism Ogranization’s board advertise at the Welcome Center. She takes the time to of directors] hired me, and I ran the little kiosk that is next establish relationships and come up with unique designs to the coffee company for two summers. I did what we that promote their businesses.” call the Durango Tango,” —having numerous side hustles in Shepard said those relationships with business owners addition to having a primary job. are important to the success of tourism in Durango. In 2017, she took over advertising in the center to better showcase the variety of local attractions.

“We have all the outdoor adventure, but then the arts and culture is amazing,” she said. “And the other is culinary. I have a lot of one-on-one relationships with business owners on Main Street. A lot of our industry partners will invite us out, so that we can experience their food or product so that we can help visitors make informed decisions.”

She spends the day on her feet, both in her building and walking along Main Avenue to chat with business owners.

In her free time, Shepard participates in the Business Improvement District’s ambassador program.

She’s inspired by European travel writer Rick Steves, as well as by stories from potential visitors and satisfied guests.

“I just want to be the best I can be in this industry and know that I have helped so many people,” Shepard said. “I get emails and little notes, but it’s what I do. You give and you get back a lot.” l

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Tourism

SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Visitor services and operations manager,

Durango

Welcome Center e d u c at i o n

Rocky Mountain College of

Art + Design

(bachelor’s degree

in interior design)

Grace SHEPARD WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

19

You bet your caboose we are proud of our ladies!

725 E 2nd Ave Durango, CO 81301 (970) 385-6884 Closed Sunday

723 E 2nd Ave Durango, CO 81301 (970) 385-0105

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! Tamme Buckley, is a long-time Colorado resident and restaurant owner. She has been in the business for 30 years, and has owned two other restaurants. She purchased Cyprus and Eno in May 2018, and is proud to continue its womanowned and operated legacy.

If you stop by either Cyprus or Eno on any given day, chances are you will run into Tamme working alongside her staff.

Please feel free to say hello and introduce yourself. She loves meeting the people who frequent her restaurants!

THIS PAIR OF AWARDWINNING RESTAURANTS ARE THE PERFECT PLACE FOR: • Business Lunches • Remote Work • Workshops and Meetings • Special Events & more!

We are proud to be a local business lead by strong women staffed by exceptional female employees.

to all the Southwest Colorado Women in Business winners!

726 E. 2nd Avenue · Durango, CO 81301 970-385-1920 · www.rochesterhotel.com WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

21

Outstanding Woman

SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Executive director of Four Corners Child Advocacy Center; volunteer director of Renew, Inc. e d u c at i o n

Missouri Southern State University (associate degree in law enforcement, bachelor’s degree in criminal justice); Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas (master’s degree in communication); University of Missouri, Columbia (doctorate in communications) professional o rg a n i z at i o n s

National Children’s Alliance

22

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Rose JERGENS

An Advocate for Children NONPROFIT HEAD TAKES ON TWO JOBS TO HELP ORGANIZATIONS THRIVE

R

ose Jergens is an advocate for children who She accepted the position to serve Montezuma and suffer from abuse, neglect and violence. Day Dolores counties, as well as the Ute Mountain Ute and after day, she breaks barriers built by, and Southern Ute Indian tribes. “I wanted to make it the very between, families, their communities and the best child advocacy center in a rural community,” she said. social justice system, and speaks for the best “It was kind of an experiment.” interests of the children.

Aside from fundraising, her first priority was engaging As executive director of the Four Corners Child the youth-focused organizations in the community. That Advocacy Center in Cortez, Jergens is responsible for meant going to churches, nonprofit organizations and creating a safe space for children and adolescents schools to teach others to identify and report signs and while law enforcement conduct symptoms of abuse, neglect and violence. investigations. She emphasizes the health and “The reality is most people don’t “One of the well-being of the victims during every step of understand what their responsibility is to biggest things an investigation. reporting,” she said. “More than that, is Inspired by one of her high school teachers becoming passionate about it. If kids are that is most to pursue social work, Jergens initially worked our passion, then we need to take on that critical when as a counselor at a church camp, where she responsibility.” discovered she wanted a career working with When a former executive at Renew, we work with children and teenagers.

Inc., an organization that assists victims of this population “When I got my undergraduate degree, I domestic violence and sexual assault, was went into criminal justice,” she said. “I really charged with theft and placed on leave, is that we don’t wanted to be a juvenile officer, so I got Jergens volunteered to step in to ensure lose sight of who the nonprofit could continue to serve the an internship my senior year with a local juvenile office.” community. With her husband’s assistance, we are when Jergens was hired in 1994 as a deputy she dove into the books and balanced the we start. We juvenile officer in Jasper County, Missouri. Her budget to save the nonprofit from losing responsibilities included assessing abused, start because we funding. Jergens spent about five months delinquent or neglected minors, suggesting contacting and communicating with funders, want to help treatment plans, monitoring cases and developing an advisory group and helping testifying in court. She worked with both Renew wrap up end-of-year responsibilities. people.” criminals and victims, but she often found “The funding is all stable now,” she said. herself leaving courtrooms and meetings with “We were able to start the new year on an uneasy feeling. schedule and caught up. We actually had $28,000 extra, “I really felt like I was creating criminals,” she said. and one of our funders let us buy all new safehouse Jergens went back to school to get her master’s degree furniture and appliances.” in communication while working as a graduate teaching Jergens is looking forward to placing the right person assistant at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. in the position to lead Renew.

Then she earned a doctorate in communication from “Right now, they are at a place where I could hand the University of Missouri, Columbia. Her educational this off to somebody and be comfortable about it,” she pursuits led her to research the ideal model and said. “What a great group of women that are super standards for a child advocacy center, and her new goal passionate about what they are doing. They was to run her own. just need some good support.” l In 2008, Jergens said her husband, Jay Wood, discovered Four Corners Child Advocacy Center was hiring a new director, so she applied. She drove to Colorado with her son to scope out the area. They camped overnight and she prepared for her interview in a KOA bathroom. Less than a week later, she was offered the job.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

23

Family Physician Kicki Searfus, MD Revolutionizing the Delivery of Healthcare

to individuals and employers Providing comprehensive primary care from Pediatrics to Geriatrics

Serving the community since 2006 Partnering with local businesses to elevate our community

With Direct Primary Care, Dr. Searfus is turning healthcare on its head!

Experience quality care like you've never had before.

Join the HealthCare Revolution.

970.385.1770 | mountainviewtlc.com 100 Jenkins Ranch Road, Suite D, Durango, CO 81301

The Talented Women of Durango Land and Homes

CHRISTINA RINDERLE

AMBER JOHNSON

HEIDI McDANIEL

JANENE BETTIN

JOLA SCHRAUB

Broker Associate/Owner christina@durango.net (970) 946-2279

Broker Associate amber@landandranch.com (970) 946-5732

Broker Associate heidi@durango.net 970-759-7870

Broker Associate janene.bettin@gmail.com (970) 318-0291

Office Manager jola@durango.net (970) 828-2222

528-A Main Ave, Durango

(970) 828-2222

homes@durango.net

durangolandandhomes.com

RILEY Public Relations Director

24

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Changing the face of education Enhancing the educational experience for students in Durango School District 9-R Scholarships | Grants | Fiscal Agency

Durango

Education Foundation

970.385.1491 durangoeducationfoundation.org

Co-Vice Presidents: Lisa Leininger, Mary Kay Stewart and Executive Director, Diana Cruz

SMG Women’s & Family Health Erin Schmitt, DO, MPH, FACOG (OB/GYN) Marcy LePique, MD (OB/GYN) (970) 564-2662 Kameo Smith, DO (Family Practice w/ OB) (970) 565-8556 1311-A N. Mildred Rd. Suite B & D, Cortez, CO 81321 WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

25

Building Community, One Home at a Time R E A LTOR CRE AT ES T H E D UR AN GO O F H E R D R E AM S

C

hristina Rinderle is a local business owner, “At the time, I was the youngest female to be elected to licensed Realtor, public servant and volunteer. city council,” she said. “It was a such a neat experience.”

Her passion for the environment led her She served two terms, focusing on finding resolutions to pursue a degree in environmental science. in the community. During her time in office, she invested After graduation, she worked with a team of in open space and helped people find common ground on researchers and biologists to create the first native contentious issues like cannabis businesses and vacation plants nursery and nature preserve for the Colorado rentals. She also worked to have accessory dwelling units River Indian Tribes in Southern Arizona. approved by the city.

In 1999, she moved to Durango for a job opportunity “I’m such a firm believer in local government,” she said. with Ecosystem Management International, and was also “On a local level, I feel like your voice is heard and you can working as a waitress at Carver Brewing Co., really effect change.” when she met developer Phil Bryson. He was In 2010, John Wells recruited Rinderle to “I’m constantly working on renovating a 110-year-old building work for him at The Wells Group. She earned trying to to create 64 offices and five shared meeting her real estate license and began helping spaces on Main Avenue among existing others find homes in Durango. In 2015, she left network and restaurants and retail establishments.

The Wells Group to run Durango Land and match people Rinderle embraced his vision for Homes with her life partner, Chris Bettin. creating a more vibrant downtown, using “This allowed me to branch out a little bit with their centrally located space and sustainable and continue working with people,” Rinderle dream home.” building practices. She became an office said. “I felt great about being able to help manager at the completed Durango Office people through that process. It’s not just Suites in 2001, and decided to help Bryson with his next about the transaction. It’s about helping a person get from project, Crossroads Durango. This included planning for one chapter of their life to the next.” construction of the four-story, mixed-use building.

When Rinderle bought her first home in Hesperus in “She was really great with people and details and 2000, she said the process was overwhelming. So now, she managing,” Bryson said. “She was amazing at taking that works twice as hard to make the transition both fun and vision and making it happen. It really was a game-changer.” smooth for other homebuyers. She loves that each day is a Rinderle took on project management for Bryson, which challenge because each customer is different. included scheduling meetings, completing contracts, sales “I get to meet new people every day,” she said. “It’s and marketing and coordinating with the city to get the not about connecting them with a property. It’s about project approved. connecting them with the community.”

“You have to reach a balance, between parking Rinderle works to improve Durango through regulations, for example, and being able to do infill volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County, development and vibrant renovation,” Rinderle said. “It Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado and created this really neat synergy with downtown.”

Trails 2000. She was a founding board member After working with Bryson for nearly nine of the La Plata County Economic Development years, she was inspired to be more involved in Alliance, and is the community chairwoman the community. In 2008, friends encouraged for KSUT Public Radio’s capital campaign. her to run for the Durango City Council. She She also donates a percentage of each won, receiving the most votes in that election, home sale to local charities and nonprofits, which meant she would be mayor the which is modeled after a program following term. at The Wells Group. l

The office dog, Riley

26

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Homes

SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Co-owner of Durango Land and Homes e d u c at i o n

Purdue University (bachelor’s in environmental science) professional o rg a n i z at i o n s

Christina RINDERLE

La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, Leadership La Plata, Colorado Municipal League, Green Business Roundtable

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

27

WRC 2019

March is National Women’s History Month.

The 2019 theme is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.”

28

R

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Extraordinary Woman achel Turiel has been named the 2019 Turiel said most people want the same thing, Extraordinary Woman by the Women’s and nonviolent communication is a process of Resource Center for her work in understanding individual needs and coming together nonviolent communication. as a couple, family, business or organization to Turiel teaches workshops and five-week courses resolve animosity and disagreements. in nonviolent communication to “If you learn these skills, it individuals, couples and groups. doesn’t mean that you won’t have “A lot of conflict The classes focus on authenticity conflict,” she said. “But it means and awareness, how we express that conflict isn’t so scary. If we happens because feelings, and the core cause for the could take a step back from our we haven’t been feelings that lead us to use violent strategies and connect on the fact communication like accusations, that we all want the same thing, trained to know blame, criticisms, demands, it might change the way that we what is in our judgment and ridicule. dialogue.”

“It’s a consciousness that asks Though teaching people to hearts and what is what is important to all of us and know and believe in their needs important to us.” how can we express that in a way is challenging, Turiel believes that builds connection,” Turiel said. changing the way we relate to one She has helped groups such as Ska Brewing Co., another also changes lives.

Yoga Durango and La Plata County Civil Dialogue “I love seeing how relieved people feel,” she to create collaborative environments and navigate said. “I love seeing people go from stuck and disagreements. She guides people through real-life trapped in their relationships, to relief and open scenarios that showcase where conflict arises. flow of communication.”

“We have more in common than we The Women’s Resource Center will host its think,” she said. “One principle of nonviolent Extraordinary Women Award Dinner at 5:30 p.m. communication is that conflict usually happens March 6 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Durango. at the level of strategy.”

Tickets are available at wrcdurango.org l

Visionary Women

Champions of Peace & Nonviolence About Women’s History Month Since 1981, our country has set aside a special time each year to recognize extraordinary women in our nation’s history.

The Women’s Resource Center in Durango will host a series of events throughout the month of March to celebrate and honor women who have inspired, educated and made all of us aware of the issues facing women and girls in society today.

Events • March 1 – Chocolate & Wine Tasting, 5:00 p.m., Animas Chocolate Company, 920 Main Ave., Durango. Join us in honoring Morley Ballantine!

Stop by our office to purchase your $25 tickets, or go to www.WRCdurango.org.

• March 6 – Extraordinary Women Award dinner, 5:30 p.m. @ DoubleTree by Hilton, 501 Camino del Rio, Durango. Each year the Women’s Resource Center honors extraordinary women in our community. Join us for a delicious dinner and awards presentation honoring extraordinary women in our community! Stop by our office to purchase your $50 tickets, or go to www.WRCdurango.org.

• March 12 –PWN of Durango, 5:00pm @ Urban Market, 865 Main Ave, Durango. Purchase your $10 tickets at the door.

• March 25 – Womenade, 5:30 p.m. @ the Rochester Hotel, 726 E 2nd Ave., Durango. $35 donation at the door!

• Month of March – Star Liquors, 1485 Florida Road, Suite C-100, Durango. Star Liquors will donate $1 to the Women’s Resource Center for every bottle of Kendall Jackson wine sold!

• For more information on additional events happening this month visit our website:www.WRCdurango.org

Donate If you’d like to make a donation to the Women’s Resource Center, visit our website at www.WRCdurango.org! Thank you!

679 E 2nd Ave, Unit 6 Durango, CO 81301 970-247-1242 | www.WRCdurango.org

Sponsors

Medical Professional/ Caregiver

SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

President and CEO of C & G Health Care Management e d u c at i o n

Indiana Tech (associate degree in nursing), LPN, numerous continuing education programs in administration, insurance, senior care and long-term care professional o rg a n i z at i o n s

American Health Care Association, Colorado Health Care Association, Club 20, New Mexico Health Care Association

30

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Joyce HUMISTON

Putting People First A DVOCAT E F OR S E N I O R S P US H E S F O R TO P - N OTC H C ARE

J

oyce Humiston thinks that most people make policy and procedure, made decisions, managed finances health care too complicated. and purchased supplies. One year later, in 1998, the Colorado “Health care is exactly what it sounds like: Health Care Association & Center for Assisted Living named people’s health and caring for them,” she said. her Administrator of the Year.

“Put yourself in their shoes and be understanding Now, Humiston operates eight facilities in Colorado and of where they are coming from and New Mexico in her role as president and CEO what is going on in their life.” of C & G Health Care Management in Cortez.

“My message This advice comes from more than 37 years She has five partners and manages 650 has always been employees across Cortez, Mancos, Durango, of experience as a caregiver. Humiston grew up on a ranch in Mancos with four sisters. She Pagosa Springs, Del Norte, La Jara, Trinidad one of working left Colorado to pursue her nursing degrees in and Farmington. together, doing Indiana. In 1992, she was working as a traveling “I hear from my administrators by email, nurse in Las Vegas when her mom called her text or phone call every day,” Humiston said. the right thing about a job closer to home.

“We have people that have worked with me and building Richard Loucks wanted to open a nursing for 20-plus years.” home in Mancos, and he needed a director of Humiston credits those dedicated up minds that nursing. By that time, Humiston held nursing employees with success in the industry. She has can run this licenses in 10 states, and had experience with invested money and time into higher education geriatrics, pediatrics, psychiatry and intensive for employees, and continues to nurture their business.” care. And before working as a traveling nurse, growth in the health care industry. she was the assistant director of nursing and care plan “I was given an opportunity in 1992 to get involved in coordinator for a health care facility in West Central Indiana. something, and I grabbed it,” she said. “What I did with that She invested money in Loucks’ nursing home, The Valley Inn, opportunity? I did not do this alone. The smartest thing I did with no intention of working there. But when offered the as a businesswoman was surround myself with smart people.” opportunity, she accepted the job.

Over the years, Humiston earned numerous awards for She took a pay cut and moved in with her parents at age her work, both as an advocate and businesswoman. Some 31. She lived there for a year while working 12-hour shifts at of those honors include the Joe Warner Award, presented the facility. by the American Health Care Association, and the Colorado “It was a brand new building, and I was determined to Health Care Association Vesta Bowden Distinguished make it successful,” she said. “I loved working with my Service Award for long-term care. nurses, teaching them what I know, and if I didn’t know, we Humiston was also appointed by former Rep. John Salazar would figure it out together.”

(D-Colo.) to serve 10 years as a delegate to the White After five years, Humiston stepped into the administrator House Conference on Aging, where she supported a plan position, and her responsibilities grew to include the to implement programs to train employees as certified business side of the industry. She attended meetings, created medication aides. Once the plan was approved, certified employees in the state of Colorado could administer drugs prescribed FACI LI TI ES by doctors to patients in nursing HUMI STON MANAGES homes, arming nurses with the Vista Grande Inn, Cortez skills needed to serve a growing The Valley Inn, Mancos population of older adults.

Cottonwood Inn, Durango “I have been fighting for our River Valley Inn, Del Norte elderly and disabled people in Trinidad Inn, Trinidad rural communities for so long,” Pine Ridge Extended Care Center, Pagosa Springs she said. “Those few people you Rio Grande Inn, La Jara touch in your life, they carry on Cedar Ridge Inn, Farmington, New Mexico the message.” l

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

31

Bold.

Strong.

Beautiful.

Trust your skin to the experts.

523 S Camino Del Rio Suite B · Durango, CO 970-247-1970 www.durangodermatology.com

Durango Rocks

2018 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

Best Aesthetics Clinic

Empowered women, Empower women !

25 Sunshine Ct, Durango, CO 81301 (970) 385-4090 website http://sunshinegardensseniors.com/

Sunshine Gardens:

We’re in the business of caring.

The Sweetest Gig

K ELSE A F ERRATO G O E S F RO M I N T E R N TO DI RECTOR OF MA RK E T I N G I N N I N E S H O RT Y E AR S

I

34

t is hard to have a bad day selling chocolate, “We are creating content and programs that are easily according to Kelsea Ferrato. She’s the director of deployable in small communities for our stores,” Ferrato marketing at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, said. “We are still a small business. Our corporate staff is where she started her journey in marketing and not very large. We don’t have the resources to be able to sales as a social media intern. directly manage social media for all the stores. So we have Born and raised in Durango, she participated in had to get kind of creative.” a youth exchange program in high school that ignited After earning her master’s degree, Ferrato was her interest in traveling, but after attending college in responsible for product development and online sales Santa Barbara, California, she missed the seasons. Ferrato as brand manager. Following flavor trends and attending returned to Colorado and earned her bachelor’s degree. trade shows are some of her favorite parts of product “I had come home for Christmas to see my development, but the greatest satisfaction mom, and she knew somebody who worked comes from seeing it fly off the shelves.

“Our team is so here at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory,” “I can see very clearly how much of a given she said. “They were looking for an intern of product we are selling out of the factory,” solid. I couldn’t sorts to help with social media policy.”

Ferrato said. “It’s a little more difficult for me ask for more In 2010, Ferrato was one of the first waves to see what that sell-through rate from the of people with access to Facebook. Senior store to the customer is.” She communicates support in Vice President of Sales and Marketing Ed with field support team members that act as our company.”

Dudley said the company wanted to invest in liaisons for franchise owners to help her fill in this tool, but they were not sure how to get those blanks. the franchise owners on board.

Her age and inexperience in a competitive field have “Social media was relatively new,” Dudley said. “We been some of her greatest obstacles. brought Kelsea in as an intern with the idea that she “When I came into the business, I was really young,” she would help us understand it, so that we could use it. said. “I’ve been with the company nine years. One of the We weren’t completely convinced that we could get biggest challenges was getting knocked down and learning everybody to participate.” to be a little bit more humble.”

Ferrato developed an online brand strategy and social Now, as director of marketing, she manages seven staff media policy for more than 300 Rocky Mountain Chocolate members. She also implemented a mentoring program Factory stores including the co-branded locations with to help employees find fulfilling positions and build U-Swirl and Cold Stone Creamery. She was quickly relationships within the company. Dudley said the program promoted to marketing coordinator, then to marketing has been successful. manager, where she began packaging information and “It allowed us to work across departments and at all photos for franchise owners to use on sites like Facebook, different levels of the organization,” he said. “What we Twitter and Pinterest. learned in those mentoring pairs is both people grew.”

For Ferrato, success is finding a way to steer the brand and company the right way, with founder and CEO Frank Crail’s dream in mind.

“For me, success means staying true to that brand, while still innovating and bringing the company forward,” she said. “So continuing to create opportunity for people, because that is what Frank really wanted (when he began the company) ­—a place to raise a family in a small town. There just aren’t that many opportunities like that in Durango. So as long as we continue to grow and prosper, we create a lot of opportunities for people in the community, too.” l

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Sales/ Professional SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Director of marketing at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory e d u c at i o n

Colorado State University (bachelor’s degree, majors in French and political science); University of Colorado, Denver (master’s degree in marketing management and leadership) professional o rg a n i z at i o n s

Kelsea FERRATO

Specialty Food Association, National Confectioners Association, Leadership La Plata

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

35

Winner of 2019 WIB

Congratulations from RMCF to all the extraordinary women in our community!

“The beauty of empowering others is that your own power is not diminished in the process.”

CONGRATULATIONS KELSEA!

Congratulatio

ns Andrea!

Celebrating Maria’s Extraordinary Women

StoneAge is honored to be part of recognizing the remarkable women in our community.

Thank you for all you’ve done to make our community more vibrant and diverse.

For 40 years, StoneAge has supported the personal and professional growth of our female employees through the creation of engaging jobs, rewarding career paths, and family friendly policies.

Today, over 25% of our workforce is made up of women, over 35% of our management positions are held by women, and our executive team is made up of 50% women.

We are also proud to support the Women’s Professional Network, the Women’s Resource Center, and many other female-focused causes.

466 South Skylane Drive | Durango, CO 81303

970-259-2869 WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

37

Business Owner

SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Co-owner of Maria’s Bookshop e d u c at i o n

Bowdoin College, Wesleyan University, Colorado College (bachelor’s degree in English) professional o rg a n i z at i o n s

American Booksellers Association, Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association, Independent Booksellers Consortium

38

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Andrea AVANTAGGIO

A Perfect Match

STORE OWN ER I S T H E ‘ H E ART O F T H E B O O KS H O P ’

W

ord on the street is Andrea Avantaggio is a master “If you believe in the First Amendment and the right to matchmaker. Share your interests and passions information, then what we do is a slightly subversive thing with her, and she will have you falling in love by because we can get any book for any person,” she said. “I’m the end of the night – with a good book, that is. not an outwardly political person, but I am an inwardly Avantaggio owns Maria’s Bookshop with her political person just by making that information available husband, Peter Schertz. Over the last 20 years at and by keeping a small, independent business going.” the shop, she has helped thousands of readers find A well-trained staff, at this time comprised of 19 their match. employees, is how she and her husband “Books feed peoples’ passions,” she said. balanced raising two children and owning a “I don’t think “When people are talking about that passion, business that is open 12 hours a day, seven you can just see it. And you get to be a part day a week. you will find of that thing that makes them spark.”

“Peter and I took this long view of ‘how do anyone that Whether a customer is looking for we do this, stay sane and not wake up in 20 a fantasy novel or learning a new skill, owns a bookshop years and realize our kids are off to college Avantaggio knows she can find the perfect and we haven’t seen them for 10 years?’” she that doesn’t book. It is a challenge she enjoys and is one of said. “So from the very beginning, we decided her favorite parts about owning a bookstore. that we were going to train our staff to be believe in the “It’s sort of like going to a wine shop for a able to take care of things.” idea that specific occasion, and those folks can find the Avantaggio and her team support the right wine for that,” she said. “Books are sort community through the bookshop. On top books can of the same way. People want an escape, or of organizing gatherings, she also hosts change lives.” they want to learn more information, or get events and fundraisers with regional libraries, their kids excited about reading. The best part nonprofits and other businesses. “Our favorite is when they come back and say that book thing to do is say ‘yes,’” she said. The couple was perfect.” has donated more than $10,000 in goods and services Originally from Maine, Avantaggio’s mother moved to annually and have helped more than 60 groups, according Durango when she left for college. After a summer working to the store’s website. in Durango at Colorado Trails Ranch, she fell in love with “It lets me be in the middle of this wonderful the Colorado outdoors. community without putting myself out there,” Avantaggio In 1989, she and Schertz settled in Durango. While said. “The bookshop is at the heart of the community in working working as a waitress at Carver Brewing Co., a lot of ways, and I just happen to be at the heart of Avantaggio heard about an opening at the bookshop and the bookshop.” l took on a second job under then-owner Dusty Teal.

After working for Teal for for six years, he offered Avantaggio and Schertz the opportunity to purchase Maria’s on the condition that they continue “serving characters of the Southwest.”

They dove in headfirst.

“It is a lot of having your finger on the pulse of the community,” Avantaggio said. “And Durango is a really fun community to sell books in that way, because there are so many pockets of interest.”

Avantaggio believes books can change lives. And although she does not often express her personal political interests, her job allows her to help her community make informed decisions.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

39

CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S

NOMINEES AND WINNERS

20 19

C&G Health Care

Visit All 8 of Our Sister Facilities at InnsOfTheSoutwest.org

The Valley Inn

Alzheimer’s Specialty Unit Country Setting in the Mancos Valley

970.533.9031

211 3rd Ave · Mancos

ALL FACILITIES OFFER

›› Skilled Nursing ›› Outstanding Rehabilitation Programs ›› Full Transportation ›› Enchanced Dining Programs ›› Residents Centered Activities ›› Medicare & Medicaid Certified ›› Private Insurace Accepted

“Where Quality in Life is Most Important” 40

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Cottonwood Inn Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center Located 6 Blocks east of Durango Mercy Regional Medical Center

970.828.1414

450 Prospector Ave · Durango

Vista Grande Inn

Next to Southwest Memorial Hospital

970.564.1122

680 E Hospital Drive · Cortez

Pine Ridge Extended Care Great Views of Continental Divide

970.731.4330

119 Bastille Drive · Pagosa Springs

AMBITIOUS TO FORGE GREEN FINGERS? You don’t need a huge garden or one that’s perfectly landscaped. You just need The Garden Project. Connect with classes, garden plots, volunteer opportunities, and community.

THEGARDENPROJECTSWCOLORADO.ORG | 970-259-3123 WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

41

Advocate for Seniors Retires SHELIA CA SEY SP EN T CAR E E R H E L P I N G T H E E L D E R LY

W

42

hen Sheila Casey was hired as the director of included instructors, bus drivers, home-chore workers Senior Services for La Plata County in 1999, and more. She said each staff member and volunteer is there were only two employees working to committed to serving older adults. provide support and assistance to seniors and Casey expanded the Meals on Wheels, which serves caregivers living here. Casey had only one goal: meals to more than 1,200 seniors in Durango, Bayfield and “Make this little piece of heaven accessible for all Ignacio. She also created Home Chore Services, which older adults.” provides seniors with assistance for tasks like errands and She came to Durango in 1990 and raised three children housework. And now, volunteers perform around 13,000 here. She worked as the homeless education director and hours of these chore services each year. lead teacher at the Durango Adult Education Center from She also made herself available to families with 1993 to 1997. questions about caregiving. She helped “The three things educate many people about resources There, she taught family education, life skills, stress management, job skills and available in the community, as well. She that (seniors) GED classes to adults with special needs in enjoyed communicating the importance of need the most classrooms, jails, safe houses and homeless programs that allow older adults to live at shelters. She also secured more than $30,000 home longer. are nutrition, each year to fund the organization’s homeless “When you work with other organizations, exercise and and family education programs. you really strengthen the whole community,” Her experience with adult education she said. “I wanted to participate in building socialization. programs stems from her work in the 1980s as a healthier community. So I got very And those are the involved, not only with the community, but the community education director at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, where at the state level.” most important she collaborated with other colleges and Casey gave a voice to seniors on the components of universities to expand the availability of their Western Slope by serving on the Colorado educational programs to 4,000 individuals Commission on Aging for eight years and healthy aging.” interested in continuing education.

Colorado’s AARP Executive Council for “I was working with the college to provide lifelong five years. She currently sits on the board for the local learning opportunities to older adults,” Casey said. “That Community Health Action Coalition. She said these was a wonderful precursor to building these programs, too. experiences were opportunities to learn more about the I really got a lot of joy out of developing programs that varied issues faced by different communities. would help them thrive.”

“The rural needs of seniors and older adults are Casey grew up with seven siblings in Des Moines. She very different than metropolitan needs,” Casey said. was an advocate for others from a young age, because her “We were able to provide legislative advocacy for youngest brother has special needs. Helping others was Southwest Colorado.” rewarding, so she tried to continue on the path of service.

Under her leadership, La Plata Senior Services received During her time at La Plata Senior Services, the center the El Pomar Award for Excellence and the National grew exponentially. By the time she retired, Casey managed Association of Human Services Innovation Award. Casey 35 staff members and more than 200 volunteers that said those awards are some of her greatest honors. In 2018, she was named the La Plata County Health Hero by the Community Health Action Coalition.

Casey recently retired, but still plans to work three days a week at her own consulting business. There, she will provide counseling services to caregivers and older adults and help residents navigate regional resources. She’ll also return to La Plata Senior Services to offer Medicare counseling, to visit with her friends and to volunteer. l

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Nonprofit SOUTHWEST COLORADO WOMEN IN BUSINESS

o cc u pat i o n

Retired director of Senior Services for La Plata County Department of Human Services, licensed professional counselor e d u c at i o n

Regis University (bachelor’s degree in organizational communication), Adams State College (master’s degree in community counseling), certified Gestalt therapist and Certified Senior Advisor

Sheila CASEY

professional o rg a n i z at i o n s

Colorado Commission on Aging, Colorado AARP Executive Council, Community Health Action Coalition

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

43

Nominees 2019 In the inaugural year of our Southwest Colorado Women in Business magazine and awards, we were excited by the community’s response to honor local women. We received 252 nominations for 134 women who make our community run. We are pleased to share this year’s nominees.

ARTS & CULTURE Carter, Rosie Craddock, Jessica Crowley, Maegan Kinahan, Elizabeth Kirkman, Hayley McCormick, Cindy Wingerd, Angie BUSINESS OWNER Aber, Wendy Avantaggio, Andrea Atencio, Joanna Arriola-Story, Lucia Barger, Karen Barker, Patrica Bennett Gross, Jenni Black, Jenna Campbell Wells, Shanan Craig, LeeAnn Curlee, Ericka Demme, Deborah Elliott, Ahne English, Crystal Gallegos, Jenna Glick, Melissa Harrison, Michelle Hatten, Pamela Helmer, Barbara Hladik, Carrie Hutchinson, Corey Sue Kileen, Jessie King, Jamie Krob, Nicki Lillyquest, Kellie McCardell, Amy McCarty, Rana

Meisner, Emily Mueller, Stephanie Niccum, Bethany Padilla, Christina Ragsdale, Allison Ramos, Thalia Rapp, Anne Robinson, Priscilla Sanford, Pennie Sawyer, Jenny Shearer, Susan Simmons, Brandee Snyder, Phyllis Tarkington, Ashleigh Tescher, Sarah Toms, Diana Vagneur, Robyn Vallejos, LeeAnn Wakeman, Cathy Ward, Lisa Wildfang, Diane Wolf, Carly Wolf, Corin Woodbridge, Becky Zwicker-Ives, Sheldonna EMERGING Cohen, Natalea McIntyre, Vivienne Perry, Brook Weir, Brittny Wells, Morgan FITNESS Frane, Sage Gosney, Kira Holcomb, Tracie Shinkle, Ellen

HOMES Bergstrom, Gabi Blackmore, Ashley Natzke, Leigha Obletz, Breezy Rinderle, Christina Sorensen, Nicole Tewell, Jennifer MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS Archer, Debrah Arias, Haley Bitner, Wendy Busby, Kelly Caruso, Kim Flesch, Megan Gilpin, Jacki Humiston, Joyce Jackson, Alison Johnston, Juliene Pappas, Kim Powers, Sara Schmitt, Terrill Youngblood, Erin Zebrowitz, Michelle NONPROFIT Atkinson, Susan Casey, Sheila Coddington, Jennifer Gibson, Pam Hawk, Heather Jackson, Chloe Jergens, Rose Johnston, Amanda Jones, Kate Kiene, Tara Kraushaar, Sabina Morse, Ann

Category winners are in bold. The Outstanding Woman honoree is marked with

44

• WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Pepinsky, Katy Phipps, Barb Sovocool, Amy Stahlin, Kate Tillotson, Sandhya Towle, Linda Willis, Kelly SALES/ PROFESSIONAL Daves, Jamie Eckert, Lisa Ferrato, Kelsea Furtney, Jody Gallant, Samantha Garcia, Sherry Hebbard, Kelly Heide, Candy Hicken, Lihong Marbury, Sweetie Martinez, Kelly Mazur, Melanie McCallum, Tina McGrath, Jennifer McLean, Melanie Meyerhofer, Amy Most, Wendy Muraro, Kristen Randall, Tiffany Siggins, Kerry Smith, Linda Steelman, Kathryn Tucson, Misty TOURISM Beyhan, Lainey Hyatt, Rachel Shepard, Grace Spencer, Emily Taylor, Lorraine

CUSTOM HOMES + SPECIALTY RENOVATIONS veritasfinehomes.com | (970) 749.2844 | Troy Dyer

Ranked #1

WOMEN IN BUSINESS •

45