Over Nevada’s diverse business landscape stands a group of women who have served as mentors, change agents and influencers for their communities. These women have proven time and again that limits can be pushed and determination is essential to a successful career. The 2021 class of Women to Watch represent this classification of female business executive. They’ve stood through the waves of change in Nevada and have used challenges as growth opportunities.
The Women to Watch were chosen by a committee of judges who reviewed their histories, legacies, leadership and careers. These women have shared insights and advice in the following pages.
Congratulations to all of the Women to Watch. Nevada Business Magazine and City National Bank are proud to recognize your achievements and contributions.
Sandra Roche: Vice President & General Counsel, Roche Constructors, Inc. • Paul Stowell: Nevada Regional Executive and Senior Vice President, City National Bank
Dr. Carrie Ann Buck
Nevada State Senate
Senator
The Pinecrest Foundation
President
Primary Industry: Education and Politics
Principal Location: Henderson
Became a Nevadan: August 1996
Dr. Carrie Ann Buck has served 25 years in education. More recently, she was elected to the Nevada Senate. Dr. Buck is an advocate for school choice and has worked to create scholarship options and workforce development opportunities for young Nevadans.
“Everything comes from the Lord. I rest in Him, joyful and obedient.”
What do you love about this state?
From northern to southern Nevada, and everything in between, Nevadans are amazing, diverse people. We are battle born and our great state was formed to help end the Civil War, slavery and inequality. Our state has such an amazing story. I love all of Nevada and I love serving all Nevadans.
How did you first get into education?
I grew up in rural Iowa as a farmer’s daughter and after school each day, I would pretend to be my younger sister’s teacher and teach her everything I had learned that day. From a very young age I knew I was going to be a teacher. I went to college at Montana State University and moved to Nevada to teach, as they were hiring 1,500 teachers each year.
What do you view as the next step in your career?
I will continue serving others. I love to be the shining grace of God, breathe life into others, serve the community and network to create amazing connections for others. We are only here for but a wisp of time, and then we are gone. Our legacy continues by what we do for others.
What is the next item on your “bucket list”?
Someday, I would like to be superintendent of one of the worst districts in America. After leading three turnaround efforts to success, I know how to take a low performing mess from failing to success. I live for and love that work of making a difference for children and their families. I would like to be that change agent to make a difference for a disadvantaged community one more time.
If you could meet any woman in the world, past, present or future, who would you meet?
I would love to meet Amelia Earhart. She was the most courageous woman of her time, had the most perseverance to accomplish her goals and went on to break many ceilings for women in her life.
What is your personal motto?
Everything comes from the Lord. I rest in Him, joyful and obedient.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Keep your perseverance and stamina, while moving forward in the good days and especially, in the bad. There will be struggles in life and those who can rise above them like eagles will always persevere through it all.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be the positive and irrefutable impact on student success and achievement in Nevada’s education system. I had the absolute privilege of serving children and their families in many school communities. I was able to unite stakeholders around a focused vision for student success. I loved working for children and their families each day; it never felt like work.
Shari Chase
Chase International Real Estate
Founder and CEO
Primary Industry: Real Estate
Principal Location: Lake Tahoe
Became a Nevadan: April 1983
Shari Chase founded Chase International in Lake Tahoe 35 years ago. She has a passion for real estate and her organization has been recognized globally. Chase has supported the northern Nevada community through thoughtful connections between individuals and their homes while serving others on boards and in nonprofits.
“Everything is possible.”
What do you love about this state?
I love everything about this state – especially the bright blue skies and humble nature of the people who live here. The connection to the land constantly reveals hidden treasures that one would not find anywhere else. The Nevada tax advantages are wonderful too.
How did you first get into real estate?
I love adventure, travelling, nature, extraordinary homes and extraordinary people. This combination was so interesting to me as I was able to discover the real “state” of people’s lives.
What do you love about your industry?
[This] industry if forever changing; I love that. In order to live a full life, I believe one must continually change, improve and develop. Real estate offers the opportunity to do it all.
What female role model has made an impact on your life?
Without question, my mother. She taught me everything is possible. From a very young age, I knew, whatever I wanted to do, I could, I just had to focus.
What is the toughest lesson you’ve learned as a professional woman?
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy. When we get out of our own way, we discover just how much power and wisdom we have and then, magic happens.
What are you most proud of having accomplished?
[I am most proud of accomplishing] a way of life that inspires and empowers others to live happier, healthy lives.
What is the next item on your “bucket list”?
[I would like to go] to Rwanda to see gorillas.
If you could meet any woman in the world, past, present or future, who would you meet?
[I would meet] Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and author of “Lean In – Women, Work and the Will to Lead”.
What is your personal motto?
Everything is possible.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Today offers tremendous opportunity for women in business. [I would tell her to] go for it with a 360-degree view, being conscious of how we connect the dots with wisdom, compassion and love.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I am living my legacy!
Kim Frank
Vegas Golden Knights Foundation
President
Primary Industry: Sports
Principal Location: Summerlin
Became a Nevadan: September 2016
Kim Frank serves as president of the foundation for NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights where she supports the team through community connections and engagement. Frank has nearly 20 years of experience in the sports industry. She was also recently named president of the Folded Flag Foundation, a nonprofit committed to honoring America’s fallen heroes and supporting their families.
“Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned.”
What do you love about this state?
The weather is great, the people are friendly and there is always something to do.
What do you love about working in sports?
I love the sports industry because the days are always different. You are multitasking every day. There is an off-season but that is when you plan for in-season. [It is so] rewarding to see when it all comes together.
What female role model has made an impact on your life?
When I began in the sports industry, I was around men. However, my first internship was with the Washington Wizards and Susan O’Malley was the first female president of an NBA team. It was amazing to see what she was able to accomplish. I followed her career from college through my early years. [Now it is] amazing to see so many women have larger roles in the sports industry.
What is the toughest lesson you’ve learned as a professional woman?
As a female in the sports industry, you must be able to hold your own, but also be compassionate to others around you. It is extremely important to grow with the times and learn to adjust to those you work with.
How do you approach work/life balance?
When you love what you do, work/life balance is blended. Weekends, nights and holidays can be spent with family, but also with your work family.
What are you most proud of having accomplished?
Coming to Las Vegas and being part of launching the Vegas Golden Knights – from the logo unveil to engaging with the community – has been a huge accomplishment. [In addition], the way our team connected with the community after 1 October will forever be one of my prouder accomplishments.
If you could meet any woman in the world, past, present or future, who would you meet?
Billie Jean King – she was a legend on the court and made huge strides to lift women up, on and off the court. She is still helping women in sports today.
What is your personal motto?
Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
There is not an off season in the sports industry. The wins are rewarding but learn from the losses, on and off the playing field. Do not get discouraged with the hard work, you will have people cheering and helping you when you least expect it.
Heather Korbulic
Nevada Health Link
Executive Director
Primary Industry: Healthcare
Principal Location: Statewide
Became a Nevadan: July 2008
Since moving here nearly 15 years ago, Heather Korbulic has dedicated her career to helping Nevadans in the healthcare space. She serves as the executive director for Nevada Health Link and has been administering the Affordable Care Act for Nevadans. Korbulic has successfully navigated legislative processes, government red tape and complicated systems to help the community get insured.
“Differences make the universe so much more interesting.”
What do you love about this state?
Nevada has the best of both worlds – vibrant urban settings and diverse outdoor spaces – which makes it ripe for adventure for almost anyone who visits or lives here.
How did you first get into your profession?
My career with the state began as a long-term care Ombudsman where I advocated for people who live in nursing homes or group homes. This experience taught me the power of policy and how it impacts the health and well-being of our families, friends and communities. When the Affordable Care Act passed, I knew I wanted to be a part of a dynamic policy that would have such a sweeping impact on both Nevada’s health and economy. I found my way to Nevada Health Link, and everything clicked.
What female role model has made an impact on your life?
My mother is one of the strongest examples of a leader I have ever met. She knows how to build and energize teams, work with diverse groups of people and have fun all along the way. She has an infectious personality, and it makes her a dynamic and loving mom and human.
What do you view as the next step in your career?
Throughout the last year, I’ve had an opportunity to push and grow my boundaries while wearing multiple hats for Governor Sisolak. I plan to take these lessons and grow my skill sets to focus on my strengths while also improving my weaknesses. The most energizing part of every position I’ve held is always the people I get to work with and serve.
How do you approach work/life balance?
My husband and I both have demanding careers and we are privileged to be able to work in environments with employers who recognize our value and provide flexibility to allow us the time needed to be engaged parents.
What is your personal motto?
To each their own. Everyone has different preferences, experiences and a different way of doing things. These differences make the universe so much more interesting and make every experience a learning opportunity.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to leave the world a better place than I found it. I hope that when people remember me it is with respect.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Support other women – shine a light on their success and that light will be returned. Set aside your ego or bravado and get your hands dirty, you won’t succeed unless you put in the work.
Annette Logan-Parker
Cure 4 the Kids Foundation
Founder, President and CEO
Primary Industry: Healthcare and Nonprofit
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Became a Nevadan: August 1996
Annette Logan-Parker has worked in healthcare for over 30 years and helped start the Cure 4 the Kids foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer and catastrophic diseases. Her work has had a significant impact on the southern Nevada community, and she has helped countless Nevada youths with diverse needs as they fight through debilitating illness.
“If your values are clear, your decisions are easy.”
What do you love about this state?
I love the diversity of people; everyone can find their tribe in Nevada.
How did you first get into your profession?
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know I was supposed to be a nurse. I was exposed to healthcare at a young age by my mother’s work and never considered a different profession for myself.
What do you love about your industry?
I love the opportunity to make a difference. Healthcare is a dynamic field with endless opportunities to address big problems. I truly enjoy tackling big problems that others feel are not solvable or too overwhelming to try.
What female role mode has made an impact on your life?
When I was a young nurse, I was fortunate to work closely with a progressive and courageous doctor named Betty Tu. She taught me how to be brave when I felt unsure of myself in challenging times, and she demonstrated a graceful calmness in extremely stressful situations. To this day, when I find myself in difficult situations, she is the voice in my head. I ask myself, “What would Betty do?” Her wisdom has never let me down.
What do you view as the next step in your career?
My next project goes hand in hand with Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. I plan to draft Nevada’s first childhood, adolescent and young adult (AYA) comprehensive cancer control plan and see it through the legislative process.
What is the toughest lesson you’ve learned as a professional woman?
My toughest lesson was to learn to not take things personally, and to focus on what I want to accomplish. There were a good number of naysayers that told me Cure 4 The Kids would never succeed. As a single mom with a child who suffered a catastrophic injury, telling me I couldn’t do something almost assured it would be successful no matter what it took.
What are you most proud of having accomplished?
Besides raising two amazing children who I am extremely proud of, to date, my greatest accomplishment has been taking Cure 4 The Kids Foundation from an idea to what is now – an extremely successful and highly complex clinical operation. [It] was recently named fourth of the top 50 best non-profits to work in the United States. I am proud to be leading an amazing team of highly skilled professionals who care deeply for our mission and vision.
What is your personal motto?
If your values are clear, your decisions are easy. This is a motto I live by, when you are crystal clear on what you value and who you are, your life gets easier.
MJ Maynard
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
CEO
Primary Industry: Transportation
Principal Location: Southern Nevada
Became a Nevadan: July 1980
MJ Maynard joined the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada in 2007 and served as deputy CEO before taking on leadership of the organization. She had over 25 years in hospitality prior to joining the RTC and her experience gave her a solid understanding of how to combine the best of private sector work to the public sector and achieve successes.
“You get out what you put in.”
What do you love about this state?
I love the grit, glamour and mystique that Las Vegas is known for, one that brings millions of tourists to our state. For those of us who live here, we embrace that uniqueness like a badge of honor. I also love the passion and determination of the people who call Nevada home. When we pull together as a community, we are most definitely unstoppable.
How did you first get into your profession?
[I got into this industry] by chance. Prior to joining the RTC, I spent my entire adult life working in the hospitality industry. A chance encounter in 2006 with Jacob Snow, general manager of the RTC at the time, led to a career-changing conversation. Joining the RTC was one of the best professional decisions I’ve made. I’m a true believer that chance, luck and hard work are key ingredients that can lead to life-changing opportunities.
What do you love about transportation?
It’s all about public service and working on behalf of our community. At the RTC, we wear many hats that focus on providing mobility options for our residents and visitors. We get to work with the local governments and our community to help build a better Nevada.
What female role model has made an impact on your life?
My former boss, Tina Quigley, was instrumental in helping me navigate the not-so-subtle aspects of working in the public sector. Working under her tutelage for many years provided me with the opportunity to learn from one of the best.
What is the toughest lesson you’ve learned as a professional woman?
Women are sometimes our own harshest critics. Don’t let the fear of the unknown guide your decision-making. Be confident in knowing that you are enough, and then go for it!
What is your personal motto?
You get out what you put in.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as someone who authentically cared about the people I met along my professional path, even if that meant pushing them out of their comfort zone in order to help them discover their untapped potential. By building and developing others, we leverage the lessons of our leadership and pass them on.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Never stop learning. If you are comfortable in your career, you may not continue to grow, so challenge yourself. That may even include a career or job change. My favorite advice to young professionals is, without facts and data you’re just another person with an opinion, so know your stuff.
Monica Moradkhan
Wynn Resorts
Vice President of Community Relations
Primary Industry: Hospitality
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Became a Nevadan: December 1992
Monica Moradkhan has served as vice president of community relations at Wynn Resorts since late 2017. She is responsible for community engagement and driving the company’s efforts to help southern Nevadans across all stages of life. She has assisted in raising funds that have been vital contributions to some of Nevada’s most beloved nonprofits.
“Dreams don’t work unless you do.”
What do you love about this state?
I’ve lived in Nevada nearly all my life, and when I think about the Silver State, I think of unparalleled opportunity. This state has afforded me opportunities to advance and experience things that I seriously doubt I could’ve had elsewhere.
How did you first get into your profession?
During my undergraduate studies at UNLV, I participated in a tourism conference in Finland that fueled my passion for the tourism and hospitality industry. Pursuing a graduate degree only increased my interest.
What do you love about hospitality?
I believe most outside of the hospitality industry do not realize how closely operators, despite being competitors, work together to tackle shared challenges. I love the camaraderie and dedication that I see throughout this industry. It truly is a group of people dedicated to serving others.
What female role models have made an impact on your life?
My mom, Bella, has been my constant inspiration. She is kind-hearted and exudes great humbleness and courage. I’m also most fortunate to have the Wynn Resorts’ executive vice president and general counsel, Ellen Whittemore, as my boss. She is a fierce leader who often leaves me in awe with her kindness, compassion and ability to teach.
How do you approach work/life balance?
Like most people, this is an ongoing battle. I certainly do not have the answer to achieve perfect balance. I have found that matching your profession to your passion helps! We all need to step away from our working lives on a regular basis, but it makes it a lot easier when you believe strongly in your work objectives.
If you could meet any woman in the world, past, present, or future, who would you meet?
Saint Teresa of Calcutta has been an inspiration for millions of men and women across the globe. If I were to meet her, I would have a thousand questions about her faith, motivations and persistence. Her work is well documented, but I believe it would change one’s life to be present as she lived her faith.
What is your personal motto?
Dreams don’t work unless you do. It reminds me that there are no shortcuts to achieving what you want and improving the lives of others. It takes work.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
I advise any young woman when she begins her career to be true to herself first and foremost. Do not attempt to alter your personality to fit what you think others want. I would ask a young woman not to minimize their ideas or back down from anyone when you believe you are doing what is right. Developing persistence in all aspects of their life will serve them very well.
Dr. Lisa Morris Hibbler
City of Las Vegas
Chief Community Services Officer
Primary Industry: Government
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Became a Nevadan: August 1994
Beginning her career with the city of Las Vegas in 1997, Dr. Lisa Morris Hibbler has served the local community in a variety of roles. Today she is the chief community services officer and has spearheaded several successful projects helping southern Nevadans with everything from rehabilitative career goals to educational needs and emergency housing.
“Make the impossible, possible.”
What do you love about this state?
There is a special small town feeling and sense of community here, which is incredibly heartwarming. I also enjoy the access we have to our state and local leaders.
How did you first get into your profession?
I started working in local government right out of college and have stayed throughout my entire career. I love being a public servant and serving the community. When I see a program I’ve worked on stand the test of time and continue to help others, I feel immense satisfaction.
What female role model has made an impact on your life?
My mother is my first and greatest role model. She taught me how to be a good mother, a volunteer, a public servant and so much more. She was a volunteer in my school, followed by an appointed public servant, and then became the first African American city councilwoman in a small city in California. She did all of that while being an amazing mom.
What is the next item on your “bucket list”?
I am completing the process to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Throughout my career, I have always had a passion for children that are faced with unspeakable situations. I want to help them achieve the best outcome despite their circumstances.
If you could meet any woman in the world, past, present or future, who would you meet?
I have been studying my family history lately. Through this process I learned of a fifth great grandmother named Charlotte Nix who was born into slavery in Pigeon Creek, AL in the early 1800’s. I wish I could learn more about her experiences and share the profound impact her sacrifices made on me and my family.
What is your personal motto?
I really like the saying, “make the impossible, possible.” When I hear people say something important to the wellbeing of others can’t be done, it becomes a challenge for me to figure out a way to make it happen.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want people to say of me that I cared deeply for others and tried to make a difference in the lives of children and families whenever possible.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Invest in yourself professionally. Learn new skills, take a class or earn another degree. Always better yourself. Also, find good mentors to help you along the way. Believe in yourself, because you have the ability to be great, so go and be great!
Dr. Kate Zhong
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Adjunct Professor
Primary Industry: Education and Healthcare
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Became a Nevadan: July 2010
Dr. Kate Zhong recently joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) as an adjunct professor in the department of brain health. She is the founder of the Brainnovation Initiative and has been at the forefront of Alzheimer’s disease research, diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Zhong has a rich history in brain health in Nevada and is an advocate in the healthcare community.
“Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it to happen and takes steps to make it happen.”
What do you love about this state?
I love the people here, they are genuine, warm, giving and strong. I love the spirit of the “American Cowboy” in this state: fearless, risk taking and innovative. I’ve witnessed and enjoyed the rapid growth of our state since moving here 10 years ago. Collectively, we are transforming the world’s entertainment capital to a mega hub for research, culture and innovation. [I am] proud to be a Nevadan.
How did you first get into your profession?
I wanted to be a doctor since I was a little girl. The white coat and stethoscope had magical healing power to a five-year-old. I went to medical school at age 16, delivered babies and performed open heart surgeries before I learned how to drive. I came to North America on a scholarship at age 22, soon after I obtained my medical degree and have continued to pursue my childhood dream ever since.
What female role model has made an impact on your life?
I want to give a shout out to my grandmother, who was the most important role model for me. A fierce, determined and petite women with four-inch, bound feet, my grandma could barely walk for an hour without feeling pain on her feet. She encouraged me to walk as far as my heart desired simply because I can. She taught me to be compassionate to others by putting myself in their shoes. She showed me how to be bold and fearless by pushing all limits. She believed in pursuing dreams; however unrealistic they may seem to be.
What is the toughest lesson you have learned as a professional woman?
Believing in yourself is so important and seeking validation is not always feasible. We must have confidence. Do not to be intimated, fear making mistakes or hesitate to admit our own weakness and ask for help.
What are you most proud of having accomplished?
I am proud to be a physician who has helped many patients and a scientist who has led many research projects to advance the treatment for brain disorders in my career. I am proud to be the creator of the groundbreaking Cleveland Clinic Healthy Brains platform, a pioneer innovation to educate, empower and engage patients, family and the community to improve and maintain their brain health.
What is your personal motto?
Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it to happen and take steps to make it happen.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
[I would advise her to] find a good mentor, build a network of like-minded friends, be prepared for failure and stay true to your passion. Love what you do and do what you love.
Annie Zucker
Renown Health
Manager of Community Impact
Primary Industry: Healthcare and Philanthropy
Principal Location: Reno
Became a Nevadan: Born and Raised
Reno-born Annie Zucker is passionate about healthcare, fundraising and local arts and culture. She serves as manager of community impact for Renown Health and has devoted her professional career to improving the lives, health and opportunities for her fellow Nevadans. Zucker formerly served as executive director for the Sierra Arts Foundation.
“Trust is the greatest form of empowerment.”
What do you love about this state?
I love Nevada’s sense of community. I was born and raised in Reno and, even as Nevada continues to grow, I feel that everyone is connected and just a phone call away to help support you.
How did you first get into your profession?
My family has a long history of medical professionals and a passion for volunteerism and community service. I started my career at Renown Health providing direct care to patients in the laboratory.
What do you love about healthcare?
[I love] the people. I have the honor to work for a mission-driven organization whose leaders are loyal, engaged in their work and steadfast to a shared purpose and outcomes. Community partnerships through nonprofit collaboration have the power to change our communities for the better all while creating enriching environments for their employees and volunteers.
What female role model has made an impact on your life?
My mom, Maryann Zucker, is my role model. When my brother and I were both diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at a young age, our mom didn’t miss a beat and learned everything she could to help us live happy and healthy lives. As she became a subject matter expert in T1D to care for us, she also helped create the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s northern Nevada chapter. She has taught me to live my life with passion, transparency, and integrity.
What do you view as the next step in your career?
I want to help put Reno on the map for becoming a healthier place to live, work and play. Our community is small enough that elevating and aligning our partners to address social health detriments will make a tremendous impact. We have the data to show where there are opportunities for improvement, and we have the people to make change happen.
If you could meet any woman in the world, past, present or future, who would you meet?
Anyone that knows me would say [I want to meet] Stevie Nicks – and they’re right. I also can’t wait to know my daughter Kinsley as an adult. Kinsley is the most altruistic person I know, and she is going to do great things.
What is your personal motto?
Trust is the greatest form of empowerment.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Never have expectations of anyone except for yourself. Hold yourself accountable for your goals and how you achieve them.
