“Sure he was great, but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did … backwards and in high heels.” This pithy comic strip* comment about Fred Astaire underscores the grace in which women in business conduct themselves. Kicking up their heels to get things done or kicking them off at the end of a hard day, the 2025 Women to Watch redefine success. Executives and decision makers, these women are following the incredible women who came before and helping lead the way for the next generation of Women to Watch.
Chosen from hundreds of nominations by a panel of judges who reviewed their history, community work, leadership and plans for the future, the Women to Watch have risen to the top through perseverance and multi-tasking. Each of this year’s honorees have shared insights on the following pages. Congratulations to all the Women to Watch. Nevada Business Magazine and City National Bank are proud to recognize their accomplishments and contributions to the “Battle Born” state.
* “Frank & Earnest” by Bob Thaves, 1982
Julia Abouzeid
“Lead with purpose, act with integrity, there is no limit to what a determined woman can accomplish.”
Born in Boston, MA, Julia Abouzeid moved to Las Vegas in 1990 to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She began her career in gaming and hospitality with the Luxor Hotel in 1993 and eventually moved to local casinos when she became the casino marketing manager with Station’s Red Rock Resort in 2006. In 2017, Abouzeid was named general manager of the CasaBlanca Resort & Casino where she oversees all aspects of the operations for the organization. Passionate about community engagement, Abouzeid has prioritized relationships with organizations like Opportunity Village (OV) and the Salvation Army.
What do you love about Nevada? I love Nevada for its bold spirit and endless possibilities. There’s something magnetic about it. Nevada is a place of contrasts – rugged beauty, refined luxury, vibrant cities and quiet desert peace. I love the warmth of its people, resilience of its communities and the freedom to live boldly and authentically.
What surprises you most about your career path? How each opportunity is organically built upon the last, leading me into leadership roles I’d never envision. In hotel operations, I never imagined my future would include overseeing an entire resort and casino. Reflecting on my journey in hospitality, it opened doors in marketing, operations, and executive leadership.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life? My father, a proud Lebanese immigrant who built a thriving furniture business from the ground up, was my greatest role model. He taught me the enduring values of hard work, integrity and the importance of helping others, irrespective of their background or nationality.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership? Having women in leadership brings a powerful balance of strength, empathy and strategic insight. Women often lead with emotional intelligence, collaborative spirit, and commitment to purpose-driven results. Diverse leadership leads to better decision-making, stronger teams, and more innovative solutions. When women lead, cultures shift, standards rise, and businesses thrive.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? To the next generation of female leaders: Own your voice, trust your instincts, and never shrink to fit a space that wasn’t made for you. Lead with integrity, work with purpose, and know that kindness and confidence can and should coexist. Don’t wait for permission to lead; step into your power and bring others with you. The future needs your fire, your vision, and your courage.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career? One lesson I wish I’d learned sooner is that leadership doesn’t require a formal education–it requires grit, confidence, and the courage to speak up. I used to think I needed all the answers, but I’ve learned that asking questions, trusting your instincts and building strong relationships are just as powerful.
What do you want your legacy to be? I want my legacy to be proof that you don’t need a formal education to rise; you need heart, hustle, and the courage to keep showing up. [I want to be known] as a woman who broke barriers with grace, led with both strength and compassion, and created space for others to rise alongside her.
The first permanent female dean and the first Asian American dean at Boyd Law, Leah Chan Grinvald is breaking barriers. Before entering legal education, Dean Grinvald clerked for Frank Sullivan, Jr. of the Indiana State Supreme Court and served as corporate counsel for two international law firms. She entered legal education as an assistant professor of law at the Saint Louis University School of Law before serving as associate dean at a law school in Boston and ultimately her current role at UNLV. Dean Grinvald believes strongly in civic engagement and serves as a board member for the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement.
What do you love about Nevada? I love the potential that Nevada has, as a relatively young and pioneering state. There has been so much growth in recent years, and with that growth comes potential for making our state better for all.
How did you come to be in education? I realized at a certain point in my career that I wanted to do something that had a greater impact and that aligned with my passion, which was helping others enter the legal profession. Higher education provides me that platform to marry impact and passion.
What are your plans for the Boyd School of Law? Boyd Law is a relatively young institution – we’re 27 years old this year. As a young institution, we’ve always been innovative in our approach to legal education. My vision is twofold: keep us innovating and to truly serve the State of Nevada through greater accessibility to a legal education.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would you meet? I would want to meet Queen Elizabeth I. She was such a strong leader in a time when women were not widely accepted as leaders. I know she’d have some great advice!
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career? I am really proud to have been able to help students achieve their dreams of becoming an attorney and/or a leader – and doing so in my many roles as a mentor, law professor, and now administrator. I love hearing from my former students or mentees about all of their successes in the profession and beyond.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership? Since women make up just a little over half of the population in the United States, having women in leadership is essential for representation. Women also bring a different perspective to being a leader.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? My advice would be to persevere in the face of setbacks. There will be others who believe you cannot be a good leader because of biases or stereotypes of females in leadership roles. But know that your gender is an asset to leadership and the right opportunities will come your way.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career? I wish I had learned earlier on in my career to not internalize the doubt that others had in my skills (I was told once I was “too nice”). There are many different ways to lead, and being nice doesn’t mean you can’t also be firm and decisive.
Kandi Conda
“The only constant is change. Always keep your head on a swivel and stay alert for the unexpected.”
Chief Executive Officer Athletes Who Give
Primary Industry Nonprofit
Principal Location Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship May 2018
The first African American woman to own and manage a women’s professional basketball team, the WBA’s Chicago Twisters, Kandi Conda has turned her love of sports into a lifelong career. Currently she serves as chief executive officer of Life After Sports and the nonprofit Athletes Who Give. She is also the current-president of WISE (Women in Sports & Events) Las Vegas. An Air Force veteran, Conda graduated from Southern Illinois University. She has received national recognition for her work in sports philanthropy and women in sports in addition to having authored several books.
What do you love about Nevada? I love the natural beauty and rich culture of Nevada. We are also now the sports and entertainment mecca of the world. If you are in the sports industry, there are many opportunities to do what you love. There are many communities to join and become a part of. Nevada provides amazing experiences from small-town vibes to the excitement of the Strip that are available 24 hours a day, every day.
How did you come to be in this industry? When I was stationed here at Nellis Air Force Base, I played soccer for the Air Force team. Also, I coordinated football and basketball tailgating events. After returning to Chicago, I started a sports news magazine, and we also did marketing for athletes and sporting events. I was assembling a group of former NBA players with interest in purchasing a women’s professional basketball team in the newly formed WBA league (Women’s Basketball Association). The [other investors] dropped out unexpectedly at the last minute, the players were devastated, so I pulled all of my finances together to purchase the team.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career? One of the most significant achievements was not just buying a women’s professional basketball team, but also the lessons and legacy that would later be associated with it. Your journey sometimes “IS” actually the real measure of success.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership? The benefits of having women in leadership, especially in sports, extend to powerful advantages that go beyond representation. Although, we do provide representation, there is so much more. Women leaders are collaborative, value-driven, innovative and we understand more than most the need to attract diverse talent and provide mentoring programs that will inspire the next generation. Women in leadership bring a fresh approach to sports culture both on and off the field.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? What I hope to pass on to the next generation of female leaders is the importance of leading with authenticity. Think three steps ahead, build a strong support network, and connect with remarkable people. Use your voice confidently, don’t hesitate to say no, and embrace feedback as a source of motivation. Honor the trailblazers who paved the way, give other women the opportunity to shine and be resilient in your pursuits. Strive to be the leader you aspire to be and stay ahead of the curve in social media and technology!
Toni Corbin has over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, operations and administration. Currently serving as chief operating officer for the west region of Optum, Corbin is building her legacy in Nevada by advancing value-based, patient-centered care in outpatient clinical settings. Community-minded, Corbin serves on the executive board of directors for the Tyler Robinson Foundation, is a former vice chair of Dress for Success Southern Nevada and serves on the advisory council for Touro University Nevada. In addition to her regional responsibilities with Optum, Corbin has oversight of shared services including sourcing, procurement and health information management, among others.
What do you love about Nevada? I’ve lived in Nevada for over 30 years, and it’s truly home. I love the diversity, the resilience of the people, and the strong sense of community. It’s a place where I’ve raised my family, built my career, and found deep purpose in giving back. I also love our “can-do” attitude that is part of my sense of purpose.
How did you come to be in healthcare? Healthcare has always felt personal to me. Early in my career, I was drawn to the field because I wanted to be part of something that genuinely improves people’s lives. But the deeper reason goes back to my mother. As a nurse, she dedicated her 36-year career to caring for people with severe cardiac conditions. She never wavered from being an example of compassion in action. Watching her care for others with such quiet strength and grace inspired me to pursue a path where I could do the same, but I was encouraged to find my own path. Over time, I discovered that my passion lies in building systems and teams that make care more accessible, more coordinated and more human, always putting patients in the center of my decisions.
What surprises you most about your career path? I never imagined the impact I’d be able to have – not just in operations, but in mentoring others and supporting families through some of their hardest moments. It’s humbling and deeply fulfilling.
What are your professional plans for the future? I plan to continue advancing value-based care and building strong, compassionate teams. My legacy will be making healthcare improvements that have a lasting outcome. I’m also committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders and expanding my community involvement.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership? Women bring empathy, resilience and collaboration to the table. We lead with both strength and compassion, and that balance is essential in today’s world – especially in healthcare.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? Lead with purpose, not just ambition. Whether you’re raising a family or raising funds for a cause, your impact multiplies when your work aligns with your values. Use your platform to serve. Leadership isn’t just about climbing. It’s about reaching back, lifting others up, and using your influence to make a difference in your community.
What are your personal goals for community involvement? To be a truly effective leader, you must understand the struggles of the communities you serve. My goal is to continue supporting families in crisis and advocating for those who need a voice.
Barbara Domsky
“Live life with good intentions, sense of purpose, integrity, love and kindness.”
Raised in California, Columbia and South Africa, Barbara Domsky was interested in the world of art while attending high school in South Africa. After returning to the United States and working in stage set scenery, Domsky was introduced to glass fusion, or the process of melting glass. Mesmerized by the medium, Domsky dedicated herself to learn the process and eventually turned her passion for art into a thriving career. She now works with her husband in a 10,000 square foot facility that houses a glass gallery and personal studio where she creates custom art features for businesses and personal residences. Her art is featured around the world.
What do you love about Nevada? I love the diversity of the landscape – the beauty of the desert and contrast of the mountains. I feel instinctively at home here. [That is] coupled with the fact that there is an abundance of opportunity in Nevada.
What surprises you the most about your career path? By the age of nine I knew I wanted to be a professional artist. I have enjoyed this career my entire adult life yet never dreamed my art would reach success beyond the borders of the United States, however today my art can be found in 18 countries.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career? I am most proud of the large-scale sculptures we created for Harry Reid International Airport. Two fused glass and metal wall sculptures, each 90’x19.5’, are permanently installed at terminal 3, second floor in ticketing. [That has been the] biggest thrill of my career thus far. That and the fact that my husband and I have built an incredible studio and life together.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership? When you reach a place in your success that doors begin to open for you, find a way to hold the door open for the next women to follow. We must, with intention, help the next generation of women move forward with opportunities in the business world.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career? Don’t be afraid to negotiate when the offer seems unbalanced. Stay focused on your goals but remain flexible. The path to success is not always a straight line. You have to be able to pivot while keeping your goals in sight.
What are your personal goals for community involvement? Since 1994 my husband and I have developed and supported artistic experiences for children who are fighting cancer. Every year we host a “glass making party” for these brave kids and participate in raising funds for Cure 4 the Kids. Additionally, I would love the opportunity to work with students to build a public art piece. I am seeking that opportunity.
What drives you to be successful? I love the personal connection I build with my clients while designing something that truly resonates with them and their environment. Art transforms a space into something exceptional. I am driven to create art that reflects each client individuality and while keeping in balance with the architectural design of the space.
What do you want your legacy to be? I hope my legacy is that I have left the world a more beautiful place through the art I have created and that I have touched many lives in a positive and meaningful way.
Ila Friedenthal
“Strive for excellence – not perfection – in everything you do.”
Born in Fallon, Ila Friedenthal is a mission-driven nonprofit leader with a passion for empowering women, strengthening communities and fostering equitable opportunities throughout Nevada. She serves as the president and CEO for the Nevada Women’s Fund. In January of 2025, Friedenthal was appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo to serve as commissioner on the Nevada Commission for Women (NCFW). Since taking the helm at Nevada Women’s Fund, Friedenthal has increased programmatic funding by 140 percent over three years. By engaging a combination of strategic partnerships, expanded donor engagement and vision, Friedenthal is increasing access for women in urban and rural Nevada.
What do you love about Nevada? I’m a proud first-generation Nevadan, raised in the rural town of Fallon. Growing up in a close-knit community of genuine, hardworking people shaped my values, my work ethic and my deep appreciation for the outdoors—a love that continues to ground and inspire me.
How did you come to be in philanthropy? In 2013, I stepped away from my finance career to explore the nonprofit world. In just a short time, I connected with my community more deeply than I had two decades in the private sector—and discovered a lasting passion for collaboration and purpose that philanthropy brings.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life? Lynn Atcheson, a native Nevadan and respected community leader, has contributed greatly to northern Nevada’s vitality—including as a founding member of the Nevada Women’s Fund. As a mentor, she’s candid enough to challenge me and wise enough to guide me with the tools, insight, and support to grow and lead.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? Know your worth – and say it out loud. Learn to articulate your value with clarity and confidence, because your voice can shape the room you’re in.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career? Don’t fear change. Growth happens when you lean into discomfort – and often, it’s the leap you didn’t plan that shapes you most.
What drives you to be successful? When I look back at the trailblazing women leaders of Nevada’s early ’80s—like Sue Wagner, and Frankie Sue Del Papa, I ask: who in my generation is carrying their legacy forward? I’m committed to protecting the rights and opportunities they fought for and ensuring that equality for women is kept at the forefront of conversation and policy.
What do you want your legacy to be? That I lifted women up – in big ways and small. Whether through strategic investment or simple encouragement, I want to be remembered as someone who helped others rise.
Is there anything you’d like to add? Leadership is most powerful when it’s shared. I believe in building tables where more women – and more voices – have a seat, a say and the support to succeed.
Amanda Hilton
“Put community first and be there for your neighbors.”
A fourth-generation Nevadan, raising her family’s fifth-generation, Amanda Hilton is the president of the Nevada Mining Association (NVMA). Prior to joining NVMA, Hilton served as the first female general manager of the KGHM Robinson Mine, one of Nevada’s largest and oldest operating mines. Widely respected in Nevada’s mining industry, Hilton has worked her way to her current position through grit and strong work ethic. Hilton is also committed to rural Nevada and her home-community of Ely where she championed the establishment of the Boys and Girls Club Early Learning Center, the first year-round licensed facility for children from 6 weeks old to five years old in the area.
What do you love about Nevada? I love our history. Nevada became a state because of its tremendous mineral inventory during the Civil War, in particular the silver from the Comstock Lode in Virginia City. The resilience and diversity of the people in mining is a testament to our past and the strength of our future.
How did you come to be in mining? Mining found me! I entered this industry as a mine site accountant at the Robinson Mine in Ely and navigated through various roles until becoming the General Manager of the site (600+ employees) in 2019. In January 2024, I was honored to take on the role of president of the NVMA.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would you meet? Gold prospector Mayme Schweble. She operated her own mines in Nevada, led women’s clubs before suffrage, and in 1924 became one of the first women elected to the Nevada state legislature, making her the only working miner in the capital at the time. Mayme showed that women can swing a muck stick and shape policy with equal force.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career? I am most proud of being selected to lead the Nevada Mining Association at such a critical time for both the industry, our state, and the nation. It is a matter of both pride and humility.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? Look for good mentors and listen closely to what they say – and know that anything is possible with hard work and experience.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career? I wish I had learned earlier that careers thrive when you step off the main route. Saying yes to short contracts, supplier exchanges, community projects, and front-line field work sharpens judgment, range, and network faster than any office ladder. Seek the unexpected and payoffs multiply.
What drives you to be successful? There is a sense of responsibility in this role. I represent the voices of 35,000 Nevada miners, and I take that seriously. Before every meeting or conversation, I remind myself that I’m here to help tell their story and to make sure people understand just how essential their work is to Nevada and beyond.
Is there anything you’d like to add? Mining needs sharp, driven women who are ready to lead change and push sustainability forward. This is global work with real-world impact that powers everything modern life depends on. Step into this field and you’ll shape strategy, steward resources responsibly, mentor diverse teams, and find adventure few careers can match. Join us and break ground for the next generation together.
For more than 31 years, Anne Keele has built a career with Peterbilt Truck Parts & Equipment. From serving at the front desk to serving as chief financial officer for Peterbilt and Silver State International, Keele has overseen every aspect of the organization, from accounts payable to truck sales and inventory control. She is also deeply committed to the northern Nevada community and a gifted musician. Keele has performed with the Reno Philharmonic for 20 years and currently volunteers as a violinist with the Reno Pops Orchestra. She has served in leadership roles in a variety of youth-based nonprofits, currently as treasurer for the Northern Nevada Rural Concert Initiative.
What do you love about Nevada? What I love most about Nevada is the endless outdoor adventure—from red rock canyons to alpine lakes. Whether hiking, snowshoeing, or swimming in the mountains, the state’s diverse landscapes offer beauty, peace, and discovery in every season.
How did you come to be in this industry? While attending University of Nevada Reno (UNR) as a music education major, I took a part-time job at Peterbilt Truck Parts & Equipment. As I moved into new roles and gained experience, I discovered a passion for the business side of the industry, which ultimately led me to change my major to business management.
What surprises you most about your career path? It surprises people that I work in trucking—trucks were never on my radar. But I’ve grown to love the industry, especially its evolving technology and critical role in our economy. It’s dynamic, essential, and constantly changing, and I’m proud to be part of its continued growth.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would you meet? I’d love to meet Mary Shelley—a bold, creative woman who followed her heart and showed incredible strength as a young single mother. Writing Frankenstein at such a young age, she pioneered science fiction and continues to inspire with her resilience, imagination, and lasting influence on literature and thought.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership? Women excel at uniting teams, fostering engagement, and mentoring with empathy to create workplace harmony. Their leadership breaks down historic and ongoing barriers, empowering others and building inclusive, effective teams. Their ability to connect and guide makes a significant positive impact on organizational culture and success.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? Trust your voice and value your worth. Lead with authenticity, integrity, and confidence—especially in fields where women are underrepresented. Seek mentors who inspire you and be a mentor yourself. Lead with both empathy and strength, knowing your unique perspective is essential and powerful.
What are your personal goals for community involvement? Music remains a vital part of my life. After 20 years with the Reno Philharmonic, I now volunteer with Reno Pops and the Northern Nevada Rural Concert Initiative, bringing live orchestral music to rural communities and mentoring students. I’m committed to supporting and sustaining the arts in our region.
As executive director for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Foundation, Karen Marben leads the organization’s efforts to raise funds in support of southern Nevada’s public safety. She started her tenure with the LVMPD Foundation in September 2023 and has since championed initiatives to enhance community engagement, officer training and investments in vital equipment and technology for the LVMPD. Prior to joining the nonprofit, Marben served as the chief mission services officer for Goodwill of Southern Nevada. She has dedicated her career to building stronger, more connected communities through mission-focused leadership.
What do you love about Nevada? I love waking up to Nevada’s bright sunshine every day! The predictability of the weather and lack of humidity, along with the access to stunning nature all around are all bonus points. But mostly, I love the cultural diversity and unique sense of community spirit showcasing the resilience of Southern Nevada.
What are your professional plans for the future? I want to continue our momentum to strengthen the LVMPD Foundation to provide the critical resources for Metro within the areas of officer training, equipment/technology, and compelling community engagement programs and initiatives. Our success will result in reductions in crime and enhanced opportunities for all Las Vegans to thrive.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life? My parents (Kayo and Kathleen) were my greatest role models. As eighth of 10 children, I grew up in a low-income home grounded in hard work and integrity. Firm, fair and honest to the core, my parents were incredibly generous – tithing and helping the less fortunate. Their example continues to shape how I lead, serve, and live my values.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? Embrace risk and failure as part of the journey because bold decisions require some risk. Fail fast and learn. I would also advise the next generation of female leaders to build your network early – find mentors, peers and sponsors who will advocate for you in rooms you’re not (yet) in.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career? I was often the only female leader in the room, and I suffered from imposter syndrome. I felt like I had to prove myself over and over. So I worked the longest hours, and my performance metrics were always the best. Lesson is: imposter syndrome was lying. I had earned my seat at the table.
What are your personal goals for community involvement? I want to stay closely connected to the neighborhoods we serve – to help create solutions that make our city safer and stronger. Whether supporting officer training, or uplifting underserved youth to find purpose and direction, I want my involvement to be meaningful and rooted in long-term impact. For me, community involvement isn’t a task – it’s a responsibility and a privilege.
Is there anything you’d like to add? I am incredibly grateful to do work that aligns with my values – work that supports our LVMPD officers, strengthens community trust, and makes a real difference in people’s lives. I don’t take that responsibility lightly. I show up each day with purpose, integrity and heart.
Appointed to city manager/CEO of the City of North Las Vegas in April of 2024, Michaela Moore is working to bring about a new strategic plan for the city. She is focused on creating a vibrant, economically thriving North Las Vegas by focusing on innovation, government efficiency and community-focused progress. Prior to her current role, Moore was the city’s attorney/chief legal officer and previously served as a partner at the national firm of Fox Rothschild. She is the first Filipina-American to serve as both city attorney and city manager for North Las Vegas. Moore’s strong business and legal acumen, combined with a collaborative leadership style are helping her shape the city while spurring economic diversification.
What do you love about Nevada? I love that Nevada has a great sense of community even though we’re a player on the world stage. You have the ability to make an impact here if there is a cause you believe in.
What surprises you most about your career path? That I didn’t plan any of it. Throughout my career, the opportunities presented themselves and I remained open minded. For example, I had intended to do sports and entertainment law, but I was assigned to bankruptcy. Because of that experience, I was able to use my skills to help with restructuring in North Las Vegas. I ended up loving it here.
What are your professional plans for the future? I will continue to keep an open mind because it has worked out for me at every stage of my career. I am looking for opportunities to make a difference.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life? My former law partner and mentor Brett Axelrod shifted my mindset about what it looks like to be a strong professional woman. She is an unapologetically fearless leader – brilliant and fierce, with unwavering confidence. She challenged me and taught me to be confident in my capabilities and to trust myself. Brett also showed me the importance of living passionately outside of work, including prioritizing self-care, seeking new experiences, and exploring the world.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career? I am most proud of aiding in the turnaround of North Las Vegas. The City went from near bankruptcy to a fast-growing economy.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership? Motherhood has taught me to be a better leader. [We demonstrate] multitasking, efficiency, juggling competing priorities, emotional intelligence and it’s ok to show vulnerability.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career? Control everything you can control – like working hard, your attitude, how you treat others, how you spend your time – and let go of the rest. Beautiful things will happen!
What are your personal goals for community? City goals are my personal goals, and we just launched a strategic plan with community identity and engagement as one of the main goals.
What drives you to be successful? My family. The city – our residents and team members.
Alexy Rollins
“Speak with intention; follow through with action.”
I always knew I wanted to build something that mattered,” explained Alexy Rollins of her company, Loyalty Plumbing. She began the business with a simple idea – that a company could stand out in a male-dominated, private equity- saturated industry by doing things differently, leading with loyalty, service and care. In a short time, Rollins has grown Loyalty Plumbing to over $3.5 million in annual revenue with no outside investment. She grows with strong internal culture, consistent processes and customer service. In addition to running her own business, Rollins and her husband are parents to three kids.
What do you love about Nevada? Nevada is a state of opportunity, where hard work and determination turn dreams into reality. As a woman-owned business in a male-dominated industry, I’ve found support, community, and growth here. Nevada embraces innovation, celebrates resilience, and rewards risk — and I’m proud to be part of that spirit.
What surprises you most about your career path? I never imagined plumbing would be my path — I love animals! But stepping into this industry allowed me to create opportunities, challenge stereotypes, and build something meaningful. My true passion lies in inspiring others to reach their potential, especially women in trades, and helping them find purpose through hard work.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would you meet? I’d choose Princess Diana for her grace, strength, and authenticity. Despite immense pressure, she led with heart, broke norms, and connected deeply with others. I admire how she turned pain into purpose and used her platform to uplift others, all while staying true to herself.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life? My mother was my greatest role model. Despite facing hardships, she radiated positivity, love, and hope. Losing her showed me how much of my strength comes from her. I strive every day to honor her legacy, being a woman my daughter can look up to and my team can admire.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership? Women in leadership bring empathy, balancing the human and practical sides of business. We prioritize work-life balance and creating a valued, supportive environment, which boosts morale, loyalty, and performance. Women leaders set high, compassionate standards, fostering a strong, thriving company culture that drives success.
What drives you to be successful? I believe in leading by example for my children, showing them what resilience, hard work and integrity looks like. I live each day with my late mother in mind, striving to honor her memory by being the best version of myself, for both my family and for her.
What do you want your legacy to be? I want my legacy to be one of resilience, empowerment, and love. I hope to be remembered as someone who overcame adversity, inspired others to reach their fullest potential, and created opportunities for my family to thrive. Above all, I want to leave behind a legacy of strength and heart.
Dr. Dorian Stonebarger is deputy director for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). In her role, Stonebarger collaborates with community leaders and government teams to diversify and strengthen Nevada’s economy. Before joining GOED, Stonebarger served as the chief policy advisor for Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem, Brian Knudsen where she spearheaded the city’s first affordable housing ordinance and guided legislative efforts to create Transit Oriented Development (TOD). She also served as program director for Three Square Food Bank and she, alongside her husband, owns two popular bars in the Arts District of Las Vegas – ReBAR and Davy’s.
What do you love about Nevada? There’s so much opportunity here. We’re very much still growing as a state and with that comes innovation and a constant evolution of ideas and opportunities.
How did you come to be in economic development? I’ve spent most of my adult life working on social determinants of health (hunger, housing, healthcare, transportation). I was recruited to GOED to oversee the $200M public private partnership around homeless services, but with economic stability being a social determinant of its own, my role quickly evolved into more.
What surprises you most about your career path? Everything. I was an aesthetician for the first 10 years of my career before volunteering at a foodbank and eventually working my way up to a role overseeing all the foodbank’s childhood nutrition programs. I then spent years working for a local elected official, and now I work for the state in economic development. While all of these experiences have been very different, they are connected, and each one has built upon the prior in a way I would have never imagined.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career? There are a few key accomplishments that stand out, but as I think about why they were so special, I realize they all involved building a consensus because we were breaking the norm and creatively addressing an old problem.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders? My advice is always: follow up and follow through. It sounds simple, but not everyone does this. It boggles my mind that people can end up in leadership positions without doing this, yet it happens and it’s extremely frustrating for everyone. Be someone that others can depend on.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career? Focus on growing your strengths rather than mitigating your weaknesses.
What are your personal goals for community involvement? Working in public service, my entire focus is on improving the lives of our residents. To do that well, you must spend time with different communities (including the business and development communities), understanding their values and their concerns. My personal goal is to have more time set aside to do that this year.
What drives you to be successful? Maybe I’m delusional, but I believe I actually have the power to make a difference. I then surround myself with other delusional people and the perceived barriers start to disappear.
