in BUSINESS Women

BY CINDY JONES PHOTOS BY DAWN PAUL

When asked about their career choices, each of the women I reached out to for this year’s Women in Business feature said it came down to their desire to connect with others. Each is dynamic, intuitive, and creative in her career. What sets each apart is the ability to meet people wherever they are in their lives–whether running a well-loved business while building and giving back to the community or teaching, speaking and serving families in need. It was a great privilege and an inspiration to learn about each nominee, and I hope their stories inspire you too.

Watching her son encounter difficulties as a neurodiverse student not only inspired Stacy Bernal to run for Ogden School Board, it made her realize that facing obstacles are the key to developing grit and strength. “Seeing everything my son has faced has been my fuel to keep going, become stronger, and make things better.”

As a member of the Ogden School Board, comprised of entirely women for the first time in history, Stacy helps review policies and procedures that come from the State Board of Education. She feels her role on the board is to advocate for kids in special education. “They’re often the least noticed and least funded.”

Stacy is also an author, a Ted X speaker, and was recently hired as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manger for the Utah Jazz. “In all of my work, overcoming obstacles is the nature of what I’m meant to do.”

Flor Lopez is a testament to achieving success despite life’s obstacles.

Born in California but raised and educated in Mexico, Flor moved to Utah in 2016. She didn’t speak any English at the time so enrolled in an ESL program, and soon after began to pursue a business degree.

Currently Flor is the office coordinator at Suazo Business Center, a community resource that empowers entrepreneurs from Latino/Hispanic and other underserved communities to start and grow small businesses. Flor is also co-owner of Little Rainbow Candy store in Ogden. Despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, Flor continues to be a driving force for minority empowerment in Weber County. “I want my daughters to understand there aren’t limitations to what they can do.”

Emily Vause Oyler knows firsthand the importance of someone believing in the abilities you can’t necessarily see in yourself.

Nine years ago, former director Chris Zimmerman approached Emily to apply for a secretary position at the Weber School Foundation. Emily accepted the position, not dreaming she would lead the Foundation.

“Chris saw something in me that I couldn’t at the time. He acted as a mentor to me and over time I began to believe in myself too.”

Now in her sixth year as the Executive Director, Emily says the best part of her job is getting to see the impact of the programs the Foundation helps facilitate.

“Being able to impact the life of a child, help them understand they can be contributing members of the community, is the best part of my job. It’s the most important goal of the Foundation.”

BY ANN PARK

MMichelle Giacoletto has worked for Ovation Homes for four years. She is a key team-member responsible for handling accounting, accounts payable, payroll, bonds, taxes and much more.

Herfocus and attention to detail are vital to the function of this fast-growing company. And she shares a close bond with her fellow team members. “I feel like I found my second family working here,” Michelle says.

During her time with the Ovation family, Michelle has played a vital role in developing company systems, facilitating growth, overseeing the internal processes, and managing collaboration between organizations. Land acquisition and building is a complex process, and Michelle helps keep all the moving parts working together. Ovation Homes has grown rapidly in our area. For over twenty years now, they have specialized in providing single-level floor plans that can be personalized to the needs and tastes of homeowners. “We create homes that allow residents to enjoy the lifestyle they’re looking for,” Michelle says, “every detail of our work goes toward that goal.” Working with numbers comes natural to Michelle, who has always loved math. She loves to figure things out and find solutions to intricate problems. With her background in math and analytics, she runs the financial systems and internal processes that help them continue to grow and serve their customers.

“I worked for another company for many years, and I was ready for a change,” Michelle says. “My network of business connections helped me so much as I advanced in my career. The people working around me, who recognized my abilities and helped me gain more education and skills, were a tremendous support. They helped me move forward, and I’m very grateful to be where I am now. We all need a network. As working women, our friends and coworkers are important.” Her advice to others considering accounting as a career: “Make sure you enjoy a challenge. Accuracy is very important to me and to my company.” While much of Michelle’s work happens behind the scenes, Ovation Homes wouldn’t be able to run smoothly without her. “I’m excited to see what comes next. I love being part of the growth happening now.”