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Lexi Williams

4 Wonder Women

BY TARA MENDANHA 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 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 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

little things. There’s always something to be grateful for.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ON YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?

Failing is part of the journey and making decisions is very difficult. But moving forward, regardless of the result, is always better than playing it safe. Also, having a supportive family is special.

Cristina Mendonsa

Folsom, Host of KFBK Morning News & Owner of Mendonsa Media

Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awardwinning journalist and local celebrity, Cristina Mendonsa, has many feathers in her cap. Not only is she a veteran television and radio journalist, and host of KFBK Morning News (kfbk. iheart.com/featured/the-morning-news), but she’s also a female and minority business owner of Mendonsa Media (cristinamendonsa.com).

The talented storyteller has contributed to the world of journalism for the past 25 years and has garnered a reputation for being as direct as she is warm. Illustrious professional career aside, she’s also been an advocate for community initiatives on mental health, cancer research, and veteran services, thereby significantly impacting the community.

Always the goal-getter, she’s ticked them all off one by one. “When I started my broadcast career, my goal was to be a top 20 market anchor and I’ve spent three decades doing that. My next goal was to finish my master’s degree and I did that,” she says nonchalantly. As effortless as she makes it sound, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. “It took me a long time to get through college because I was paying my own way, which also built my determination. I started a business in college to help pay tuition and learned a lot,” she shares, not discounting the support of family. “I had really good parents who encouraged me a lot. Not only did they celebrate my wins but they helped me understand my disappointments and put them into perspective.”

Q&A

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I’ve always been a storyteller but more recently, I found what I really am is a connector. I get a charge out of connecting people to stories or customers to brands.

WHAT MANTRA/MOTTO DO YOU LIVE BY?

The United States Marine Corps slogan: improvise, adapt, and overcome.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ON YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?

The days are long, but the years are short; don’t dress rehearse tragedy; there is always time, energy, and space for a transformation; you’re not working for a boss but for an older version of yourself.

Tara Taylor

Roseville, Founder & Executive Director at Single Mom Strong

Getting divorced at a young age lit a fire in Tara Taylor. “I vowed to ensure that my daughter had the same opportunities as a child from a two-parent home,” she says. Taylor started her first company at age 29 to support her family and says, “while I was able to achieve professional success and raise a child who blossomed into a pretty incredible individual, it wasn't without its challenges, and I made note of those challenges along the way.”

Enter Single Mom Strong (singlemomstrong.org), a nonprofit Taylor started after her daughter left for college with the mission to empower single mothers and their children through enrichment, encouragement, and educational programs. Taylor insists that this at-risk population needs more done for them. “Despite mothers’ best efforts, statistics show that these children suffer in a variety of ways from educational deficiencies to having lower occupational status and income as adults. Single mothers are also plagued by feelings of guilt and inadequacy and are often living in poverty,” she says, stating that a single mother can be a professional success and a great parent, and not be limited by circumstances. To date, the organization has served over 800 local single mothers and children, and Taylor’s been the recipient of many local awards and accolades, including special congressional recognition and community service awards.

Now, she wants to duplicate her efforts in other cities. “Being a single parent is difficult and lonely but having others in similar situations to share concerns and celebrate wins with is powerful.”

Q&A

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

Each time I see a woman recognize her own strength or watch a child learn, grow, or feel part of a larger community, I’m inspired. Also, the opportunity to bring dignity and respect to our cause, and make my daughter proud, ensuring she sees our story being told in a way that benefits others.

WHAT MANTRA/MOTTO DO YOU LIVE BY?

Believe and achieve. We’re all capable of anything we put our minds to. Also, fear and worry give life to the outcome you don’t want.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ON YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?

Risk is required. Always playing it safe allows no room for growth. [I’ve also learned to be] a notorious "asker!” The worst that can happen when you ask is a negative response but the best that can happen is limitless.