Women’s Summit Presenters & Panelists
Women’s Summit 2024 Presenters & Panelists
Julie Lancaster
President of Lancaster Leadership; Cultivating Lifelong Leaders. Leadership Coach, Trainer, & Consultant
session #2: Venture Visionaries: Mastering The Art And Science Of Powerful Innovation
Julie Lancaster knows that being a leader takes guts. Before being the founder of Lancaster Leadership, she walked the talk. Julie first found her calling decades ago as a rock-climbing instructor. She helped thousands to look challenge in the face, to be vulnerable, to enthusiastically strive for tall goals, and to celebrate hard work together. Through finding her calling, she found her true voice. Today, as the President of Lancaster Leadership, she now supports others to delight in their successes and overcome their challenges. She has been honored to be Dean of Education, Career Services Director, Entrepreneur of the Month, Businesswoman of the Month, and Adjunct Instructor of the Year, and to support outstanding clients as a leadership coach, consultant, and trainer in many sectors. Now with decades of leadership in the U.S. and beyond, her experience guides her practice. Although she travels around the country working with teams who aspire to flourish, she calls Flagstaff, Arizona home. Learn more about Julie: www.LancasterLeadership.com
JUDY TINCHER
Master Certification in Transformational Coaching, Facilitator, Organizational Strategist & Transformation Enthusiast
session #1: You May Be Surprised that Neuro Linguistic Programming Is Already Part of your Leadership; Learn How to Maximize It
Judy Tincher, Certified Coach, Facilitator, Organizational Strategist & Transformation Enthusiast Judy is a skilled facilitator, certified coach, organizational strategist, public speaker, and transformation enthusiast. She excels at helping clients tune into their leadership style and take practical and applicable action. Judy combines the science of habits, positive intelligence®, leadership and development, and coaching for a unique approach to transformational leadership. Judy is a credentialed teacher and has served hundreds of volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and government partners through Arizona Conservation Corps, Conservation Legacy, and AmeriCorps over the years. Through her nonprofit & government leadership spanning 15+ years, she certified as an EMT and became the CEO of a coaching business targeted at mitigate disease factors by focusing on nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress. Judy facilitates many topics, including but not limited to rolling out change, difficult conversations, and team communication for retention. As a lifelong learner, Judy is currently enrolled in a Coaching Mastery program specializing in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and neuroplasticity for mindset and performance excellence. Learn more about Judy: www.LancasterLeadership.com
Jill Paine
Global Business Leader, Peripheral Vascular at W. L. Gore & Associates
Panelist Panel #1: Leadership Agility, Changing Course and Bold Decision Making
Jill has woven together a career across various industries, disciplines, organizations and roles. Her career started in the apparel industry working at Gap, Inc. and then spending over a decade at Nike with the opportunity to build experiences across software design, supply chain leadership, corporate sustainability, and the scaling of innovation. Later shifting to the medical device industry with W.L. Gore & Associates, she has continued her path of gravitating towards interesting problems to be solved and has moved through roles as diverse as building project management and business ops teams, to being the Chief of Staff to the CEO, and to now leading a global medical device business.
The common thread across all of this is the desire to learn, to solve problems, and to align teams to do great things. In simple terms, she will say she is an expert in bringing together operations and teams to do things that matter.
When not at work, Jill can be found in Flagstaff in the mountains of Northern Arizona where she resides with her husband Mike and 16-year-old son Eli. They spend their time enjoying all that the Southwest has to offer and she will most frequently be sighted with her friends and family on a bike, skis or in her running shoes. She is a consummate learner and is always up for a new challenge.
Eric Heiser
President and CEO, Coconino Community College
Panelist Panel #1: Leadership Agility, Changing Course and Bold Decision Making
Dr. Eric Heiser proudly serves as the sixth President & CEO of Coconino Community College (CCC) in Flagstaff, Arizona. He guides a college of passionate faculty and staff who are dedicated to changing the lives of their students. He has worked in higher education nearly two decades starting as a full-time faculty member and progressing to senior leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Colorado State University
Prior to assuming the presidency at CCC, Dr. Heiser was the inaugural Provost of Central Ohio Technical College (COTC). He served as the Chief Academic, Student Support, and Workforce officer for COTC.
Dr. Heiser started his career as a faculty member at Central Wyoming College (CWC) and taught in the areas of business, management, and criminal justice. He also spent time as a director and workforce training coordinator during his time at CWC. He spent six years at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) serving first as an Associate Dean and then moving into a Dean role. He and his team built one of the nation’s largest Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs, from which the college was recognized nationally by multiple outlets. He has delivered over three dozen conference presentations and key notes and published several articles on the topic of CBE and academic innovation over the past 10 years. Dr. Heiser was appointed as a content expert to the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse to advise the department on best practices in career and technical education and guided pathways.
Dr. Heiser is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), an international network of institutions and organizations dedicated to improving graduation rates and eliminating equity gaps through quality CBE programs. In addition to his work in CBE, Dr. Heiser is the past President of the Board for the National Council of Instructional Administrators (NCIA), an affiliate council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). He has also recently completed a three-year term on AACC’s Commission on Workforce and Economic Development. Dr. Heiser and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Sophie, and Emma.
Dianna Sanchez
Chief Foundation Officer and Athletic Director at Coconino Community College
Panelist Panel #1: Leadership Agility, Changing Course and Bold Decision Making
Dianna Sanchez has spent her career dedicated to education and the non-profit sector. Originally a high school English teacher, Dianna transitioned into the role of Executive Director at The Literacy Center. There she expanded their program offerings and created the first literacy program for female inmates at the Coconino County jail. She is currently the Chief Foundation Officer and Athletic Director at Coconino Community College (CCC). At her current role at CCC, she secured the largest private gift in the College’s history and has continued to grow the Foundation and athletics to best serve CCC students. She is excited for the future of the Foundation and what that will mean for the local community.
When she’s not working, you’ll find Dianna running lots of miles on the trails in our beautiful forests with her girl gang. She enjoys spending time with her family and trying to keep up with her three children. During moments of quiet, she loves to cook and read a great book.
Lauren LAUDER
Deputy CEO & Arizona Market President at Spectrum Healthcare
Panelist Panel #1: Leadership Agility, Changing Course and Bold Decision Making
Lauren Lauder, MBA, MSW, serves as Deputy CEO & Arizona Market President at Spectrum Healthcare. With an MBA from the University of West Georgia and a Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University, Lauren brings over two decades of experience in health and human services, specializing in program implementation and whole-health care systems. Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren finds joy in reading, spending time with loved ones, attending concerts, and exploring the outdoors. Her leadership at Spectrum is shaped by her role as an agent of positive change, guiding others through transitions to promote recovery and health.
Lisa Leap
Resource Stewardship & Science Manager, Flagstaff Area National Monuments
Panelist Panel #1: Leadership Agility, Changing Course and Bold Decision Making
Born and raised in Indiana. One of 5 siblings – large Italian/Catholic family. Currently married and reside in Flagstaff (30+ years). I was interested in archaeology every since I was 5ish, digging in the back yard for “treasures.” By 8th grade I learned that I could become an actual archaeologist, and there was no turning back. Went to undergraduate school In Erie, PA at Gannon University for my Anthropology degree. Study proto-Iroquoian sites there. Came to Flagstaff, AZ in 1987 and completed my graduate degree in Archaeology. Worked as a field and supervisory archaeologist for NAU, in Glen Canyon NRA and in the private sector. Conducted archaeological excavations and surveys in the private sector throughout southeast Utah, northwest New Mexico and northern Arizona. Spent about a year in Guam, Saipan, Tinian, etc. Micronesian Islands as an arch. supervisor and it was there that I learned I wanted to preserve lands, no develop lands. Came back to the states and began my career with the National Park Service. Returned to Glen Canyon NRA for a short time, then worked at Grand Canyon (17 years as lead archaeologist for Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program), and now at Flagstaff Area National Monument (15 years Resource Stewardship and Science Manager/Archaeologist).
Coral Evans
Northern Arizona Director for U.S. Senator Mark Kelly
Panelist Panel #2: Innovation, Creativity, & Challenging the Status Quo
Coral Evans is a social entrepreneur passionate about people, neighborhoods, and the strengthening of communities, civic engagement, investment, and small business.
She currently serves as the Northern Arizona Director for U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, is co-producer of the Southside Community Association / The Lived Black Experience CommUnity Dialogue Project, and is the Executive Director of The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff. Coral has also served as Mayor of the City of Flagstaff from 2016-2020. Previous to that she was the Vice-Mayor and council member from 2008-2016.
Laurel Morales
Podcast Creator, 2 Lives and Freelance Reporter for NPR
Panelist Panel #2: Innovation, Creativity, & Challenging the Status Quo
Laurel Morales is the creator of the award winning podcast 2 LIVES. For two decades Laurel reported on wildfires, climate change, and the extraction industry for the Fronteras Desk and NPR. The daily deadline pressure covering such intense issues took its toll in the form of migraines and secondary PTSD. In 2020 she kept coming across individuals who’d wrestled with some kind of darkness and transformed as a result. It was those people who inspired her to shift focus to the internal landscape and launch the 2 LIVES podcast. “We all have two lives. The second begins the moment we realize we have only one.” Read more about Laurel: https://www.2lives.org/
Rose toehe
Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives at the City of Flagstaff, Communication & Civic Engagement Division
Panelist Panel #2: Innovation, Creativity, & Challenging the Status Quo
Rose Toehe is a facilitator with a specialty in cultural humility & competency. Rose is Diné (Navajo) and Ute. She is Tachii’nii Noda’i (Ute branch of Red Streak Running into Water.) She has a Master’s degree from NAU in Educational Psychology-Counseling and a B.S. degree with an emphasis in Business Administration. Rose is the Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives at the City of Flagstaff, Communication and Civic Engagement Division. Her top character traits are honesty, spirituality and gratitude.
ANIka olsen
VP, Enrollment Management, Northern Arizona University
Panelist Panel #2: Innovation, Creativity, & Challenging the Status Quo
Anika brings nearly 30 years of higher education experience to her role in Enrollment Management, from Campus Living, Dean of Students, Student Leadership, Greek Life, Admissions and Orientation. Anika earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of the Pacific, masters at The Ohio State University and Certificate in Enrollment Management at University of Southern California. Anika served as a Principal and Consultant with EAB Enrollment Services, advising colleges and universities on their operational and enrollment challenges. Anika is passionate about placing the student experience at the center of decision making, ensuring access for students to successfully meet their educational goals and potential. Anika and is a proud executive member of Arizona Women in Higher Education (AWHE) and serves on the EAB Enrollment Services Advisory Board.
Women’s Summit Panelists
Being Bold
Assertiveness. Dealing with challenges. Claiming your place at the table. Going for it.
Nicole Lance
CEO of Lance Strategies/Managing Partner of Extraordinary Balance/19 Years of Non-Profit Experience/Executive Coach to Google
Nicole Lance is the CEO of Lance Strategies and also the Managing Partner of Extraordinary Balance. Passionately committed to helping organizations and individuals succeed in reaching – and reaching beyond – their goals, Nicole is known for her authentic, energetic, and positive approach to strategic consultation and providing exceptional value and high levels of return-on-investment for her partners. With 19 years of nonprofit and local government experience in addition to owning and operating her own consulting firm for the past 5 years, Nicole translates easily between industries and cultivates an experience tailored to the exact needs of her clients. From working with major corporations like Google to supporting local governments, small nonprofits, and individuals through executive coaching, Nicole creates unforgettable experiences to help her clients get to where they want to be.
Nicole is an Arizona native and loves to kayak and hike throughout the state with her dog, Nala. When he’s not busy in his high school classroom, she even takes her husband, Sean, along sometimes, too! She is the proud stepmom to a 19-year-old United States Navy Sailor, Myka, who taught Nicole the value of deep breathing when she was learning how to drive. Nicole and Sean also welcomed baby girl Emersyn to Team Lance in 2018 and currently spend most of their time chasing after her. Learn more about Nicole: www.nicolelancestrategies.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolelance/
Flo Spyrow
MSN, MPA/MHA, JD, FACHE/Northern Arizona Healthcare president and CEO/Nursing Degree from San Jose State University/M.A. of Public Administration/Health Administration from Portland State University/M.A. in Nursing from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR/Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa/Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives
Florence L. Spyrow was named NAH president and CEO in Oct. 2018 after serving as interim president and CEO for six months. She joined Northern Arizona Healthcare as Chief Administrative Officer of Flagstaff Medical Center in 2015. Prior to joining NAH, Florence served as Interim Chief Executive Officer at Healthtech Management Services in Geneseo, Ill., where she directed and coordinated hospital activities and employed physician practices at Hammond-Henry Hospital. Florence also served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Genesis Health System, a top-100 health system spanning 10 counties in Iowa and Illinois and including five hospitals, three nursing homes, and a 180-member physician group. Before that, she served as Vice President of Hospital Operations for Trinity Regional Health System in Rock Island, Ill., which includes three hospitals and a College of Nursing & Health Sciences. A visionary, value-based leader, Florence has transformed organizational cultures to achieve and sustain exceptional, cost-effective results.
Florence earned a bachelor’s in nursing from San Jose State University in San Jose, Calif.; a master’s of public administration/health administration from Portland State University in Portland, Ore.; a master’s in nursing from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Ore.; and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. She is licensed to practice law in Iowa and Illinois. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Learn more about Flo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-spyrow-msn-mha-jd-66a0bb29/
Shondra Jepperson
Actor/Singer- Songwriter/VO artist/Coach/Producer/Alumni of the Juilliard School of Drama/Co-founder of Sedona Youth Theatre/Co-owner/Entertainer of Entertainment by Tom & Shondra/Northern Arizona Women Business Owners past president
Shondra Jepperson is an Alumni of the Juilliard School of Drama with an impressive resume reflecting performance credits of 42 years in the entertainment business. Besides her acting credits, she’s starred in her own shows in Las Vegas, Reno and concerts across the USA and on several cruise lines. Shondra’s originals include three produced musicals & her recent music video, “Greed Incorporated,” has won an American Tracks Music Award and nominations in the Artist’s Forum Film Festival in NYC, Chicago’s Amarcord Television Awards, LA Music Video Awards, Audio Shoot Unsigned International Music Video Festival in Ireland, Widescreen Film Fest. in Las Vegas, Utah Music Awards, Jerome Indie Film Fest and World Music & Indie Film Festival in Virginia. She’s co-founder of Sedona Youth Theatre in it’s 14th year and is a private voice, acting & stage performance coach with former students acting in film, TV and commercials. She is co-owner/entertainer of Entertainment by Tom & Shondra, The Two Lucys and also one of the popular Dynamite Divas. She’s been awarded for her community service community including two AZ Foundation Awards, served as NAWBO Sedona VV Pres. in 2018-19 and currently serves on four Board of Directors. Learn more about Shondra: ShondraMusic.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-and-shondra-jepperson-4278668/
Jamie Karlovits
Blog-writer of Mindful in the Muddle/Corporate Event Planner/Degree in Communications from John Carroll University/Mom Extraordinaire
Jamie Karlovits is a blog-writer and stay-at-home mom to 3 kids plus a furry one. Her daughter, Emily, has Down Syndrome and Speech Apraxia, which has added the title of Special Needs Mom to her credentials. She shares her busy and crazy life with her husban, Doug, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jamie’s blog, Mindful in the Muddle, creates awareness, connection, encouragement and joy, along with a little humor. She writes about her journey of a recovering perfectionist and control freak, along with motherhood and special needs. Prior to being a stay-at home-mom, Jamie was an event planner for corporations and associations. She received her bachelor degree in Communications from John Carroll University. Learn more about Jamie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-karlovits-0b522b10a/
Authenticity
Living your values. Being yourself versus pushing your comfort zone. Respect at every level. Building trust and relationships.
Sara Presler
CEO Presler Consulting/Attorney/Bachelors from Northern Arizona University/Juris Doctor from Michigan State University/Public Defender in Coconino County/Numerous local and state boards and commissions/Mayor of Flagstaff/Business Law and Ethics Adjunct Instructor
Sara Presler is an effective business-minded attorney with deep experience creating, growing, and transacting for corporate clients. A graduate of Northern Arizona University and Michigan State University, she served as a public defender in Coconino County, representing children adults. In 2008, Sara was elected Mayor of Flagstaff. She was the youngest person and first woman to hold the office. Sara served on numerous local and state commissions, including the Governor’s Homeland Security Council. In 2010, she was re-elected to a second term as Mayor of Flagstaff. Her most significant accomplishments include substantial investments in Flagstaff’s children, collaboratively resolving water settlements with tribal nations, demonstrating unwavering support for the Flagstaff Fire Department and Flagstaff Police Department, and preserving the Flagstaff environment we love. Sara began teaching for Northern Arizona University and continued for many semesters as a Business Law and Ethics Adjunct Instructor. She also taught Constitutional Law for Coconino Community College. Sara’s served as General Counsel of a global renewable energy company, CEO of a medical company, and CEO of a women’s foundation. In 2015, Sara shifted full time into the cannabis industry as a lawyer and consultant for licensed operators. Sara chairs the Compliance Committee for the Arizona Dispensaries Association and serves on its Board of Directors. Learn more about Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarapresler
Holly Figueroa
Cultural Competency Administrator/Tribal Liaison for Health Choice Arizona/Member of the Hopi/Ohkay Owingeh Tribe/Interim Tribal Liaison/Certified Adult, Youth, and Veteran Mental Health First Aide Trainer
Holly Figueroa is a member of the Hopi/Ohkay Owingeh Tribe and is from the Sun Clan. Pronouns, She/Her/Hers. Holly is the Tribal Liaison/Cultural Competency for Health Choice Arizona. As the Tribal Liaison, she works to strengthening Tribal relations with the 17 tribes in HCA service area, focusing on Crisis Service, Coordination of Care, Language Services and education and awareness programs. As the Cultural Competency Administrator, she works to ensure that culturally appropriate services are delivered to all HCA members and that providers meet the language needs of those they serve. Holly also develops education and awareness programs for staff and residents of the HCA service area to help reduce the stigmas aimed at diverse cultures and to decrease health disparities they often suffer. Holly was born into a military family. She is also a certified Adult, Youth, and Veteran Mental Health First Aide Trainer. Holly serves on the Arizona Rural Health Association Board of Directors and the MPOWRD Teen AA Advisory Board of Directors to serve as a bridge connecting the Native American culture as well as other cultures to a Western model of care. She is also a One N Ten volunteer and a dedicated Ally who works to advocate and ensure Safe Spaces for LGBTQ communities. Holly is dedicated to ensuring health equity to under-served and underrepresented populations. Learn more about Holly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-figueroa-93bb0880/
Dr. Bizzy Riley
Naturopathic Primary Care Provider/Doctorate in Naturopathy from Bastyr University/founding member of the Naturopathic Academy of Primary Care Physicians
Dr. Bizzy Riley is a Naturopathic Primary Care Provider who is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their goals in health, work, and life. She graduated with a Doctorate in Naturopathy from Bastyr University in 2005 and has been seeing patients in Issaquah, Washington ever since. In 2010, she expanded her business to include a storefront dispensary for supplement sales. Dr. Riley is a founding member of the Naturopathic Academy of Primary Care Physicians, and has served on the board of the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She has also been a delegate to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. This work has deepened her commitment to providing care that is affordable, effective and safe for people of all ages and states of health.
Dr. Riley believes strongly that we are all works in progress and that moderation is the path to happiness and wellness. Her personal goals are to maintain a balanced and joyful life so that she can be optimally available to the needs of her loved ones and patients. Her own life experiences have allowed her to have a deepened sense of understanding for the fact that health looks different for every person and changes according to different life stages. Dr. Riley is passionate about almost anything involving the outdoors, food, books, Julie Lancaster, and music. She lives in Issaquah with her husband, her sons and two dogs. Learn more about Dr. Riley: www.drbizzy.com
Lauren Lauder
MBA, MSW, LISAC/CEO of The Guidance Center/Served as Senior Vice President of Northern Arizona with Southwest Behavioral & Health Services/Board of Directors with Arizona Council of Human Service Providers/Board of Directors with Flagstaff Shelter Services/Bachelor of Social Work degree from Northern Arizona University/Master of Social Work degree from New Mexico Highlands University/Master of Business Administration from the University of West Georgia/Independent Substance Abuse Counselor State of Arizona
Lauren has been employed in the health and human services field for close to 20 years, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Guidance Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. The Guidance Center is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit Community Mental Health Center and a subsidiary organization of The NARBHA Institute. Prior to joining The Guidance Center, Lauren served as the Senior Vice President of Northern Arizona with Southwest Behavioral & Health Services. During her leadership, Lauren was responsible for service expansion, implementation and development of integrated care, and data based decision making. Lauren also has previous experience working at the Regional Behavioral Health Authority. Her responsibilities included working to expand service provision, implementing evidence based treatment models, and compliance monitoring. Lauren currently holds elected positions on the board of directors for the Arizona Council of Human Service Providers and Flagstaff Shelter Services. Lauren has a passion for impacting the communities she serves while ensuring those that need services are able to have their needs met in a timely and person centered manner. Lauren prides herself on being an agent of change and helping others navigate change in order to promote recovery and health for all individuals. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Northern Arizona University, her Master of Social Work degree from New Mexico Highlands University, and her Master of Business Administration from the University of West Georgia. Lauren is licensed in the state of Arizona as an Independent Substance Abuse Counselor. Learn more about Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-lauder-2317466a/