Women Inspiring Nevada: 12 Las Vegans boldly leading the way for our community

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(Top Row left to right) Cami Christensen, Shawn Willis, Jodi Tyson, Vanessa Portillo. (Middle Row left to right) Dr. Rebecca Edgeworth, Mary Beth Sewald, Danielle Bisterfeldt, Linda Smith. (Bottom row left to right) Debra March, Nikkole Liesse, Chelle Adams, Nina Ridgeway

Thu, Jun 18, 2020 (2 a.m.)

Vegas Inc’s 2020 Women Inspiring Nevada honorees represent the most influential and inspirational women in business and philanthropy in Southern Nevada. In what has been become a somewhat scary and uncertain time for so many of us, there are beacons of hope seen every day in the courageous and dedicated leaders selflessly serving our community.

These 12 honorees were nominated well before the rise of COVID-19, however given their collective influence and unwavering devotion to our community, you may have heard their names before. These women are pioneers in their industries and major drivers in our community. They are making significant strides today to inspire a better tomorrow.

They are working to ensure everyone in need receives proper health care, that those dedicating themselves to further their education are given the opportunity, that our business community will come out of this pandemic stronger and better than ever and that no one in our schools and throughout the valley goes hungry.

The impact they’ve made supersedes the current events. They have been committed to personal and professional growth and philanthropic giving for years.

It is with the support of our presenting sponsor, City National Bank, that we proudly share the stories of our 2020 Women Inspiring Nevada honorees, and we hope that especially now, they provide a glimmer of hope for what’s to come.

Chelle Adams - The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Chelle Adams

Chelle Adams

Hometown: Midwest City, Oklahoma | Years in Las Vegas: 7

A financial power player with an extremely versatile background and broad industry experience who is inspired by the hard work and dedication shown by her parents, Chelle Adams now champions others in their career path to achieve their goals and become leaders in hospitality.

Why this career? My father was a major influence. After he retired from the Air Force, he went to college to obtain his accounting degree. He would find ways to incorporate me into his late-night study sessions, including “helping” with his homework by punching in numbers on his big calculator. These late-night sessions were the start of my dabbling into accounting and finance.

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Danielle Bisterfeldt - The Howard Hughes Corporation

Danielle Bisterfeldt

Danielle Bisterfeldt

Hometown: Diamond Bar, California | Years in Las Vegas: 18

A retail and development executive serving as a self-proclaimed brand ambassador and curator of magical moments, Danielle Bisterfeldt is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for guests, visitors and residents of Summerlin through well-branded advertising, marketing and event logistics.

Why this career? I thrive at maintaining high standards and creating vibrant experiences for consumers to enjoy. The entire experience is my focus, and every touch point for our guest and clients is of the utmost importance.

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Cami Christensen - Westgate Las Vegas

Cami Christensen

Cami Christensen

Hometown: Elk Horn-Kimballton, Iowa| Years in Las Vegas: 19

A travel aficionado and hospitality veteran with a devotion to serving her local community, Cami Christensen now forges a path less traveled for women along the tourism corridor, taking pride in every positive guest experience along the way.

Why this career? I grew up in a small, very close-knit Danish community in Iowa. Growing up in that kind of environment gave me a deep understanding of the importance of caring about family and community. This is really what hospitality is. I’ve always loved creating memorable experiences, and I think that is what drew me to this industry.

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Dr. Rebecca Edgeworth, M.D. - Touro University Nevada

Rebecca Edgeworth, M.D.

Rebecca Edgeworth, M.D.

Hometown: Las Vegas | Years in Las Vegas: 20

Rebecca Edgeworth is a doctor with a clinical mind and a community heart, who is steadfast in her mission to help those with limited access to health care. She now engages students not only in appropriate medical care, but also in caring for those most in need in our community.

Why this career? I chose medicine because I felt it brought together many of my skills and interests. I’ve always loved talking to people and helping them overcome obstacles and accomplish their goals. Additionally, I enjoy learning about how health and disease affect people and how I can help to intervene and improve lives.

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Nikkole Liesse - UNLV

Nikkole Liesse

Nikkole Liesse

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico | Years in Las Vegas: 20

Nikkole Liesse is a business education strategist who works to ensure that all students have access to completing their college degree. She also supports local professionals by identifying opportunities to provide lifelong learning for today’s workforce.

Why this career? I am passionate about people. When the recession hit in 2008, I saw people losing their homes, colleagues losing their jobs and companies going bankrupt. This was a pivotal moment in my career. I decided I wanted to use my marketing and business skills to help people become the best versions of themselves and be better prepared to thrive in any business or economic environment.

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Debra March - City of Henderson

Debra March

Debra March

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan | Years in Las Vegas: 52 (in Nevada)

A dynamic leader and devoted public servant helping Henderson and Nevada become better places to live and conduct business, Mayor Debra March serves with a keen mind for smart growth, sustainable economic development and a transparent approach to community engagement.

What has been your career path? After graduating from UNLV, I served as a Nevada park ranger in locations throughout the state, where I promoted the value of parks and open spaces for a healthy quality of life. I then moved to Southern Nevada as deputy administrator with the Nevada Real Estate Division, creating and implementing policies for responsible homeownership, and from 1996 to 2009 led efforts for the development of livable communities as director of UNLV’s Lied Institute for Real Estate Studies. I was appointed to the Henderson City Council in 2009, elected in 2011 and 2015 and then as mayor in 2017.

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Vanessa Portillo - Garden Farms Foundation

Vanessa Portillo

Vanessa Portillo

Hometown: Las Vegas | Years in Las Vegas: 29

Vanessa Portillo is a dedicated proponent for health and wellness in Southern Nevada and a passionate enthusiast for fresh food access and local food security. She implements educational garden programs in schools, community centers and nonprofits across the Valley.

Why this career? As a certified herbalist, I fell in love with the cultivation and care for plants. I also love working with kids and sharing their curiosity and wonder! Learning the important life skill of growing your own food, and understanding where food comes from, sets a powerful foundation for self-sustainability and healthy habits.

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Nina Ridgeway - Goodwill of Southern Nevada

Nina Ridgeway

Nina Ridgeway

Hometown: Yuba City, California | Years in Las Vegas: 18

A 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran with a passion for helping others who have served our country with their transition to civilian life, Nina Ridgeway now guides servicemen and women through the necessary stages of their career development to obtain gainful employment.

Why this career? Serving the underrepresented, being part of the solution to fight poverty and contribute to family resiliency is why I stay in the field of workforce development.

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Mary Beth Sewald - Vegas Chamber

Mary Beth Sewald

Mary Beth Sewald

Hometown: St. Clair, Missouri | Years in Las Vegas: 30 (in Nevada)

A zealous leader, certifiable adrenaline junkie and adventurist, Mary Beth Sewald loves to take a difficult challenge as an opportunity to rise up and lead in new ways to grow and advance our business community.

Why this career? I am a journalist and broadcaster by training, so I would say the Vegas Chamber chose me! I was CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association and joined the Chamber as a select strategic partner. When my predecessor retired, I was asked by chamber board members to apply, and I did.

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Linda Smith - Fundraising Consultant/Author/Speaker

Linda Smith

Linda Smith

Hometown: Henderson | Years in Las Vegas: 40

Linda Smith is a tireless advocate for those with developmental disabilities, a faithful supporter of caregivers and a monumental fundraiser who shares the journey, advice and expertise in all areas of fund development as a consultant, author and speaker.

Why this career? I fell into my career after the birth of my eldest son, Christopher, and his diagnosis of Down syndrome in Canada. I tried bringing him back to the U.S. and was faced with discrimination, low expectations, neglect and general apathy toward those with developmental disabilities. I made it my mission to make a difference for my son and those like him.

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Jodi Tyson, MPH - Three Square Food Bank

Jodi Tyson

Jodi Tyson

Hometown: Boulder City | Years in Las Vegas: 42

A committed philanthropist from an early age, Jodi Tyson knew she was destined to follow a path of public leadership to help improve health and safety for women, children and the elderly. She now contributes her energy toward ensuring a healthier, wealthier and more equitable future for all members of our community.

Why this career? As a college student, I most enjoyed internships and interactions with agencies that worked behind the scenes. They enacted policies and contributed to research that influenced informing best practices, as opposed to agencies that focused on direct services. Public health provided the exact mix of macro-planning, policy and services that I craved to do in my career.

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Shawn Willis - 5AM Global

Shawn Willis, Founder & CEO of Business Development at 5AM Global

Shawn Willis, Founder & CEO of Business Development at 5AM Global

Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan | Years in Las Vegas: 16

Shawn Willis specializes in marketing with an emphasis in business growth and development. Beyond her client roster, Willis is active in her community and is a member of the UNLV 1957 Society Outreach Committee, the global initiative for Rebuilding Travel and Women of Global Change. She uses her experience to help organizations within the Valley maximize their potential.

Why this career? My career choices were to study law or marketing. When interviewing lawyers of all different practices, I asked two questions: “Are you happy?” and “Do you love what you do?” Not one said yes to both questions. I concluded that living as a lawyer was not for me, but even a lawyer needs marketing.

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