Women frequently wear many hats in their life. From daughter to mother to business leader, many women feel they must be all things at all times, accomplishing the impossible. The 2024 class of Women to Watch do the impossible every day with grace and poise. Executives and decision makers, these women are following the great women in front of them and leading the way for the next generation of Women to Watch.
Chosen by a panel of judges who review their history, community work, leadership and plans for the future, the 2024 Women to Watch have risen to the top through perseverance and excellent multi-tasking abilities. 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 your accomplishments and contributions to the “Battle Born” state.
Donna Alderson-Lombardo
Vice Chair
Cushman & Wakefield
Primary Industry
Industrial/Commercial Real Estate
Principal Location
Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
1967
Donna Alderson-Lombardo has been a commercial real estate (CRE) professional since 1986. She is a recognized leader in her industry. Over the course of her career, Donna has completed transactions with an aggregate consideration exceeding $7.2 billion. In addition to her work in CRE Donna represents the state of Nevada as First Lady and is committed to supporting philanthropic organizations in her community, with a focus on those addressing mental health. She hosted the First Lady’s Charity Networking Luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion this year, an event dedicated to fostering collaboration and community impact. Donna is also a devoted wife to Governor Joe Lombardo, a dedicated mother and a doting grandmother.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the strength of Nevadans. We are known as the Battle Born state due to our resilience and determination to fight for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
What attracted you to commercial real estate?
I was interested in construction, but there was little opportunity for women in construction related fields when I was starting my career. Industrial real estate exposed me to the development, construction and marketing of industrial properties and it has been a great fit for me.
What surprises you most about your career path?
How long it has kept my interest. I thought I would give it five years, but the business has evolved and grown, and I still find it very interesting and rewarding.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Margaret Thatcher – she was a supreme, conservative leader and set a great example of conviction and perseverance for women.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life?
My grandfather – he instilled family values, hard work, honesty and integrity.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career?
I hope I have helped and inspired other women to pursue a career in commercial real estate by demonstrating that hard work and perseverance pay off. It is an exciting and rewarding career, however it is still a male dominated industry.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership?
I believe female leaders help increase productivity, enhance collaboration and inspire organizational dedication. Women often have a different perspective than men, which helps to foster creativity and innovation.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
[I wish I had learned] to have more faith and confidence in myself; to not be afraid of failure. In order to achieve your potential, you must try without being intimidated by the possibility of failure. In failing, we learn and grow.
What are your personal goals for community involvement?
I am fully committed to helping our Nevada communities address the crippling mental health crisis plaguing our society. I believe mental health maladies are the primary and underlying contributing factor to the majority of our societal ills and issues.
Angela Castro
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Primary Industry
Transportation
Principal Location
Southern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship
1998
Serving as deputy CEO for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) Angela Castro works directly with the CEO, serving as chief of staff and overseeing all strategic and public-facing initiatives that encompass functions that are critical to the economic well-being of the entire region. Over the last year, Castro helped secure more than $161 million in federal funding for various projects that will elevate the community’s transportation infrastructure, as well as an unprecedented $5 million during the last legislative session for transit services. She has also fostered and encouraged engagement with small and minority-owned businesses through the RTC’s RiSE (Resources, Involvement, Support, Education) program that connects local small and diverse businesses to locally funded opportunities.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the uniqueness and diversity of Nevada, which is the fabric of our community. Here, you’ll encounter a rich mix of people, businesses, cultures and cuisines that make us vibrant, resilient and adaptable. Of special note is the access to elected, business and community leaders, enjoyed by everyone in our community, regardless of position or socio-economic status.
What surprises you most about your career path?
I was surprised at how my career path diverged from my early vision of success. My 18-year-old definition of success was a high-powered corporate job with a fancy title, ultimately making big money and working for shareholders. Instead, I found my calling in the public sector. Working on behalf of the community and being accountable to the public has been profoundly fulfilling for me. I had no idea there was a place for me in government that would allow me to thrive and be successful.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Clara Schumann and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and, why not, Joan of Arc.
Who was a mentor or role model who had a significant impact on your life?
My grandmother was my first role model who was a fearless and feisty businesswoman. She earned the respect of many influential people. Her loyalty was unwavering, and she fiercely protected her loved ones. Driven and passionate, she was a perfectionist who spoke her mind without hesitation. She showed me that women could have successful careers, work hard and still care for their families, a rare feat at the time.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
I once heard a metaphor that perfectly describes me: I’m like a Tiffany lamp with different patterns, colors, and levels of brightness. I wish I had known it was okay to enter a room and provide light at 50 watts instead of always trying to shine at 100 watts.
How can women develop leadership skills?
I believe women can best develop their leadership skills by being self-aware and continuously learning from their strengths and weaknesses. Improving leadership skills and executive presence is an ongoing process. It’s crucial to surround yourself with mentors, advocates, and genuine individuals who motivate you to become the best version of yourself.
Sharon Chamberlain
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Nevada HOPES
Primary Industry
Nonprofit
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
August 2011
Since assuming the role of chief executive officer at Northern Nevada HOPES in August 2011, Sharon Chamberlain has led a transformation within the organization. What once catered to 600 patients with a staff of 20, has now, under Sharon’s leadership, blossomed into a thriving community health center. On April 1, 2024, HOPES celebrated the inauguration of The Jerry Smith Community Wellness Center, an extension of its comprehensive care initiative, which extends services to an additional 12,000 individuals in northern Nevada. Sharon’s adept leadership facilitated the procurement of over $36.6 million in funding. Before assuming her role as CEO of HOPES, Sharon dedicated two decades to serving the HIV/AIDS community.
What do you love about Nevada?
Nature! From the iconic deserts and unique rock formations to the beautiful mountain ranges and expansive Lake Tahoe, Nevada boasts a wide variety of breathtaking natural scenery.
What surprises you most about your career path?
Having experienced homelessness myself, what surprises me most about my career journey is the unwavering trust and mentorship I’ve received from numerous remarkable individuals. Their guidance has been instrumental every step of the way. I never imagined I would reach the position I hold today, and for that, I am eternally thankful.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Florence Nightingale – her dedication to patient care, innovative approaches to healthcare and commitment to social reform have left an enduring legacy that continues to shape modern healthcare practices. My desire to meet her is to understand how she translated her values into action and how her work continues to inspire humanitarian efforts today.
How can women develop leadership skills?
The number one way for a woman to develop leadership skills is through hands-on experience and practice in leadership roles. Taking on leadership responsibilities, whether in the workplace, community organizations, or volunteer activities, provides invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and refine leadership skills.
Who was a role model who had a significant impact on your life?
My father came from Jamaica to the US with just coins in his pocket. He attended college, built a life rooted in faith and rose to become a United Methodist Bishop. His journey taught me invaluable lessons about love, resilience and the importance of believing in others.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
Never stop dreaming. Dream big and aim high. Don’t let societal expectations or limitations define what you can achieve. Set ambitious goals for yourself and pursue them with passion and determination.
What do you want your legacy to be?
Ultimately, my legacy for women would be one of empowerment, unity, and progress—a legacy that encourages women to embrace their power, pursue their passions, and make their mark on the world in meaningful and impactful ways.
Nikki Fargas
President
Las Vegas Aces
Primary Industry
Basketball
Principal Location
Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
2021
When Mark Davis announced on May 11, 2021, that the Las Vegas Aces had hired Nikki Fargas as the team’s president, she was quoted as saying “We are going to do everything in our power to make our front office the best in the business and provide our players with all the tools they need to bring a championship to Las Vegas.” Under Fargas’ leadership the Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA Championship in 2022—the first title in franchise history, as well as the first major professional sports championship in Las Vegas’ history. The following year, they became the first WNBA team in more than two decades to repeat as champions. The Aces also led the WNBA in attendance in 2023. Prior to joining the Aces, Fargas served as the head coach of the LSU and UCLA Women’s Basketball teams.
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada is home to some amazing natural landscapes, including the stunning Red Rock Canyon and Lake Tahoe, while the state’s diverse terrain offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and exploration. Nevada is famous for its vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene. From world-class casinos and live shows to upscale dining and shopping, there is always something exciting to do in Nevada.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
I would love to meet Rosa Parks. She is called “The Mother of The Civil Rights Movement”. Rosa Parks invigorated the struggle for racial equality when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. Parks’ arrest on December 1, 1955, launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott by 17,000 black citizens.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
Be confident in your abilities, speak up for what you believe in, and support other women in their journeys. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, prioritize self-care, be adaptable, and never underestimate the power of perseverance and collaboration in achieving your goals.
How important is it to be plugged into and an active part of your local community?
It is very important to be plugged into and active in your local community as it fosters relationships, provides support, and contributes to a sense of belonging and well-being. Being involved can lead to personal growth, opportunities for collaboration, and positive impact on the community.
What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?
Women in leadership positions often face challenges and discrimination due to persistent gender bias and stereotypes. These biases can affect how women are perceived and how their leadership style is evaluated. Also, many women are juggling multiple responsibilities, including work, family, and caregiving. Balancing these responsibilities can impact a woman’s ability to lead effectively, as they may need to make sacrifices or face challenges in managing their time and energy.
Pamela Goynes-Brown
Primary Industry
Government
Principal Location
North Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
1964
Pamela Goynes-Brown was elected mayor of the City of North Las Vegas in 2022 and assumed office that same year, becoming the first black mayor in Nevada history. A longtime educator and public servant, Mayor Goynes-Brown previously served as councilwoman of North Las Vegas’ Ward 2 for over a decade and was the first female African American councilwoman in that role. A long-time resident of North Las Vegas, Mayor Goynes-Brown has lived in the city since 1964 when her family moved to the area. She pursued a career in public education, following in both her parents’ footsteps, and worked for the Clark County School district for 35 years before retiring as assistant principal. She is married and has two children.
What do you love about Nevada?
I’ve been in Nevada since the early 1960s. Even though it has grown at a rapid pace, one of the things I love about North Las Vegas is that it still has that small town vibe. I love coming from the hustle and bustle of the strip area to North Las Vegas because, to me, it’s home and relaxed.
What first attracted you to public service?
My father was a teacher, CCSD administrator, councilman [and] mayor pro tem. I have followed in his lineage and public service gives me great joy.
What drives you to be successful?
I’ve always been big on setting goals and achieving them. Having a successful support system and being around successful people helps you be successful.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
I’m going to say go back and meet my mother long before I was born. I have always followed in my mother’s footsteps. She was the person who instilled values in all of her children. She was firm but fair. She also taught us to put God first and be true to who we are. I would have loved to have observed the struggles she encountered growing up, which shaped who she was and ultimately who her children became.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership?
Women tend to lead with a little more compassion. We perhaps are a little more deliberate. We try not to make up our minds until we hear all sides of an issue.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
First of all, as a female leader, it’s really important to know your craft. I’ll say this again, it’s important to build a good support system around you. Keep the door open. When one door closes, keep going until the next one opens for you. Be true to your genuine self and have confidence in your capabilities.
What lessons do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
If there is a common thread throughout these questions, it’s believing in yourself. I really think it’s important to believe people when they see something in you that you might not see in yourself.
How do you prioritize community needs?
I believe you learn a lot by networking with people who have common goals. As I’ve said in some of my previous answers, you’ve got to listen to people.
Karen Haller
President and Chief Executive Officer
Southwest Gas Holdings
Primary Industry
Energy
Principal Location
Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
March 1997
Karen Haller is president and chief executive officer of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company with over $5 billion market capitalization (NYSE: SWX). Karen leads a company which provides energy to over 2 million natural gas utility customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. She is responsible for the strategic vision and overall business operations. With over 25 years at Southwest Gas, Karen has served in multiple leadership positions. Before joining Southwest Gas, Karen worked as a private practice lawyer. Karen serves on the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, and the American Gas Association. She was also recently appointed chair of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo’s Transition Team’s Energy Working Committee.
What do you love about Nevada?
There is so much to love – the people, the culture, the community, its accessibility, the weather, the natural landscape – the list goes on. Living in Las Vegas is such a unique experience – it’s a big city with a small town, familial feel. The people who live here are warm, generous, and care greatly about our communities. It also provides global-level access to modern infrastructure, world-class dining, and entertainment – without the congestion of a large city. Plus, it is the home of my favorite sports team, the Vegas Golden Knights!
What is your personal motto?
We discovered a quote on my late father’s desk after he passed. It was a note my dad had written which, paraphrased, said that the firm resolve of a determined soul cannot be hindered or controlled by fate, chance or destiny. It reminds me to live my life with purpose and integrity, have a strong work ethic, and face any challenges with determination.
What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?
I believe women have the unique ability to engage in difficult conversations. We also have the intuition, compassion, and determination to navigate tough situations. We’re able to address challenges head-on while ensuring the welfare of the business, employees, and customers is top of mind.
Who was a role model who had a significant impact on your life?
My parents. My mom was an extremely strong woman – loved us fiercely, always there for the family and instilled in me the confidence that I needed to believe in myself and be successful. My dad was a five-term sheriff known for his integrity, work ethic, service to community, innovation and compassion. They both demonstrated values that continue to inspire and guide me personally and professionally.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
Be open to change and seek diverse opportunities. Some opportunities might challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone – be ready for that – it may lead you to positive outcomes you haven’t even considered.
How important is it to be plugged into and an active part of your local community?
I’ve lived in Nevada for 27 years. Giving back and creating a positive impact that helps enrich and sustain the community I love is an inherent part of being a Nevadan, for me.
Karen Jacks, MD
Oncologist
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada
Primary Industry
Healthcare
Principal Location
Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
July 2007
Karen S. Jacks, MD is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers. She is extremely involved with the practice, serving as managed care director and a board member – responsibilities Dr. Jacks focuses on in addition to seeing patients. She’s helping lead the practice into the future and spearheading recruitment efforts, particularly related to oncologists, surgeons and advanced practice providers, ensuring patients are seen quickly and with the utmost care. She is also focused on staying up to date with the latest in cancer research. She has participated in several research studies as principal investigator or co-principal investigator.
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada has a true entrepreneurial spirit and, I think in many ways, contradicts its common preconceptions. One of them is that you have to leave the state for world-class medical care and, with each year and as this medical community thrives, that is increasingly not the case.
What attracted to you to oncology as you began your healthcare career?
The patients are what ultimately brought me to oncology as a specialty. They are unique and literally fighting for their lives. I feel connected to them, their families, and their stories. I love the personal connections I make with them and the lifelong relationships we establish.
What surprises you most about your career path?
It is ever evolving and evolving at an incredible pace. Look at the advances made in cancer care in our lifetime. On a practice level, the clinical trials and research endeavors we are engrained in are astounding. They enhance local lives for the better and, inevitably, make a global impact.
What drives you to be successful?
I build relationships and bonds with my patients – I want to see them succeed. I’m genuinely invested in their vitality and know that each patient’s needs are unique. Be it a groundbreaking clinical trial or time-tested regimen, I want to pinpoint what’s needed so they are ultimately happy and healthy.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career?
I can look at the lives I’ve helped prolong and/or save, as individual pride points. Working with Mayor Carolyn Goodman has been a highlight, originally seeing her in 2009, being trusted with her care at varying points in her journey and, ultimately, seeing her through remission… and her third term in office. I’m proud and I’m proud of her.
What are the benefits of having women in leadership?
Women bring a holistic approach to leadership. We can be strong and powerful when needed but also present ourselves in an empathetic way. I believe this builds confidence and mutual respect within teams. These are attributes needed for long-lasting and successful relationships.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
My advice to the next female leaders is to know your worth to society and understand that a true leader leads by example but does not stand alone. She must build a trusted support network and team around her in order to be successful.
Stephanie Kruse
Founder
KPS3
Primary Industry
Marketing
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
January 1982
Stephanie Kruse is the founder of KPS3 Marketing, a national marketing, communications and digital firm, based in Reno. She also the creator of a consulting firm, Steph Kruse LLC, or “Just Steph” which specializes in consulting for nonprofit boards and foundations for greater effectiveness. Steph has more than 40 years of marketing, public relations and advertising experience. She founded KPS3 in June 1991, after she received her MBA in marketing and organizational strategy from the University of Nevada, Reno. Prior to starting KPS3, she served as director of marketing for Saint Mary’s Health Network for nine years. In addition, Steph has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and theater and is a retired registered nurse.
What do you love about Nevada?
Its grand beauty and outdoor playgrounds are addictive. I am an outdoors person, and after growing up in the Midwest, I was floored by the easy access to mountains, rivers, lakes and more. We love it here and always take advantage of all it offers, no matter what season.
What surprises you most about your career path?
I am most pleasantly surprised by what the combination of my nursing education, journalism degree and MBA brought to me. Who’d a thunk?! It let me excel in hospital administration and marketing which was a springboard for much of the work we garnered for healthcare organizations at KPS3, and now “Just Steph.”
What drives you to be successful?
I have an incredible drive to “fix things” or jump in when I believe that something needs doing that no one else has jumped in to do. That’s true of my work for clients, or for employees, or for the nonprofits I serve. So, I am able to get a lot done but – oh, shock and surprise – some people find me bossy.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career?
It is one of two things… the first is how many people that KPS3 or I have touched, in some impactful way. I feel great that my being alive has touched hundreds of thousands of people… whether through a large public education campaign, a pro bono effort for a nonprofit, a personal donation, or through the people who have been KPS3 team members or clients over these many decades. Second is a bit of reminiscence from back when I created KPS3 in 1991. There were many other agencies at the time, all owned or managed by men. I was so different than they were to the outside world, and at times my work was dismissed or discounted because I was a woman business owner. It was frustrating, but I was used to that reaction. I just kept going and doing what I do best. Despite all that, I was able to grow the agency and perform for many clients in very different ways than those already in the market.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
Do not try to be a man who is a leader, or a female leader who is great but not like you… or someone else’s idea of what a leader should be. You must be yourself and wrap your leadership skills around that.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
I learned over time to show – and be – your real self, and not just present the woman-leader-shell that people might imagine you are or should be.
Chelsea Latino
Partner, Vice-Chair of Employment and Labor Law Practice
McDonald Carano
Primary Industry
Legal
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
January 1999
Chelsea has called Nevada home for over 25 years. She was raised in Reno where she attended elementary, middle and high school, as well as her undergraduate studies. She attended law school at the William S. Boyd School of law in Las Vegas, before clerking for the Honorable Justice Mark Gibbons (Ret.) at the Nevada Supreme Court and joining the law firm McDonald Carano in Reno, where she, her husband and their three children call home. Having been raised by a single parent who went to school and often worked multiple jobs, work ethic was engrained in Chelsea from a young age. At McDonald Carano, Chelsea is a role model and mentor to help train, develop, and advance the legal skills and careers of junior lawyers.
What do you love about Nevada?
There are so many things to love about Nevada, including the vibrant sunsets and scenic Lake Tahoe, but I especially love Nevada’s sense of community and the pride we all share to call it home.
What is your motto?
Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute – I tell myself as a reminder that you cannot always plan for the unexpected, an endless to-do list need not impede your productivity, and success is the sum of all your efforts.
What drives you to be successful?
Independence, self-sufficiency and my family drive me to be successful. By watching me work hard to gain my own sense of success and fulfillment, I hope my children learn that they, too, can become productive and self-sufficient members of society on their own account.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be and why?
United States Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg because they are legendary, trailblazing, and inspirational.
How important is it to be plugged into and an active part of your local community?
Having been raised by a phenomenal single parent, and recognizing I would not be where I am without the resources and support received beyond my family, it is fundamentally important for me to actively ensure the same resources and support are available to others in the community, especially our youth.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career?
Though I pride being a mom most, I am also very proud of having achieved the confidence and trust of the many others who have supported me along the way and to this day, including my husband, colleagues, friends and peers.
How can women develop leadership skills?
Participation and observation are especially powerful tools for developing leadership skills. Join boards or committees of interest to watch leadership in action, see the various ways in which decisions are made, challenges overcome, strategies developed, and problems solved, and then, most importantly, contribute in a meaningful way.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to reflect the value I added to my family, profession, and community – a legacy of hard work, authenticity, and lasting impact. Most importantly, I hope my children remember me for my love and putting their well-being and best interests first.
Patricia Lee
Associate Justice
Supreme Court of Nevada
Primary Industry
Legal
Principal Location
Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship
June 2002
Justice Patricia Lee is an associate justice with the Nevada Supreme Court. She was appointed in November of 2022 by Governor Steven Sisolak. Justice Lee is the first African American woman and the first Asian American to serve as a Nevada Supreme Court Justice. Prior to her appointment, Justice Lee was a partner with the Nevada law firm Hutchison & Steffen, where she practiced primarily in the field of complex commercial litigation. Prior to taking her seat as a Nevada Supreme Court Justice, Justice Lee acted as a volunteer attorney for the Children’s Attorney Project, where she represented abused and neglected children in Clark County. When Justice Lee is away from her Chambers, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Ronnie and their two children.
What do you love about Nevada?
The thing I love most about Nevada is that we are a close-knit community with caring and compassionate people. It is large enough to lead the country in innovation and commerce, but still small enough to hold on to traditional values of neighborly love, support and service.
How do you hope to make a difference as a Justice?
As the first African American female and first Asian American on the highest court of Nevada, I hope to add a different voice to the bench. I truly do believe that representation matters and am hoping that my presence on the bench will further instill a sense of trust with a broader range of our constituents. And while I am the first, I do not plan on being the last.
What surprises you most about your career path?
The thing that surprises me most about my career path is becoming a Nevada Supreme Court Justice, for sure!
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
Since I already met Rosa Parks, I would say that I could meet any woman from any time in history, it would absolutely be United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. She too is a first. I watched every second of her confirmation hearings and was so impressed by her intelligence, fortitude and resilience.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career?
The things that I am most proud of achieving in my career are, first, becoming the first female partner at my law firm, Hutchison & Steffen and then being the first African American female and first Asian American Nevada Supreme Court Justice. I am also very proud to have been the first attorney in Nevada to be recognized by the American Bar Association with the National Pro Bono Publico Award for individuals who have delivered enhanced legal services to the nation’s low-income and disadvantaged.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I would like my legacy to be that I worked hard, treated people fairly, was a good mom, faithful wife and a dedicated community ambassador.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
The only other thing I would like to add is just my favorite quote from Helen Keller who once famously said that “The only thing worse than being blind, is having sight, but no vision.”
Joey Orduña Hastings
Chief Executive Officer
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Primary Industry
Nonprofit
Principal Location
Reno
Nevada Citizenship
Battle Born
Joey Orduña Hastings joined the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) as chief executive officer in July 2016. Joey returned to the NCJFCJ, where she served early in her career as an NCJFCJ Model Court liaison and manager. As the CEO, she oversees a team of 75 in Reno and Pittsburgh, PA, and is responsible for an annual budget of nearly $17 million. Along with her NCJFCJ team, she has increased grant and non-grant funding by nearly $6 million, grown membership to more than 2,000 members in every state and several countries and bolstered organizational donations by 120 percent. She is a native Nevadan, born and raised in Las Vegas, and resides in Reno.
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada is small enough and big enough at the same time. As a result of my Nevada education, mentors along the way, and the doors that opened, I have had many opportunities, including working on Capitol Hill, in the Nevada Legislature, in the Governor’s office, and the judiciary.
Why is your work at the NCJFCJ important?
The NCJFCJ’s education and policy work sheds light on the needs of people who are often not heard, giving those we serve a voice to overcome challenges in and out of the courtroom. With the University of Nevada and others, we train more judges in northern Nevada than anywhere else in the world.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
I have had the chance to work with remarkable women trailblazers and leaders like Congresswoman Barbara Vucanovich. I would be interested in meeting other trailblazers like Margaret Thatcher and Madeleine Albright.
Who was a mentor who had a significant impact on your life?
My teacher, Sister Lorraine Forster from Bishop Gorman High School. She questioned the norm and expected the best from me. She would often say, “Why not, man?” If you doubted yourself or didn’t think you could tackle a challenge, that was her response. She is much respected and dearly remembered.
What factors impact a woman’s ability to lead others?
At times, we may second guess ourselves when considering an opportunity. Sometimes, you just need to jump in. Don’t limit yourself because you’re seeking perfection. Believe you can. Just do.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
Early on, I wish I knew how to better manage stress. Today I work towards trusting that things are usually better after sleeping on it.
What are some of the ways women can support other women in a professional setting?
Through mentorship or sponsorship women can actively support everyone. Telling someone they are doing a good job isn’t the same as investing time in someone and being there to guide, problem solve, uplift, or constructively challenge. There is benefit in letting someone know you see potential in them when they might not see it themselves.
Zhe (Wendy) Sun
Principal Architect
TSK, a MOREgroup brand
Primary Industry
Architecture
Principal Location
Henderson
Nevada Citizenship
October 2008
Wendy is a NCARB certified architect in Nevada and a nationally licensed architect in China. She is one of only a handful of people to have licenses to practice architecture in both the United States and China. Wendy is also a LEED accredited professional and a principal at TSK. Throughout her 20 years of professional experience, she has led the design and development of an eclectic range of project types including education, healthcare, judicial, civic, as well as high-rise and mixed use. As a principal of TSK, Wendy serves as a leader in the firm and has a wide range of responsibilities. As a design award-winning architect, Wendy has designed and managed over 10 million SF of projects from scratch to completion.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love Nevada’s diverse culture, vibrant communities, stunning natural beauty and the spirit of innovation and resilience. Moreover, women take charge here. Nevada had the first female-majority state legislature in the nation, a historic breakthrough in 2019. It inspires that more and more women are carrying leadership roles.
What first attracted you to architecture?
My dad, who is an architect, structural engineer and developer, introduced me to the field of architecture. He shared with me the excitement of watching a design evolve from a simple sketch into a tangible reality. He believes that architects are natural-born leaders. In his view, an architect embodies the qualities of an artist, engineer, speaker, communicator and problem solver.
What drives you to be successful?
As an architect, I am driven by a blend of design passion, professional integrity, client satisfaction, societal impact and personal and career aspirations.
If you could meet a woman from any time in history, who would it be?
I would like to meet Zaha. It is 20 years since Zaha Hadid won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, yet somehow she remains the only solo woman to have won the accolade. Her groundbreaking work and perseverance in a male-dominated field are incredibly inspiring.
What are you most proud of having achieved in your career?
Being a mom is hard, and having a job is hard. When we combine these two roles, it creates one of the toughest jobs in the world. As a working mom myself, I take pride in balancing my career with being a good mother, a feat acknowledged by both my husband and daughter, all while managing several impactful projects.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
I would recommend the next generation of female leaders to cultivate a strong learning ability and maintain their curiosity. Learning is the cornerstone of leadership. Now, more than ever, with the pace of change accelerating, the ability to learn and adapt is not just a desirable trait for leaders—it is an absolute necessity.
What lessons do you wish you had learned early in your career?
I wish I had learned the buffalo story early in my career. As architects, do we run away from a challenge or face it head-on? When a storm approaches, buffalo are known to run toward it, enduring its effects for a shorter duration by quickly emerging on the other side.
