Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Nevada for 2024. Nevada, often recognized for the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, is a state with a rich and diverse economic landscape that extends well beyond the Strip. While tourism is a vital part of the Silver State’s economy, the state is also thriving in sectors like agriculture, construction, hospitality, healthcare, and education. Additionally, Nevada is making strides in innovative industries like IT and cybersecurity, multimodal transportation centers, and advanced manufacturing.
This year’s awardees serve in high-level roles across these industries and beyond. Among them is Sabrina Borghoff, who stands at the forefront of Nevada’s fastest-growing general contracting firm, Martin-Harris Construction. As Vice President of Business Development, Borghoff leverages her 10 years of experience in commercial construction to drive the company’s continued success.
Next, we honor hospitality executive Erin Naeve. With 20 years of experience in sales and distribution roles at renowned companies like Travelzoo, Harrah’s Entertainment, and The Venetian, Naeve is now Vice President of Distribution and Social Sales for Fontainebleau Las Vegas, one of the newest luxury hotels on the Vegas Strip.
Finally, we acknowledge the accomplishments of Maria Sexton, Chief Information Officer of the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. A leader in both healthcare and technology, Sexton leads the IT division’s operations and the information security program for the state's only public hospital.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Nevada for 2024.
1. Alexis Mussi
Chief Executive Officer, Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center, HCA Healthcare
Alexis Mussi was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center in May 2019. HCA Healthcare is one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services.
Mussi has been with HCA since May 2008, starting as the director of physician sales with Sunrise Children’s Hospital. She then served as the market sales director and then the director of surgical sales for Mountainview Hospital. In June 2012, she joined the C-suite as the VP of the Surgery and Cath Lab and then as VP of operations, starting in October 2013. From 2016 to 2019, she served Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center as the chief operating officer and then started her current role.
Mussi holds a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Business and Communication from Arizona State University and earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
2. Phyllis James
President, Foundation for Women's Leadership & Empowerment
Phyllis James is the President of the Foundation for Women's Leadership & Empowerment (FWLE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2019 to provide the successful Annual Women’s Leadership Conference and other affordable development programs that empower and equip women from all backgrounds, including women of color, for leadership across society as equal partners with men.
James was previously the executive vice president and chief diversity and corporate responsibility officer at MGM Resorts International, where she worked for over 17 years. She oversaw the company’s diversity initiative, as well as its philanthropy, community engagement, and employee volunteerism efforts. She also led the Corporate Diversity and Community Engagement Department. In her role, James maintained those responsibilities while taking on expanded leadership of MGM Resorts’ CSR initiative. She focused on enhancing the company’s overarching CSR strategy, further integrating it across the enterprise. She also advanced and communicated the company’s national CSR profile and reputation. James began her career with MGM Resorts in 2002 as SVP and senior counsel before her promotion to chief diversity officer in 2009 and then to EVP in 2010. Previously, she served under the City of Detroit’s mayor as corporation counsel and law director for the city. She also enjoyed a distinguished legal career in private practice and as a judicial law clerk.
James graduated magna cum laude with an undergraduate degree from Harvard and Radcliffe College and received the honors of Phi Beta Kappa junior year, the Captain Jonathan Fay Prize, and the Isobelle T. Briggs Fellowship for Graduate Study. She earned her JD from Harvard Law School. In 2016, the National Bar Association recognized James’ efforts with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The previous year, she was admitted to the prestigious American Law Institute and included in Savoy Magazine’s list of most influential black lawyers.
3. Susan Griffin
Head of Customer Communications, Google Cloud, Google
Susan Griffin is the Head of Customer Communications at Google Cloud of Google. She first joined the company in 2020 as head of customer communications at Google Cloud. Google LLC operates as a global technology company specializing in Internet-related services and products.
After spending over 20 years in finance, Griffin is continuing her career in technology. Her two decades of experience on Wall Street during the formative years of her career have been invaluable. Finance has long been a breeding ground for sharp, innovative minds, and she thrives in this type of intellectually charged environment.
Previously, Griffin was a senior communications manager at Salesforce. Before that, she was a technical publications manager in the communications business group at Dolby Laboratories. Earlier in her career, she worked as a senior technical writer and program manager. Griffin earned an undergraduate degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley.
4. Suzanne Couture
Vice President of Design & Development, MGM Resorts International
Suzanne Couture joined MGM Resorts International in 2021 as Vice President of Design and Development, utilizing over 30 years of experience in the hospitality design sector. The resorts and casinos of MGM Resorts International are some of the most famous in the world with 28 destinations renowned for their winning combination of quality entertainment, luxurious facilities, and exceptional customer service.
Couture is currently overseeing design efforts on international integrated resort projects, as well as high-profile domestic developments. Her design career began after graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology.
Residing in New York City for 17 years, Couture worked with hospitality giants, including Ian Schrager, Philippe Starck, Brad Elias, and the Rockwell Group. In 2004, she moved to Las Vegas to join the studio of the renowned leader in integrated resort design, the Friedmutter Group.
5. Samantha Klein
Chief Operating Officer, Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches
Today, Samantha Klein is the Chief Operating Officer of the Mandel Jewish Community Center of the Palm Beaches. The mission of the JCC of the Greater Palm Beaches is to create a strong Jewish community by providing high-quality programs close to, where people live that connect people to Jewish life.
Klein is an experienced and entrepreneurial executive professional with a passion for the nonprofit community. With over 20 years of leadership experience, she provides data-driven, strategic guidance to decision-makers, board leaders, and senior and middle managers. In her current position, she provides strategic vision and direction for the organization, while also managing all aspects of agency operations. She partners with the president and CEO in leading the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches, reimagining agency-wide programming to establish it as the premier destination for Jewish life in Palm Beach, Florida.
Klein started her career in 2002 as a director of public relations at Chapter 11 Bookstore. From there, she went on to Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, before eventually rising to manager, consumer insight and analytics at Beazer Homes, her most recent position before joining Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches. Klein graduated from the University of Florida of Warrington College of Business with an undergraduate degree in marketing and English.
6. Maila Aganon
Senior Vice President & Las Vegas Business Leader, Aon
Maila Aganon is the Senior Vice President and Las Vegas Business Leader of Aon, a global professional services and management consulting firm. The company provides a broad range of risk-mitigation products, including commercial risk, investment, wealth, health, and reinsurance solutions.
With three decades of experience, Aganon is a successful finance professional with experience in global-scale hospitality, gaming, insurance, banking, and retail industries. She has proven experience in leading and driving innovations to reduce costs and increase efficiencies. With outstanding diplomacy, she consistently builds consensus among stakeholders to ensure that activities align with business goals and objectives. At Aon, she is responsible for client relationship oversight, strategic risk management planning, understanding and interpreting client needs, coordinating the delivery of appropriate Aon resources and services, sorting through challenging insurer discussions, and overseeing the completion of critical deliverables.
Before joining Aon, Aganon was a vice president of treasury and risk finance at Caesars Entertainment. Before that, she was a manager at AAA. Earlier in her career, she worked with Allstate Insurance as a claims adjuster and senior financial analyst. Aganon graduated from San Francisco State University with an MBA in Finance and from San Francisco State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
7. Jessica Hensler
Chief Operating Officer, Northern Nevada Health System
Jessica Hensler is the Chief Operating Officer of Northern Nevada Health System. She first joined the team in 2023. Northern Nevada Health System is a regional multi-facility system that has excelled at offering quality care to residents of the greater Truckee Meadows.
Over the past 20 years, Hensler has taken a distinctive career path that spans healthcare, project management, performance and process improvement, advertising, marketing, journalism, and architecture and design. Discovering her genuine interest and passion in healthcare, she has focused her professional growth on advancing into facility leadership.
Previously, Hensler was a chief operating officer at Spring Valley Hospital. Before that, she was a chief operating officer at Valley Hospital Medical Center. Earlier in her career, she worked with Home Organizers, Inc. as an advertising and marketing assistant. Hensler earned an MBA in International Business and an undergraduate degree in advertising from the University of Nevada, Reno.
8. Deborah Smith
VP of Finance of Global Gaming Products, Pricing & Deals Desk, IGT
Deborah Smith is the Vice President of Finance of Global Gaming Products, Pricing, and Deals Desk of IGT, the global leader in gaming. Smith started at IGT as a supervisor in accounting and rose through the ranks, serving in multiple high-level positions and starting her current role in 2022.
Smith is a self-motivated leader and a goal-oriented, effective financial business partner who thrives on accomplishment. At IGT, she partners with global product and sales leadership to competently orchestrate pricing solutions that maintain a competitive advantage. She strives to maximize potential return and profitability while facilitating processes that ensure adherence to policies and controls governing pricing and discounting. She directs comprehensive product performance analytics to support the global commercial gaming business.
Smith prepared for her future career by attending the University of Nevada, Reno, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
9. Alisa Mirabal
Vice President of Advanced Products, Aristocrat
Alisa Mirabal has a wealth of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry. She currently holds the position of Vice President of Advanced Products at Aristocrat Gaming Division, where she leads innovation and product strategy. Aristocrat Gaming is the leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of Class 3 and Class 2 land-based slot games.
Previously, Mirabal served as general manager of customer success and hospitality solutions at LAVA.AI, where she oversaw the growth and success of the customer base. She also served as vice president and assistant general manager at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, providing guidance and leadership in various operational departments. Mirabal held similar executive roles at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe and Planet Hollywood Resort. Mirabal’s experience also includes roles at Ignite Funding, Marketing Results, Harrah's Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment, and Sun International. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in marketing, customer engagement, and strategic planning.
Mirabal earned a Bachelor of Science in Gaming Management with a minor in Economics from the University of Nevada, Reno. She then pursued a Master of Business Administration in Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, graduating in 2004.
10. Kelly LeGrow
Senior Vice President, Brown & Brown Insurance of Nevada
Kelly LeGrow is the Senior Vice President of Brown & Brown Insurance of Nevada. With more than 30 years of healthcare and insurance experience, LeGrow has established a strong executive reputation as a sought-after consultant with expertise in employee benefits, provider networks, contract negotiation, and the management and development of numerous plan benefits.
During her career, LeGrow has developed and implemented operational, business, and marketing strategies for hospitals, third-party administrators, pharmacy benefits managers, managed care organizations, and physician groups. LeGrow also has developed PPO and HMO networks, home health agencies, and insurance brokerage firms. She was instrumental in the expansion and elevation of Waymark Insurance Services, representing many influential organizations across Las Vegas. She continues to expand that service at Brown & Brown.
LeGrow was appointed to chair the National Employee Benefits Leadership Advisory Council for Brown & Brown Insurance, and she serves as the chair of The Nevada Health Foundation and a board member of the Nevada Donor Network Foundation. She has served as a VP of the Nevada Neuroscience Foundation, the chair of the board of the Nevada chapter of the American Lung Association, a member of the Nevada Executive Women in Health Care, and a member of the National Women Business Leaders. She has lived in southern Nevada since 1984 and holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
11. Cynthia Osborn
Chief Operating Officer, AssuredPartners of Nevada
Cynthia Osborn is the Chief Operating Officer of AssuredPartners of Nevada. AssuredPartners insurance agency in Las Vegas, NV offers commercial insurance, employee benefits, and personal insurance.
Osborn has 28 years of experience. She began her career in operations as an affiliate account manager with iGo.com. From there, she became a sales and marketing executive with Landmark Homes and then the director of operations for West Haven Development. In her most recent position before joining AssuredPartners of Nevada, Osborn was the director of operations for Benefit Resource Group for nearly five years.
Osborn is highly involved in her community and currently serves as an active board member of the Nevada Women's Fund. She volunteers with the Nevada Women's Fund, contributing her time and efforts to support their initiatives. Previously, Osborn was part of the executive leadership team at the American Heart Association and served as a team captain and volunteer for the Northern Nevada Heart & Stroke organization. She has also volunteered with the Safe Kids Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to community service and leadership.
12. Sloan Albert
Chief Operations Officer, Centra Health
Sloan Albert is the Chief Operations Officer of Centra Health. As a regional, nonprofit healthcare system, Centra serves over half a million people across central and southside Virginia through an established network of facilities and services.
Albert is a highly motivated decision-maker and problem solver, energized by challenge and variety, with over 25 years of track record of assembling strong multi-disciplinary teams. She leverages data to identify improvement opportunities, increase provider engagement, and drive performance in multi-specialty practices, service lines, and integrated healthcare delivery systems. Before joining Centra Health, Albert was a vice president of operations at Intermountain Health. Before that, she was a vice president of operations at Healthcare Partners of Nevada. Earlier in her career, she worked with NorthShore University Health System as an assistant vice president.
Albert graduated from Ohio State University with a Master's in Healthcare Administration and Management and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in business psychology.
13. Mary Burns
VP of Hotel Operations Boyd Gaming Corporation, Boyd Gaming
Mary Ann Burns has extensive work experience in the hotel and casino industry. Currently, she holds the position of Vice President of Hotel Operations at Boyd Gaming, a role she has held since 2017. Boyd Gaming Corporation is one of the nation’s leading casino entertainment companies.
In her role, Burns is responsible for working with the 20 Boyd Hotel properties to maximize hotel occupancy and generate revenue growth. She acts as the business owner for all sales and hotel-related systems, and she establishes and maintains hotel room standards across all Boyd properties. Burns started her career as a hotel manager at Frontier Hotel and Casino. She later served as the director of hotel and sales operations at Stardust Resort and Casino. Burns studied elementary education, teaching, and hotel management at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
14. Jennifer Cooper
Chief Communications & Strategy Officer, Clark County
Jennifer Cooper is the Chief Communications and Strategy Officer for Clark County, a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect, and accountability. Cooper joined the team in February 2022 to lead the government agency’s Communications and Strategy team, launching a global marketing and branding campaign while also refocusing internal communications and external social engagement to increase the public’s understanding of services provided by the entity to more than 2.3 million residents. Simultaneously, Her responsibilities include restructuring internal efforts to reconnect county employees to the value of the services they provide to citizens while proactively developing the narrative of Clark County to residents and stakeholders.
Previously, Cooper was the system director of division communications for CommonSpirit Health, where she directed the efforts of communications and marketing teams for eleven divisions across 21 states. She contributed to the development and implementation of strategies for internal and external communications initiatives for 137 hospitals, 150,000 employees, and numerous care facilities nationwide. Additionally, her extensive work history includes time as a manager of external relations and later as director of communications at Dignity Health. Cooper spent four years with the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development as its communications director and was a senior media manager for the National Federation of Independent Business in Washington DC before returning to Nevada.
Cooper got her start professionally by overseeing and leading campaign and political communications and was the youngest-serving communications director in the United States Senate. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is married and has a daughter and two rescue pups.
15. Rebecca Hirst
Chief Financial Officer, Binance.US
Rebecca Hirst is the Chief Financial Officer of Binance.US, a Crypto platform featuring secure access to over 150 popular cryptocurrencies. Binance.US has emerged as a leading destination for customers looking to buy, trade, stake, transfer, and hold digital assets with confidence.
Hirst has 19 years of experience. She is a financial executive with 15 years of experience in financial analysis and reporting, strategic planning, including budgeting and forecasting, and building high-performing finance teams from the ground up. She possesses specific expertise in cryptocurrency, accounting for digital assets, and regulatory compliance (KYC and AML). As a trusted business partner, she has a proven track record of enhancing company performance through data-driven decision-making. She is passionate about operational efficiency and building finance infrastructure to support business growth.
Before joining Binance.US, Hirst was a business controller at Coinbase. Before that, she was a CFO and chief trust operations officer at Huobi Trust Company. Earlier in her career, she worked with Citigroup as a financial controller of equity derivatives. Hirst graduated from The University of Manchester with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance. Hirst is a CPA licensed in the US and a chartered management accountant in the UK, with additional qualifications in anti-money laundering, cryptocurrency, and project management.
16. Jennifer Krueger
Vice President of Demand & Supply Planning, Light & Wonder
Jennifer Krueger is the Vice President of Demand and Supply Planning of Light & Wonder. She first joined the company in 2021. Light & Wonder, Inc. is the leading cross-platform global games company.
Krueger is a supply chain executive with 20 years of experience in the strategic planning and management of complex supply chains. Previously, Krueger was a senior director of sales and operations planning at Ulta Beauty. Before that, she was a director of operations excellence at DSC Logistics. Earlier in her career, she worked with the US Army as a supply platoon leader and company executive officer. Krueger earned an MBA from Gies College of Business of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an undergraduate degree in business and finance from William & Mary.
17. Jaime Miranda
Vice President of Hotel Operations & Luxury Services, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Jaime Miranda is the Vice President of Hotel Operations and Luxury Services of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. She first joined the company in 2005 as the front desk and command center manager. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is an important part of their global company and a standard of luxury and service in the industry.
Miranda is a hospitality leader with extensive experience in managing 4-star and 5-diamond properties, consistently demonstrating the ability to oversee the big picture while remaining attentive to details. Her leadership success is rooted in her ability to embrace challenges as opportunities to enhance operations, always considering the needs of guests, team members, and the bottom line. Her goal is to find the right balance for the business through collaboration with her team and colleagues, all while enjoying the journey.
Previously, Miranda was an assistant front desk manager at JW Marriott Pennsylvania Avenue. Earlier in her career, she worked with Sheraton Manhattan as an assistant housekeeping manager. Miranda earned an MBA from The Wharton School and an undergraduate degree in hospitality and tourism management from Virginia Tech.
18. Ann Olson
SVP of Business Development, Global Experience Specialists
Ann Olson began her professional career 16 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Global Experience Specialists (GES). GES is a global full-service provider for the exhibitions industry.
Olson enjoys interacting with her clients and managing her portfolio of events, focusing on growth, adopting new ideas, and transforming traditional approaches. The opportunity to share her clients' knowledge and skills, combined with the wide array of offerings and the incredible team of co-workers, provides her with not only a job and a career but also a wealth of colleagues whom she considers friends.
Olson started at Global Experience Specialists in account management and has been promoted multiple times through the years, earning her current title in March 2022. To prepare for her future career, she attended the University of North Dakota and earned a degree in information management.
19. Vivian Trinh
Chief Executive Producer, American Income Life
Vivian Trinh is the Chief Executive Producer of American Income Life, a major provider of supplemental insurance benefits to working families through relationships established with labor unions, credit unions, and associations.
Trinh has 10 years of experience. In 2019, she worked at American Income Life as a benefits representative and agent. In 2020, she was promoted to supervising agent and then to general agent in 2021. That same year, she accepted the role of master general agent and then earned her current position in February 2023. Before joining American Income Life, Trinh was a district manager and operator at Go! Calendars, Games & Toys. Before that, she founded K-Town Kitchen & Bar. Earlier in her career, she worked with Zip Realty, Inc. as a licensed realtor.
Trinh graduated from the University of Richmond with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
20. Jennie Bowman
Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, NV5
Jennie Bowman has over 20 years of work experience in various marketing and business development roles. Currently, Bowman has been the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at NV5. NV5 Global, Inc. is a provider of technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for public and private sector clients supporting sustainable infrastructure, utility, and building assets and systems.
Previously, Bowman served as the chief marketing officer at Campbell House, where she oversaw marketing, brand, and communication initiatives for a startup interior design firm. Before that, she was the regional director of business development at Wilson Associates. Bowman also worked as the senior director of marketing and business development at JBA Consulting Engineers, an NV5 company, where she directed global marketing and business development efforts for engineering and technology solutions in the hospitality and gaming industry. Earlier in her career, she held the position of marketing director at The PENTA Building Group. Before that, she owned and operated The Wild Sage Inn.
Bowman obtained a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, International Business, and Spanish from The University of Montana College of Business. She then pursued an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. In addition, she studied Spanish and business at the American Institute in Valencia, Spain.
21. Heather Harris
Chief Executive Officer, UniKwax
Heather Harris began her professional career 28 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Executive Officer of UniKwax, which offers a proven business model to new franchise owners and area developers in the US and internationally.
As a global senior executive, Harris focuses on driving revenue and profits for both established and new ventures, with a particular emphasis on turning around static or underachieving companies. She continuously leverages an innovative business mindset centered around strategic financial positioning, talent empowerment, and technology-based solutions to achieve and surpass goals. Harris is experienced in making difficult decisions that impact personnel and business strategies, always concentrating on larger objectives and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Harris started her career in 1996 as an assistant buyer and associate buyer at Bloomingdale's. From there, she went on to Ralph Lauren Intimates Division, before eventually rising to the president of Intelligent Office, her most recent position before joining UniKwax. Harris graduated from Denison University with an undergraduate degree in communication.
22. Martha Galley
Chief Sustainability Officer, Calix
Martha Galley is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Calix, the leading global provider of the cloud and software platforms, systems, and services required to deliver the unified access network and smart premises of tomorrow.
Previously, Galley was the chief customer success officer responsible for helping customers successfully adopt and realize value from their investments in their strategic products and platform. Before this, she held leadership positions at Digital Equipment Corporation, Microsoft, and Salesforce. At Salesforce, her team built global programs, services, and content assets for customer success, driving adoption for over 200,000 customers worldwide for sales, marketing, and support cloud products, as well as developer tools, with an annual renewal portfolio of over $800 million. At Microsoft, Galley ran enterprise sales for the majority of her tenure as GM of the business with Verizon, later leading the sales teams for the western US portfolio of telecommunications, media, and entertainment companies, with full P&L responsibility for sell-to and sell-through business.
In her last role with Microsoft, Galley built the Telco Partner Channel and go-to-market strategy for launching Office365 as part of value-added bundles to small business customers across all major markets in Latin and South America. Galley is a graduate of Smith College, where she served on the Presidential Board. She is also a published scientific author.
23. Andrea Korney
Vice President of Sustainability, J.S. Held
Andrea Korney is a Vice President of Sustainability for J.S. Held’s ESG and EHS Digital Solutions group. She joined the team in November of 2022 as part of J.S. Held's acquisition of Frostbyte Consulting. J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk.
Providing leadership, strategic planning, and business development support to corporations, Korney has developed strong alliances with trade associations, diversity organizations, tribes, and unions. Her contributions to supplier diversity and Native American engagement in energy led to recognition by Bloomberg’s Sustainability Index in 2017. Her expertise in areas of supplier management, supplier development, diversity, and inclusion contributes value for small, diverse businesses and energy corporations creating capacity and contracting opportunities in traditionally underserved communities.
Korney is an active panelist and diversity advocate, contributing to many articles and authoring sustainability whitepapers. Her commitment to North American equitable economic development is evidenced by her participation on the Advisory Committee for the Supplier Diversity Advisory Council, energy advisory to the Latino Coalition, and Canadian, Aboriginal, Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) board membership. Recently, Korney has been focused on the positive impact on stakeholder value and financial performance through strong sustainability practices and ESG commitment. She holds an MBA from Ivey Business School (Canada). She has been retained as a special advisor by J.S. Held for project-based engagements, and she was a contributor to J.S. Held's 2024 Global Risk Report.
24. Anyah Ellis
Senior Vice President, RCG powered by Luminate Home Loans
Anyah Ellis is a Senior Vice President at RCG powered by Luminate Home Loans. At Luminate Home Loans, their mission is to unlock people's full potential through finances and provide them with clarity at every step along the way. They make lending approachable by bringing transparency and consistency to every part of the financial world, guiding people to decisions that they feel are in their best interest.
Anyah has worked in the mortgage industry for over 20 years, gaining experience in operations, sales, and marketing. She is passionate about providing opportunities for those entering a new path in their careers and cultivating an experience for others in personal and professional growth. Anyah has worked with non-profit organizations that provide mortgage and rent assistance for those affected by pediatric cancer. She graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with an undergraduate degree in sociology.
25. Maria Sexton
Chief Information Officer, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
Maria Sexton is the Chief Information Officer of the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, the state-designated Level I Trauma Center for Southern Nevada and the only advanced facility to offer a specialized team of medical professionals prepared to respond to the needs of the severely injured 24 hours a day. Sexton leads the IT division operations and the information security program for the state's only public hospital. With over 25 years of experience in the information security, information technology, and IT audit industries, she holds credentials, such as CISSP, CISM, and CISA.
Sexton’s core competencies include governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC), information technology, strategic management, and cybersecurity management. She has successfully directed complex projects from concept to operations, influenced and approved capital initiatives, and briefed executive leadership and board members on information security matters. As an accomplished executive technology leader, she possesses expertise in regulatory standards, such as SOX, PCI, and HIPAA.
Previously, Sexton was a director of IT compliance and third-party vendor assessments at MGM Resorts International. Before that, she was a director of global IT security operations at Kellogg Company. Earlier in her career, she worked with CNSI as a network engineer. Sexton graduated from Western Governors University with an MBA and from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with an undergraduate degree in management information systems.
26. Margaret Chiavini
VP, National Bank and Credit Union Division, Newrez
Margaret Chiavini has vast work experience in the mortgage industry. She is currently the VP of the National Bank and Credit Union Division at Newrez, a leading mortgage lender and servicer dedicated to providing a customer-first experience and helping homeowners make smart moves throughout their homeownership journey. It’s Chiavini’s goal to exceed the expectations of lender partners through superior service, simple processes, and effective communication.
Previously, Chiavini worked at Caliber Home Loans, Inc. as a regional vice president from 2014 to 2021. She also had a role at Caliber Home Loans, Inc. as a sales director, where she was responsible for creating correspondent relationships in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest markets. Chiavini began her career at GMAC and GreeTree Lending as a sales director, and she also worked as the West Coast regional sales manager at the National Bank of Commerce and as a senior account executive at Triad Guaranty.
Chiavini completed the Business Professionals Course at The Aji Network, and she obtained the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) certification in 2021 and the Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) certification in 2022.
27. Savannah Jones
Chief Administration Officer at WestCare Foundation, WestCare
Savannah Jones is the Chief Administrative Officer for WestCare Foundation, Inc., a family of nonprofit organizations that provide a wide range of health and human services, in both residential and outpatient environments. WestCare currently operates across 15 states, 3 US territories, the Dominican Republic, and the Republic of Palau.
At WestCare, Jones is responsible for providing leadership and direction for multiple departments, including human resources, professional services, and grant development. She is responsible for ensuring the success of these departments through her guidance and direction regarding hiring, onboarding, retention, training, research, and evaluation, CARF accreditation, grant development, and compliance policies and practices as she monitors how the impact of human capital benefits the overall organization. In conjunction with these responsibilities, Jones leads WestCare’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Workgroup, while also serving as the liaison for the National Board of Directors’ Diversity, Race, and Social Justice Committee.
Previously, Jones was a senior facilitator and consultant at the Power Integration Center. Before that, she was an executive recruiter at Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Earlier in her career, she worked with Corestff as a performance partnership supervisor.
28. Shelly Rounds
Chief Operating Officer, NetEffect IT Built for Business
Shelly Rounds is the Chief Operating Officer of NetEffect IT Built for Business. Based in Las Vegas, with over 165 5-star Google reviews, NetEffect is an award-winning, managed IT service provider that has served over 800 small and midsize businesses across various industries, providing customized business technology and cyber security solutions for over two decades.
An entrepreneur at heart, Roundsh has built a premier technology business bootstrapped from an idea. She seized the opportunity to transform the Las Vegas market with cutting-edge technology services that rival any metro area nationwide. With extensive experience in business management and marketing, she has guided NetEffect into becoming a leading IT service and consulting firm in the Las Vegas community. Her passion and perseverance have empowered NetEffect to deliver exceptional customer service and innovative technology solutions as the foundation of this thriving business.
Rounds is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Las Vegas, hosted by the Vegas Chamber. She has been married to a native of Las Vegas for over 27 years, and the couple built their business together while raising three wonderful children. A proud, empty nester now, Rounds enjoys travel, laughing with friends, yoga, and dancing.
29. Amy Mosher
Chief People Officer, isolved
Today, Amy Mosher is the Chief People Officer of isolved, an employee experience leader, providing intuitive, people-first HCM technology.
In her role, Mosher is accountable for the overall people strategy. With over 20 years of global human resources experience, she has contributed to the success of several progressive multi-national public and private companies in various industries, including biotechnology, hardware, and software. She is a subject matter expert in organizational development, compensation, talent acquisition, operations, and compliance.
Mosher started her career in 2000 as a human resource generalist at Exelixis. From there, she went on to Foxconn, before eventually rising to vice president of human resources at HighWire Press, Inc., her most recent position before joining isolved.
30. Sara Mireles
VP of Customer Experience Office, Credit One Bank
Sara Mireles is currently the Vice President of Customer Experience at Credit One Bank. At Credit One Bank, they’re dedicated to providing supportive customer service and valuable resources for their customers, as well as meaningful careers for their employees. In addition to her current role, Mireles developed a leadership development program and executive mentoring program at Credit One, and she is an executive champion of diversity and engagement for several minority resource groups.
Mireles began a 25-plus-year career in banking and finance. During her career, she held leadership positions in operations, training, quality, and risk management. Before joining Credit One Bank, Mireles was a director of quality management operations at Capital One. Earlier in her career, she worked with HSBC as a senior manager of operations. She is a frequent volunteer for local nonprofits, including Three Square Food Bank and the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Mireles currently serves as an executive board member for Enneagram Las Vegas, and she is an Enneagram trainer and coach for Las Vegas teens, professionals, organizations, and community groups. She served as the president of the Spreckels School District Educational Foundation for three years.
Mireles graduated from Saint Joseph's University with a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership and from the University of San Francisco with an undergraduate degree in organizational behavior.
31. Lauren LaPointe
Founder & CEO, Lauren LaPointe Productions
Lauren LaPointe is a luminary guiding the future of entrepreneurship, celebrated as the CEO and Founder of Lauren LaPointe Productions, the dynamic umbrella company encompassing her diverse ventures. Synonymous with elegance, entrepreneurship, and excellence, she stands as a testament to the power of vision and determination. Her journey is one of profound impact. She thrives as a serial entrepreneur, a devoted mother, and a gifted ballroom dancer. Her achievements transcend conventional boundaries, embodying versatility and grace. She stands at the intersection of achievement and humility, a remarkable blend that defines her character.
Under the Lauren LaPointe Productions banner, LaPointe leads Proscenium Events, orchestrating unforgettable experiences through dynamic and innovative event management. Her proficiency extends to etiquette and business consultancy, manifested through her venture On Pointe Etiquette, where she empowers individuals and businesses with essential skills to flourish in the professional realm. Her influence reaches beyond business domains. As a board member and contributor to numerous organizations, she actively shapes philanthropic landscapes. She's a global connector, an advocate for growth, and a mentor to those aspiring for excellence.
LaPointe’s accolades as a competitive ballroom dancer include being a two-time world champion. Her journey on the dance floor mirrors her approach to life, an elegant blend of determination, grace, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Her passion for the dancesport industry led her to a mission to use her creativity and positivity to better the lives of those around her. That’s why she founded IBDIA (International Ballroom Dance Industry Association). This revolutionary platform envisions a dancesport world, where connections flourish, resources abound, and futures are secured. IBDIA fosters profound connections, championing members' well-being both personally and professionally. LaPointe has etched her legacy through collaboration, empowering entrepreneurs, and nurturing thriving communities. Her story resonates as that of a leader, mentor, and symbol of success rooted in authenticity.
32. Renea Louie
Chief Operations Officer, Pro Group Captive Management Services
Renea Louie joined the Pro Group family of companies in 2005. An accomplished business professional with extensive experience and knowledge in the alternative risk transfer industry and business management and growth, she currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer, based at the corporate headquarters in Carson City, Nevada.
Before joining Pro Group, Louie held top-level executive roles in the high-tech industry. She is a respected industry leader, and her experience includes procurement, management, and team oversight of complex national and global risk management clients and projects using her authoritative experience in the feasibility, formation, licensing, and ongoing management daily for more than 100 insurance companies. Louie has served the industry dutifully and dependably for two decades on many boards, including The International Center for Captive Insurance Education (ICCIE), and continues to serve on the Marketing Committee. Additionally, she serves on or is a member of many onshore state and national associations, including Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Vermont, and Tennessee.
She has been heavily awarded over the years, and she is a frequent speaker and commentator at industry conferences, meetings, and articles. Louie is the CEO and chairman of the Incredible Kids Fund and the Fore the Kids Golf tournament and Swing for a Cure, running the organization since 2002. She has raised nearly $6 million in charitable funds for her community.
33. Erin Naeve
Vice President of Distribution & Social Sales, Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Erin Naeve is Vice President of Distribution and Social Sales for Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a vertically integrated luxury hotel, gaming, entertainment, and meeting destination conceived by Fontainebleau Development.
Naeve brings more than 25+ years of sales experience, including 20 years in the Las Vegas hospitality and gaming industries, to her role at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. She joined the resort in February 2023 for her second career Las Vegas hotel opening following a successful tenure and 12 years at Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as Executive Director of Group Sales and Executive Director of Leisure Sales. She was previously held sales and distribution roles at Travelzoo, Harrah’s Entertainment, and The Venetian.
Naeve holds a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management.
34. Kim Grana
Nevada Market Vice President, Astrana Health
Kim Grana began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Nevada Market Vice President of Astrana Health, a leading provider-centric, technology-powered healthcare company enabling providers to deliver accessible, high-quality, and high-value care to all.
Grana is a well-established, value-driven healthcare executive with robust knowledge in human resource management and finance, complemented by two decades of experience in revenue cycle management. Her active membership and participation in industry associations demonstrate her commitment to and dedication to current industry laws, regulations, and best practices. As a detail-oriented and highly accessible leader, she prioritizes her employees, focusing on building a culture of engagement, growth, development, and inclusion. She is a certified Medical Practice Executive and proudly serves as the 2023-2024 president of the Nevada Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Additionally, she has been a board member of the Nevada Healthcare Forum since 2018.
Grana started her career in 2001 as a cardiac sonographer at St. Rose Dominican Hospital. From there, she eventually rose to vice president of operations at Valley Oaks Medical Group, her most recent role before joining the Astrana Health team.
35. Stacey Noonan
Vice President of Physician Recruiting, Radiology Partners
Stacey Noonan is currently serving as the Vice President of Physician Recruiting at Radiology Partners. A physician-led and physician-owned practice, Radiology Partners is a leading radiology practice in the US, serving hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the nation.
Previously, Noonan held various roles at HCA Healthcare, including vice president of physician and provider relations for the Far West Division from 2012 to 2022. In this role, she led a team of 28 personnel and managed a multi-million-dollar budget, focusing on strategic growth efforts for eight hospitals in Las Vegas and three California markets. She also worked as the women's and children's sales specialist from 2011 to 2012 and as the surgical sales specialist from 2008 to 2011 at HCA Healthcare. In these roles, she developed and retained referrals from market physicians and surgeons, evaluated and analyzed market data, and collaborated with various stakeholders to develop sales strategies. Noonan’s prior experience includes serving as the vice president of West Coast sales at WellCall from 2006 to 2008.
Noonan completed her Bachelor of Science in Health Science at the University of Florida in 2002. She then pursued her Master of Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare at Roseman University of Health Sciences, which she completed in 2018.
36. Julie Dewey
Chief IR & Communications Officer, Orthofix
Julie Dewey serves as the Chief Investor Relations and Communications Officer at Orthofix Medical Inc. Orthofix is committed to improving patients’ lives and delivering innovative, quality-driven solutions that empower physicians and healthcare organizations to meet the needs of their patients every day.
A seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience in investor relations, corporate communications, and marketing leadership roles, Dewey has held corporate officer roles for multiple global publicly traded medical device companies. Before joining Orthofix, she served as chief communications and investor relations officer at Treace Medical Concepts, Inc., and as chief corporate communications and IR officer at Nevro Corp. Before that, she was senior vice president and chief communications officer at Wright Medical Group, NV, a leading orthopedics company focused on extremities and biologics that was acquired by Stryker in 2020. Earlier in her career, Dewey held investor relations and marketing positions at top medical technology companies, including ev3 Inc., Kyphon Inc., and Thoratec Corporation.
Dewey holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Pepperdine University. She is a Fellow of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) and holds the Investor Relations Charter (IRC) credential.
37. Trinh Dang
Executive Director, NAMI of Southern Nevada
As Executive Director of NAMI Southern Nevada, Trinh Dang leads a peer-led grassroots mental health nonprofit that aims to support, educate, and advocate for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions.
Dang spent time in the classroom as a teacher and as a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist before starting her current role in January 2020. She aims to bring public mental health awareness to the community with empathy, compassion, and understanding as a mental health first aid instructor through NAMI signature presentations and mindfulness practices by engaging diverse communities. As a mental health advocate, she brings the family and peer voices to legislators and community organizations to ensure that policies and programs incorporate the perspectives of those utilizing the services.
As someone with lived experience with mental health challenges and seeing it firsthand with family members, Dang is a passionate mental health advocate. She completed NAMI’s Family-to-Family 12-week class in 2012 and became a volunteer teacher in 2013, helping dozens of families navigate mental health challenges over the past decade.
38. Maureen Hascher
Chief Talent Officer, Blue Heron
Maureen Hascher is the Chief Talent Officer of Blue Heron, a design-led development firm nationally renowned for reinventing the architectural concept of Home in Las Vegas. Hascher provides strategic oversight of all facets of the employee experience, including talent attraction, engagement, development, total rewards, and retention. She also serves on Blue Heron’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
Hascher is the former head of talent operations for ActionLink, providing brand representation for reputable organizations, such as Sony, Bose, Samsung, Dyson, and Intel. Overseeing ActionLink people operations through rapid growth in revenue and organizational headcount, Hascher also provided leadership through the entire employee lifecycle for teams throughout the US and Canada.
Earning her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Walsh University, Hascher pays her education forward by serving as adjunct faculty for SNHU. In addition, she helped develop the employee experience course for their Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. She is also SHRM-SCP and SPHR certified. She completed the Boston Marathon in 2021 and has also been a co-driver for the Rally America race series.
39. Sabrina Borghoff
VP of Business Development, Martin-Harris Construction
Sabrina Borghoff stands at the forefront of the fastest-moving general contracting firm in Nevada, Martin-Harris Construction (MHC). With over 10 years of experience working in commercial construction, she joined the MHC team as a strategic relationship developer in 2013. In her current role as Vice President of Business Development, she is responsible for overseeing the business development team, identifying and engaging with new clients, and strengthening relationships with MHC’s long-standing partners.
Borghoff serves as MHC’s primary liaison to local and national business organizations regarding economic development and leads MHC’s strategic growth planning process with a focus on creating short- and long-term strategies to align marketing, sales, and customer experience teams around a singular goal to drive sustainable profitability. Borghoff’s innovative approach to business development cultivates long-lasting, true collaborative partnerships for business unit leaders, ensuring the company revenue pipeline is diversified and sustainable. She has worked on a variety of market verticals, through various delivery methods, for public and private clients, which have resulted in the successful delivery of projects in the industrial, multifamily, commercial, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.
Borghoff holds an Associate degree in Construction Management from the College of Southern Nevada. She is a National Real Estate and Development Trends Forum member of the NAIOP, a member of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and an active member of the Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada, and Southern California NAIOP chapters, serving as chair for several committees over the years. She is an associate member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) and has served as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society for the past two years, ranked number one in Nevada and number six nationally.
40. Stephanie Davis
Senior Director, Integrated Business Planning Processes, HAVI
Stephanie Davis is the Senior Director of Integrated Business Planning Processes at HAVI. She has over 20 years of Marketing and Supply Chain experience leading strategic initiatives and integrated planning processes for food service and CPG companies.
Davis is responsible for understanding client needs and industry trends and translating them into an innovative transformation service. She leads international cross-functional teams and partners through the deployment of multiple integration processes, such as S&OP and CPFR.
Davis has an MBA from DePaul’s Keller Graduate School of Management and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College. She has also achieved PMP (Project Management Professional) and CMC (Change Management) certifications.
41. Tania Craythorne
Director, Sales Operations of Bids & Vertical Programs, Juniper Networks
Tania Craythorne is the Director of Sales Operations of Bids and Vertical Programs of Juniper Networks. Juniper Networks is leading the revolution in networking, making it one of the most exciting technology companies in Silicon Valley today.
Craythorne has 27 years of experience. She enables internal sellers by equipping them with the tools and resources they need to address and solve their customers' top challenges. She uses people, processes, and technology to improve sales productivity and increase revenue. She also helps customers navigate government programs to break down the digital divide. Before joining Juniper Networks, Craythorne was a manager of sales enablement at Palo Alto Networks. Before that, she was a director of sales programs and enablement at Ruckus Networks. Earlier in her career, she worked with Bell Microproducts as a product marketing manager.
Craythorne graduated from Santa Clara University with an undergraduate degree in marketing. When she is not helping her sellers, she enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, skiing, and playing tennis.
42. Dee Frewert
Senior Director of Product Development, Oracle
Dee Frewert is the Senior Director of Product Development for Oracle where she directs and transforms cloud implementations into successful Oracle references. She is a key member of the Product Development Center of Excellence team and a global lead for Development Design Review Program.
Dee is known amongst her peers as an astute leader, advisor, and coach. She is disciplined in execution, creative in visioning, and principled in counsel. She delights in solving problems for customers in challenging circumstances. Dee has an impeccable record of successful projects and customer turnaround, founded on deep skills in SaaS and enterprise implementations. She earned a Doctor of Education in HR, leadership, and management. She has experience in supply chain management, customer relationship management, social ventures, and non-profit organizations.
43. Mary Gurczynski
Realtor & Sales Manager, Haute Properties NV
Mary Gurczynski is a Realtor and Sales Manager with Haute Properties NV, a boutique real estate brokerage with unique insight into the Northern Nevada real estate market.
Gurczynski is a 25-year veteran of the real estate and mortgage finance industry. A native of the Northern Nevada area, she has a passion for helping her community simplify the home-buying process. She specializes in new home construction, first-time homebuyers, and investor purchases. Gurczynski’s accomplishments include being the National Top 10% Sales Leader from 2010 to 2016, taking her talent to multiple leadership levels, and managing sales teams of over 50 individuals.
Before joining Haute Properties, Gurczynski was a new home sales director with Krch Realty. Before that, she was a market manager at loanDepot. Earlier in her career, she worked with Wells Fargo as a sales manager. Gurczynski graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno.
44. Shanna Williams
Senior Vice President of Procurement, Switch
Shanna Williams is the Senior Vice President of Procurement for Switch, a leader in exascale data center ecosystems, edge data center designs, industry-leading telecommunications solutions, and next-generation technology innovation. With more than 25 years of purchasing and construction management experience, Williams is responsible for all purchasing operations for Switch in all locations and oversees all domestic procurement and purchasing. She manages project tax abatements and is responsible for vendor contract management, certifying that all subcontractors are properly qualified to work on company job sites.
Williams employs strong interpersonal skills to navigate successful negotiations with vendors to secure fair pricing and payment terms. She works collaboratively and strategically with all Switch departments to ensure that all supply chain goals and objectives are met, on time and within budget. Before joining Switch in 2011, Williams spent 21 years at a large Las Vegas plumbing firm, where she oversaw all aspects of company operations, including purchasing, reviewing bid proposals, contract negotiation, field coordination, invoice review, and payment. Additionally, she served as the commercial department manager for a large mechanical firm, where she oversaw operations for the commercial mechanical and plumbing division and managed a staff of 20 individuals, which included project managers, estimators, and BIM modelers.
Williams is active in the Las Vegas community and regularly volunteers to feed the homeless, provide face painting during various community events, and serve as an adult leader in her church's youth group.
45. Janielle Bertrand
Senior Vice President of Marketing, Nvision360
Janielle Bertrand currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Nvision360. Located in Las Vegas and New York, the event production and audio-visual company is known for its boutique customer first approach to events and partnerships. As Senior Vice President of Marketing, Janielle is leading the development of brand strategy, driving demand for products and services through customer insights, leading overall marketing, communications, and developing sales enablement strategies. With more than 30 years of marketing experience, Janielle is a seasoned executive, brand trailblazer and strategic spark starter. Her career has been dedicated to transforming companies through strategic and creative solutions. Having served one of the largest global event production organizations, Janielle steered major corporate rebrands and integrated cutting-edge sales strategies that fundamentally boosted market presence and revenue.
She blends high level management skills with the ability to devise strategic solutions across a broad spectrum of marketing and commercial initiatives. With the ability to synthesize vast content into effective strategies, she is both a skilled designer and a visionary thinker. Known for her high energy, positive outlook, and true grit, she leads with a spirit that inspires action and champions a vibrant workspace, where creativity and performance thrive together. She helps teams unleash their full creative and professional potential.
46. Mishkat Al Moumin
Executive Director, Envirolution
Mishkat Al Moumin is a visionary leader and an advocate for environmental sustainability and women's empowerment. As the Executive Director of Envirolution, Al Moumin leverages her profound expertise to drive impactful change. A former Iraqi Minister of the Environment, Al Moumin has dedicated her career to advocating for the recognition of environmental rights as human rights, a milestone reflected in the Iraqi Constitution of 2005.
Al Moumin's legal acumen was honed as an attorney in Iraq, where she passionately represented women and inspired students as a professor at the University of Baghdad School of Law. Her journey led her to the United States, where she became a Mason Fellow and Public Service Fellow at Harvard University. As an educational advisor for the Institute of Peace, she continued her mission to foster societal growth through education. With academic appointments at the Environmental Law Institute and the Women Waging Peace Network, Al Moumin's thought leadership extends across continents. She has published extensively in both English and Arabic, enriching academic and public discourse. At the Defense Language Institute, she served as the chairperson of the Iraqi Department, earning the prestigious Commandant Excellence Coin Award in 2014 for her role in fostering departmental harmony. Her innovative approach to education, particularly during the pandemic, earned her another Coin of Excellence in 2020 for her positive attitude and for offering numerous one-on-one sessions for service men and women.
As an adjunct faculty at the Center for Leadership Development, Al Moumin trains supervisors and managers to become servant leaders. Her extensive career includes roles as an educational consultant for the United States Institute of Peace and as an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and George Mason University. Since 2006, she has been a visiting scholar at the Environmental Law Institute and a key member of Inclusive Security. As the former managing academic director at the National Judicial College, Al Moumin supported the effort to establish the first Veterans Court in Ukraine, demonstrating her commitment to innovative judicial reforms and veterans' rights.
47. Joy Guinn
Partner and Principal, Guinn Consulting Engineers
Currently, Joy Guinn serves as a Partner, Principal, and majority owner at Guinn Consulting Engineers, where she continues to drive business growth and innovation for small to medium-sized architecture, engineering, and construction firms. Guinn is a role model for many women due to her impressive career achievements and her dedication to empowering others. Her journey in the engineering industry, a field traditionally dominated by men, showcases her resilience, determination, and exceptional leadership skills. Guinn’s ability to break through barriers and achieve significant milestones, such as earning prestigious certifications and being recognized with numerous awards, serves as an inspiration to women aspiring to excel in their careers.
Guinn’s commitment to mentorship and professional development is particularly admirable. She actively supports and guides team members, helping them to grow and succeed. Her focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment demonstrates her belief in the importance of lifting others as she climbs. This approach not only enhances the capabilities of the teams she works with but also creates a supportive network, where women can thrive and reach their full potential.
Throughout her career, Guinn has demonstrated exceptional skills in management, marketing, and communications. She has successfully led strategic planning, capture planning, and internal staff training for firms of various sizes. She is adept at developing marketing strategies, managing complex proposal efforts, and coordinating marketing and business development activities. Her expertise extends to branding, public relations, and coaching and mentoring, where she has forged strong relationships with clients and led efforts to penetrate new markets. Guinn graduated from West Virginia University with an undergraduate degree in marketing with minors in communications and management.
48. Amy-Marie Merrell
Co-Executive Director, The Cupcake Girls
Amy-Marie Merrell is the Co-Executive Director of Programs and Development for The Cupcake Girls, a nonprofit organization based in Las Vegas. Since 2006, Merrell has been dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and working on the prevention and aftercare of domestic sex trafficking. She believes that linking arms with others as they work to achieve their goals, in their timing, is the most beautiful form of advocacy she has ever found.
Merrell’s leadership and commitment to advocacy have earned her various awards, reflecting her profound impact in the field. Her role with The Cupcake Girls is more than a job; it’s her life’s work. She leads with compassion and innovation, ensuring that consensual sex workers and sex trafficking survivors are empowered, supported, and treated with dignity.
When she’s not championing The Cupcake Girls' mission, Merrell enjoys exploring the outdoors with her child and their pup.
49. Ashley Unga
Senior Director of Customer Success, Gaming Analytics
Ashley Unga, a proud Las Vegas native, has made a significant mark in the gaming industry, seamlessly balancing her thriving career with a growing family. A Division 1 Soccer athlete at Utah Valley University, she graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Management and returned home to launch her career on the Las Vegas Strip and marry her husband Loa Unga. In just seven years, she earned four promotions while having three children, ultimately becoming the Director of Marketing for Penn National Gaming at Tropicana Casino.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ashley has shown exceptional leadership and commitment to community service. As a Youth Leader, she developed a program that enhanced job search skills for young women, and her volunteer work with Opportunity Village and Special Olympics reflects her deep passion for supporting those with special needs and causes close to home as her younger brother is mentally challenged.
In the gaming industry, Ashley is widely recognized for her contributions, particularly through her involvement with Global Gaming Women (GGW). As a Lean In Moderator, Mentor, and Lean In Circle Board Committee member, she has empowered countless individuals and promoted diversity and inclusivity. One of her standout contributions was her collaboration with a casino and the largest Gaming Expo to introduce a Nursing Pod, a first for nursing mothers at the convention, which continues to serve women today.
Now, as the Senior Director of Customer Success at Gaming Analytics, Ashley Unga continues to lead with excellence, driving the integration of AI into casino operations while also welcoming her fourth child. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing the gaming industry, earning widespread praise for her commitment to innovation, customer support, and inclusivity. Ashley’s exceptional leadership is reflected in her dedication to building a customer-centric company culture, where her efforts have ingrained this mindset into the company’s DNA. Customers often express their satisfaction, with one stating, “I’ve been in the industry 30+ years and never experienced customer support like GA.” Ashley’s contributions are significant factors in the company’s success, making her a true leader and inspiration in her field.
50. Denise Rohrer
Managing Director, iProspect
Denise Rohrer is the Managing Director of iProspect, a leading global digital-first media agency that offers a mix of media strategy, digital storytelling, and specialized audience insight.
Rohrer is an award-winning advertising strategist with over a decade of experience in media, PR, and marketing in both agency and corporate settings. She is passionate about brand strategy and developing marketing teams. She has successfully planned and implemented multi-million dollar, omnichannel marketing campaigns across various industries, including energy, CPG, software and technology, financial services, oil and gas, government, healthcare, and education. Before joining iProspect, Rohrer was a director at 9thWonder Agency. Before that, she was an account supervisor at Gilbreath Communications, Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with Spark Energy as a marketing manager.
Rohrer graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in public relations and communications. She is an avid traveler and athlete with a love for adventure, exploration, music, dance, trying new things, and learning about people and cultures from around the world.