Nevada Women’s Expo announces EXPO-nential Woman honorees

In recognition of the 10^th Anniversary Nevada Women’s Expo, more than 30 women are being honored as EXPO-nential Women for a wide variety of contributions and achievements.  The women were nominated by friends, neighbors, co-workers and admirers for making a difference throughout our communities. A total of 33 women were nominated, and all will be celebrated at a recognition ceremony at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March 31, the Expo’s opening day.  This year’s Nevada Women’s Expo takes place Saturday-Sunday, March 31-April 1, 2012, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St. in Reno. 

“We invited people to submit nominations for EXPO-nential Women who have enhanced significantly some aspect of the nominators’ lives, and we received nominations for women who were corporate leaders as well as women who had spend years of behind-the-scenes volunteering and supporting others,” said Kristy Hawke, Nevada Women’s Expo founder and managing partner.  Exponential is a mathematical term meaning “raising to the power of,” or increasing dramatically. 

The EXPO-nential Women will receive a free professional photo session, free admission to the Expo along with their nominators and the opportunity to win other door prizes.  The recognition ceremony will include refreshments and will be emceed by a KTVN-TV anchor.  

In addition to the EXPO-nential Woman Awards, the 10^th Annual Nevada Women’s Expo is marking a decade of uniting, entertaining, educating and inspiring thousands of women with more than 160 exhibitors representing a dazzling array of businesses, nonprofits, products and services.  Among the many outstanding presenters are actress Dee Wallace, (ET: The Extra-Terrestrial) and co-author of Bright Light: Spiritual Lessons from a Life in Acting, and Loral Langemeier, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker on financial success.

Other special 10^th Anniversary Expo offers include free childcare (first-come, first-served basis), and the first 100 arrivals on Saturday, March 31 will be given free lipid screenings from Abbott.  New Expo sponsor Northern Nevada Medical Center will provide free blood pressure checks and body fat analysis during the weekend.  The hospital also is offering presentations on women’s heart health and spinal health.

Fashion and hair styling shows will be spotlighted, and Tahoe Creamery Ice Cream is inviting Expo attendees to vote on which of three varieties will be the new Blue Lake flavor from the local ice cream maker.  The Expo also includes more ways to relax with a new Tea Garden and complimentary massages. 

For complete Expo event information, schedules and a $2 discount coupon off the general admission price of $7, good for up to 10 people, visit www.nevadawomensexpo.com. 

Following are the 2012 EXPO-nential Women:

Becky Blank, Nominated by Chuck Blank

Becky Blank has helped more than 2,500 students enjoy a magical prom night over the last 10 years.  In conjunction with Family Counseling in Reno, she established and continues to help manage Aly’s Prom Closet in memory of her daughter who was killed in an auto accident 11 years ago. Aly’s Prom Closet helps provide prom dresses, hair styling, makeup, jewelry, shoes, cameras and tuxes for young men and women who may not be able to afford to go to their prom without this assistance.

Jeanette Bussey, Nominated by Pam Kerlin

Jeanette is a wonderfully caring therapist with Empowerment Therapy Group of Reno. Especially impressive is that after the tragic 2011 Reno Air Race crash, Jeanette gave of her own time, offering free therapy to anyone who suffered emotionally from witnessing those traumatic events.

Elexia Casteel, Nominated by Stephanie Gonzalez

This wonderful mother, warrior and healer belonged to the National Guard unit that was attacked last year at the IHOP.  Lexi lost her best friend in the tragedy.  She helped plan the wedding of one of the survivors and has supported this wounded guard member’s readjustment.

Christel Citko, Nominated by Amanda Burden and numerous others

Christel Citko has worked for seven years to build Art Source Gallery into much more than a gallery.  Art Source supports artists, art education and brightening the world with beautiful and inspiring artwork. Christel is passionate about promoting the arts by helping people enjoy creative expression to the fullest extent. She has promoted many charities through fundraisers at the gallery, including Homeless Children in Transition, Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows.  

Alyssa Katherine Conte, Nominated by Reatha Conte

Even though she has had life-threatening challenges to overcome, Alyssa brings joy to everyone. She has overcome lupus, heart and organ problems. As her health has improved, she has begun helping others as a lifeguard and camp volunteer for lupus and childhood cancer patients. She also has studied hard and received her pre-nursing pin and phlebotomy certificates.

Lisa Dehn’e, Nominated by Nora Polizzi

Lisa is a paragon of enthusiasm whose passion for learning works like a contagion in her classroom.  No task is too great, no concept too difficult to prevent her from striking forth toward its accomplishment.  There is no more powerful defender of her students’ right to learn.

Angie Fairbanks, Nominated by Steve Johnson and Susan Walsh

Angie Fairbanks is an influence to everyone she touches and is available to help at any time as a volunteer. She is very involved in the community as a volunteer in Professional Saleswomen of Nevada, Safe Embrace and NCET.  Though she doesn’t have a daughter, she coaches the Reno Ballers eighth-grade girls’ basketball team.

Cheryl Guinan, Nominated by Kelly Wozniak

Cheryl supports and promotes local small businesses and is not afraid to be a cheerleader for what she believes!  She was nominated head of the Street Team for the Reno Barons. She is a huge supporter of the March of Dimes Northern Nevada chapter, taking the lead and on their new commercial. She is an amazing woman!

Joyce Edmondson, Nominated by Joy Masepoli

Joyce is a wonderful supervisor who is easy talk to while remaining a supervisor. I can go to her with problems at work, and she listens and encourages me. To my eyes, she is a SUPER supervisor.

Michelle Beaty, Nominated by Lind Hardie

As Core Writing administrative assistant at UNR, Michelle’s job is scheduling hundreds of classes every semester and working with student placement, along with many other clerical duties: a huge amount of work for one person. Yet she always cheerfully helps instructors and students with problems, usually on her own time.

Tami Cummings, Nominated by Jenette Franks

Tami is one of the most giving people that I know. Tami listens, encourages and motivates and makes you feel like you are the most special person in the world. She works full time, makes family her priority and takes on the most incredible projects and does it all with a smile. Her youngest son had a serious medical condition several years ago. Her oldest son just became an Eagle Scout and his project was to make hundreds of blankets for patients at the same hospital his brother was treated. This took the support and direction of a wonderful mom.

Michelle Dotson, Nominated by Lew Polizzi

Michelle has spent more than a quarter-century teaching middle school students. She is a star-quality no-nonsense teacher with a compassionate disposition. She is quick to embrace a new idea, quick to evaluate it and quick to improve it.  I was her supervisor and she was a crown jewel to work with.

Pat Elzy, Nominated by Alison Gauldin

Celebrating nearly 32 years working for Planned Parenthood, Pat tirelessly advocates for women’s rights and healthcare access. She’s done nearly everything but exams: volunteer coordinator to clinic manager, sexuality educator to lobbyist. Yet she has had little public recognition for her tremendous contribution to women’s health and equality.

Sandra Gerhardt, Nominated by Tana Ranvier

Sandra Gerhardt is kind-hearted; no matter what you need, she is there.   A friend broke both legs, and even while working, she took him dinner every night. She has overcome unimaginable obstacles throughout her life and is a better and stronger woman.

Karyn Jensen, Nominated by Tina Haly

Karyn Jensen is founder of The Human Resource Connection, Ltd.  She recognized that I have a talent in human resources and has helped me grow by mentoring and supporting me as I attend many trainings, including the UNR Extended Studies HR Certificate program. In addition to being a successful businesswoman, Karyn is a tireless volunteer for the American Cancer Society.

Patricia Jewett, Nominated by Barbara Williamson

Pat is the most giving woman that I know. When a neighbor is in need, she is there with food and support. When Pat is elected to an office in any organization, you know the job will be done, and she will go beyond the job description. She is very organized and is willing to help any of her team members along the way with any project. I consider her friendship a gift, and always will cherish it.  

Loral Langemeier, Nominated by Lindsay Sherman‘

Loral Langemeier is a single mother, four-time bestselling author, world-renowned speaker and coach. She is the founder and CEO of Live Out Loud, a multimillion-dollar global enterprise. She is a perennial donor to charities including the Boys and Girls Club and An Empowered Woman Foundation.

Whitney Lewis, Nominated by Kim Lewis

Whitney Lewis is a graduate of The University of Nevada Reno who worked very hard to earn her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in music. The 2010 graduating class was not greeted with opportunity, rather the solemn reality of high unemployment rates. As a strong young woman, Whitney quickly learned that she has talents to offer and  created her own opportunity by opening Biobasement, a website offered to music talent. She found a way where there was no way. As women, we have many life skills and if we are brave enough to look within and get creative, we can create our own opportunities!

Joan Maguire, Nominated by Carol Nicholson

Joan arrives at work with a positive, warm-hearted attitude. She’s a pillar of strength and understanding, offering help to co-workers and friends with sympathy and compassion. Joan inspires everyone with her wisdom, sharing her knowledge joyously. Joan cares about everyone she meets and is loved by all. 

Agnes Mannos, Nominated by Cindy Garduno

A lifelong volunteer, Agnes chaired Grandparents Day at Lenz Elementary and has served as a PTA president numerous times, most recently at Galena High School. Agnes is a volunteer extraordinaire not only at school, but at her church or wherever the need arises.

Linda Meissen, Nominated by Lorin A ‘Costa

Linda is quite an accomplished woman, wife, mother, businesswoman and pet activist. She is on the board of directors for the Nevada Board of Realtors and The Chamber and is very active in the Nevada Humane Society. She chaired the 2010 Mars Pet Care adoption event.

Maribeth Michaud, Nominated by Melony Michaud

Maribeth is a loving grandmother who provides her granddaughter with countless opportunities such as  camping, crafts, sewing, theatre, gardening, travel and exploring the wonder of nature. She is a positive role model for her granddaughter, encouraging her to embrace adventure and discover life’s everyday gifts.

Alice Miller, Nominated by Teri Jensen

Alice is my husband’s ex-wife, the mother of my two wonderful stepdaughters, my boss during my daytime job, my singing partner in our band and my best friend. Without Alice, I most likely would never have known the joys of being a mother.

Betty Mullins, Nominated by Marion Tammany

Betty Mullins is an unsung heroine in our community. She volunteers with St. Vincent’s Food Program and is hospitality chair with the Washoe Zephyrs Chapter, American Business Women.  She arranges meeting dinner menus, takes reservations, collects payments and unhesitatingly volunteers in all chapter projects.

Peggy Rew, Nominated by Jeany Pontrelli

Peggy Rew is generous, thoughtful and energetic, bringing me flowers, putting away my garbage container, caring for my pets. A CPR pet teacher, freelance writer/editor, poet, community volunteer/ networker and mentor, she is an inspiration to everyone she meets. Her positive can-do energy infuses my world.

Dale Rodrigues, Nominated by Ann Berg

Dale was a good friend of my husband, but since he committed suicide, she has become my best friend.   She has helped me to go on in this world. She is my neighbor, and I say every day that I don’t know what I would do if it weren’t for Dale.

Susan Sardina, Nominated by Missy Green

I have been proud and privileged to work with Susan Sardina for eight years.  In that time, she has given back to the Reno/Sparks community with annual Christmas Eve dinners and monthly Community Cafés benefiting the Salvation Army and the Reno Gospel Mission.

Ruby White Starr, Nominated by E. Gary Starr

Ruby White Starr is co-director of the National Judicial Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. She worked prior to this as residential director of CAAW and is a proud graduate of UNR.  She has become one of the leading speakers nationally and internationally in the training of judges and other legal authorities on best practices in helping victims of domestic violence, particularly women and children. Her talks often end with a standing ovation and tears streaming down the face of every audience member.

Claire Tupper, Nominated by Lew Polizzi

Little is more important to Claire Tupper than her friends. She is unfailingly loyal and wholeheartedly supportive of those she calls hers.  Claire’s counsel is always prudent, pertinent, direct and offered in the spirit of love.

Denise Vessie, Nominated by Michelle Manning

Denise is my boss, and though she doesn’t have an easy job, she does it with grace. She has taken the time to truly teach me. Her humor and knowledge are the attributes that I find most impressive.

Mary Jo Weaver, Nominated by Nora Polizzi

Mary Jo Weaver gave me a gift for which I will always be grateful. She taught me to knit with such patience and skill. She has given me and others like me the same gift–the joy of knitting and creating.

Stephanie Williamson, Nominated by Danelle Shaske

Stephanie is a powerhouse superwoman to me and a wonderful best friend. She is a TIP (Trauma Intervention Program) volunteer who responds with enthusiasm and a willingness to help people in need.  TIP Volunteers are called by police officers, firefighters, paramedics and hospital personnel to assist family members and friends following a natural or unexpected death, victims of violent crime, victims of accidents or fire, disoriented or lonely elderly and survivors of suicide.

Kelly Wozniak, Nominated by Cheryl Guinan

Kelly is one of the most giving people I know. She has gone out of her way to help to support my family through some horrible things even while experiencing some hard times herself. Kelly is a kind-hearted, amazing mother and compassionate to her friends, neighbors and community.