get to know Lexi Williams
4 Wonder Women March 8 marks International Women’s Day—a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of females. Locally, we have some incredibly inspiring, hard-working women who wear multiple hats. Keep reading to learn how they overcame obstacles, achieved success, and are making the region where they reside a more positive place.
Kimberly Marie Morphis Folsom, Realtor & Business Advocate
Kimberly Morphis rose to small-town fame when she devised 95630 BINGO— an innovative game that benefited Twin Lakes Food Bank and 24 small businesses in Folsom. Patrons who made donations to the food bank received a bingo card that encouraged them to shop at local restaurants and retailers. Whoever checked off all 25 squares first would win $1,000. It was a novel ideal, intended to highlight the plight of struggling small businesses and rally a community together—a community that ultimately didn’t disappoint. In the end, money went to the food bank and businesses, but the cherry on top was when generous winner, Evangeline Scott, donated her entire earnings back to the community. It was a complete “winwin-win,” says Morphis, proud of the place she calls home. Folsom has been “home” to Morphis
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for 23 years. She grew up with a strong mother who taught her and her sister the importance of hard work, positive thinking, gratitude, and giving back. From babysitting to running a mobile bartending business, she’s come a long way, and credits her strong work ethic and family bonds for giving her the confidence to get through life. “While bartending one night, I told my first employer in commercial real estate that he was going to hire me, even though I had no clue [about the industry],” she says. Seven years later and she’s a successful realtor, championing the cause of small businesses. “Being responsive, knowledgeable of my markets, and having a very firm handshake have all helped get me to where I am today!”
Q&A WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
I’m the proud mother to an amazing son, Kamden James, and am motivated to show him that hard work, determination, and being of service will reward him with a fulfilling life. WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL?
To create a life for my son and myself where we can have a loving and structured home, be able to travel the world, learn something new each day, and give back to those in need. WHAT MANTRA/MOTTO DO YOU LIVE BY?
Keep moving forward.
Lexi Williams Shingle Springs, Owner of Theory Dance
A professional dancer with a colorful career, Lexi Williams has performed with David Garibaldi and Zendaya, and been featured at the Festival United in the Czech
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Republic and at NFL halftime shows. The bubbly dancer now owns Theory Dance (theorydance.org) in Folsom and teaches hip hop to kids, in the hope that they— especially young girls—will build their confidence while learning some moves. “I’m proud of following my dream and showing these kids that anything they set their mind to can become a reality with hard work and consistency. Taking that first step is key!” she says. Always in step with her goals, Williams found herself in a tough place when the pandemic hit. Amidst preparing to teach at Russell Ranch Elementary School and planning her dream wedding, life came to a screeching halt. “I had a choice: I could wait and see what the world would do, and be sad that all my hard work went in the trash, or I could adapt to the current state of the world,” she says, choosing the latter and moving her whole dance program online in just two days. “Trying to bring joy to these kids who had everything taken away from them was my motivation.” Williams has made great strides since opening her studio in 2018. Today, she teaches 70 kids locally and even more on TikTok (her “Laffy Taffy” dance went viral last summer). Now, she’s working toward a big Covid-friendly video production. “I figured it gives the kids something to work toward.”
Q&A WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
I love seeing the dancers accomplish their goals and getting over their fears. I want to create a safe environment for kids and teens [where they can] support each other when they don't believe in themselves. WHAT MANTRA/MOTTO DO YOU LIVE BY?
Just keep moving and stop stressing over the
Kimberly Marie Morphis photo by Dante Fontana. Other photo courtesy of its respective company or organization.
BY TARA MENDANHA
