{ "speakers": [ { "id": "abby_ivory", "name": "Abby Ivory", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/abby_ivory.jpg", "bio":"Abby Ivory is a seasoned Economic Development Coordinator with over two decades of fostering economic growth and community development. Her expertise spans various aspects of economic planning including small business development, government relations, affordable housing, as well as chamber of commerce mentorship.
Abby is deeply committed to her community, regularly volunteering for local non-profits and participating in civic organizations. She believes in the power of community engagement and works tirelessly to ensure that economic development benefits all residents.
In her current role, Abby serves on the board of the Rural Utah Chamber Coalition, where she advocates for rural chambers and communities, develops strategic initiatives to drive meaningful economic progress, supports rural innovation, and works to create lasting prosperity for rural Utah residents." }, { "id": "aimee_dibrienza", "name": "Aimee DiBrienza", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/aimee_dibrienza.jpg", "bio":"Aimee DiBrienza is a Utah native, and a self-proclaimed Swamp Angel from Emery County. She is an alumni of Southern Utah University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Utah Secondary Teaching Certificate. She also holds a Master of Education from Westminster College, with an emphasis in administration. She is in her 27th year of service in education, and her third year with SUU”s Community and Workforce Development department as the Director of Adult and Workforce Education. In this role, Aimee builds certificate programs, pathways, and training across a wide variety of industries and works with industry partners to upskill the workforce for current and emerging needs. She is the Director of FutureReady Utah Business Leaders Academy, and travels across eleven counties to deliver business leadership training to support sustainable economic and community growth. Aimee accels in problem solving, aligning steps with vision, and people work, and considers community one of her strongest driving values." }, { "id": "amanda_tullis", "name": "Amanda Tullis", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/amanda_tullis.jpg", "bio":"Amanda Tullis is the President and CEO of Lead to Action. Passionate about empowering others and making a meaningful impact, Amanda is deeply committed to community service and leadership. With expertise in leadership development, public relations, marketing, conflict resolution, team building, and professional speaking, she inspires individuals and organizations to achieve excellence.
As a business consultant, Amanda equips entrepreneurs, business owners, and employees with the strategic tools to navigate today’s dynamic business landscape. From creating comprehensive strategies to accessing funding, leveraging financials, and leading effective teams, she provides tailored solutions for success.
When she’s not leading, strategizing, or consulting, Amanda powers through her dynamic roles running on protein powder, dry shampoo, and a touch of sarcasm to keep life interesting." }, { "id": "Camille_Pendleton", "name": "Camille Pendleton", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/camille_pendleton.jpg", "bio":"After completing an MBA from Utah State University, Camille was a consultant with the Connecticut-based Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute. There she helped many industries and types of business improve using the Theory of Constraints. She later became the Vice President of Manufacturing at Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. in California where she guided the fulfillment end of the company’s growth to $25 million. Currently a SBDC Regional Director, she mentors business owners and helps them be successful." }, { "id": "catherine_bennett", "name": "Catherine Bennett", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/catherine_bennett.jpg", "bio": "Catherine Bennett has a master's degree in professional communication and 12+ years of marketing leadership experience. Before her role at Utah Business, Catherine founded Backpack Marketing, a fractional marketing agency that helped startups and small businesses scale." }, { "id": "Christine_Pinder", "name": "Christine Pinder", "img" : "", "bio":"Christine Pinder is the owner of Sugar Bean Bakery Utah, in Richfield, UT. The first Richfield @ Home Bakery-Christine is a passionate baker who believes that good food brings people together. Baking in Sevier County since 2009, Christine believes in using the best ingrediants for the best product. Christine firmly believes children are our future. Teaching youth how to bake has been a huge part of her journey. She partnered with 4-H in 2013, offering a Baking Club to the youth, teaching them how to bake delicious treats from scratch. In 2023, she joined YLA and began teaching the Future Bakers Class and Future Chefs Class for the homeschool organization. For fun, she offers monthly Cupcake Decorating Workshops, and new this year - Cookie Decorating Workshops. Sugar Bean Bakery Utah is a 3 time winner of The Best of the Best, and in 2023, Christine was awarded Business Woman of the Year." }, { "id": "crystal_rockwood", "name": "Crystal Rockwood", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/crystal_rockwood.jpg", "bio":"Crystal Rockwood is Principal of Rockwood Communications Counsel, Inc., with over 30 years’ experience in helping businesses, non-profits, cities, colleges and other organizations with high-stakes communications, and professional development. She was worked with Fortune 500 entities and small businesses in over 60 industries. Prior to forming RCC, Crystal was the Director of Communications worldwide at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. As Senior Advisor for Press and Public Affairs to the Mayor of Oakland, she worked with state and federal offices on numerous press and public affair events. Crystal has trained thousands in media relations, crisis management, relational capital building, networking, executive presence and etiquette. Crystal is an Authorized Trainer with the Emily Post Institute, in Business Etiquette; Founder of Social Passport® educational services promoting civility, professional development and reputational management. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Southern Utah University where she developed their Crisis Management course." }, { "id": "Holly_Sweeten", "name": "Holly Sweeten", "img" : "", "bio":"Holly Sweeten is serving in her fifth year as the Director of Outreach in the Office of Congressman Burgess Owens, in the U.S. House of Representatives. She works out of his Utah office and is deeply honored as a 7th generation Utahn, to keep serving and paying it forward, for the betterment of the next 7generations.She takes great care to create bridges of friendship and understanding among constituents and to seek for solutions for the many issues that burden Utah citizens and that deprive them of the ability to fully live out their American dream. Whether seeking for policy or regulatory improvements, if Holly can’t provide the optimal help she knows someone who can.As a recent candidate for the Utah State House, she believes deeply in ensuring Utahns have the most constitutionally sound policies to provide the most free and prosperous environment for families to thrive. She also currently serves in several capacities for both International and State Non-Profits as an Executive Board member and volunteer in the areas of Women’s empowerment, Veterans issues, those experiencing homelessness, and Afghan refugee services.She studied at the University of Utah and Utah Valley University, where she took a huge gap after her freshman year to serve a mission, get married, raise her children, help run a family business and then returned to earn her Bachelors in Sociology and a two-year Certificate in National Security Studies. She and her husband Rod have a combined family of 9 children, 6 sons, 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. Holly enjoys teaching Constitution classes through Patriot Academy, loves the outdoors, especially in beautiful Utah, loves working out, enjoys interior design and golfing with her husband and children. For all the many ways in which Holly chooses to fill her life with purpose, spending time with her family is the very best.As Holly has the honor of meeting so many great women along her journey who are striving to live with purpose and intention and who want it ALL – she gives this advice:
You can have it all- just not all at once!! Be patient with life and know it will unfold with blessings and opportunities one step at a time.
" }, { "id": "Jackie_Hobson", "name": "Jackie Hobson", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/jackie_hobson.jpg", "bio":"Jackie Hobson in the Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in St. George, where she supports entrepreneurs through strategy, funding readiness, and sustainable growth. She is also a serial entrepreneur, combat veteran, and former Chief Marketing Officer for a cyber security company. Outside of her professional life, Jackie is a mother of 5, loves having a busy house, and escapes to outdoor adventures as often as she can." }, { "id": "Janette_Wagner", "name": "Janette Wagner", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/janette_wagner.jpg", "bio":"Janette Wagner helps businesses thrive! As Regional Director of the SBDC and Custom Fit, she provides consulting and training at Snow College Richfield, serving the six-county region. She also leads the Women in Business program, including an annual conference. Raised across Idaho, Colorado, and Utah, Janette holds a BS in General Education with an emphasis in political economy. She's certified in Microsoft Office, Google Project Management, QuickBooks, Cybersecurity, and remote work strategies. A business owner for 20+ years, Janette understands the challenges entrepreneurs face. She's a problem-solver, leadership coach, and efficiency expert. When she's not helping businesses grow, she's spending time with her husband, children or grandbabies—likely on a pickleball court, in a book, or trying a new dish!" }, { "id": "Jenna_Draper", "name": "Jenna Draper", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/jenna_draper.jpg", "bio":"Jenna Draper, a Monroe, Utah native, built her career on a strong educational foundation from South Sevier High School and Snow College, later earning a BS in Human Resource Management from Utah State University. Her expertise led her to manage HR departments across the Wasatch Front, ultimately serving as the Director of Operations for a large orthopedic practice in Brunswick, Maine. Upon returning to her hometown, Jenna shifted her focus to economic development and now serves as the Associate Vice President of Regional Project Area Development for the Southeast Region of the Utah Inland Port Authority. Her dedication to fostering growth and development reflects her commitment to supporting communities and driving regional success." }, { "id": "Kate_Tanner", "name": "Kate Tanner", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/katelin_tanner.jpg", "bio":"As a lover of all things colorful, happy, and bright, Kate is a successful artist, paint night instructor, muralist, and mama! She enjoys teaching, creating a magical home full of light and love, and sharing her optimism with others. She runs her business through social media — MADE BY KATE on both instagram and facebook, and hosts regular paint nights at the local bar." }, { "id": "lara_beckstrand", "name": "Lara Beckstrand, PAS", "img" : "", "bio": "Lara Beckstrand, PAS, is a posture restoration therapist, functional movement teacher, and small business owner. She started out as a posture client when she lost all function of her right leg. Through her journey to heal her own body she fell in love with the field and now is a passionate posture therapist helping and empowering people to get out of pain and restore proper function to their body. Nature has a design and, with a little know-how and some basic posture skills, everyone can live with a body that moves better and feels better. When Lara is not working she can be found hanging out with her children and grandchildren or scrambling the red rocks of southern Utah. Or better yet, both at the same time." }, { "id": "lisa_laird", "name": "Lisa Jane Laird", "img" : "", "bio": "Lisa Jane Laird is an experienced professional specializing in conflict resolution, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. With a strong background in coaching and training, she empowers individuals and teams to enhance their communication skills and resolve conflicts constructively. As a sought-after facilitator, Lisa brings practical strategies to both personal and professional settings, helping participants build stronger relationships and navigate challenges with confidence. Her expertise includes leveraging tools like the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, Gallup Strengths, and Stanford's Design Your Life to promote collaboration and create harmonious work environments. Lisa is committed to supporting the growth and success of women in business, with a focus on fostering resilience and effective problem-solving. She is the director of the Snow College Career Center." }, { "id": "Lisa_Daybell", "name": "Lisa Stringham Daybell", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/lisa_daybell.jpg", "bio": "Lisa Stringham Daybell knows what it feels like to build a thriving business, only to watch it collapse through no fault of her own. Starting with five thousand dollars in credit card debt and a borrowed trailer from her dad, she launched a traveling boutique that grew into two stores and a warehouse. She turned a small, in-home hustle into a multi-million-dollar brand.\nThen, in one week, major online marketplaces froze payments, vanished, and left her with millions worth of inventory frozen in her warehouse. Lisa was one of thousands of sellers fighting to survive.\nWhat followed was not a pivot. It was a rebuild from zero. No safety net. No roadmap. Just grit, inventory, debt, and the responsibility of supporting her family and employees, including single mothers.\nToday, Lisa leads Truly Contagious®, a successful e-commerce and wholesale brand rebuilt on her terms. She has been named one of Utah’s Top 30 Business Rock Stars and is known for telling the unfiltered truth about failure, survival, and resilience.\nHer journey began at Snow College, where she was a student ambassador and later Director of Marketing for the Richfield campus. Now, she returns to share the story that every business owner needs to hear, but few are willing to tell." }, { "id": "Mallory_Beatty", "name": "Mallory Beatty", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/mallory_corry.jpg", "bio":"Mallory Beatty brings a decade of dynamic experience in economic development and marketing, spiced with multiple certifications in social media marketing and business consulting. Her work is a thrilling blend of expertise and passion, where she's not just developing markets but also communities. A dedicated mom to one, she channels her love for adventure into her work. Her infectious enthusiasm has not only spearheaded successful campaigns but also fostered a culture of creativity and engagement, making every project an exciting journey towards innovation and impact." }, { "id": "mark_alger", "name": "Mark Alger", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/mark_alger.jpg", "bio": "Mark Alger”s first job was counting worms for his family”s wholesale fishing supply business in Enterprise, Utah. He has used the lessons he learned while counting worms throughout his career and shares those lessons in his trainings and with businesses throughout Central Utah. Today Mark”s customers count on his business, Ensign Staffing, to help them connect with the right employees at the right time to be productive and profitable.
Mark is passionate about helping rural businesses succeed. He served as the President of the Richfield Area Chamber and currently serves on the Sevier County Economic Development Council. He’s developed and delivered customer service programs for managers and continues to stay focused on wowing customers as a business owner." }, { "id": "meghan_mcfall", "name": "Meghan McFall", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/meghan_mcfall.jpg", "bio": "Meghan McFall is a seasoned business leader and educator with over 22 years of experience across industries like e-commerce, restaurants, and wealth management. Her dedication to education and community development has seen her collaborate with institutions such as Salt Lake Community College and Utah State University. Meghan is also a prominent speaker at business conferences. She founded ashTEC, a consulting firm focused on business, economic, and workforce development, particularly in rural areas. The firm is known for its multilingual services and personalized support for individuals, startups, and corporations. Meghan's "boots on the ground" approach ensures tailored solutions through one-on-one meetings and hands-on training, emphasizing client satisfaction and community impact." }, { "id": "talia_hansen", "name": "Talia Hansen", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/talia_headshot.jpg", "bio": "Talia Hansen is the founder of Latigic LLC. She is thrilled to be able to pursue her passion of bringing business, grant writing, and creative services to underserved communities, with an emphasis on advocacy for women and rural areas. She has acquired a reputation as an instructor who can explain business, branding, marketing, and financial concepts to empower business and nonprofit owners to make informed decisions. Talia’s business offers services and courses on these topics regularly for a nationwide audience. Her assignments include being a guest instructor for business programs, conference breakout sessions, and, most recently, a new role as the Economic Development Manager for San Juan County, Utah." }, { "id": "sara_day", "name": "Sara Day", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/sara_day.jpg", "bio":"Salt Lake Native Sara Day's entrepreneurial spirit began at the ripe old age of five with lemonade stands and bake sales. With her cigar box full of change and precious dollar bills, the bug was born. She then went from selling the most Girl Scout cookies in her troop to eventually being on the founding team of the fast-casual restaurant chain Even Stevens Sandwiches. Sara is now the Program Manager of Training and Outreach at Utah Microloan Fund, where she provides business consulting and training to emerging entrepreneurs, as well as leads marketing and outreach efforts across the state. With a deep love for the community, Sara in her free time has served on the board for Local First Utah & Westminster's Social Impact Incubator. When Sara isn’t working, she is camping her way across the West, adventuring with her two big dogs, and going full-out for costume contests." }, { "id": "Stacee_McIff", "name": "Stacee McIff", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/mciff_stacee.jpg", "bio":"Stacee McIff became the 18th President of Snow College in 2023. Previously, she served as interim president; led the college’s technical education initiatives as Vice President of Technical Education and Workforce Engagement; and served as Associate Provost, Business Department Chair, and faculty member since 2006. In her roles, Stacee has championed collaboration, innovation, student engagement, and academic excellence. Beyond Snow College, Stacee has volunteered as national board chair of Future Business Leaders of America, Inc., and served on the SUU National Alumni Council, Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service Board, New Horizons Crisis Center Board of Directors, and as president of the Sevier County Republican Women. Stacee holds a bachelor’s degree in business education from Southern Utah University, a master’s degree from Utah State University in business information systems, and a post-graduate certificate in community college leadership from Old Dominion University. Stacee and her husband, Mark, have two daughters and live in Richfield. Ingrained with a passion for serving rural communities, Stacee was born and raised in Panguitch, Utah, which is still just about her favorite place in the world." }, { "id": "Tonia_Lewis", "name": "Tonia Lewis", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/tonia_lewis.jpg", "bio":"Tonia Lewis has worked for the Snow College Career Center as an Administrative Assistant for 7 months, and at Snow College previously for 6 years in the library. Tonia enjoys helping students with their job search, career exploration, reviewing resumes, preparing for job interviews, and assists Lisa Laird at job fairs and many other administrative tasks. Sharing her passions for over 20 years Tonia is the Sole Proprietor of, Soar Creative Services helping small businesses with website design, graphic design, commercial photography and marketing. Tonia is also an Archivist for the non-profit Sevier County Archives and Heritage Services, gathering, preserving and sharing the history of Sevier County through their website. Leisure time incudes chasing Hot Air Balloons at festivals in Utah and the surrounding states, as Crew Chief for her husband who pilots the balloons for Czech It Out Balloons LLC." }, { "id": "Roxy_Johnson", "name": "Roxanne Johnson", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/roxy_johnson.jpg", "bio":"Roxanne Johnson is a self-taught personal care product formulator and successful busines owner founding her company on her kitchen counter while a stay-at-home mother of five chilren. In 2017, with the partnership of her husband, they took the small business to the next level, beginning to manufacture for nationwide brands. Today they operate Soapcreek Manufacturing, the largest manufacturer of bottle-free haircare products in the United States. Her rural Utah company consists of over 150 employees who produce over 1 million bars per month. With new and exciting expansions and ventures in progress, she is building better jobs, better futures, and growing her company and community rapidly." }, { "id": "Ryan_Roper", "name": "Ryan Roper", "img" : "", "bio":"Ryan Roper is a financial professional with a strong educational background and extensive experience in accounting and banking. He earned dual degrees in Accounting and Business Administration from Southern Utah University (SUU). Ryan spent six years at a small CPA firm, and for the past 14 years he has worked in the banking industry, serving communities in Sevier and Millard Counties. Currently, Ryan holds the position of Portfolio Manager at Hillcrest Bank." }, { "id": "Robbyn_Scribner", "name": "Robbyn Scribner", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/robbyn_scribner.JPG", "bio":"Robbyn Scribner is a women's labor force expert, consultant, and career coach. She is a CoFounder and Director of Outreach for Tech-Moms, a workforce reentry program that helps women transition into the tech industry. Robbyn is also a regular keynote speaker and presenter focusing on women’s professional development. A prolific researcher and writer on women’s issues, she has published more than 50 reports, articles, or snapshots on a wide variety of topics, including labor force participation, the gender wage gap, male allies, workplace flexibility, and women’s careers. Robbyn holds Master’s and Bachelor degrees from Brigham Young University, and she is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. She has a special interest in researching and writing about women’s work life integration, highlighting the challenges women face in trying to balance work and family responsibilities, while advocating for creative solutions to advance women’s professional wellbeing. A mother of 6 rowdy kids, Robbyn loves to play volleyball, sing, and hike in the beautiful Utah mountains. " }, { "id": "Kendra_Bagley", "name": "Kendra Bagley", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/kendra_bagley.jpg", "bio": "Kendra Bagley is a business coach, educator, and entrepreneur passionate about helping women in rural communities build profitable, sustainable businesses without losing sight of the life they want to live. With a background in agriculture, equine industries, higher education, and decades of hands-on retail experience, Kendra brings real-world insight, practical strategy, and straight talk to every room she’s in. Raised in a multi-generation family business that recently celebrated 100 years in operation, she understands firsthand the realities of customer service, consistency, and long-term relationship building. Kendra works closely with rural business owners to clarify their vision, strengthen their confidence, and turn ideas into income—while honoring the unique challenges and opportunities of rural life." }, { "id": "Jodie_Cox", "name": "Jodie Cox", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/jodie_cox.jpg", "bio": "Jodie is the founder of Jodie Grows, a leadership and growth platform created to help women grow in ways that honor both their ambition and their lives. Her work is grounded in the understanding that leadership is shaped by seasons—and that women often navigate more transitions, pauses, and re-entries as they balance careers, family, and personal purpose. Jodie’s work bridges leadership development, business strategy, and personal well-being, with a strong emphasis on becoming the leader your life will thank you for. She is passionate about helping women move forward with confidence, release expectations that no longer serve them, and build lives and careers that reflect what truly matters most." }, { "id": "Amy_Myers", "name": "Amy Myers", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/amy_myers.jpg", "bio": "Amy Myers is the Tourism and Events Director for Sevier County, Utah, where she leads initiatives that showcase the region’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage. Under her leadership, Sevier County—branded as Utah’s Trail Country—has become a premier destination for adventure seekers. Amy oversees major events such as the Rocky Mountain ATV/UTV Jamboree, Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival, and the Central Utah Art Show, while collaborating with partners to enhance visitor experiences through trail development, mountain biking, and innovative attractions like lantern festivals and river rafting. Her efforts also spotlight iconic destinations such as Fish Lake and the Pando aspen grove. Known for her strategic vision and collaborative approach, Amy has significantly boosted tourism’s economic impact, attracting thousands of visitors and strengthening community pride. Her work exemplifies how creative thinking and partnerships can drive growth in rural Utah, making her a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism and community development." }, { "id": "Nycole_Durfey", "name": "Nycole Durfey", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/nycole_durfey.jpg", "bio": "Nycole Durfey is the Director of the Wayne County Office of Tourism, where she collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and community partners to highlight what makes the region unique. Rooted in a small‑town spirit, she focuses on strengthening connections, supporting local enterprises, and sharing authentic stories that reflect the area’s character and charm. Growing up in the hospitality industry, Nycole learned early the value of customer service, adaptability, and showing up for people. Her passion for creating positive experiences eventually led her into marketing, where she blends creativity with strategy to engage both visitors and residents through genuine storytelling. In her current role, she helps small businesses find their voice, navigate change, and understand how their efforts contribute to broader community growth. Nycole values consistency, collaboration, and community pride. She enjoys learning from other women in business and looks forward to meaningful conversations and shared growth at the conference." }, { "id": "Rene_Barlow", "name": "Rene Barlow", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/rene_barlow.jpg", "bio": "René Barlow is a wife, mom of four, and entrepreneur who knows what it takes to manage it all. After building a thriving piano studio for over a decade, she pivoted to bookkeeping—a perfect blend of her teaching background and lifelong love of numbers and organization. Today, René specializes in empowering women business owners to gain confidence and clarity with their finances. She makes bookkeeping approachable and easy to understand, like learning from a best friend who just happens to love spreadsheets. Through her workshops, training packages, customized bookkeeping services, and new monthly Bookkeeping Power Hour, René helps women save time, reduce stress, and make informed financial decisions that set their businesses up for long-term success. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her cheering at her kids’ activities, playing the piano, or performing Taiko, a style of Japanese drumming." }, { "id": "Elizabeth_Jeffrey", "name": "Elizabeth Jeffrey", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/elizabeth_jeffery.jpg", "bio": "Elizabeth Jeffrey is an entrepreneur and educator based in Orem, Utah, and the mother of six mostly grown children. She holds degrees in Entrepreneurship from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. She is the founder and CEO of a medical device company behind Breath of Life, a choking rescue device she invented to help save lives. Elizabeth teaches entrepreneurship at BYU and business classes at Snow College and co-founded Serving With Smiles, a children’s humanitarian organization that has mobilized over 2,000 children to send more than 10,000 humanitarian kits worldwide. At her core, Elizabeth is passionate about teaching, service, and helping people build meaningful good—even when the odds seem impossible." }, { "id": "Christine_Hanks", "name": "Christine Hanks", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/christine_hanks.jpg", "bio": "Christine Hanks has always been passionate about supporting the business community. For six years, she partnered with business owners throughout the Six County region, helping them navigate the realities of entrepreneurship and growth. She values working with all aspiring entrepreneurs, while holding a special appreciation for the drive and impact women bring to business. Two years ago, Christine moved from Snow College’s SBDC into a leadership role at Soapcreek, where she now oversees human resources and public relations for both Soapcreek and Harvest Grill." }, { "id": "Becky_Guertler", "name": "Becky Guertler", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/becky_guertler.jpg", "bio": "Becky Guertler is the Director of the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College and a dynamic advocate for entrepreneurship and community development. With more than 15 years of experience in business advising, marketing strategy, and nonprofit leadership, Becky has helped countless individuals and organizations thrive. She has led initiatives to re-skill rural workers, managed successful coalitions, and championed small business recovery efforts, including a highly impactful shop-local campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic." }, { "id": "Heather_Waegner", "name": "Heather Waegner", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/heather_waegner.jpg", "bio": "Heather Waegner is a personal brand photographer focused on brand visibility and alignment, helping women entrepreneurs show up authentically and attract the right clients through intentional brand photos. With over two decades of experience behind the camera, she blends strategy, psychology, and personality insight to create images that feel natural, powerful, and unmistakably you." }, { "id": "Melissa_Price", "name": "Melissa Price", "img" : "/community/sbdc/images/wib-speakers/melissa_price.jpg", "bio": "Melissa Price is the founder of Creative Family Connection, an emotional intelligence company devoted to helping families, communities, and leaders heal through connection. She’s the creator of Emotion Commotion, a playful-yet-powerful card game that teaches emotional regulation across all ages, and Connection Questions, a conversation tool for parents and kids Melissa’s passion for emotional intelligence was born from her own story—overcoming childhood abuse led her to understand the purpose of emotions, and why most of us were never taught how to feel, express, or move through them. That awakening became her life’s work. She now teaches in schools, nonprofits, and correctional facilities—guiding everyone from children to incarcerated men into deeper vision, self-leadership, and healing. She’s on a mission to equip a generation of chain breakers—women, families, and communities who use emotional intelligence to not just understand their emotions, but transform through them." } ] }