Former Heroes in Heels

heros-on-heels

96.5 Alice’s morning show have been recognizing women in our community that make a difference every day with Heroes In Heels

Here are some of the women that goes above and beyond to help make our community a better place.

 

This Weeks Hero In Heels is Sarah DeLacey who nominated by her staff at Reno Family Medical Group who wanted to thank and shout out their fearless leader.

Sarah DeLacey is our owner and founder of Reno Family Medical Group. She started Reno Family Medical Group to empower local Nurse Practitioners to work for themselves, instead of being confined to big-box medical practices. The model of Reno Family Medical Group brings affordable primary care to the community – so whether you have no insurance or amazing insurance – you have access to the same fast and personalized care that gets to the bottom of what you need to be in good health.

Finally, Sarah is expanding the business to offer spanish-speaking, cash-pay services off of Wells Avenue. These services will be offered during nontraditional hours to support the large portion of our community to work nights and swing shifts and will embrace a family-friendly environment to encourage families to get established with a provider in a setting and time that works for them.

So please help us congratulate this weeks Hero in Heels: Sarah DeLacey

 

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This Weeks Hero in Heels is Andi Cassinari

Andi Cassinari has called Reno home for 20 years and has co-anchored the AM show (4:30–7:00) on 2 News This Morning since 2013. One of the first questions she gets is “What time do you wake up?”

Andi loves Northern Nevada, and before making the move, she got her start in broadcast with FOX Sports  in Los Angeles, where she won two Emmys for her long format stories on young athletes. Young people inspire Andi, especially the two at home that call her “mom!”

Andi is bilingual – and is grateful her South American parents taught her Spanish at an early age!

As for hobbies: Andi enjoys trail running, cycling, skiing and kickboxing, but admits she’s not a particularly skilled at any of it.  Personal passions include the fight against sex trafficking, addiction & recovery, health and wellness, education, and trying to capture fleeting moments with her quickly-growing children!

We salute Andi Cassinari and thank her for being our “Hero In Heels”

 

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This Weeks Hero in Heels is Sarah Yturbide

Sarah Yturbide is a 4th generation native Nevadan who graduated from Carrington College of Nursing right here in Reno.  She later attended the Chamberlain School of Nursing and then UCLA for her higher education and for advanced surgical training. She worked as a cardiothoracic surgical nurse for eight years prior to launching her private practice as a Board-Certified Health & Wellness Nurse Coach and for close to 20 years she has been serving her employees, co-workers, friends, family and kids, whether they be hers or not.

Sarah herself struggled with the challenges of trying to prioritize health & wellness while still honoring other obligations. She believes that because she knows and understands the struggles of trying to eat better, work out more, drink adequate water and practice good sleep hygiene she would help others change their lives.

Sarah likes helping her clients bridge the gap between the pit of discomfort felt between their current state and where they want to be.  Sarah takes the time to advocate for their higher self, for their future and confidently remind them to “Keep Going!” when they want to quit.

When clients work with Sarah she helps them, develop insight around their patterns and mindset while they gain valuable life skills creating confidence & resiliency, fostering a lifetime of success.

For more information on Sarah and the amazing work she does visit her website building better coaching dot com.

Please help us congratulate this weeks Hero in Heels : Sarah Yturbide

 

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This Weeks Hero In Heels is Lisa Cook from Swizzle Brand Solutions and she was nominated by Cheree Boeteler from Step 2, Reno Soup Week and Reno Food and Drink Week!

I wanted to take the time to nominate Lisa Cook who is the visionary owner and creative strategist behind Swizzle Brand Solutions. With unparalleled expertise, Lisa stands out as a leading force in helping clients discover promotional products that seamlessly align with their brand. She champions the idea that a truly impactful promotional item is one that is not only useful but also embodies creativity, originality, and is a genuine reflection of the brand it represents.

Lisa is an outstanding partner to many non-profits in the Reno-Tahoe community, including STEP2. Lisa’s engagement with non-profits is more than a professional endeavor; it is a personal passion that she wholeheartedly invests in, putting her heart and soul into every aspect of her involvement.

Her belief in the strength of local communities, her fervent commitment to giving back, and her unwavering dedication to upholding high standards of quality make her an embodiment of the values that define an exceptional leader and a hero to our community.

So please help us congratulate this week’s Hero in Heels: Lisa Cook!

 

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This weeks Hero In Heels is Rosine Bena

The Founding Artistic Director, Sierra Nevada Ballet and the SNB Academy

Rosine Bena was born into ballet as both her parents were dancers. Her complete devotion to the art form and her relentless desire to bring it to every member of the community inspired her to start the Sierra Nevada Ballet in 2001 and serve as Artistic Director ever since.

As a former professional ballerina, Bena, graced stages in performances worldwide for 28 years and received critical acclaim as a “Prima” for dancing principal roles in ballets such as Giselle, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo & Juliet, Coppelia, La Fille Mal Gardee and many contemporary works.

She has also taught ballet and related arts for over 50 years and is the former Director of Peninsula Ballet Theatre School in California (internationally known for it’s fine ballet training), former Arts Education Specialist for the Arts Council of San Mateo County, former director of the Reno Ballet, Perspectives Dance Theatre and the founder and former director of Kollage Community School for The Arts Dance Program, serving 8,000 students in the SF Bay Area.

Rosine has also been the recipient of numerous grant awards, Bena was awarded the title of “Outstanding Individual Artist for 1992” by the Arts Council of San Mateo County and she has been honored by Congress and the CA. State Legislature for her work in the arts; at Kennedy Center and the White House by the Clintons as a Washington School of Ballet graduate, and in Who’s Who in America in the category of Outstanding Americans.

Along with several other non-profits Rosine has started the Northern Nevada Performing Arts Collective at 500 E. Moana Lane. Besides her work at SNB, Ms. Bena continues to guest teach, choreograph and lecture on dance throughout the USA and Europe.

Please help us congratulate this weeks Hero In Heels: Rosine Bena!

 

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This Weeks Hero in Heels is Tracie Barnthouse

Tracie oversees the PR department at Travel Nevada, the state agency tasked with promoting travel to our amazing state. She does this is through media outreach all about the state’s 10 branded road trips and topical points of interest. This includes dark skies, the American West, outdoor recreation, and the uncommon sites you might stumble upon on the way.

Before Tracie joined the Travel Nevada team she worked at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, where she spent five years as the public relations and social media manager.

Not only has Tracie worked all over Northern Nevada but she has also worked she worked internationally in both Europe and Asia, assisting the United States Navy with public affairs and community outreach.

Tracie encourages everyone to check out the Travel Nevada website: travelnevada.com and take a look at the Nevada Pride shopping guide to get something for a loved one this holiday season-you might even find something for yourself too!

Please help us congratulate this week’s Hero In Heels: Tracie Barnthouse

 

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This weeks Hero in Heels in Shannon Dunlap, owner of Soak Nail Spa and Lounge in Reno!
Shannon Dunlap was born and raised in Reno and is a 5th generation Nevadan. She got her in BA English from UC Davis and then was an elementary school for 16 years as well as teaching in the Chicago Public School District and the Bay Area. Most recently Shannon was employed by the Washoe County School District.
As the mother of twins, one night Shannon decided to have a moms night out with some friends and that is when the idea for soak came to be. Not only has Soak employed hundreds of Reno locals but Soak also provides full medical vision and dental for her full time team.
Shannon is married to her high school sweet heart Darin who is a mixologist and makes all the drink for soak she is also an avid 49ers fan and enjoys spending time with her family in Tahoe.
You can see Shannon at both Soak locations and for service lists and appointment times you can go online to soaklounge.com.

Please help us congratulate this weeks Hero In Heels: Shannon Dunlap!

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This weeks Hero In Heels is LaRonda Ethridge

La Ronda majored in theater at the University of Oregon and then went on to study dance in Scottsdale, Arizona. She then danced with the SCC Moving Company for 5 years.

Once she moved to Northern Nevada LaRonda became an actor, director, and choreographer and has been for the past 20 years. In Reno specifically she has been teaching creative movement and theater to children for the last 12 years. 

La Ronda has worked with a bunch of organizations in Nevada including Arts for All Nevada, The Loft Dance Theater Arts, Washoe County School District and The Sierra Arts Foundation.

She has also enjoyed working as a part of the Boys and Girls Club, and most recently has taken on the Reno Little Theatre kids camp program. We thank her for her tireless effort to help children in our community with all the amazing work she does.

Please help us congratulate this week’s Hero In Heels: LaRonda Ethridge!

 

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This weeks Hero In Heels is Megan Flynn

Megan graduated from the University of Nevada Reno in 2017 with a Bachelors Degree in Public Relations and Image Management as well as a Minor in Digital Media. Not only did Megan intern at places all across the country but she has worked all over Reno and Lake Tahoe.

Currently Megan is the Media Manager for Eldorado Resorts Inc where she is responsible for all things Media-if you have seen the amazing posts on social media-Megan is the one to thank for that. Megan is also one of the creative brains behind the big events at the Row such as The Biggest Little Chicken Wing Fest, BBQ Brews and Blues and this weekend’s Great Italian Festival.  If you see someone walking around taking pictures that is Megan-so make sure you go up to her and say hi.

Megan is a detail-oriented professional with excellent communication who is creatively inclined in graphic design & visual communications. People who work with her love her for being an outstanding team builder as well as master in creation & development.

Please congratulate this weeks Hero In Heels: Megan Flynn!

 

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This Weeks Hero In Heels is Erica Coffelt
Erica grew up playing sports her whole life but always had a secret passion for dance. It wasn’t until both of her parents unexpectedly passed away in the same year of her senior year in high school that she decided to pursue dance at her local university at the age of 18. She continued her education with dance in the studio and the classroom. She performed and taught classes around her home town and earned a minor in dance from her local university. Although dance became a huge part of her life and seemed short lived, she shifted gears after discovering a love for speech pathology. She got accepted into graduate school to pursue Speech Pathology and graduated with her masters in 2012.
She put dance on the back burner for over 8 years. Erica got married, had kids, and found herself stuck at home during the Covid shutdown trying to entertain her young daughter. She began learning and posting dance videos on social media to pass the time. She grew her social media following over the years and was grateful to have dance back in her life. With a lot of convincing from her husband, she found the courage to audition for season 18 of AGT and made it all the way to live show episodes last week.
You can follow Erica on social media to see all of her amazing dance videos: just search @ericacoffelt.

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Todays Hero In Heels is Sydney Callahan!

Sydney began her gymnastics career at age 3 when she was doing chin-ups in a mommy and me class. And then at the age of 5, Sydney started competing in Women’s gymnastics and loved every minute. After winning the state championship in high school, Sydney then went on to compete for the University of Maryland for four years.

Unfortunately Sydney had a severe back injury during her sophomore year of college but still helped her team make it to the National Championship every year.

After graduating from the University of Maryland, she decided to learn a new side of the sport and start Men’s gymnastics! After three years of learning these new events, Sydney became the 2019 West Coast Men’s Regional Champion and National Champion. One of the coolest things is that Sydney now has a skill named after her in the Men’s code of points.  Last year Sydney began learning the trampoline and tumbling events, so she now competes in a total of 14 gymnastics events.

Some of Sydney’s amazing accomplishments and medals include:

  • 5 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medal in Men’s gymnastics
  • 1 gold in Women’s gymnastics
  • 3 gold and 1 silver in Trampoline & Tumbling
  • 1 gold and 1 silver in decathlon (adding up the scores of all the Men’s and Women’s events)

We are so excited that Sydney was recently selected to be on the US Adult Gymnastics team and their next competition is the Master’s World Cup in Germany in October

Here is Sydney’s Go Fund Me page: GoFundMe.com.

Please help us congratulate this week’s Hero In Heels: Sydney Callahan!

 

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This weeks Hero In Heels is Leah Wooster!

Leah Wooster grew up in Truckee California, and has been in the Banking industry for the last 20 years. Leah then decided to make the jump to the performance recovery/beauty industry in the last year after battling cancer for the last two years.   Leah is a mother of two, and the proud Owner of The District, a performance recovery & Salon Suites center. The District is a place that offers holistic based services such as compression therapy. It also offers infrared sauna packages for everyone in need as well as several different beauty specialties in private suites.

Leah started the private suites side of The District to offer affordable rates in this high market time for business women that are committed to making a difference in the Reno/Sparks community just like she has. The District now has estheticians, cosmetologists, manicurists, lash technicians and three small retail shops all inside of her female lead business.

Eventually, Leah plans on offering more services at her center as her business grows, eventually bringing cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers to The District. Leah also is planning on setting up a nonprofit that will allow people who can’t afford to get services to be able to receive them for free or at a pay what you can basis.  For now, Leah is just doing what she can to help those in need find some natural relief from their pain.

One thing that Leah believes in fiercely is women supporting women, and it shows in the environment she is creating with powerful, confident, extraordinary women like herself. She’s a person who truly cares about everyone she meets and is willing to help in any way she can.

The District is a performance Recovery Center that offers holistic options such as infrared saunas and compression therapy to help people with health conditions or people who just want to improve their overall health. They work off of a pay what you can when you can platform because not everyone can afford to get help but everyone deserves to feel better.

The business also offers suite which are rented to local woman wanting to make a difference through their profession. They currently have cosmetologists, advanced estheticians, manicurists, lash technicians and three retail stores in the suites. This woman based business believes that when women support women we can change the world. The District is located at 1270 East Plumb Ln suite A Reno NV 

Right across from Wooster High School.

Thedistrictcryo.com

Instagram

Facebook

Please help us in congratulating this weeks Hero In Heels-Leah Wooster!

 

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This weeks Hero in Heels is Lily Baran

Known in the community for her amazing work for the ACLU Lily also runs a community project called the Hampton House Garden Project. Near and dear to her heart: Hampton House works hands on and also oversees a garden with a ton of organic fruits and veggies.

Lily hosts open gardening days for kids and their families and she also teaches everyone how to grow their own foods naturally. This program not only helps teach but it also brings our undeserved neighbors together all while uplifting each participant up with her amazing positivity and love. Lily is so gracious she even spends her time supporting other community activities like story time readings in the garden and musical education for children.

Lily is responsible for so many components of support to our unsheltered neighbors working closely with various mutual aid projects helping provide life-saving meals and supplies.  Outside of her home, Lily also hosts a free pantry that is a part of multiple community sponsored free fridges where anyone can pick up free food, no questions asked.

Please help us in congratulating this weeks hero in heels-Lily Baran

 

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This week’s Hero in Heels is Kara Brown.

Kara Brown grew up in Montana and has been in the marketing and radio industry for 25 plus years after she graduated from the University of Montana. She started off as a regional sales manager and her career took off from there.

Kara focuses on all aspects of radio from the marketing and advertising to the sales and being a manager as well. Not only has Kara managed multiple radio stations but has worked for many radio station companies where she has impacted many people with her outgoing personality. Dedication and work ethic as well as bringing people in like family.

Kara is currently the fearless leader at Reno Media Group where she has made a huge difference not only in the sales department but for everyone as the General Manager. Kara also serves on the board for the Nevada Broadcasters Association.

Let’s hear it for Kara Brown, this week’s Hero in Heels.

 

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This week’s Hero In Heels is Stacey Spain

Stacey is a non-profit and public sector administrator with over 25 years of experience in education, arts, and program management. Their experience includes over a decade of work at Sierra Arts Foundation as Program Manager and Executive Director.

At CharitySmith as Executive Director they managed over two million dollars of memorial and scholarship funds annually and they have also worked as the Grant and Fund Development Manager and Public Art Specialist for the City of Reno. She works in theater as a playwright, director and actor.

Stacey wears many hats and is also the Executive Director for Our Center here in Reno. Our Center works to establish and maintain a safe, empowering, and supportive center in Northern Nevada that addresses advocacy, education and services. They build a foundation to sustain a community center, where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together for support, education, and social activities; and they connect community members, organizations, and resources to encourage advocacy, cultural development, and personal well-being.

Please help us in congratulating this week’s, Hero In Heels: Stacey Spain

 

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This weeks Hero in Heels is Sydney Denham from the SPCA of Northern Nevada

From an anonymous BFF Sydney Denham was nominated to be this week’s Hero in Heels. Sydney has worked at the SPCA of Northern Nevada as the communications coordinator for a short time but her impact and love for all the animals has affected many.

Not only does Sydney come in to 96.5 Alice every Tuesday to bring us our 4 legged BFF of the week but as soon as anyone comes in contact with Sydney they are drawn to her infectious smile and joy for the work she does with all the adoptable pets at the SPCA. Not only does Sydney take the time to get to know all of the pets the SPCA has, but you can see her at the various SPCA events and the thrift store on E Moana Ln.

Make sure you go and stop in and see all the adoptable pets the SPCA has at the adoption center-when you go in there make sure you go see Sydney-you’ll be glad you did.

Please help us congratulate our Hero in Heels Sydney Denham.

 

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This weeks Hero In Heels is Bradlee Hargrove

Bradlee Hargrove was born and raised in Northern Nevada. From the moment she could walk, she had skates strapped to her feet. Bradlee then  began helping out and learning the ropes at Roller Kingdom from a very early age, which has allowed her to gain hands on experience and build relationships in the roller skating industry.  Bradlee attended Spanish Springs High School and went on to graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Business and Marketing.

Currently she manages Roller Kingdom where she utilizes her position to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   Within this environment she facilitates many teenagers with their first job, which allows them training for their future in the workforce. Bradlee prides herself in giving back to the community by helping multiple organizations set up events for fundraising.

Bradlee is also a huge supporter of helping anyone in need which is something she applies in her everyday life as well as in her professional life.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, and of course Roller Skating! Bradlee has a child with ADHD which has encouraged her to make an impact within the special needs community. Through her partnership with the Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada she helps create inclusive events that allow parents to be stress free and enjoy time with their children.

Lets give a big hand to this weeks Hero In Heels, Bradlee Hargrove!

 

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This weeks Hero in Heels is Ciarra Melvin

Ciarra Melvin is the proud owner of Cs Mad Batter Cakery. What once started many years ago as a high school dream has now turned into full time reality. Ciarra loves to spend most her time baking and spending time with her family but when she’s not in the kitchen Ciarra is an avid donator and supporter of the community. She believes her company wouldn’t be what it is with out the love and support of those in the community around her.

Ciarra and  C’s Mad Batter Cakery has been an instrumental support to the Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada especially their 2022 Holiday Festival. Not only did Ciarra come to the rescue and do a pop up fundraiser but all of the proceeds went towards the purchase of new toys for local children and adults with disabilities. Ciarra also catered the entire dessert table for the hundreds of CommUNITY members.

Keeping her treats homemade and putting down roots in the Spanish Springs area, Ciarra is excited to partner with so many “home grown” Nevada companies in our community.

Please help us congratulate Ciarra Melvin from Cs Mad Batter Cakery as our Hero in Heels

 

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This weeks Hero In Heels is Emily Skyle Golden!

A former news anchor turned filmmaker, Emily Skyle’s narrative and unscripted work has been seen on HBO, Travel Channel, Netflix, Hallmark and coming soon- Rennervations, a Disney+ series starring Jeremy Renner that was filmed right here in Northern Nevada.

Emily is also known as a writer and director, and her films have played at top tier Oscar qualifying film festivals on 4 continents.

Right here in Northern Nevada, Emily is the founder of the Film NV Initiative, an organization focused on bringing a thriving film industry to the region.  Emily then launched the Cordillera International Film Festival and quickly grew it into the state’s largest premiere film festival with an annual attendance of over 15,000 people. Thanks to Emily, the Cordillera Film Festival now offers awards valued at over $200,000 and includes a Grand Jury filled with Hollywood Icons and Legends.

This year the Cordillera film festival enters into its 6th year as a Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festival in a field of over 10,000 world-wide.

Please help us congratulate this week’s Hero In Heels: Emily Skyle Golden

 

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This week’s Hero In Heels-Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance

With 26 years of law enforcement experience, Nance came to Reno from the Stockton Police Department as Deputy Chief of Operations, responsible for nearly 400 sworn and professional employees and a $107 million budget. Prior to this role, she served as the Stockton Police Department’s Deputy Chief of Logistics, Police Captain of Strategic Operations, Patrol/Special Investigations Police Lieutenant, and Patrol/Investigations/Task Force Sergeant. Nance has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education and is expected to graduate later this year.

Nance and her husband, James, have a blended family of four children ranging in age from 30 to 23 and a five-year-old grandson. According to Nance, they’ve always dreamed of relocating to northern Nevada. With family, including their oldest son living in Nevada, they are ready to make this transition. They look forward to the active outdoor lifestyle and sense of community that Reno offers.

 

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This week’s Hero In Heels honors the memory of Evelyn Mount

Mount was known for her annual food drives run out of her home in northeast Reno to feed the hungry. She moved to Reno in the 1970s and started her own food bank to feed the hungry. Mount was raised to feed others before herself. She says it was part of her upbringing, growing up on a farm in the country. She held on as long as she could, with a lot of community support and volunteers.

In a 2019 interview Ms. Mount said…“If I don’t look at someone and ask God to lift them up, then I’m missing my blessing and my blessing is, Lord help me to be Your own servant to your people, in Your way and not in my own way,”

In 2009, the city of Reno reamed a former YWCA facility on Valley Road the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center in her honor. By the time she retired in 2018, the Evelyn Mount Community Outreach Program fed tens of thousands of people.

Evelyn Mount died in late December at the age of 96, but her memory and legacy lives on in our community to help others that may not be able to help themselves. We are proud to honor the memory of Evelyn Mount as this week’s Hero In Heels!

 

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Christina Ugalde is a lover of furniture, fabric and design, small business owner of Sew Nerdy Reno, creator, mom, a Executive Director of The Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada!  Christina does it all and then some.

Christina has a true passion to help those with special needs in our community. She does everything in her power to ensure that those with Down Syndrome feel empowered and included.

When Christina is not working on the Buddy Walk or other incredible fundraisers to help the Down Syndrome community.  You will find her enjoying the outdoors with her husband and son Jaco.

Please congratulate Christina Uglade on being this week’s Hero In Heels.

 

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Tina Drakulich is a fiber artist, with extensive training in papermaking and printmaking. She is inspired by nature and origami which often inform her work. Ms. Drakulich is a lifelong resident of Reno, Nevada.

She is the founder of the David J. Drakulich Foundation: For Freedom of Expression, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the healing and reintegration outcomes of veterans and the military-connected community through the arts, humanities, and recreation.

Tina Drakulich is passionate about the arts; she has designed many community art projects which have been seen in Northern Nevada galleries, two of which are permanently installed in Reno and Sparks. She has taught art and ceramics in public schools and has taught printmaking to adults.  Learn more about Tina’s efforts by visiting arthealswarwounds.com.

 

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When you think of community, kids, arts, and more…..Annie Zucker Sandoval is a true candidate for Hero In Heels!

Annie grew up in Reno and studied Health at Oregon State University.  Annie’s career includes Renown Health‘s as their former Healing Arts Program Coordinator and the former Executive Director of Sierra Arts Foundation.  Her love for health and community brought her back to Renown Health where she is the Community Health Relations Officer and Manager of Community Impact.  Annie is also a proud participant of Project Stay and is trained in youth mental health first aid.  When there is a need….Annie is always the first to say “how can I help?”.   When Annie isn’t helping others she is cheering on her son Coop in his multiple wrestling matches not only locally, but nationally, and soon to be across the globe.  Please congratulate Annie Zucker Sandoval as this week’s Hero In Heels.

 

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Rachel Gattuso started the The Gattuso Coalition, a communications firm with big aspirations. At their core is a knack for publicity and strategy and a heart for wanting to change the world. Rachel and her team feel strongly that doing things the way they’ve always been done is no longer the answer. They boast diverse and complementary expertise and an impressive finger on the local pulse of creative who can help supplement tactics along the way. 

As a team, The Gattuso Coalition has more than 30 years of combined experience and they have worked for or with such clients as Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Nevada, Travel Nevada, Eternal Olive, Renown Health, Desert Research Institute and more. The Gattuso Coalition is  successful because they know that even in a viral world; the long game is still well worth playing. They work with those companies who want to make the world better and, for that reason; they care about your success.

Rachel Gattuso has always been fueled by righteous indignation. But rather than steep in anger, she’s pairing her extensive communications background with her leadership ability and channeling that fuel to help organizations fight for a better world. Whether she is advocating for nonprofits or guiding communications initiatives from infancy to completion, she works fiercely toward her objectives. With more than 11 years in the communications, public relations and strategy worlds and a proven leadership track record, Rachel brings tact, skill and talent to every client. She asks first what success looks like, then helps bring that picture to life-that is why Rachel is this week’s Hero in Heels.

 

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2 News Kristen Remington

For nearly 20 years, Kristen Remington has called the 2 News studio her second home. The two-time Emmy award winning Evening Anchor and Health Watch reporter started at KTVN in 2003 after graduating with honors from the University of Southern California.

The former “Miss Nevada Teen USA” grew up right here in Reno. She graduated from McQueen before studying Broadcast Journalism and Communications in the Entertainment Industry at USC. She has since earned an Edward R. Murrow Award, two Associated Press Awards and a national Gracie Award for her work.

Kristen has served on a number of boards including the Truckee Meadows Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, the Local Emergency Planning Committee and Think Kindness. The Nevada Women’s Fund also named Kristen a “Woman of Achievement” and she was honored to receive the “20 Under 40” award through the Young Professionals Network. Kristen has also received the title of “Celebrity of the Year” by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Kristen has also been voted “Best Local Anchor” eight times in the Reno News & Review.

When Kristen is not on-set, you will find her chauffeuring her little ones around town, working out or emceeing events. From summiting Mt. Whitney to a fitness competition and marathon, she enjoys being active. The busy mom believes “health is wealth” after her husband fought Leukemia while she was pregnant.

Kristen is truly a Hero In Heels and we honor her commitment to the community she serves.

 

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Jocelyn Lantrip 

Director of Marketing and Communications at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.  A Highly motivated marketing professional with over 18 years experience in marketing including media planning and buying, promotional implementation, public relations, copy writing, direct mail and data management, interactive marketing, event coordination, budgeting and personnel management.

Jocelyn is a graduate of The University of Nevada Reno and started her career as the publicity manager at the Flamingo Hilton downtown.  She later worked as the marketing director for the GSR and the Somersett housing development.  Jocelyn found her true calling back in 2009 when she became the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada helping to feed Northern Nevadans in need.  Jocelyn has a true passion for helping others and it shows in everything she does.  Please join us in congratulating Jocelyn Lantrip as this week’s Hero In Heels!

 

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Tiffanie Story

Mama, Grateful Wife, Voice Teacher, Child/Animal Advocate, Outdoor Enthusiast….that is Tiffanie Story!

Tiffanie attended McQueen High School in Reno and carried on to study Music Eductaion at UNR where she was crowned Miss. UNR and then Miss. Nevada in 2000.Tiffanie became a Musical Drama Teacher, with the Washoe County District, teaching at Clayton Middle School. After a couple of years teaching, Tiffanie was taken on as host for the shopping channel, Gems TV, where she traveled to Europe and Asia filming documentaries.  More than likely you have heard Tiffanie’s voice all over the area and across the globe in various projects. She also teaches private voice lessons from her fully operational recording studio in Reno.

If that isn’t enough, Tiffanie is an active community advocate for multiple organizations including Washoe CASA and child abuse prevention. To highlight National Child Abuse Prevention Month make plans to be part of The Biggest Little Easter Hunt Saturday April 9th at Rancho San Rafael starting at 10am. Please join in celebrating Tiffanie Story as last week’s Hero In Heels!

 

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Mikayla Slack is a Douglas High School Graduate and attended the University of Nevada Reno.

During school, Mikayla was employed with the Reno Events Center doing back-office, event set up, and ticketing. She got more eager to get involved with events so she got a second industry job with Red Carpet Events in 2017 to help her to become a Wedding / Event coordinator.

After Graduating from UNR with a Business Management & Marketing degree, she worked for an event company called Bombora and worked with them until September 2019.

Mikayla continued to work for them while she shadowed DJ Ken Tot after meeting him at a Reno Bighorns Game. After shadowing DJ Ken Tot for 3 years he told her that she was going to be a DJ-she laughed but then decided to start training. After long training sessions and tons of Practice; DJ M – Slack was born!

She made her Radio Club Amplified Mixshow debut on 96.5 Alice and her Morning Mixshow debut shortly afterward. Not only has she grown in so many areas but has several roles as a full-time employee for Amplified Entertainment.  Mikayla always gives back to her wonderful community and is always the first one to step up and donate her time to many community organizations. She also serves as the Official DJ for Girls on the Run of the Sierras. Mikayla stays committed to learning every single day and is extremely confident in her abilities yet remains very humble. Mikayla is truly serving as a Role Model for many young women across the Northern Nevada region we could not be more proud of her.

Please join us in celebrating Mikayla Slack (Dj M Slack) as this week’s Hero In Heels!

 

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Andriea Aden, esq. was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and after graduating from the University of South Dakota School of Law she relocated to Reno, Nevada.

Andriea wanted to be a lawyer ever since she could remember and with her traditional Midwestern values of a strong work ethic and her solid set of core values she always knew she would bring those traits to her own practice one day.

Andriea began her legal career in Reno in 2008 practicing in insurance defense. While doing that she learned valuable skills but after helping a friend pro-bono on a custody case-she knew she was meant to be a family law attorney.

In 2017, Andreia left the law office she was working at and not only did she become a certified family law specialist but she opened her own solo practice.

Not only does Andreia have an amazing heart for our community and being a partner with organizations like Step2 but she has extensive experience in all areas of family law. She works with high end and complex divorce, child support, protection orders and alimony to name a few.

Andriea is married to her husband Jason and they have 2 dogs- a yorkie named Jack and a yorkie-poo princess named Princess Leia.

 

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A previous week’s Hero in Heels is   Shirley Rodriguez is a Reno Native and local business owner of VibesUP “The Healthy Happy Shop” which specializes is vibrational therapy.

Shirley is dedicated to educating people about the amazing benefits of natural/ alternatives to assist in stress, anxiety, pain, and much more. She takes pride in treating every customer as if they are family, making them feel welcomed and leaving with a warm heart.

Shirley has traveled across the country gaining knowledge on different practices to help raise our body’s vibration. Shirley said “We are all energy, I just want to help people feel better and attract better things into their lives.”

Her shop has a magical sort of feeling to it so if you are looking for an attitude adjustment or to simply learn about the benefits of grounding, essential oils and much more I highly recommend giving this place a visit. Cause we all know, life is better with your VibesUP!  Her store is located at 5025 S McCarran Blvd.

 

 

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A past week’s Hero in Heels is the Founder and current President of Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada

Maria “Ria” Fraley is the mother of two amazing children that happen to have autism. The diagnosis process was a very dark time for her family and filled her with confusion and uncertainty. She was told everything would change for her family but was then left without a peer support  factor to get her through it. That led her to connect with other local special needs families for support and resources.

From just a few families finding friends to meet up with at local parks it then evolved into a playgroup that lead into a State recognized 501c3 Non profit organization supporting over 1000 local special needs families and individuals here in the Reno Sparks area.

Maria is the Founder and current President of Special Needs CommUNITY of Northern Nevada. Their mission is to support and uplift the commUNITY by producing appropriate social events and programs with the abilities of their members in mind.  They work with local businesses to produce these events to ensure commUNITY members get opportunities they might not have without certain accommodations and support.

Other than volunteering full time for their causes, Maria is a server at an amazing locally owned business-Lili’s Restaurant and has been serving the Reno Sparks area for over 11 years there. She loves meeting the community, so if your up for a wonderful breakfast stop by Lili’s and ask for her at the door.

 

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A previous week’s Hero In Heels is Lindy Martini of The Big Reno Coat Drive.

A busy Reno Mom does whatever it takes to make our community a better place!  This week’s Hero In Heels is Lindy Martini.   A proud graduate of Galena High School and The University of Nevada Reno, Lindy Martini has a true passion for Northern Nevada and it shows.  While working as a legal assistant and paralegal in the family law community.   Lindy became the Executive Director of The Big Reno Coat Drive that has helped to provide coats for thousands of area children and the homeless for over 12 years.  The Big Reno Coat Drive is going on now and you learn more at www.bigrenocoatdrive.org.

Lindy and her husband Todd have four children and are getting set open Trademark Jewelry and Repair at the new Rancharrah in South Reno.  We are proud to honor Lindy Martini as this week’s Hero In Heels.

 

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Another week’s Hero In Heels is Heather Alvey from Dublin’s Dream Dog Rescue.

If somebody needs a helping hand or paw Heather Alvey is always there to help!  Heather is the creator of Dublin’s Dream, a non-profit Animal Rescue organization serving Northern NV and CA. Dublin’s Dream was named after a dog that taught us that love is unconditional.  Heather’s goal is to help all dogs find the love and their “Furever home” they deserve.  Look for Dublin’s Dream on facebook.

 

 

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Nevada Women’s Basketball Coach Amanda Levens

With four years at the helm of the Nevada women’s basketball program, Amanda Levens is set to begin her fifth season as head coach in 2021-22.  Coach Levens is a native of Belvidere, Ill. where she was a three-time all-state selection at Belvidere High School. She had her No. 11 jersey retired at Belvidere High School in 2010. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Arizona State in 2002 and earned her master’s degree in higher education administration from Nevada in 2007.  Coach has been at the helm not only for Nevada but also for Arizona State and Southern Illinois.  She got married in 2019 and has two sons, David and Davon.  It is our honor to recognize Coach Amanda Levens as this week’s Hero In Heels.

 

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Jo Lown President and CEO of Bully’s Sports Bar and Grill

Opening the first Bully’s Sports Bar & Grill in 1994, Jo Lown thought it would just be a small Mom and Pop restaurant. Twenty-seven years and 11 locations later, Jo has left her mark on the Northern Nevada community permanently.  Nurturing her desire to provide sports fans a friendly neighborhood atmosphere that they can bring their whole family to, she has spent the last 27 years fostering the pillars of community, family and of course – being home to the best wings in town.

We always love it when we can learn about our Hero’s from their perspective….

If I’m really being honest, in my 20s I never would have believed I would wind up owning a small chain of sports bars. I think I’m a classic case of, life doesn’t necessarily take you where you think your headed, it takes you where your supposed to go.

I was pregnant and supporting my husbands dream at the time we opened Bully’s #1. We went into it thinking it would be a mom and pop operation, never dreaming is would turn into a small chain.

Since Paul’s passing, I think one of the biggest obstacles has been being female in a male dominated business. Typically the bar business and especially the sports bar business is usually run by men. It took a considerable amount of time after he passed away to be taken seriously. I’m not sure but I think there were people out there waiting for me to fail. Most people either knew Paul or knew of him, they were surprised when they found out he had been married and even more surprised to find out that we started the business together.

Bully’s grew organically. I had my daughter one month after Bully’s #1 opened and when she got too big to carry around on my hip we decided to bring high chairs in and when she learned how to crawl out of those we knocked the wall down and put in an arcade. The business grew and morphed into what it is today based on what our family and the community needed and wanted.

I have always believed in giving back to the Northern Nevada community, after all, it made Bully’s what it is. We wouldn’t be here without the support and loyalty of everyone here!

Overcoming the name “Bully’s” has been an issue at times. Nobody likes a bully and 27 years ago it wasn’t called out like it is now. I’m not sure what the new people moving into our area think Bully’s is? I believe there are misconceptions about who we are. We are a family friendly restaurant/bar that happens to have gaming, sports and lots of draft beer and fun. We are a unique hybrid, we want our guests to have fun and yell for their team when they’re winning or loosing. Come in after high school games or after a softball or soccer tournament. Our goal is for dad to want to be there to watch sports and have his favorite beer on tap, mom to have what she wants to eat and a cocktail or glass of wine and the kids to want to go there because they don’t have to sit in their seat with nothing to do, they can go to the arcade. We encourage anyone in our community to come and hang out. It’s just that comfortable, casual place for everyone!

The movie Sweet Home Alabama has a line, “you brought a baby to a bar”… Well yes, everyone does at Bully’s! We are a neighborhood destination and every location is the same and yet very different. They each have a personality of their own.

We always have football food and drink specials:

  • $8 Char-grilled 1/2 lb burger and fries,
  • $3.50 domestic draft beer,
  • $4 shots of Jack Daniels, _____
  • Truly on draft,
  • both a Man Cave AND She Shed give away this season
  • Bully’s famous wings,
  • our 25oz. weekend recovery double shot bloody Mary’s and screwdrivers for only $4.50.

And when it’s not football season, we’ll have something then too. It’s what we do, we bring community together to eat drink and have fun!

Congratulations Jo Lown on being our most recent Hero In Heels!

 

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Mari Hutchinson was born and raised in Sitka, Alaska.  She moved to Reno upon high school graduation to attend the University of Nevada, Reno where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management, with an emphasis on Accounting.  She became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Nevada at the age of 24.

As the Chief Executive Officer at STEP2, Mari is responsible for the planning, budgeting, staffing, motivating, and overall management of the agency. She wears many hats, ranging from managing the daily operations of STEP2 to writing grants and securing program funding.  After years spent working in the corporate world, Mari’s heart led her to the non-profit realm.  Working day in and day out to improve the lives of women and children in our community never gets old to her, to witness a woman find her voice and power is truly inspiring.

“My favorite days at STEP2 are when we have a woman completing treatment.  The coin out ceremony is such a great reminder of why we do what we do.  The woman completing treatment sits in the middle of the room, while the woman’s family, STEP2 staff, and women in the program each take a turn to praise the woman and wish her well.  It is a beautifully emotional experience.”

Mari loves to travel and explore new places.  She made a pact with herself four years ago that she would leave the country every year and visit a place she hasn’t been before.  To date, her travels have taken her to over 15 countries in Europe and Asia.  In addition to traveling, she enjoys reading, snowshoeing, Pilates, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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Hannah Hoobyar

Not only is she an accomplished influencer on TV and also online, Hannah Hoobyar cares about people.

Hannah created Project Bear Hugs back in 2013 helping victims and their families affected by disaster not only here in the 775, but across the USA.   When disaster strikes hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, whatever.  If there is a need Hannah and Project Bear Hugs steps into action.  You can learn more about her and the cause at ProjectBearHugsCares.com

Hannah has been recognized for her efforts with countless awards and credits.  Hannah also sings, a body builder, a motivational speaker, singer/performer, and also has a love for horses!  We are proud to honor Hannah as this week’s Hero In Heels!

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Emma White founder of “Life Is Worth It”

At 15 Years old, founder of the non-profit Life Is Worth It struggled with suicidal depression due to bullying at school and harassment online.  Ten years after recovering from her own struggles and seeing the rise in suicide and depression in teenagers and young adults, she knew she needed to use her own story for good.

LifeIsWorthIt.Org launched in 2020 to help break down the stigmas surrounding mental health and provide resources to those struggling with the campaign #ItsNotOkbutitWillBe.  Emma proves that fighting for your life amidst the pain won’t always be easy, but will always be worth it.

Emma was the keynote speaker for “Dodge For A Cause”, Washoe County Schools Town Hall, 2 News “Someone to Know”, and was named Jersey Mike’s “Sub Above” grant winner.

We are proud to honor Emma White as this week’s Hero In Heels!  Thank you Emma for all that you do.

 

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Nomination  from Madison S

I would like to nominate my foster mom Christine Dean she has worked the hardest out of all of my foster parents she is one of a kind she puts her heart and soul into this group home, she’s always there for us when we need it. But even though when someone calls her names or is disrespectful to her she’s always there no matter what. She’s there to take care of us and she’s like a second mom that I never had.

Love you,

Chris.

 

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This week’s Hero in Heels, Sandy “Pearce” Raffeali owner of Bill Pearce Courtesy Honda.

When we speak about women that make a difference in our community, Sandy “Pearce” Raffealli of Bill Pearce Courtesy Honda tops the list.  Sandy and her late husband John took over the dealership from her father in 1998.  She credits her father Bill for teaching her about the auto business and the importance of making our community a better place.  Thirteen years ago, the Raffaelli’s had an idea to boost attendance levels in the Washoe County Schools by giving away a new Honda every year to a one local high school senior that has attended school EVERY DAY.  Year after year, thru financial hardships, and even COVID…this community event continues.  On Thursday June 24th at 10am, one lucky High School senior will be driving off in a new 2021 Honda Civic.  Sandy “Pearce” Raffealli we thank you for your commitment to our community and are honored to name you as our latest “Hero In Heels”.

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This week’s nomination comes from Mari Hutchinson/CEO of Step 2

Cheree Boteler is a local force to be reckoned with.  By day, she works tirelessly to promote STEP2, a local non-profit organization with a mission to break the cycle of addiction and violence in families.As the Chief Marketing Officer of STEP2, Cheree manages all fundraising and friendraising events and works hard to spread the word about STEP2 within our community.  She operates on the notion that her job won’t be complete until every local woman who needs treatment has heard about STEP2.

Cheree’s dedication does not stop there! By evening and weekend, she is the mastermind behind Hungry in Reno, a local project working hard to highlight the wonderful food and drink establishments in our community.  In addition to spreading the word about our local eateries, Cheree has developed Hungry Gives Back, a charitable arm connected to Hungry in Reno that gives money directly to local non-profit organizations.  As a community, we are incredibly fortunate to have Cheree Boteler!

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I’m nominating Melissa Taylor- Executive Director of Reno Little Theater for this week’s Hero in Heels.

 

 

Melissa has shown great strength as the ED of a successful arts organization and the longest running theater in Reno.  Through the pandemic, Melissa made it her goal to ensure that the 85th season would not be the theater’s last.

In an effort to keep the theater doors open while they were technically closed to the public, Melissa collaborated with her team to produce high quality virtual content keeping their audiences engaged while providing plenty of opportunities for their actors to stay creative doing what they love.In summer of 2019 Melissa completed a 1-year graduate certificate for an Executive program in Arts & Culture strategy through National Arts strategies and the University of Pennsylvania . This program focused on building vibrant communities and healthy arts and culture programs. She was the ONLY representative from Nevada in that year’s program. This is just one example of how Melissa realizes that her work is never done.

Amidst the social unrest we all faced last year, Melissa worked with several of our board members and community members to implement a new committee focusing on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. Melissa is always making strides to learn as much as she can and equip herself with the most up to date information regarding arts organizations.

She is always working on making the theater a better place for everyone who enters. She brings that knowledge with her every single day when she shows up without fail for the theater , our staff, board, volunteers and friends. She has encouraged more collaboration with our other local theater arts organizations and created a united front as to provide more opportunities for artists, while making sure that if we are succeeding at RLT, so are our friends in other spaces.

Melissa works tirelessly every single day crossing all the I’s and dotting all the T’s to make sure everything is in its place. She is our grant writer on top of it all, so she spends countless hours researching grants and ways to bring in more money to the theater, especially when revenue took a huge dip during the pandemic.

She truly is the backbone of our organization and the reason it is still standing. She will tell you it’s because of everyone else she works with, but without her guidance I’m not sure any of us would know what to do.

On top of all this, she did her absolute best to keep staff employed as long as possible, collaborated with the board when it was time to talk furloughs and unfortunately layoffs. She was always forthcoming, and no one was ever kept in the dark. In times of adversity, she has shown great strength and empathy. She is human first, a friend second, and an executive director third.  She handles her position with the best balance of care and professionalism, and we are so lucky to have her.

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Marine Corps veteran, Parker Dial poses for a portrait in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. CREDIT: David Calvert for The Wall Street Journal
BRAIN

96.5 Alice is proud to honor this week’s Hero In Heels Emily Jaenson/General Manager of The Reno Ace’s.

Emily Jaenson spent three years in Reno from 2013-2016 where she grew from account executive to Vice President in two years. Jaenson lived and worked in Houston from 2016-2018, and returned to Reno on May 1, 2018 to accept the position as General Manager of the Reno Aces.

Jaeson’s role as GM is to lead day-to-day business operations for baseball, including the event experience, community engagement, marketing, and contribute to the sponsorship team.

Emily just earned a spot on a MLB/MiLB committee on inclusivity, diversity and equity!   Emily is married to Shawn Jaenson, a Navy veteran, and has two young sons, Magnus and Anders.

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96.5 Alice honors this week’s Hero In Heels Melanie Simon from Urban Roots.  Read Melanie’s nomination letter below….

I have a woman I wanted to nominate for your Heroes in Heels award: Melanie Simon from Urban Roots Garden Classrooms. Her nomination is below:

Melanie Simon, board president of Urban Roots Garden Classrooms goes above and beyond in our community. Simon joined the board in 2019 and, at the close, was elected president – the dark skies of a pandemic growing darker every day. When it became clear that the nonprofit would not be unscathed during the pandemic, Simon poured her heart into the organization even more than she had before.

Starting last March, Simon worked tirelessly with the rest of the board to give the nonprofit every possible chance at getting through the difficult months ahead, shifting its programming to digital formats, and initiating several funding efforts to keep the nonprofit afloat while their Urban Teaching Farm remained closed. Thanks in part to Simon, the nonprofit’s virtual Urban Roots Art, Food & Roots Festival accrued more than over $87,000 from individual and corporate donors. Not only were Simon’s actions instrumental in alleviating some of Urban Roots’ financial hardships (they were able to stave off furloughs until August of 2020), she also helped orchestrate several partnerships with local organizations and was integral in securing actress and activist Melissa Joan Hart on board to host the festival.  In the background, Mel has been a constant motivator for the staff and has helped navigate through her exemplary example of fierce and resolute leadership. She is always willing to go the extra mile, whether it be logging on for one more meeting with the team, circling back for additional efforts from the board, or simply making phone calls on behalf of the nonprofit.

Melanie’s passion and commitment to bettering the lives of Reno-Tahoe families (by way of supporting Urban Roots’ incredible work changing the way children eat and learn via hands-on garden education) shines through her actions as board president.  She is seen as a leader and friend by the entire staff, and her leadership has bettered not just Urban Roots, but the area in general. Without Melanie at the helm during 2020, it is very possible that Urban Roots would not be open today championing healthy living and environmental stewardship to the next generation.

Sincerely,  Benjamin

 

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96.5 Alice is proud to honor Rain Hernandez as last week’s Hero in Heels!

Nomination letter:  I would like to nominate Rain Fernandez @kayamo.kindness,@supportwashoe, and @sparksjoybiz as a Heroes in Heels.

She has been killing it for the community of Washoe and Sparks by picking up donations, dropping off donations, helping clean up the Truckee River, assisting and advocating for the houseless, and connecting people with resources.   She has also been shouting out local Washoe and Sparks business to get them more attention and business.

Her dedication to growing and assisting the community is incredible and she is doing what she values and loves which is admirable and awesome.   Her kindness for the community she is building is unmatched.   It is really awesome and she should definitely be shouted out.

 

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Check out the 2nd Hero from a nomination by Ben!

Hello, 96.5 Alice,

My name is Ben. There is a woman—Valerie Moore from Sierra Arts Foundation—in Reno-Tahoe that absolutely goes above and beyond in the community I would love to nominate. Here nomination is below:

Valerie Moore, the community relations manager for Sierra Arts Foundation (a nonprofit advocating for arts and artists), provided an insurmountable amount of support for artists struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been with the nonprofit for years, creating opportunities for displaying and selling creations while connecting with broader audiences who will appreciate the broad spectrum of our area’s creativity. Because of Moore, artists here were able to expand the ways they had available to them to showcase their art during a time when audiences are few and far between.

Moore worked with the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts to facilitate an outdoor art sale in October 2020 (and is working on another one for March 2021), an event that complied with social distancing guidelines and gave artists a rare chance to sell art in-person during the pandemic. Moore also increased Sierra Arts’ online footprint,  expanding their online shop so virtual shopping was more accessible to their followers, communicating with their members the many opportunities for improving commerce tactics, and helping route them to necessary resources like the Washoe County Artist Relief Fund. 

Moore has proven time and time again her dedication to Reno artists and the greater Reno community. There are plenty of amazing things she’s worked on that may never see the light of day simply because of the moving target the pandemic became, but there is no denying she pours her heart and soul into her work days on behalf of a community that could use all the help it can get.

Of the women in heels moving this community forward, we hope you’ll give Valerie Moore the consideration she deserves. Without her work at Sierra Arts Foundation, our city would be a little less colorful, and we are beyond excited to nominate her!

Congrats Valerie from all of us here at 96.5 Alice!

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Meet our first Hero In Heels….Miss Alexsis Adams from Vaughn Middle School!

Nomination letter:

Vaughn Middle School would like to nominate Alexsis Adams for a Hero In Heels award.  Alexsis has been a part of the Vaughn Middle School community for five years now working as a Community In Schools (CIS) liaison. She is the bridge that connects the surrounding community with our students and families. She works with local organizations such as the Midtown Rotary, Reno City Council, Boys and Girls Club and other local businesses to build partnerships with the school as well as connect our students to these organizations to showcase our amazing their abilities. She has been working for years on school beautification projects to improve the look of the outside of Vaughn which has resulted in several completed projects like the incredible mural that can be seen from our tennis courts, a student led garden project, and multiple community clean ups.

Alexsis spends countless hours working to enhance the lives of our students by supporting them emotionally and academically while at school and at home. Many of our students do not have enough food at home to help them get through long weekends or more than one or two sets of clothes, they often don’t have enough money to buy school supplies or hygienic products. Alexsis makes it a point to know each one of these students and their individual needs. She finds donors from around the community to help support every single student and family.

Alexsis can be found spreading joy throughout the halls, our playground and the surrounding neighborhood even in these dark times of Covid. Every day during lunch she wheels a boombox outside and plays fun music for kids while getting them to also jump rope. She actually gets them to dance and play. This is no easy task considering these are middle schoolers who tend not to dance or jump rope publicly. I think this is a true testament to her character that she is willing to put it all out there for the kids, laugh, dance and be silly which in turn invites students to feel comfortable and safe with her. Alexsis worked with the Reno Fire Department to organize holiday cheer for our neighborhood with a holiday parade complete with Santa, fire engine, and music while at the same time collecting money and donations from across the valley to support many of our families during the holiday season.

Alexsis has the rare ability to connect with students, adults, and everyone between.  The students trust her, and genuinely love to be around her.  She can go from helping to calm an angry kid,  to turning a jump rope, to passing out food from the pantry she runs, to talking to city council about our needed bleacher refurbishment in a blink. Most of the time in heels!

Alexsis is a true hero in heels for our community. She is like the energizer bunny and will never stop giving everything she has to enhance the lives of our students, their families and our area. She deserves to be recognized for everything she does at Vaughn and for Reno helping build up our future citizens of this incredible city we all share and love so much.

Sincerely,

Vaughn Middle School Administrative Team

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Mikayla Slack is a Douglas High School Graduate and attended the University of Nevada Reno.

During school, Mikayla was employed with the Reno Events Center doing back-office, event set up, and ticketing. She got more eager to get involved with events so she got a second industry job with Red Carpet Events in 2017 to help her to become a Wedding / Event coordinator.

After Graduating from UNR with a Business Management & Marketing degree, she worked for an event company called Bombora and worked with them until September 2019.

Mikayla continued to work for them while she shadowed DJ Ken Tot after meeting him at a Reno Bighorns Game. After shadowing DJ Ken Tot for 3 years he told her that she was going to be a DJ-she laughed but then decided to start training. After long training sessions and tons of Practice; DJ M – Slack was born!

She made her Radio Club Amplified Mixshow debut on 96.5 Alice and her Morning Mixshow debut shortly afterward. Not only has she grown in so many areas but has several roles as a full-time employee for Amplified Entertainment.  Mikayla always gives back to her wonderful community and is always the first one to step up and donate her time to many community organizations. She also serves as the Official DJ for Girls on the Run of the Sierras. Mikayla stays committed to learning every single day and is extremely confident in her abilities yet remains very humble. Mikayla is truly serving as a Role Model for many young women across the Northern Nevada region we could not be more proud of her.

Please join us in celebrating Mikayla Slack (Dj M Slack) as this week’s Hero In Heels!