We HEAR Her

Melisa Griffith, is the Sr. Membership Director for the Ken Garff University Club. As her LinkedIn profile states she “Connects People with Purpose”. Melisa has traveled extensively around the globe for humanitarian purposes. In her podcast she describes how that path was not typical for a young, single woman in Utah but it worth it!

Amanda Morton, Vice President of Relationship Development for Cyprus Credit Union has gone from owning her own hair salons to 10 years in the banking industry. From being a small business owner to the world of banking Amanda shares how work-ethic and accountability are the keys to success!

Mallory Santa Cruz, newly appointed Vice President of Success in Education and Amy Browning, newly appointed Senior Director of Development talk about the journey of building Women Who Succeed over the past three years. Lessons they have learned, what they have shared with young staff, and the need for entrepreneurial flexibility in a non-profit setting.

Laura Peifer, Health Consultant and Vice President of GBS Benefits discusses the complexities of giving 120% to her professional career and 120% to her personal life. She reflects during yoga her affirmation “LCR”, which stands for “I deserve to be loved, chosen, and respected.”

Robin Huling, Founder of Warner Communication shares some of the best advice she ever received, “Have your kindling prepared before lightning strikes”. This successful entrepreneur, business owner, speaker, and consultant shares her personal journey with infertility while pressing through professional opportunities.

Liese Rodger, Vice President and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, shares insight into how she has created her identity separate from the expectations and pressures from others. As a female leader in Finance, with a background and love for history, food, and Princess Diana, Liese brings unique and creative insights to her role. In this episode, Liese gives guidance on balancing friendships and work, maintaining physical health, and becoming a successful woman in finance.

Jennifer Hall, Civil Engineer and Assistant Vice President at WSP USA, shares how her unconventional college journey and family-farm background has helped her become a fast learner and passionate leader. As a woman in the Engineering field, Jennifer understands the gender inequalities that are often working against her, but she never lets anyone, not even herself, put her in a corner.

Krista Parry, Chief Development Officer at Visit Salt Lake, has become a successful and attentive leader, mother, and woman by showing up and being willing to learn. In this episode of We HEAR Her, Krista shares some of her experiences and hardships that have made her the resilient and hard-working woman she is today.

Melanie Jones, Editor in Chief for Utah Business, reflects on her journey being a daughter of a single mother with 5 children to where she is now personally and professionally. Melanie is a huge advocate for young women completing their post-secondary education for their economic stability, personal confidence, and intellectual growth.

Georgi Rausch shares her insight into how fun and mindfulness keep her on a path of continual learning. “Good Job Georgi," is her mantra throughout the day as she accomplishes big and small accomplishments. Her hardship with her mom and her journey beyond that resonates with many women at this stage in their lives.

Melissa shares how she has learned to love and accept the story of her life even though it is different than what she thought it would be. It may not look the way she thought it would be, but she enjoys the surprises and opportunities around every door!

Dana Grinnell, Author, Speaker, and Business Strategy & Operations Leader at Grinnell CapitalDana has a passion for women and their empowerment through money. She has a long corporate career in business development and executive leadership positions. With that experience and passion, she assists women in the financial services industry and as investors. 

Elizabeth McMillian, Director of Communications at the Utah Department of TransportationElizabeth discusses how the practice of staying true to your values keeps you in alignment with all of your priorities, tasks, and projects. She also describes the difficulties of providing transportation services in the fastest-growing state in the United States.   

Brandy Vega, CEO of Vega Media StudiosAfter nearly losing her daughter to suicide, Brandy made a decision to become an advocate, spokesperson, and event organizer of Live LIVE to share her mission of preventing suicide.  For all of us that have struggled with mental illness or had a family member or friend who has struggled with mental illness, this is a must-hear episode.

Mary Crafts, Founder and CEO of Mary Crafts, INC., and Founder of Culinary CraftsMary provides depth and wisdom in this episode as to how to cut the cords of fear that bind you. She dives into her new book Unbounded: From Sorrow to Summit and shares insights from her journey. 

Rachelle Morris, Co-Founder & Managing Director at RevRoad CapitalRachelle shares her journey personally and professionally, as she has navigated the grief of losing her sister, Madie. Rachelle carries Madie with her every day in memories, love, loss, and hope. Hear from Rachelle how she “embraces hello” in honor of her sister each and every day. 

Brooke Newhall Lenzen, Senior Manager in Executive Education at the David Eccles School of BusinessBrooke shares with us her curious nature and desire to continue to learn.  She tells us about the Women's Leadership Certificate program at the University of Utah and how women continually lean in to lift one another up. 

Christina Qi, CEO of Data Bento Christina shares with us in this podcast how she founded Domeyard LP hedge fund focused on high-frequency trading from her dorm room with $1,000. Born in China and raised in Logan, Utah, in poverty, here is how determination, hard work, and growing from rejection made Christina who she is today! 

Alison Dayton, Founder of Lift and Love Foundation Allison shares the heart-wrenching story of losing her brother, who was gay, to suicide and how she now fiercely advocates for her son and other LGBTQ individuals to have a place of strength and belonging. 

Lizzie Solies, Alaya Lopez, and Reece Richardson:   You can't stick to a plan all the timeLizzy Solies, Chief Operating Officer of CashMan, together with Women Who Succeed mentees Alaya Lopez, and Reece RichardsonAlaya and Reece discuss their bold moves, including moving to Utah from Hawaii and being okay with pivoting majors in college.  Here is how they manage their busy lives in school, receiving recognition and engaging deeply in Women Who Succeed.

Lizzy Solies, Chief Operating Officer of CashMan Lizzy describes how she overcame adversity as a teenager and young adult.  Hear about her philosophy: when you hit rock bottom, dig deeper, plant a seed, and grow!  As the Chief Operating Officer, she discusses empathetic leadership and how much she has learned from her mentees in Women Who Succeed.

Women Who Succeed mentees Addie, Abi, and Hannah all provide incredible guidance for young women in high school and college.  Their advice about to try and not to get caught up in the small stuff that seems so big in high school.  Secondly, put yourself out there and try new things in college. Be bold and be ready to shift and enjoy the ride! 

Sidni Lloyd-Shorter, President and CEO of Utah Black Chamber of Commerce  In this episode, Sidni describes the importance of understanding your personal values and your “Why” early in life. Start with what matters to you and declare it to others. Sidni sees challenges as opportunities and embraces the future with zest and optimism for life! 

Tori Horton, CEO of Reset Your Nest  Hear Tori describe what she believes are essential elements to being a successful, creative, interesting person without the need to be perfect! In this episode, Tori discusses the advantages and benefits of having a career and the role of a mother. She explains the value of being complex and adapting to multiple roles. 

 Nikki Walker, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at DOMO  In this episode, the “FABULOUS Nikki” describes the importance of being bold and being yourself as a woman. She encourages young women and women to find their power, speak up, get involved and VOTE! She wishes there were more diverse perspectives in our elected officials and our community and challenges us to step forward.  

Robin Ritch, President & Publisher at Deseret News, has a diverse background in finance, marketing, channel growth, product management, strategic business development, and technology acquisition. Robin serves on the board of WIN - Wasatch INnovation Network and Wiki Charities. Additionally, Robin regularly consults as a strategic advisor for many startups, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises. Robin finds Utah fascinating with its established work-life-recreation balance that is not so often seen in other states. In this episode, Robin shares her experience working in the news and witnessing the changes that came with the popularity of social media. Listen in to hear Robin discuss the importance of listening to different sources to better understand the reality around us.

Missy Larsen is the VP of Philanthropy and Community Impact at doTERRA Internation. She oversees one of the world's most active corporate-philanthropy operations with a mission to empower people and communities worldwide to be healthy, safe, and self-reliant. Over the past three decades, Missy has become recognized as a collaborative leader known for her results-oriented work. In this episode, Missy shares her fondness for her career at doTERRA where she is able to use her expertise and talents while making positive and sustainable changes in the world. Listen in to hear Missy's fascinating story about how we are all connected and how trusting our intuition will lead us in the right direction.

Melisa Griffith, formerly Development Director of Global Philanthropy at Young Living Essential Oils and now Chief Development Officer for Operation Gratitude, has always been passionate about working with girls and women to help them see their worth and become financially independent. In this episode, Melisa shares how her experience assisting at a safe haven center for trafficked individuals around the world pushed her to help others more. Listen in to hear how Melisa's big heart and bold personality are her forces for being successful in her career.

Dr. Lindsay Wilner is the founding director of the Christmas Box House, a center for at-risk children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In this episode, Lindsay shares how wrestling with her own midlife crisis inspired her to write a screenplay titled Ledge Dweller, dedicated to all women seeking rebirth in their middle age. This screenplay process gave Lindsay more insight into the filming industry and the need to support women behind the lens. Lindsay also produced a horror movie titled Severed, an entirely student-driven production that became a semi-finalist at the Vancouver Film Festival awards. Listen in to hear how Lindsay enjoys her favorite decade in life and how she turned her life experience into a screenplay.

Rhonda Nicoloff is an impressive woman who worked her way from an entry-level position at A&K Railroad Materials to its president and co-owner. While working hard to build her career, Rhonda also made time to raise a family and earn alum status at Harvard, completing their OPM (Owner, President, Manager) program. Following her railroad career, Rhonda started her own company called REBL Consulting. In this episode, Rhonda shares how her determination helped her succeed in a male-dominated industry and how she navigates the life of an empty nester. Listen in to hear how Rhonda enjoys overcoming challenges in her professional and personal life.

Erica Dahl, formerly Vice President of Government Relations at find help and now Head of Policy for ChargeNet Stations, has over 20 years of experience in public policy. In this episode, Erica shares how her social worker's parents inspired her to work in policy and to give back to the community. Erica also shares how being a mentor with Women Who Succeed gave her insight into what her daughter was navigating while preparing for high school. Listen in to hear the details surrounding the recent mantra that helped both Erica and her daughter tamp down self-doubt, "You're doing just fine, sweetheart.

 Dr. Susan R. Madsen is the Inaugural Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. She is also the Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, which focuses on strengthening the impact of Utah girls and women through research, resources, and events. Professor Madsen is considered one of the top global scholars and thought leaders on women's leadership. In this episode, Susan shares her passion for helping young women graduate college and become confident leaders. Susan also encourages women to take more chances and not to fear failing. Listen in to hear Susan shares how saying "YES!" is a beautiful opportunity for growth and building confidence. 

Juliette Bautista is a community leader advocating for STEM diversity and the Founder and Director of Club Ability. Juliette believes strongly in the importance of providing disabled and Latinx children with better access to STEM, and she is actively working to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech space for all. Listen in to hear the inspiring story of Juliette building a community for special needs and Latinx students through her afterschool tech program: CLUB ABILITY. 

Kat Falcone, Media Director at Ken Garff Auto, has been in the advertising/marketing world for over 22 years and has worked with all kinds of clients, from Subway to T-Mobile. In this episode, Kat shares how she navigated a previously male-dominated industry as a woman and one company in particular as the first pregnant woman. Listen in to hear how Kat did not allow fear of the challenges she faced to keep her from a field she loves.

Dr. Sydnee Dickson, Utah superintendent of public instruction, has served the children of Utah as a proud educator for over 41 years. In this episode, Syd shares about her long journey of educational career opportunities that eventually led her to become a superintendent for Utah. Syd's favorite part of her job is visiting Utah schools to see the great things happening in our schools and determine ways our system can move forward in order for every student to succeed. Listen in to hear Syd's approach to using her heart while making challenging decisions about the Utah students' future.

Erin Litvack, Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor, shared the lesson she learned from solving the homelessness situation during the COVID-19 pandemic and earthquake in 2020 about taking time to self-reflect on daily achievements. Listen in to hear Erin discussing the need to lift others to move our community forward.

Ruchi Watson, Managing Director of the Goff Strategic Leadership Center and Professor (Lecturer) in the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy at the University of Utah, was nominated as one of 30 Women to Watch by Utah Business magazine in 2021. Ruchi is passionate about gender equity and women's advancement, and she frequently speaks at events to teach others about the importance of women's leadership. Listen in to hear how Ruchi has successfully supported the growth and development of her students and other members of the community.

Jessica Elwell, Chief Operating Officer at OxEon Energy, is shaping the history of aerospace engineering. Jessica helped create the Mars Oxygen In Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) that is currently aboard NASA's Perseverance Rover producing oxygen from planet Mars' atmosphere for the first time in human history. Listen in to hear Jessica share her new STEM career perspective and what it's like for women working in engineering today.

Kelli Booth, Executive Director at The Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science, is passionate about education and empowering students' growth and development. Under her determined leadership, NUAMES became one of the top high schools in Utah and doubled in size. Kelli is a Governor's Medal Award winner in Science and Technology. Listen in to hear how Kelli is working to limit the barriers for underrepresented students entering the tech world

Wendy Ogden was greatly influenced by her mother's journey from a homemaker in the 70s to a strong, professional businesswoman raising two children. Today, Wendy supports other women in the community and helps them grow professionally through her Women Leadership Network group at Young Living Essential Oils. She also mentors young women through a mentorship program at Women Who Succeed. Listen in to hear Wendy discuss the importance of networking and never burning bridges in the workplace.

Dr. Trent Kauffman, Senior Advisor at Cicero Group, has developed expertise in K-12 Education, quantitative and qualitative research methodology, performance management, strategy, and sales and marketing analytics. Trent's biggest passion is being a dad and seeing his daughters grow into strong women who can achieve anything. Listen in to hear Trent's advice on accepting feedback and finding the best talent for your business' growth.

Katie Amundsen, Assistant Dean at the University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business, has a long history of working in higher education. When Katie is not helping manage the Dean's office, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband. Listen in to hear Katie share how curiosity is the guiding force to lifelong learning.

Millicent Tracey, Board Director and Fintech Advisor, has worked in Fintech and financial services for over 22 years. Today, Millicent can be found working closely with nonprofits and mentoring young women to be strong, educated, and confident. Listen in to hear Millicent share the harrowing story of her daughter's passing and how her new perspective on life brought her to Utah.

Kristin Andrus is a social media and marketing-savvy mother of six, a community champion for women, children, and refugees, and a Youtube Fitness personality with a supernatural ability to get things done! Devoted to making an impact in the world, she is working on an initiative to end period poverty by providing menstrual products for free to schools, shelters, and foster care facilities throughout Utah. Listen in to hear Kristin describe the challenges associated with female product accessibility and the importance of finding the cause that speaks to you.