Celebrating

the fierce leaders of Windsor in our women’s issue!!!














Celebrating
the fierce leaders of Windsor in our women’s issue!!!
The May issue is all about women and celebrating the wonderful women in our lives. In May we celebrate Mother's Day and though I am not a mom, I have a mom that is my biggest cheerleader. I have the kind of mom that has always supported my crazy ideas...OK maybe not ALL of them, but she has always believed in me and made me feel loved. She is the essence of unconditional love and I love that about her!
If it is a mother, a neighbor, a teacher, or a friend, I hope everyone has a female mentor that they look up to. I intentionally surround myself with amazing women. Some of my favorite quotes come from women; "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou. Or from Brene Brown "Let go of who you think you're supposed to be; embrace who you are."
Some of my favorite things about the women in my life are that we raise one another up and never tear each other down. We also sometimes have tough conversations that make us better humans and though all of us are powerful women, we are humble enough to hear what is needed to be said. There is confidence in a person that does not need to compete but rather helps you to be seen as well. In this community, I have seen others encouraging, mentoring, and enjoying one another's achievements.
While you are enjoying the stories throughout these pages you will see many women that make Windsor great. I encourage you to reach out to all the women in your lives and thank them for inspiring you, loving you, and being a presence in your life.
PUBLISHER
Misty Dockins | misty.dockins@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Desiree Gustafson
desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Desiree Gustafson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Diandra Brooks with Photos by Diandra, Taryn
Ashley Photography and David Grossman with Colorado Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
MISTY DOCKINS, PUBLISHER @WINDSORCITYLIFESTYLEWhere neighbors can see and be seen.
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Shana Morgan recently received the Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) Designation through the Realtors Land Institute and was recognized at the 2023 National Land Conference held in Denver. Shana is a realtor, land consultant, and Colorado native, specializing in land and water transactions and helping clients with land issues.
Welcome to The Market at Windsor. Every Wednesday evening 5-8 pm @ Ted’s Sweetwater Grill in RainDance,
May 10 – October 18th. Join us for food, music, and fantastic artisanal, foraged & gathered offerings as you get to know local entrepreneurs & connect with your community. We offer an open-air European-style market offering traditional farmer’s market goods as well as furniture, clothing, fresh-cut flowers, handmade jewelry, paper goods, and much more!
Kaan Inceoglu State Farm now has two locations to better serve NoCo. The new office is in Old Town Timnath at 3927 Main St. Timnath, CO 80547. Come check us out or call 970-484-3993 for a quote!
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Michelle Vance’s passion for serving her community and paying it forward has been a part of who she is since a young age. Inspired by her mother, who was one of the reasons she went into public service; Michelle learned the importance of showing up and serving your community. Coupled with born leadership skills and a drive to reach her goals, Michelle has been serving her communities for over 20 years. She has instilled this same sense of responsibility into her children, teaching them to have a servant’s heart and to always pay it forward. Michelle believes that communities are created one relationship at a time and that there is something meaningful and satisfying in knowing you had a hand in creating a community that will be passed along for generations to come and increase the quality of life for the residents in it. “I love the saying “A rising tide, lifts all boats”. Everyone wins!” shares Michelle.
Raised to work hard and play hard, Michelle loves being outdoors. A recent love for pickleball is her current favorite, making exercising much more fun; but mountain biking, camping, paddleboarding, or kayaking are all outlets she adores. She has shifted her mindset to more of a “Work to Live” motto recently and found that spending more time living has made her a better wife, employee, and friend. With a strong sense of self, Michelle understands her strengths and knows that integrity, courage, and authenticity are all core values that help her live with purpose.
Michelle Vance Executive Director, Windsor Downtown Development AuthorityBethany Norman is in the business of empowering women to live their best life, full of confidence and purpose. Not only is she pursuing her dream of becoming Mrs. Colorado, but she also owns a spray tanning business, NoCo Glow, LLC where she helps women glow from the outside in, and just began a new venture, Girlfriends Give Collective, LLC. Girlfriends Give Collective is a life-coaching business that she recently launched focused on helping women let go of competition and comparison, to live a life of purpose and impact.
Inspired by the bravery her mother exhibited in life, Bethany learned to turn pain into courage and purpose. Her heart for community and serving others stems from the legacy inspired by her mother’s strength and grace. Our biggest chance for growth comes from our most challenging seasons. “If you look at the beginning of my story, I was born to parents addicted to drugs and alcohol. Being exposed to domestic violence and growing up in a single-parent home, statistically, my story should have turned out differently. However, I had a mother and other strong women around me who knew the cost of not fighting for a life worth living, even in adversity. Through them, I was taught the power of perseverance, the importance of building community, and turning my pain into purpose in order to serve others” shares Bethany.
Chasing her dreams and paving her own path to help others has become a mission for Bethany. Focused on choosing to use failures as an opportunity to learn and grow is where she feels success lies. When you choose to take a leap of faith forward, you also must choose to pick yourself back up again if things don’t go as planned. Life is meant to be lived outside of our comfort zone, pushing fear aside and going for what we want even if we fail. She aims to encourage other women to step past fear and take risks, even if it is scary, firmly believing that we all have a story that is meant to be shared and that in sharing our stories, we can change the world around us.
“Live in the uncomfortable. You never know whose life it will change. Have the courage to use your story, your gifts, and your heart to change the world.” Bethany
Norman.“Live in the uncomfortable. You never know whose life it will change. Have the courage to use your story, your gifts, and your heart to change the world.”
~ Bethany Norman
Bethany Norman
Owner of NoCo Glow, LLC | Founder of Leading with Legacy - The Heart ProjectTina Martinez
Not only is she a powerhouse, Tina Martinez a Colorado native, was born and raised right here in our very own town of Windsor. Having her roots planted firmly in the community from a young age, she has built ties that weave her into the fabric of her hometown and Northern Colorado alike. Currently the Senior Marketing Executive of Brand Partnerships at iHeartMedia, she not only manages marketing and brand partnerships locally but all across the country. Developing a passion for marketing and public relations early on, Tina graduated with a double- B.A. in PR & Advertising from the University of Northern Colorado (GO BEARS)! Feeling blessed to be able to stay centralized in the Northern Colorado area doing what she loves, she has been helping local businesses and organizations grow their brands for the last 25 years!
One of Tina’s biggest blessings in life, is her daughter Tinsley, her angel from above. “She is my everything and because of her I work harder, smarter, and love hard” Tina states. They have become a team; motivating, encouraging, and cheering one another on in every season of life. Their motto: Be Kind, Be Smart, Be You. These are the words Tina hopes they can continue to hold one another accountable for, leading with their head and their heart working together. Music, family, and community are three themes always present in Tina’s life. Inspired by her immediate community as a child, she had strong, amazing, and hard-working family members “I had a special bond with my Grandma Martinez. She was feisty, loved unconditionally, and never gave up. I pray to her often and hope that I am making her proud…#23” shares Tina. Whether it is facing life adversities, having a jam session in her car, a well-earned career, or her favorite quote, music has always intertwined itself into Tina Martinez’s life. Taking a cue from John Michael Montgomery, she knows that sometimes you will lead and sometimes you will follow, and you can’t worry about what you don’t know. Leaning on her tribe and facing challenges with a melody in her heart, we know Tina will keep creating waves and paving her own path and we can’t wait to bear witness to it.
“Every situation in my life can be paired with a song. When it comes to difficult situations, 3 Little Birds by Bob Marley is my go to because “don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.” - Tina Martinez
Tina Martinez
Sr. Marketing Executive, Brand Partnerships, iHeartMedia | Board of Directors, Weld RE-4 Education Foundation
Suzanne Ekeler is a woman who follows her truth and knows that success comes not only from the big things in life but in the everyday things that are all around us as well. A strong dose of faith and a core belief that you must follow your gut has always helped steer her course. Before entering the world of real estate, Suzanne was a high school math teacher for 21 years. Teaching was something that filled her cup and was a hugely rewarding chapter in her story. When she began to lose her passion and felt the love of teaching fizzle out, Suzanne decided to embrace change and march in the direction of a new calling. Embracing life’s challenges has given her the confidence to face adversity head-on, knowing she will always find her way to the top. Applying her experience as a teacher, she helps guide and educate her clients through the process of buying a home, making it a less stressful, scary, and confusing undertaking. Working to give people an honest, hardworking, and trustworthy agent who puts their interests first is something she strives for.
Having a firm set of core values has helped Suzanne be accepting of both her strengths and weaknesses and know exactly what she stands for. Accountability, perseverance, kindness, honesty, and discipline are just a few of the values she believes in and honors. Knowing who she is has helped her have the confidence and wisdom to follow what brings her joy, know where she can make the biggest impact, and do what she knows in her heart is right for her. Two of her greatest gifts, her sons, have given true meaning to her life since the day they entered this world. They mean everything to her, and she is proud to be their mother. Whether it is facing a big change in life, embracing a failure, or leaning into her faith, Suzanne Ekeler inspires us all to follow our passions, trust ourselves, and grow from our hardships!
Mandy Mullen is involved in the running world as the Race Series Owner and race director of run.Windsor and co-owner of run.Colorado Relays; on top of that, she is also the Founder of Windsor Gives (a non-profit aimed at impacting the community through physical movement for overall health). What began as a running group hobby has blossomed into a lifelong passion and love for the impact that the running community has. Turning something that Mandy is wildly passionate about into a business has made her days more fulfilling knowing she is doing something she loves and truly believes in. Ultra-running is where Mandy really found her stride “I choose ultra-running - because no one else gets to influence the situation. No one has a say other than my own beliefs, strengths, weaknesses, willpower and grit. Sure, the rocks, mountains, and elements are there, and believe me - they’re some of the most difficult things I face- but I can’t convince them to be easier on me, so instead of fighting them I must push through. Crossing finish lines and overcoming the difficulties on the trail gives me the strength to get through anything else life throws at me.”
Mandy believes in supporting others and giving back - no matter what arena you’re in. She feels that we really are stronger together, and we must advocate for the needs of each other as well as ourselves. Balancing work, family, and a healthy lifestyle is something she strives to keep focused on and she hopes that a passion for life, kindness, and fostering community, are values her children can see modeled and can emulate forever. Her boys help her embrace her imagination and inspire her with their authenticity and care for others.
Inspired daily by the women in her life, from her mom and sisters to her tribe of powerhouse fellow female business owners. Mandy reminds herself that dynamite comes in small packages (a sentiment credited to her father) and that she can walk through adversity and difficult moments in her life, taking them as lessons and leaning into her support system. And as a reminder from her two boys, we do not have to take ourselves so seriously, there is always time for fun in life.
For Stacy Miller, overcoming fear and learning to stand in her truth have redefined her life. With a degree in Public Relations & Advertising Media, she had no idea she would end up where she did but as Director of Economic Development, she gets to help companies and share her knowledge to help people and businesses succeed. “I don’t create jobs, but I get to help create an environment where jobs can be created and where people can thrive. At the end of the day, if I’ve helped people find a great job and they can put a roof over their head and put food on the table and live a better life, I have filled my soul” shares Stacy. She has landed a career that she absolutely adores and after 24 years, that she still has a fire and passion for. Influenced by her first boss out of college, she learned kindness, patience, and that believing and supporting another woman can help change their future.
Today Stacy is a woman who lifts up other women. She encourages accountability, believes in being a mentor and paying it forward, and she has genuine empathy for people. She doesn’t judge and believes you can be anything you set your mind to. She is an inspiration, a force, and the friend we all want on our team!
Sharing her wisdom, we will leave you with this: Lead with kindness, always.
Stand up for yourself and others. Don’t put others down to lift yourself up. Give credit where credit is due. Always.
Stacy (Miller) BrownWhat began as a local tradition to honor potato farmers in the late 1800s has now evolved into an internationally acclaimed event that attracts over 250,000 people annually, both internationally and from across the country. In 1922 the event was officially named The Greeley Spud Rodeo, featuring bronc riding, horse racing, a pie-eating contest, fancy roping, and motorcycle racing. Transforming over the years the festival got its namesake “The Greeley Independence Stampede” in 1972 and now features a PRCA Rodeo, an American Bullfighting Event, The Big Buckle Ball (which benefits the Greeley Stampede Foundation), a Demolition Derby, 4th of July Parade, Concerts, large carnival, western art show and more. Focused on hosting and organizing events that support the Northern Colorado Community, celebrating our nation’s independence, and the preservation of our Western Heritage, The Stampede is celebrating its 101st Birthday this year.
An event not just focused on the town of Greeley but on the community of Northern Colorado as
a whole, it brings people from all walks of life together, to remind us of where we come from, to celebrate our freedom, and to honor our traditions and way of life. A chance to show the world who we are as a community and to showcase the things that make us unique.
That spirit of partnership and alliance lifts the entire region and showcases not only Western heritage and who we are, but it highlights the teamwork and relationships that make where we are from and live so special. In honoring that sense of collaboration and unity, we decided to get together with some of our favorite makers, boutiques, and local women to feature the styles, sponsors, and businesses that are a part of putting together Northern Colorado’s largest rodeo!
Our amazing group of women included local Northern Colorado Business Owners, Stampede Committee member spouses, plus Big 97.9 and iHeartMedia’s very own Tina Martinez (make sure to check her feature piece in this issue as well)
Pairing up with our sister magazine Greeley City Lifestyle, we set out to create a Stampede Style Feature. Our aim was to give you some ideas of local makers, boutiques, and businesses to meet all your Stampede-style needs. Two of our local Windsor boutique owners Megan Stizman (Country Glitz Boutique located at 1357 Water Valley Parkway Unit 200) and Kaeleen Lane (Coast to Coast Styles located at 821 Main St), not only modeled but also styled several Stampede-worthy outfits for our rockstar women to showcase. We were lucky enough to be hosted by Greeley Hat Works and owner Trent Johnson, who made sure every woman modeling had an amazing one-of-a-kind hat to complete their outfits. If you have ever wanted a hat that speaks to the individuality that, is you, then Trent Johnson and his team at Greeley Hat Works is the place to go!
N o r t h e r n C o l o r a d o W e d d i n g + P o r t r a i t P h o t o g r a p h e r p h o t o s b y d i a n d r a c o m p h o t o s b y d i a n d r a @ g m a i l c o m : @ p h o t o s b y d i a n d r a
L e t ' s c a p t u r e y o u r s p e c i a l m o m e n t
Some of the major media partners for the event include Big 97.9, and iHeartMedia. Scott & Sadie in the Morning help lead the media partnership and so does Tina, iHeartMedia’s Sr. Brand Partnerships Executive. “There is a deep sense of pride, unity, and honor that comes with the history of The Stampede. What started as a rodeo event has turned into so much more.
Justin Watada and his team continue to put on an amazing festival, all while keeping so many traditions alive.”
Leading with a sense of pride, heritage, and appreciation for the American West, we hope to inspire you to support your community and celebrate this amazing place we get to call home!
For more information and official Greeley Stampede tickets visit greeleystampede.org
While talking with the women in this feature, we learned that most of the misconceptions about the automotive industry are the opposite of what we think from the outside looking in. If you are like most of the population, you don’t put the automotive world on the top of your list when looking at careers. For most women, landing in the automotive industry is not planned and is usually something that happens by accident; but as you’ll learn from the women featured here, the automotive
world is not what you think, and the opportunities for advancement are vast!
Women make up about half of the labor force, but in the automotive industry, that number drops to just over one quarter. In an industry labeled a “boys club”, women are usually far outnumbered but we hope that statistic changes after learning more about this fastpaced and fun industry. From finance and marketing, to technicians and dealership directors, the sky is the limit for women looking for a career in automotive.
After an internship in college, Jessica discovered a new passion for business and decided to change her major. During her senior year, she was contacted by Toyota about joining their corporate team. Intrigued by the offer, Jessica accepted the position before graduation and moved to California immediately after. Starting with Toyota in 2003, she stayed on the corporate side in multiple positions until 2016, when she had the opportunity to join the team of Ehrlich Toyota in Greeley and has stayed with the team to become part of the McDonald Automotive Group. She learned that most people view the industry as being dealership centered, when in fact there are so many other opportunities outside of the traditional dealership setting.
Being a part of often the second largest purchase decision in someone’s life, Jessica loves that the process still involves and relies on the relationship between the dealership team members and the customer. The value that this provides to the guests is significant and will only increase over time. Being challenged and empowered at the same time, Jessica has found that she has been given an incredible opportunity to be a bigger part of her community! “I have also been given an incredible opportunity to be a bigger part of our community. I currently serve on the Board of multiple non-profit organizations, including Boys & Girls Club of Weld County, Weld Community Foundation and Colorado Auto Dealer Association” she shares.
KIMBERLEE CALAWAY
GENERAL MANAGER AT BMW OF LOVELAND
A chance encounter during a bartending job led Kimberlee Calaway to interact with the Controller and Office Manager of Loveland BMW. Upon realizing her amazing people skills and intelligence, they invited her to interview for their Client Advisor position. That was 11 years ago, and she has never looked back. Kimberlee has found that the automotive world allows individuals from all different backgrounds and education levels the opportunity to earn very competitive money no matter what degrees you have. Being driven and hardworking is the key to succeeding and she loves seeing the number of women in the field growing. Fortunate enough to have had great leaders, she found that there is a huge support for women to succeed. Inspired by her peers and leaders, Kimberlee has learned the kind of leader she wants to be and that you can treat everyone like family.
HANNAH BOETTGER
BMW TECHNICIAN
Hannah is in her 10th year as an automotive technician, and she currently holds Master BMW, Master ASE, and High Voltage Specialist certifications. After deciding to take a different career path, she got a job at an auto parts store through a friend and that led her to enrolling in technical school, and finally BMW school. Being an automotive technician is physically demanding, dirty, and stressful. Though it can be mentally and physically exhausting, Hannah has used that as a pivot to learn and improve. “Difficulties and adversity are just part of the game. When I face a challenge, I look it straight in the eye and say “WHAT?!” I stay positive and remind myself that I can handle anything that comes my way. I take each setback as a lesson and use it to get stronger and better.”
Inspired by her mentors she has found support and patience within her team. Learning that value over quantity is the best approach to doing things right. Owning her own BMW and being a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of BMW Car Club of America have opened new opportunities to enjoy the spirit of driving. She loves taking her BMW to the track and has found empowerment from keeping at it for all these years. She has become a
successful female role model for any woman who may want to do something similar, all while staying true to herself and not letting anyone dull her shine.
DEBORAH NOELL
FINANCE MANAGER AT BMW OF LOVELAND
After being an executive assistant for 18+ years, Deborah Noll decided on a drive past a dealership “I can sell a car, surely it can’t be that hard.” That is when her career in automotive began. After 8 months on the sales floor, she moved to finance, where she has currently been for 5 years. Loving what she does, she has found that the automotive world is fun, and she enjoys meeting new people every day and getting to help them purchase their dream car. Wanting to change the stigma around salespeople and dealerships, Deborah has found that the team she works with are kind, intelligent professionals who work hard to create an amazing guest experience for everyone who walks through their doors.
Motivation for her is when a guest leaves her office with a giant smile on their face, this helps her to push for helping more people enjoy the experience of buying and financing a car. For anyone wanting to pursue a career in the automotive world, she encourages you to take a chance and as her father would say – Never give up. Work hard and fight for what you want.
ASHLEY YALACKI
MARKETING DIRECTOR AT BMW OF LOVELAND
Ashley Yalacki has found that working in the automotive industry has made her stronger and more outspoken. She has learned that in the world of automotive, everything is fast-paced; you must speak up and be collaborative. In an ever-changing business, you face a new challenge every day, making the environment fun and exciting. Ashley shares that women in the automotive world may be outnumbered but she is always meeting impressive and influential women from all facets of the industry constantly and that is empowering. Being in the industry for 7 years, Ashley appreciates the innovation of the automotive world. Seeing new models and features evolve over time gives her a chance to explore how to market those to potential buyers. Looking forward to the future, she is excited to learn and grow in an ever-changing industry!! CONTINUED >
“I stay positive and remind myself that I can handle anything that comes my way.”
- Hannah Boettger
Locally owned since 2004. Started in a house on Main Street, Windsor. We specialize in office, janitorial and cleaning supplies. We sell office furniture and well as space planning and design. We can take care of your breakroom supplies, we sell all major brands of coffee, tea, creamer, cups and soda, bottled water.
We offer free next day delivery with no minimum order amounts
Any order placed on Mondays before 4:30pm will receive a free dozen of Eileen's Cookies along with their order.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
MAY 6TH
THE PINEAPPLE MARKET | 10:00 AM
10 AM- 4 PM. Wear your fun hats, sip mint julep mocktails, and enjoy a grazing table and 2 local boutique pop-ups!!!
MAY 6TH
THE BIG RED BARN AT HIGHLAND MEADOWS GOLF COURSE WINDSOR | 2:00 PM
May 6th 2:00 - 6:00 PM. Join us in partaking in America’s oldest and greatest race. The Down & Derby party celebrates all the pageantry and excitement of the Kentucky Derby, Colorado style. This must-attend event includes the tastiest fare, beverages, games, and the traditional welcome cocktail, the mint julep. Event includes For the Roses Raffle, live music, dancing and the Facette Medspa Hat Contest!
MAY 10TH
TED’S SWEETWATER GRILL | 5:00 PM
5:00-8:00 PM. Join us every Wednesday evening for an indoor/outdoor family fun event featuring food, music, artisanal, foraged & gathered offerings from local vendors. Adult beverages are available.
*DOM = number of days until property went under contract
Information generated from IRES, the MLS system used by our office. All reported sales were not necessarily listed or sold by the reporting broker. Windsor Residential only. The data is intended to show only trends in the area.
L E T ’ S T A K E C H A R G E O F T H E F U T U R E .
T H E F I R S T - E V E R b Z 4 X .