Women leaders are unique in a number of ways. Facing challenges that differ significantly from their male counterparts, women in industry typically juggle an active family life with a busy business schedule. The women in the following pages put the “class” in the 2023 Class of Women to Watch. They are tenacious and powerful women who are leaders in their chosen fields.
Serving as mentors to the next generation of those in Nevada’s business community, the Women to Watch are real-world examples of how to get business done.
The 2023 Women to Watch were chosen by a committee of judges who reviewed their histories, legacies, leadership and careers. Each of this year’s honorees have shared insights on the following pages.
Congratulations to all the Women to Watch. Nevada Business Magazine and City National Bank are proud to recognize your accomplishments and contributions to the “Battle Born” state.
Staci Alonso
Founder and President
Noah’s Animal House and Bone-ito
Primary Industry
Nonprofit/pet
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
February 1992
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada offers opportunities that are life changing. I am beyond grateful. It is also an incredibly caring and generous community. The best example is the addition of professional sports teams.
What surprises you most about your career path?
My 30 plus years in the gaming industry provided this once young girl from Philadelphia, who knew no one in the casino business, a life that I could have never imagined.
What made you want to create Noah’s Animal House?
With tragedy comes triumph. I experienced a great loss in my 30’s and my pets provided me comfort through the grief that can only be defined as unconditional love when you need it the most. I couldn’t imagine women in abusive homes having to leave their pet behind because women shelters did not allow pets. Noah’s Animal House removed that barrier.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Esther from the Bible – it’s one of my favorite stories in the Bible because she demonstrated doing the right thing when necessary for the sake of others, even at her own risk. “Maybe you were born for just this moment” – to me that is living with purpose.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life?
It took me a long time to recognize, but I would say my father. He taught me how to survive when life gets hard, how to get back up, to work hard and never steal time from someone, especially your employer, because it’s the one thing you can never give back.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership?
The combination of men and women in leadership is essential because the boardroom needs to represent the employment population and demographics of the customers. We can look at the same situation yet see different approaches to address. It’s invaluable and it’s a struggle to accept that this is still a conversation in 2023.
What do you want your legacy to be?
We are born to make a contribution. Noah’s was the first full service pet shelter built on the campus of a domestic violence shelter in the country and has served clients from 35 states across the nation. Imagine driving from GA to NV for one reason – your pet is a member of your family and deserves to be safe alongside you and your children.
Alexandra Arrieche
Music Director and Conductor
Henderson Symphony Orchestra
Primary Industry
Arts
Principal Location
Henderson
Nevada Citizenship
Fall 2016
What do you love about Nevada?
I see Nevada, and most specifically Henderson and Las Vegas, as the perfect metaphor of what we can achieve when we dare to dream. Who would imagine a city like Las Vegas built in the middle of a desert?
How were you introduced to music?
I was always interested in sounds. I loved my toy instruments when I was little and then growing up, I was always fascinated by the music in the background of movie scenes. My family was also super musical and there was always music playing. Eventually, after driving my entire family crazy by playing those toy instruments, I started learning the piano.
What drives you to be successful?
First, I believe we need to define what success is – or how to measure it. Some people in my career would think it’s about money, positions, how much you are liked or how many orchestras you conduct per year. Of course, it’s nice to have all of it, but I am mostly motivated by human connection and specially with the youth. They are our future. I am a huge advocate for music education and supporter of young artists. If I can help them in any way, I can consider myself successful.
How important are the arts to a local community?
Vital – the arts are what makes us human. A society that puts arts and culture in the backseat is in danger of losing its sense of compassion and kindness.
What kinds of sacrifices did you make to pursue your career?
I believe the biggest sacrifice was to leave my country – family, friends, everything – behind in order to study in the USA. When I arrived here, I barely spoke the language. Financially it was also challenging as I left when the Brazilian economy was drastically changing.
How do you encourage the women you mentor to not give up?
I ask them to look around and see the change. Slowly but surely, we are making a difference. Still, we need to keep our foot on the door and make sure the door will never close.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t forget our paths and how many others struggled to make sure we had the opportunities we have now. Keep fighting and help each other. Sharing and mentoring is our duty!
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
Be patient and don’t take things too personal.
Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell
Medical Director Saint Mary’s Urgent Care
Saint Mary’s Health Network
Primary Industry
Healthcare
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
Battle Born
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the community. I was born and raised in this amazing state and have always felt a sense of community from the people I have met and worked with.
What made you want to become a doctor?
I love the possibility of being able to help people improve their health. Helping people identify issues and provide information to help them improve their quality of life.
How do you balance career, life and your passions?
I think achieving balance can mean something different for everyone. For me personally I try to recognize what things I need in my life to feel fulfilled. This always starts with my family and I fill in the rest with as much as I can. I love giving back to the community and help others, as well as fight for equality and equity like my father did before me.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would you meet?
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler – she was the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. I would love to thank her for pushing through a system that not only did not welcome her, but didn’t think she could become a doctor.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life?
My father, William Curry, was a 99-year-old WWII, Korean, and Vietnam war veteran who instilled the values I put forward daily. It is from him that I grew my passion to give back to my community and to constantly find new ways to help others. My father always told me that “the world is bigger than you Bayo,” and, “when you help others you also help yourself.”
What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?
Self-doubt, allowing the opinions of those who do not have your best interest in mind to dictate how you lead.
How do you encourage the women you mentor to not give up?
I share there will always be challenges throughout life and career. It is how you choose to respond that makes a difference. Keep that in mind each time you face barriers in your career and each barrier is an opportunity for growth.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership?
We bring a unique perspective to leadership. The lived experiences and challenges we face bring new insights to organizations and these benefit our roles as leaders.
Shirley Folkins-Roberts
Co-Founder, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation and Development Manager
Panattoni Development Company
Primary Industry
Commercial Real Estate Development and Nonprofit
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
August 2001
What do you love about Nevada?
Reno became my family’s home on August 12, 2001. I immediately loved the people, its beauty, and the natural qualities of the area. People in Nevada are warmhearted, close knit, and generous. And I love the fact that you can live in nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, skiing and hiking just by walking up the street.
What made you want to co-found NNCCF?
Initially, I wanted to continue the cause that my parents had devoted their adult life to by helping with finding a cure and better treatment for cancer. However, I soon understood that childhood cancer research received only 4 percent of all funding for innovation and was not a national priority. I also learned that our geographic challenges were devastating to families who had to seek treatment outside of Reno and those families impacted needed help and support to travel.
How do you balance career, life and passions?
For me, there are never enough hours in the day. My list of passions is never ending. However, as a working mom, the true balance is between family and career. I believe that you can do both well.
Who was a mentor that had a significant impact on your life?
I have three significant mentors in my life: my parents, Patrick and Sheila Folkins, and my husband, Doug Roberts. My parents are self-made, and prior to retiring, very successful small business owners. Their example of hard work and the joy of work, while always sharing time with family, framed my perspective. My husband, another self-made incredibly hard worker, is not only an admired leader in his profession, but has always strived to succeed for the joy of work, the ability to make choices and to provide opportunity for others.
What are you most proud of having achieved?
First, as my children are now adults, I am most proud of the contributions they are making to the world and the incredibly talented and kind people they have become. I am also proud of the growth and success of NNCCF over the last 20 plus years. Through hard work and the support of our generous community, the team at NNCCF is now providing support to families beyond our wildest dreams. It is humbling and an honor to have traveled annually since 2006 to the US Capitol with Nevada families to continue the fight for better treatment for childhood cancer and a cure.
Tami Hance-Lehr
CEO and State Director
Communities In Schools of Nevada
Primary Industry
Nonprofit
Principal Location
Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
August 1984
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the vibrant energy of our big city paired with the connectedness of a small town. As a graduate of Clark High School and UNLV, I’ve seen Las Vegas evolve into the vibrant home it is today.
How did you become involved with CIS?
I started at Communities In Schools of Nevada in 2017 as Resource Development Director and realized its mission was my passion. I went from leading fundraising initiatives to leading our organization across Nevada.
What drives you to be successful?
Leaders don’t give up when a challenge arises. Leaders reflect on opportunities for improvement. Leaders consult with their teams and discuss new ideas. Leaders seek solutions. Leaders keep going, driving for success even when it’s hard.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Maya Angelou – in all that she has endured, fought for, and taught us, her greatest gift to all women is the lesson that we are enough, just as we are.
Who was a role model that had a significant impact on your life?
It’s an honor to continue growing the Communities In Schools seeds that were planted by two of my role models, Elaine Wynn and Susie Lee. These remarkable women lead with passion and inclusivity. Their dedication to widening the table for underrepresented voices and doing their part to leave a better community for our children of tomorrow has significantly impacted my life.
How do you encourage young women to achieve their own success?
Find a calling in life that inspires you as much as it terrifies you. Usually the thing that scares you, is the thing that is standing in the way of success. I’ve learned that you don’t need to have everything figured out to be successful. Some of my best ideas have come from taking the first step and figuring it out along the way.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
Focus on what you want to be rather than what you think you should be. Surround yourself with strong, supportive, ambitious like-minded women who inspire you, support you and give you the strength to level-up.
What would you tell your teenage self?
Failure is a learning opportunity. Get up, give yourself grace and try again.
Melissa Kaiser
CEO
DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
Primary Industry
Nonprofit
Principal Location
Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
May 2018
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the sense of opportunity that I feel in Nevada. The community embraces growth and progress, which makes me feel as though I can make a difference here. There is also a vast beauty and spirit of freedom in the desert which I strive to capture through landscape photography.
What surprises you most about your career path?
It surprises me that my interest in the arts led me to become a CEO in the nonprofit sector; subsequently preparing me to serve on local and national boards and opening avenues in the for-profit world.
What made you want to work at DISCOVERY?
It was impressed upon me that DISCOVERY was not only one of the largest and longest-standing cultural and educational organizations in southern Nevada—it was a precious community resource and treasure.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
I wish I had learned earlier not to be so hard on myself. There were many things that I perceived as failures or felt insecure about that meant little to anyone else. I’ve since learned that people are more forgiving of mistakes because everyone makes them as they grow.
How can women develop leadership skills?
It is important to share your professional development goals with your mentors and supervisors. I was given opportunities to lead by asking to take on new challenges and responsibilities. I developed leadership skills first by emulating my role models, then by adding my own values and sensibilities to the mix.
Have you ever felt intimidated or overwhelmed by your goals?
I’ve certainly had times where I felt like I’ve gotten in over my head. In those times, I have found it helpful to take a step back and reach out to others, whether to gain perspective or to ask for support. The challenges are always less daunting after I do.
How important is it to be plugged into your local community?
If we wish to enjoy the benefits that come from being a part of a community, we also must be responsible for sustaining it. Everything that an individual contributes—whether through volunteerism, political activism, or other ways of being of service—strengthens the whole while engendering trust and respect.
Tracy Larkin Thomason
Director
Nevada Department of Transportation
Primary Industry
Government
Principal Location
Statewide
Nevada Citizenship
April 1984
What do you love about Nevada?
The wide-open spaces and the fascinating mix of cultures and geographic diversity. You can be in the center of one of the most exciting cities in the world; surrounded by desert; in the middle of ponderosa pines looking at clear blue water; or in a small city listening to cowboy poetry.
What originally attracted you to engineering?
Ever since I was a young girl, I liked to design and build things. While it was not a straightforward path to engineering, I was drawn to construction and then the desire to design what I was constructing.
How are you part of a legacy of forging a path for women in leadership?
I didn’t give up. When I started in construction, I was one of two women on the job site. I was told If I didn’t work out, there would be no more women on that project site. Many times in my career, I have been the only woman or one of very few. By continuing to advance, I hope I have given other women the confidence to move forward.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
When I started in construction and engineering, there were very few women in the field. Women were not welcomed in the field; and I wish I had learned earlier to assert myself more strongly.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Madame Curie – [she] discovered radium and polonium (later used in cancer research) and created portable X-ray machines used on the front lines in WW1. She made phenomenal advances at the turn of the 20th century, winning two Nobel Prizes. She was a woman who had an incredible mind and did not give up in a time when being a woman working in science was extremely rare.
What helps you be successful in your role at NDOT?
Keeping a good sense of humor to keep things in perspective. Also actively listening to hear what people are really saying, not just the words they are saying.
What are some of the ways women can support other women in a professional setting?
Talk to each other, share experiences, and encourage each other. There is a group of current and past female state transportation directors that meet at national conferences. It was formed to provide an informal support group to talk with other women experiencing similar challenges. It makes a difference knowing you have a support group to call on.
Pat Lundvall
Partner and Chair of the Commercial and Complex Litigation Practice
McDonald Carano
Primary Industry
Legal
Principal Location
Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
December 1982
What do you love about Nevada?
Everything! Particularly from a business standpoint, it is a community that does not discriminate. Green is the only required demographic.
What made you want to be an attorney?
Competition is the common denominator to all aspects of my life. Being the middle child in a family of 13—six brothers, six sisters, six older, and six younger—my competitive instincts were honed at an early age. As a competitor I am blessed that the law, in particular litigation, chose me.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Any suffragette – one of life’s most important rights is the right to elect those who wish to serve in a representative position. Without that right granted to all human beings under our Constitution, all others pale in comparison.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life?
My Mother –even with 13 children she always worked outside the home and was the principal breadwinner for most of her life. I recall her duct-taping her shoes together so us kids had new shoes to wear to church.
How do you encourage the women you work with or mentor to not give up?
Stop focusing on the fact that you are a woman—doing so only gives you an easy or convenient excuse to quit. You cannot succeed when you quit.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
You cannot please or satisfy everyone. Don’t waste your time on your non-believers.
How can women develop leadership skills?
Stand in the middle of the room, not at its edges. Sit at the grown-ups table. Put yourself in the game. Speak up and do so confidently. Do not allow others to speak over the top of you.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I never compromised my principles or stepped over the line. For example, I served nine years on the Nevada State Athletic Commission and was its first woman Chair. It was a public service function for which I received no compensation. Protecting the health and safety of the athletes that fought in Nevada was a responsibility I took very seriously.
Melissa Molyneaux
Executive Vice President
Colliers
Primary Industry
Commercial Real Estate
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
Battle Born
What do you love about Nevada?
The outdoor activities and beauty in Nevada are second to none! Business-wise, I love that northern Nevada is always striving to be better and bigger yet maintains its small-town feel. I also appreciate that access to business leaders, politicians and decision makers is achievable.
What surprises you most about your career path?
When I first interviewed at Colliers in 2005, I had to research exactly what commercial real estate (CRE) was! I quickly learned that a career in brokering office leases and sales would never get boring – even 18 years later.
What drives you to be successful?
It may sound cliche, but helping others be successful is really what drives me to be successful. I do my best for each of my clients and feel effective when I see them achieve their goals.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
While history is full of women I would enjoy meeting, I would love to meet Dolly Parton. She is a great business person but also seems to have a lot of life lessons to share especially when it comes to always being true to yourself.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life?
My dad, who passed away in October 2022, was the best sounding board and a great conversationalist. Also, my former business partner, and the person who opened the door to commercial real estate, Tim Ruffin. I am grateful he took me under his wing. Roxanne Stevenson a top retail broker has also been a guiding light of how to be a successful woman in CRE.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
One of the best things I did early in my career was listing out the top ten successful women in business and taking them to coffee and lunch only to learn about their road to success and what advice they had for me as a young woman starting her career. It is amazing how people are willing to help when there are no strings attached.
How important is it for women to go into fields like CRE?
There is absolutely room (and a need) for more women in commercial real estate. Women typically exhibit traits that make them an ideal broker: diligent, multi-tasker, connector, good listener, innovative, compassionate and grit! Combine these with the traits that men usually display, and it positively impacts the entire industry.
Dr. DeRionne Pollard
President
Nevada State University
Primary Industry
Education
Principal Location
Henderson
Nevada Citizenship
July 2021
What do you love about Nevada?
The complicated and exciting belief that anything is possible.
What attracted you to Nevada State University?
The mission and culture—this audacious belief that higher education matters, that it can be deliberate in design and unapologetic in a commitment to access.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Perhaps not what you had in mind, but easily my greatest desire: to “meet” my mother. She died when I was very young (4-years-old), and nearly a day doesn’t pass when I wonder what a conversation with her now would be like for me.
How does your tenure as president stand out in Nevada State University’s history?
Inevitably many will note my being the first woman and person of color to lead the university, and others will call out the renaming as noteworthy (NU was formerly Nevada State College). I hope history also frames me a compassionate, authentic, caring, and intelligent leader who did no harm and left the organization better.
What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?
Confidence, competence, and character—you have to be able to do the work, do it with excellence, be confident in your ability to navigate both challenges and successes.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership?
Diversity only strengthens us—individually and collectively.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
You deserve to be at the table—and you have an obligation to own that space and create a place for others who are not there.
How can women develop leadership skills?
Read. Study impactful leaders—both women and men. Read some more. Enroll in leadership development programs. Do the deep work of knowing who you are and develop a leadership ethos. Practice impactful leadership. Own your mistakes. Read even more.
What are some of the ways women can support other women in a professional setting?
Women must be both mentors and sponsors, and the two are different. Mentors coach and guide deliberately while sponsors create opportunity obtrusively and unobtrusively. It means nothing to be “the first” if you don’t work to not be “the only.”
Michelle Romero
Mayor
City of Henderson
Primary Industry
Government
Principal Location
Henderson
Nevada Citizenship
Battle Born
What do you love about Nevada?
I love everything about Nevada –its beautiful mountains and sunsets, great weather most of the year, variety of available activities, sports and entertainment–but my most favorite thing is its people. Nevadans are strong and resilient, friendly and loyal to this state. We come together In times of difficulties and celebrate together big accomplishments. We avoid the disruptive divisiveness found In other places and tend to let each other “do our own thing.” It makes me very proud to be a Nevadan.
What made you want to get into local government?
My parents always taught me to be of service to others and to leave a place better than I found it. To me, working for local government helped me achieve both goals.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life?
My parents – they always set a great example for me. Both my mom and dad helped others on a regular basis, without fanfare or the need for acknowledgement. They taught me good morals and to work hard. They also instilled the belief in me that there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish if I was willing to work hard enough for It.
What are you most proud of having achieved in Henderson?
The transformation of Water Street. As manager of redevelopment, I spearheaded the creation of the Downtown Henderson Master Plan, which was the framework for the revitalization of the area.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership?
Women, generally, are good multi-taskers, and are able to manage many different situations at once. I have found that women are also not afraid to ask questions and to ask for help when they are not the expert on a topic. Great leaders create great leaders. Women are often nurturing in nature, so they work with others to guide and encourage success.
Have you ever felt intimidated or overwhelmed by your goals?
I believe everyone feels Intimidated or overwhelmed at times by their goals. If you don’t have big, scary goals, you aren’t challenging yourself enough. When I feel this way, I step away for a bit and spend time with my family or speak to a confidant–usually my husband–so that I can put things back into perspective and begin to tackle the goal one step at a time.
Abbi Whitaker
President and Co-Founder
The Abbi Agency
Primary Industry
Marketing
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
March 1988
What do you love about Nevada?
I love that Nevada has so much public land which provides endless adventure at our fingertips. Myself and my family love to explore, and we find ourselves on a dirt road anywhere, which usually ends up at a beautiful hot spring, mountain or waterfall.
What surprises you most about your career path?
I never had any intention of being a business owner. That is not something I wanted to do. I just love what I do — I love the work, and the idea of it. I do love to win, though, so when clients decide they want to work with us (because our team is so smart) I get very excited and enthusiastic.
What made you want to start a marketing firm?
It was my husband that had the idea. He always believed in me and is my biggest supporter. He’s more of a business person, and I was the opposite. I never saw myself owning a business and I could not do it without the support from my husband.
What drives you to be successful?
I care for our team and clients deeply and I carry great responsibility for that. We have employees with families, mortgages, and kids. Our clients trust us with their budgets and businesses, so failure is not really an option at this point. I never want to fail my clients or my staff.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life?
Heidi Gansert is one of my role models. We are very different, but I respect her so much. It is living proof that you don’t have to agree on everything to find common ground. She has taught me so much about doing the right thing. She doesn’t chase glory, she doesn’t take credit, she’s always under the radar, and she works so hard. I just love and adore that woman. She is just an incredible human and a gift to the state of Nevada.
How do you encourage the women you work with or mentor to not give up?
I think it’s ok to take a time out and slow down, no matter how long you might need to take a breath for — 5 minutes, 5 days, 5 weeks, etc. It is impossible to go at full throttle all the time. You must be willing to take time to regroup.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes you fall or people push you, even people you thought were holding your hand. You can get angry, or you can focus on how to be successful. If you don’t get upset every time you get disappointed, then you’re going to be successful in life.
