Photo: Sihanath, Oy (uploader)
iHeartMedia of Southern Colorado wants to celebrate women in our community, especially women in business. Below are some of the women in our community that are leaders in the business world as owners or organization leaders:
Jessica Farias, Market President/iHeartMedia
Short description of what you do – Oversee the market operations and revenue.
What do you love about your career? Cultivating and leading teams is my passion. Helping people grow in their careers, creating effective marketing campaigns for clients, and “making noise” in the community is what I’m all about. I also love that I’ve been able to raise my children, Alexaundria and Isaac, while building my career. They’ve been with me every step of the way! Being a working mom at times was challenging, but the flexibility in my career made it possible to continue to “climb the ladder” while be very involved with my kids’ extracurricular activities.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My momma! My mom came to the US to finish her medical studies from Ecuador South America. She had 3x5 cards with Spanish on one side and the English translation on the other side so she could ask people for help. Genius!! Nothing stopped my mom! She raised 6 children, went through a devasting divorce, battled breast cancer all the while keeping her faith and family strong! My mom is my biggest influence as well as my hero. I look to her daily for wisdom and strength!
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Annette Geiser, Title Senior Vice President of Sales/iHeart Media
Short description of what you do With my sales team we work with businesses to help them achieve their goals and grow
What do you love about your career? Marketing is so fun and I beam with pride for my teams accomplishments
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? There are way TOO many people to choose from.
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Lindsey Broyles, On-Air Talent/iHeart Media
Short description of what you do: I'm an on-air personality weekdays from 10-3 on My 99.9. In addition to being on-air, I also help run the station behind the scenes.
What do you love about your career? I love the people I work with and I also love being a companion to our community.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? The biggest influence in my life has been my mom, who taught me how to be compassionate, but also hard working.
Awards: I received a CBA award for best use of digital/social media for my weekly local business feature, Lindsey's List
Contact info: my999radio.com lindseybroyles@iheartmedia.com
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Candy Harman-Langley, Partner/The Harman Media and Marketing Group
We are a full service advertising agency
What do you love about your career? “I love that we are able to guide and support businesses in growth and opportunity in the ever changing marketing landscape. Watching our clients grow their brands is very rewarding.”
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? The Lord Jesus is my biggest life influence
Awards: many top sales awards, Addy creative awards (Regional and local)
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Liza Cunningham, Account Executive/iHeartMedia
Short description of what you do: outside sales and oversight of marketing campaigns
What do you love about your career? The relational aspect. I love meeting new people and collaborating to amplify my clients’ businesses.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My grandmother. She taught me to wake up excited Every. Single. Morning., because you never know who’s life you have the opportunity to positively influence that day. This mindset has made a huge difference in the way I interact with others, the way I view myself, and the way I react in any given situation.
Have you received any awards? I received a bronze-level Addy award as the creative lead for a campaign in 2020.
Contact info: lizacunningham@iheartmedia.com
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Emily Bear, Account Executive/iHeartMedia
What do you love about your career?I love building relationship with people!
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My Mom—I’ve watched her remain so authentic & love people so well my whole life. I want to be like that always!
320-815-2205–emilybear@iheartmedia.com
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Shannon Gentile, Account Manager/iHeartMedia
Short description of what you do: Marketing Strategist
What do you love about your career? Help business grow and succeed
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My Grandma (she was a strong tough woman)
719-310-8924/shannongentile@iheartmedia.com
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Cherie Parker, Senior Media Strategist/iHeartMEDIA
Short description of what you do: Assist businesses in achieving their marketing goals through measurable multi-platform marketing strategies that target their audience within the consumer purchase funnel to achieve the growth the business is looking to achieve.
What do you love about your career? The tools and resources iHeart invests in to truly help our partners grow and the incredible team I’m blessed to work with
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My mother. She taught me to be able to take care of myself and is my biggest cheerleader as well as support.
Have you received any awards? Yes. My background is full-service agency. I’ve written over 10,000 commercials throughout my career and have been an AAF (American Advertising Federation) Creative Person of the Year nominee. iHeart President’s Award 2020.
Contact info cherieparker@iheartmedia.com; 719.650.2001
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Jenny Russak, Title: Vice President of Digital Sales – Rockies Region
Company - iHeartMedia
Short description of what you do – I sell digital media solutions to brands across the country that are designed to help them reach their business objectives.
What do you love about your career? – I love the challenge of coming up with creative solutions to help grow brands. I love having a job that allows me to study human psychology daily. I love that I work for such an exciting, innovative and growing company. And last, but not least, my coworkers are a 2nd family to me now.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? – My Mom. My Mom found herself divorced and without work or a ton of work experience when I was young. She started at the ground level at the Department of Veteran’s affairs doing humbling work that she was over-qualified for. BUT she came to work every day with a positive attitude and an open willingness to contribute to the greater good and that made all the difference. She rose through the ranks very quickly and consistently and when she retired had earned the top ranking in the department. She showed me that attitude and hard work pave the path to success.
Have you received any awards?
I have received eight Colorado Broadcaster Awards for best Digital Promotion, Marketing Campaign and Non-Traditional Media Campaigns throughout the years.
The Digital Innovator Award in 2018 from iHeart
Link to your business: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-russak/
Contact info – Jenny Russak 720-373-0301 jennyrussak@iheartmedia.com
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Tracey Fogle, Owner/Merle Norman Cosmetics (32 years) and Tracey's Mastectomy Boutique (7 years)
Short description of what you do: Helping women look and feel their most beautiful with makeup and skincare demonstrations and fitting women for their mastectomy products.
What do you love about your career? What's not to love? You are surrounded by strong women everyday. They inspire me.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? Setting out on my journey it was definitely my parents. They taught me to set goals, have dreams, and work hard, but the simple things are what matters. Although that is still true, my clients at my mastectomy boutique have shown me how to be a better me. They have taught me how to be strong, have hope, and never give up. They are the reason that I love going to work everyday.
merlenormanstudio.com and mastectomyitems.com
Contact info: Merle Norman 719-599-0282 and Tracey's Boutique 719-424-7565
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Aubrey McCoy, Chief Operating Officer – Colorado Springs Sports Corporation
Short description of what you do – I manage the day to day operations of the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation including the management and development of our staff as we execute major community events like the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, 4th of July Symphony on Your Porch, Rocky Mountain State Games and Cycle to the Summit.
What do you love about your career? My favorite part of working on The Sports Corp team, other than our truly fantastic team, is that we get to be a part of creating big moments in the lives of our community members. A record-breaking personal performance for a Rocky Mountain State Games athlete; an elderly couples opportunity to observe a city-wide fireworks show from their home since it’s been years since they’ve been able to attend the formerly large celebration in Memorial Park; the magic of seeing hot air balloons rise over Prospect Lake with Pikes Peak in the background; a cyclist checking off their bucket list and summiting Pikes Peak after training for months … We get to be a part of these truly amazing experiences for people and create memories of our great city. It makes our job fun and very meaningful.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My husband is my biggest supporter and he constantly believes in me and my opportunities far more than I ever could. I’m very blessed to have a great village of support both professionally and personally who challenge me to be better every day.
Have you received any awards? I was a Colorado Springs Business Journal Rising Star in 2019 and a finalist for the Mayors Young Leader Awards in 2019 as well.
* Link to your business: www.coloradospringssports.org
* Contact info: aubrey@thesportscorp.org<mailto:aubrey@thesportscorp.org>
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Dianne Derby, Weekday Evening News Anchor/KOAA News 5
Short bio: Dianne Derby is an Emmy award-winning journalist and evening anchor at KOAA News 5. Dianne has spent 17 years covering major news events in southern Colorado and across the country. Dianne will release her first book in May 2022, a memoir about the power of mentoring, titled Two Hundred Tuesdays: What a Pearl Harbor Survivor Taught Me About Life, Love, and Faith (NavPress).
What do you love about your career? Helping people! Nothing satisfies me more than getting help for people who can't get answers from a company or someone who does them wrong until I call. I also am passionate about telling stories of people who overcome extraordinary loss or trauma like Gold Star or law enforcement families who lose a loved one and yet still find ways to smile. They are all a wonder to me.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My mentor, the late Jim Downing. He was such a big influence I wrote a book about him. He taught me what it means to be totally fulfilled.
Have you received any awards? Can I say what I'm good at instead? I say this because my friend, Austina, recently asked what I like about myself. I sat there speechless. I had to really think about it for a long time. I think we so often minimize ourselves not wanting to "brag." That being said, I know I'm really good at listening to people. In any conversation I am the one usually listening more and talking less. I am also an empath which has served me so well in my career because I literally "feel" so much of what's happening around me. It helps me connect with people easily and make them feel seen and heard.
Link to your business:
https://www.koaa.com/dianne-derby
https://diannederby.com/
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Molly Sharples, Marketing Director/Colorado Springs Sports Corporation
Short description of what you do: Plan and execute all marketing and media plans for all major Sports Corp events and initiatives.
What do you love about your career? The awesome team I am a part of and all the incredible people I’ve met throughout the community since being with Sports Corp.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My family, they have been my biggest supporters along the way and my two college professors, Deb Pasquarella and Sean Daly, they are who made me fall in love with the sports and events industry!
Link to your business ColoradoSpringsSport.org
Contact info molly@thesportscorp.org
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Megan Leatham, Title President & CEO/Colorado Springs Sports Corporation
Short description of what you do: The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation is the driving force behind amateur and elite sport in the Pikes Peak region. Through event promotion and community development activities, The Sports Corp plays a critical role in bringing city and civic leaders together with some of the nation's premier sporting organizations to promote tourism and create positive economic impact. Annual marquee events hosted by The Sports Corp include an amateur Olympic-style sports festival for athletes of all abilities, a 4th of July Community Celebration , a cycling race to the 14,115’ summit of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain , a three-day Labor Day hot air balloon festival, the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame, and various sport-centric luncheons.
What do you love about your career? Simply put, I have the best job in the world. How could it get any better?
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? Tom Osborne. Tom was my boss, mentor, and friend for 10 years. He taught me everything I know.
Have you received any awards? Recipient of Mayor's Young Leader Award for Innovation in Sports & Wellness
Link to your business https://www.coloradospringssports.org/
Contact info Megan@thesportscorp.org 719-634-7333
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Susan DiNapoli, Executive Director of Sue's Gift - Gynecologic Cancer Support
Short description of your work :I lead an organization that provides emotional, financial, and social support for women with gynecologic cancers in the state of Colorado
Biggest female influences :My mother, Sue, the namesake of Sue’s Gift
Advice for young women starting out :Your ideas can change your community, and our world. Don't be afraid to act on them!
Website/social handles :Suesgift.org. insta: Sues_gift FB: Sue's Gift - Gynecologic Cancer Support FB: Susan DiNapoli
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Rhonda Cicak and Niki Cicak (Mother Daughter), Owners/Day Lily Salon and Spa
Short Bio: At Day Lily Salon and Spa we truly believe in helping you become YOU, at YOUR best! As a mother-daughter owned and operated business, we believe in the value of family, community and giving back. We want you to feel like you are part of something bigger when you enter our doors. We have clients tell us all the time that when they are with us, they feel like they are getting their services done in their own living room, surrounded by friends!
What do you love about your career? We love that we get to work with our favorite people both staff and the women we serve.
Who's been the biggest influence in your life and why? I feel like it's been each other and the women we work with. They help remind us why we are here everyday!
Have you received any awards? Yes! We are so honored that we were voted the 2020 Family Owned Business of the Year through the Chamber and EDC and Niki was also nominated, and was a finalist, for the Athena Award in 2021.
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daylilysalonandspa
Instagram: @DayLilySalonAndSpa
Website: http://DayLilySalonAndSpa.com
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Baylee Parks, General Manager/School of Rock
Short Bio: Baylee is the General Manager at School of Rock Colorado Springs. Parks specializes in music management, performance, event coordination, production, and is intrigued by innovative and entrepreneurial avenues of the music industry. Parks graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music Business from the University of Colorado and has worked for numerous organizations in Colorado Springs as an arts administrator, event planner, and a community outreach representative. The local music community is rapidly growing and Baylee is eager to be an advocate for aspiring musicians through the programs at School of Rock Colorado Springs!
What do you love about your career: I love sharing the joy of music with all ages and watching people grow as musicians and performers. I also enjoy working alongside the very talented instructors at School of Rock. Their expertise has helped many students prosper!
Awards/Accolades: Outstanding Undergraduate Student | Bachelor of Innovation in Music - Issued by University of Colorado Colorado Springs Visual and Performing Arts · May 2020
Contact info/website: bparks@schoolofrock.com | (719) 888 - 7625 | www.schoolofrock.com/locations/coloradosprings
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Brianna Goodwin, Director of Development/Colorado Springs Sports Corporation
Short description of what you do: Fundraising and sponsorship development for the Sports Corp and our signature events.
What do you love about your career? No two days are the same and we get to be a part of the City’s biggest and most beloved events!
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? There have been some amazing mentors throughout my career helping me navigate the various paths that have brought me to where I am today. But currently, the biggest influence in my life are my kids. My two boys help me to slow down and appreciate the wonder of the world around us, play and enjoy life without limits.
Have you received any awards? I have been fortunate to have my work recognized during my tenures at the Colorado Springs Fire Department and City of Colorado Springs Special Events Office.
Link to your business: www.coloradospringssports.org
Contact info: brianna@thesportscorp.org
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Morgana LeBold, Owner and President/Red Door Consulting
Short description of what you do: I help business with their social media presence, whether it’s learning how too “do” social media better, or taking their social media strategy to the next level with fully-managed options for one-on-one training.
What do you love about your career? I love helping small business to master the mystery of social media and post confidently to help them reach their business goals.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? I have had many mentors in my life, but the biggest influencer has to be my business partner. He helps me to keep going as an entrepreneur when I’ve doubted myself, and pushes me to be the best version of myself so my business can continue to grow.
Have you received any awards? Best of the Springs for Marketing 2018 (sliver)
Contact info: 719-322-3063 / bebrilliant@reddoorconsult.com
Website: reddoorsocial.com
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June White, Owner/AMPRO Inspections, Inc
Short Description of what you do: Residential and Commercial Property inspections
What do you love about your career? Helping buyers in their decision making when purchasing a home to ensure the home is safe prior to buying. It’s the biggest investment in most people’s lives and we do our best to make sure they’re safe.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My mother. She’s the hardest working and strongest person I know.She raised 6 kids and did everything she could to make sure we had everything we needed even with very little financial resources. Being from Okinawa, she had to struggle with language barriers among other obstacles, and she never let anything keep her from making life great for her kids.
Have you received any awards? Not yet. I was nominated for Minority Owned Business of the Year in 2021 by the SCWCC.
Contact info: june@amproinspection.com
Website: www.amproinspections.com. www.facebook.com/amproinspection
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Tina Schwaner, Owner of Frayla Boutique
Frayla Boutique is a social business that balances commercial and social goals. It is a for-profit model that sources products from socially responsible small businesses and equity projects and offers the product to buyers who want fun fashionable attire and home decor while also doing good.
What do you love about your career? I love that I have created a place where you can go shopping and give back at the same time. If you have a giving heart and little time Frayla is the place to shop.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? The people of the National Institute For Social Impact. I have loved being a part of this community of socially impactful business minded people. They are so encouraging and supportive
Have you received any awards? Finalist for the Prizm Awand 4 times for Social Entrepreneur of the year and/or Social Impact business of the year. We recently received the BBB 4 Good verified Business seal . We are proud to be one of the first in the USA to Verified of Purpose + Profit with the BBB.
Contact info:
Fraylaboutique.com
Facebook.com/fraylaboutique
Instagram @Fraylaboutique
18 E Fountain Blvd Colorado Springs CO 80903
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Shannon Coker, Chief Operating Officer Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado
Shannon Coker has an extensive background at Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, having worked at the organization for 14 years. As Chief Operating Officer, Shannon serves our partner agencies and direct service programs as well as overseeing our transportation fleet, food procurement and distribution centers in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. In 2022, she will lead the opening of a third distribution center in Alamosa, CO. Outside of Care and Share, Shannon serves as a Board Member with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. She is an alumnus of Leadership Pikes Peak Signature Program (2014), the Community Leadership Program at the Center for Creative Leadership (2019) and was recently honored (2021) by the Colorado Springs Business Journal as a Women of Influence.
Shannon@CareandShare.org
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Kimberly Way, Media Queen/Owner of Queen Llama.
Llamas are my spirit animal - they are lovable and will work hard for you
Started Queen Llama in 2019 after 30 years of working in media at advertising agencies in Texas, California and Colorado
Awarded Media Strategist of the Year from the American Advertising Federation (AAF) in 2016
My focus is to bring highly strategic media solutions to my clients; media research, planning and buying
I partner with other local marketing specialists to offer comprehensive, expert advertising services (some of my local partners include Madwoman Marketing, MHC United, Twelve Legs Marketing, MBMarketing, AdPro360, Page Canvas and Bachman PR)
Some of my current clients are: SunWest Credit Union, The Colorado Springs Airport, PPCC, La Plata Communities and LearningRx
I love our community and how they support small businesses. I'm on the board of the local AAF and a proud member of the Colorado Springs Chamber and the Southern Colorado Women's Chamber.
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Veta Enright, Insurance Producer/Your Insurance Lady
Short Description of what you do: Insurance Specialist
What do you love about your career? Helping people protect their dreams
Who’s been your biggest influence in your life and why? I have met a lot of strong leaders. The women that raise one another up have left their mark on me and I try to follow and lead by that example
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Aileen Berrios, Executive Vice President/5StarBank
Short description of what you do: Director of Business Solutions Group & Business Development. I help business owners get the funding needed to start, grow and expand their business. Our team offer’s competitive rates, flexible terms and cash-management services customized to their specific needs.
What do you love about your career? I love what I do inhaling business owners, especially small medium size businesses.I have grown over the many years in banking, specifically in the lending side. But now I love where I work at 5Star Bank. It’s a great culture and a community bank that is invested in the markets we serve. Our home office is Colorado Springs, but we serve Denver & Trinidad as well.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My father - he always told me to be independent and not rely on a man to make my living. Well, I followed his advice and am happier that I can earn my own living and I can be financially independent. But I am now happily married and my husband is also happy that we can both contribute in supporting our family financially. We were able to start a business together because of what I learned from my dad long ago. He passed six years ago. I miss him.
Have you received any awards? Women of Influence
719-360-0677
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Bethany Kucana, Social Media Manager/NLA Media
Short description of what you do: I help grow small business through smart social media advertising strategies. I work with several clients across multiple industries. I use my brain power to build content, copy and other campaigns that generate winning results.
What do you love about your career? I love helping small business grow! Behind every business is a family, and knowing that I helped that family thrive is what keeps me smiling every day.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My husband, Arber, has always pushed me to use my passion for creativity to help me flourish in my career.
Have you received any awards? My agency has won several awards since I started my job here in 2017.
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Marquesa Hobbs, Realtor|CNE, MRP
Colorado Hearthstone Properties | ERA Shields
Short Description of what you do: Specialize in residential real estate and relocation for the Colorado Springs, Monument, Peyton and Castle Rock areas. Her expertise has earned the respect and trust of Buyers and Sellers in all phases of life; experienced investors, First Time buyers, upsizing and downsizing, and those seeking unique Real Estate services like 1031 Exchanges, New Build-Agent, Estate Sales, Second Homes, Military families, corporate and executive relocation expertise and more.
What do you love about your career? I love helping clients define their Real Estate Goals, and then create a strategy to exceed their expectations. Through the process, we are a team, and I love serving them and the extreme trust and respect we develop through the process, It is incredibly rewarding to hep clients achieve their dreams
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My Mother; She exemplifies what it means to unconditionally love your family, serve your community, and excel at your profession.She modeled that I can achieve what I set my mind to; dream big and aim for the stars!
Have you received any awards? 2021: MVP & Most Listings Sold at ERA Shields, Peak Producer; Colorado Springs 2019 - present, ERA Leader’s Circle 2019-Present, ERA President’s Award 2018
Contact info:
Colorado hearthstone.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquesahobbs/
https://www.instagram.com/marquesahoobbs/
@mycoloradohearthston
719-238-0330
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Lynn Williams, Executive Administrator
NLA Media
Short description of what you do: Bookkeeping & Media Buying
What do you love about your career? It is always changing
Who’s been the biggest influence in your life and why? My Mom. She showed me to get up and keep going
Have you received any awards? Who’s Who in America’s Youth
Lynn@nlamedia.com