Meet the Selection Committee

Selection MEET THE

Lynn URBAN

Lynn Urban is president and CEO of the local nonprofit United Way of Southwest Colorado. In her day to day, she works with other nonprofits and individuals to help residents build more stable lives by focusing on education, health and personal financial stability. “There are so many caring people in our community,” she said. “We are working together to continually make systems and programs better to help more people. So much of our work is focused on how we can do things collaboratively to go further than we can on our own.” Urban is a former instructor and college dean, and has a background in psychology. She and her husband, Jeff, have owned and operated College Plaza Laundry together for 15 years.

Regina LOPEZWHITESKUNK

Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and an advocate for animals and the environment. Born and raised in Towaoc, she attended school in Cortez and traveled to Montana and Illinois to continue her education. She is currently working on obtaining her masters degree in Environmental Management. Lopez-Whiteskunk is a former co-chairperson of the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilmember. She also served on the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. More recently, she was elected to the Montezuma-Cortez School District Board. “I love seeing how individuals reach outside their boundaries and comfort zone,” she said.

Sharon CRAIG

Sharon Craig is the vice president for Ignacio Chamber of Commerce and represents the town on the La Plata Economic Development Alliance Board. She is also on the steering committee for the Ignacio Creative Arts District and a member of the Colorado Municipal League Executive Board. “I am so proud to represent Ignacio in so many ways,” she said. “I think it makes it easier for collaboration between all the organizations.” Craig also works to provide affordable housing for residents in her community. She and her husband, Clark, co-own and operate Meadow Brook Mobile Home Park. Craig said her husband is her biggest supporter and her three daughters are her greatest success story.

Jessika BUELL

Jessika Buell is a local entrepreneur and business owner. In 2015, she started the app-based errand running company Lucky Services, where she manages 50 employees. Last summer, Buell expanded Lucky Services to cover Santa Fe. Buell’s seven years of experience in sales and marketing led her to open a second business, Marketing Concepts Squared, in 2016. She co-owns a local gym called The Vault as well. Buell received the Ed Morlan Entrepreneur of the Year award at the 2019 Durango Rocks event hosted by the Durango Chamber of Commerce. “I think all the support and encouragement I have received from Durango has made me want to give back even more,” she said.

Committee

Vivienne McINTYRE

Rose JERGENS

Rose Jergens is executive director of the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center in Cortez, and the 2019 recipient of the Outstanding Woman award. She serves families in Montezuma and Dolores counties and members of the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes. She is a member of the National Children’s Alliance and enjoys working in a small community. “I think this is a wonderful place to be, and the people I work with are all really passionate about what they do,” Jergens said. She teaches a variety of classes to community members about healthy sexual development and recognizing signs of assault, abuse or neglect. When she isn’t working, she enjoys camping and hiking in the high desert and raising peacocks.

Vivienne McIntyre is the owner of Nifty Nanny, a child care business and app-based babysitting service in Durango. McIntyre was named the winner of the Emerging Award in 2019. She is a Fort Lewis College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. While pursuing her degree, McIntyre simultaneously created her own business model for child care services to more closely mirror her experience with home schooling growing up in Indiana. “Support systems are important, and as a teacher, you are one of them,” she said. “Everyone needs a little push sometimes. I love giving kids these opportunities.” When she isn’t taking children on field trips in Durango, McIntyre plays softball, cruises around on her bike and spends time with her husband, Patrick.

Ellen SHINKLE

Ellen Shinkle is an educator, philanthropist, fitness professional and personal trainer from Mancos, and last year’s winner in the fitness category. Shinkle owns and operates Crossfit Cortez/ Evolution Gym, where she meets with clients one-on-one and hosts classes daily. “I just knew this was where I wanted to be,” Shinkle said. “Some days it feels like a lot, but it is totally worthwhile.” Last April, Shinkle moved to a new location with more space to meet growing needs of clients. Teaching and providing opportunities for young people to exercise and enjoy the natural open space is her passion. She is an active volunteer, board president of the School Community Youth Collaborative, and served as coordinator for the Montezuma Inspire Coalition.

Andrea AVANTAGGIO

Andrea Avantaggio is a part owner of the family-run Maria’s Bookshop on Main Avenue. Her husband, Peter Schultz, and their son Evan, help her balance the books, manage the store and organize events. “We have great support,” Avantaggio said. “I think that helps keep all of us from feeling overwhelmed from how much there is to figure out all the time.” She joins our committee as the 2019 winner in the Business Owner category. Avantaggio is a member of several groups associated with her business, including the American Booksellers Association, Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association and Independent Booksellers Consortium. She navigates the challenges of running a business with ease, while keeping up with changing technology and providing excellent customer service.