Women Powered: Stories that Define Leaders

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Join us for the return of Women Powered: Stories that Define Leaders, a two-part event offering guests the opportunity to network amongst peers and hear from dynamic women leaders as they share stories of their leadership journey. We welcome those who are just starting out their careers, looking for a career evolution, or those bravely embarking on a career change.

A panel discussion of incredible women serving in leadership roles from a wide variety of industries will share their personal insights and aggregated wisdom. Prior to the panel, there is a Sip+Share networking hour for dedicated time intended to connect the community with local entrepreneurs and executives. These women will host ‘question and answer’ time for those seeking more individual guidance, all offered in a museum setting that encourages creativity, connection, and community.

WOMEN POWERED TICKETS
Museum Members: $20
General Admission: $28
College Student with student ID: $23
Youth (17 and under): $18

Ticket includes a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and general admission to all Museum galleries. The event will conclude when the Museum closes, so we encourage you to arrive early and explore the Museum galleries before the event starts. This event is available to all ages and industries. 

Event Sponsorships available. Please contact corporate@phxart.org for information.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

Ashley Kelly, Vice President and Senior Business Consultant | JPMorgan Chase & Co. 

Ashley Kelly, a seasoned Senior Business Consultant at JPMorgan Chase, brings over 20 years of expertise in business and commercial banking, with a focus on empowering small businesses to thrive. Her current work centers on supporting minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses by addressing critical challenges such as access to capital, procurement opportunities, and information. Through tailored mentoring and strategic guidance, Kelly fosters growth and resilience within these communities while advancing the bank’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Recognized as a leader in her field, Kelly has been honored with Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award and named a nominee for Greater Phoenix Chamber’s 2024 Athena Award. She is Co-Chair of the BOLD Arizona Business Resource Group and serves on the boards of the Black Chamber of Arizona and the Young & Empowered Women.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Laura Franco French, Director of Government Affairs | TSMC 

Laura Franco French serves as Director, State Government Relations, for TSMC AZ Corp. French is the liaison between the leading semiconductor foundry and state and local government, as TSMC continues toward the opening of their new Arizona fab. French brings over two decades of experience in community relations, government affairs, international relations, and communications in both public and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she served as Senior Policy Advisor to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, where she provided strategic counsel and built community partnerships on issues such as economic development; international affairs; Latino community affairs; water, refugee, and asylee issues; as well as arts and culture.

French also previously served as legislative liaison at the Arizona Office of Tourism. She has held a variety of positions spanning Greater Phoenix Leadership, Unidos US, and the International Republican Institute. Early in her career, French worked at CNN at both their Atlanta and New York bureaus. French serves on the boards of the Arizona-Mexico Commission and the Phoenix Symphony. She is an Honorary Commander of Luke Air Force Base and is a member of Charter 100, as well as a graduate of Valley Leadership Class 29. French was also an honoree for the 2012 Phoenix Business Journal 40 under 40 and the 2008 Hispanic 40 under 40. French earned her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University. She later earned a master’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University.

Angela Lowery, AVP, Sr. Sales Manager in the Western States | PURE Insurance

Angela Lowery is the AVP, Sr. Sales Manager in the Western States for PURE Insurance. She has been in the insurance industry for 29 years in different capacities, with a focus on business strategy and market development. She is certified as a High-Net-Worth Insurance Specialty Advisor, a P&C and CFP CE Instructor, and a Trauma-Informed Insurance Specialist. Her passion and insurance knowledge has continued to elevate her reputation across Arizona and other business markets. Lowery loves spending time with her son who recently graduated from Brophy College Preparatory. She loves to golf, has a passion for giving back to the community, and is actively involved in several nonprofits across the Valley.

Jessica Mefford-Miller, Chief Executive Officer | Valley Metro 

As Chief Executive Officer of Valley Metro, Jessica Mefford-Miller is committed to connecting communities and enhancing lives through mobility. She leads a growing and evolving team that delivers bus, paratransit, light rail, streetcar and microtransit service across 19 communities in across Maricopa County. As a CEO who leads from the front, her tenacious leadership style is resulting in a system-wide evolution to realize greater efficiencies in service delivery, address the evolving needs of customers and community, and embrace emerging technologies. Mefford-Miller is on a mission to create excellent customer experiences through safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation that serves current and future generations in the Valley of the Sun.

Reyna Montoya, Founder & CEO | Aliento

Reyna Montoya is the Founder and CEO of Aliento. A social entrepreneur, educator, and dancer, Montoya is a DACA recipient and alumna of Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Born in Tijuana, Mexico, 15 minutes from the U.S. and Mexico border, she migrated to Arizona in 2003 fleeing violence. Despite the fear, anxiety and stress of growing up undocumented in Arizona, and witnessing her dad go through deportation proceedings, Montoya did not lose hope. That is why she took a leap of faith in 2016, creating Aliento after years of organizing and educating at both local and national levels. Through youth-led arts + healing workshops, leadership development, and community organizing, Aliento transforms trauma into hope and action for those most impacted by the harms associated with lacking an immigration status. In less than four years, Aliento has touched the lives of over 50,000 people, of which 25,000 are youth through programs, and educated close to 100,000 voters in Arizona 2020 and 2022 elections. Under Montoya’s leadership, 3,000 undocumented, DACA, and mixed-status youth have stepped into leadership roles.

Christian Ramírez, Cohn Assistant Curator of Contemporary and Community Art Initiatives | Phoenix Art Museum

Christian Ramírez is the Cohn Assistant Curator of Contemporary and Community Art Initiatives at Phoenix Art Museum. Her portfolio of responsibility includes managing the institution’s Arizona Artist Awards programs and curating exhibitions of work by annual recipients, curating exhibitions of contemporary art drawn from the Museum’s contemporary art collection and fostering relationships with regional and Arizona-based artists to curate exhibitions that elevate their work among statewide and national audiences. Ramírez also serves as the liaison for artists presented through the Museum’s semiannual Lenhardt Lectures. Her recent exhibitions include The Collection: 1960 – Now, Guarding the Art: A Frontline Perspective, and she was the coordinating curator for the PhxArt presentation of Amalia Mesa-Bains: Archaeology of Memory. Ramírez has more than a decade of experience in the arts, working previously at MOCA Tucson (2011-2016) and Artpace San Antonio (2021-2022). In 2016, she co-founded Everybody, a curatorial project currently based in Tucson, Arizona, that organized the exhibition Henry Codax (2017), participated in NADA New York showing Elliott Jamal Robbins and Casey Jargo (2018), and received the 2021 Night Bloom Grant. Ramírez has sat on jury panels for the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Grand Canyon Conservancy, and CALA Alliance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked with Museum Workers Speak to raise over $100,000 in eight months as part of a mutual-aid effort to provide cash relief to 200 museum workers who were adversely affected by COVID-19. Ramírez earned a BFA in photography from the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Christina Spicer, Co-CEO | Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Christina Spicer has been Co-CEO of Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council since 2022. She has held numerous positions at the organization and was integral in growing its annual fund from $600,000 to $4 million across seven years. Additionally, she has served on several successful campaigns, including Day of the Girl, which raised $1 million for the organization in one day. Spicer is a leader who has devoted nearly two decades of her career to directing critical youth initiatives throughout the Phoenix community. After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in communications, she joined local nonprofit organization notMYkid as Director of the Clear Choices program, where she helped engage teens in discussions about issues including drug and alcohol use, body image disorders, and depression. Shortly after earning her master’s degree from Arizona State University, Spicer joined Teach for America Phoenix, where she managed the advisory board, was an active member of the leadership team, and led the development team responsible for annual fundraising that totaled more than $7 million each year. Spicer is also founder of CAMEO, a women’s mentorship organization. She serves on local boards and has received several local awards, including Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award, Phoenix Mercury’s Believe in Women Award, NCAA Men’s Basketball Community Legends and Legacy Award in 2024, named a Diverse Business Leader to Watch, and was an ATHENA Finalist in 2024.

Hillary Walsh, Founder & Lawyer | New Frontier Immigration Law

Hillary Walsh is a nationally recognized immigration attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to empowering immigrant families. As the Founder and CEO of New Frontier Immigration Law, she has revolutionized legal services with a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, ensuring that immigrants receive compassionate, high-quality representation. Under her leadership, New Frontier has been named “Arizona’s fastest-growing law firm” for four consecutive years (Inc. 5000, 2020-2023). A former law professor and TEDx speaker, Walsh’s legal career spans over a decade, including representation before the U.S. Supreme Court, multiple Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Her firm specializes in securing legal status for undocumented immigrants facing deportation, providing them with the opportunity to live freely in the United States. Beyond her legal work, Walsh founded New Frontier Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. She actively mentors law firm owners and advocates for systemic change in immigration law.

ABOUT THE SIP+SHARE HOSTS

Lisbeth Arescurenaga, Director of Community & Public Relations | Novle

Lisbeth Arescurenaga is a proud Peruvian immigrant, advocate, and mom to a teenage daughter. Empowering underserved communities is at the core of everything she does, because she knows how life-changing it is to feel seen and supported. As the Director of Community and Public Relations at Novle, Arescurenaga leads initiatives that connect clients with communities, building genuine partnerships that create real impact. Balancing her career, motherhood, and life’s challenges has taught her to embrace the small wins and stay focused on creating opportunities for others. She believes one of our greatest strengths as women is how deeply we care—and how we turn that care into action. With a degree in psychology and a master’s in counseling, Arescurenaga has leaned on her education to connect with communities in meaningful ways. When women uplift one another, they create real opportunities for growth and change. Together, we can build stronger communities.

Alexandra Bradberry, Founder | The Sparkle Bar

Alex Bradberry is the founder of The Sparkle Bar, a brand redefining beauty as more than just makeup. With nearly a decade of experience building a business that welcomes everyone, she has turned The Sparkle Bar into a space where people feel seen, celebrated, and empowered to show up as their most authentic selves.

As a dynamic entrepreneur, Bradberry has expanded The Sparkle Bar’s impact beyond its studio, securing high-profile partnerships with global brands and corporate clients, hosting experiential beauty activations, and developing a proprietary certification program that equips aspiring artists with the skills and tools they need to build successful careers. Passionate about creating pathways for economic independence, she champions opportunities for those looking to break into the beauty industry.

Bradberry understands that representation matters, and as a mother, she is committed to showing her daughters—and all women—that they can lead, innovate, and build something meaningful. The Sparkle Bar sits at the intersection of beauty, business, and social impact—a multi-billion-dollar industry that is constantly evolving and filled with potential. Through corporate collaborations, workforce development initiatives, and innovative beauty experiences, she is creating a high-growth brand with both community and profitability at its core. A natural connector and mentor, Bradberry thrives on bringing people together, helping others step into their potential and sharing insights on business growth, networking, and brand building. Her work has been recognized in major media outlets, and she continues to lead with innovation, purpose, and with a commitment to making beauty more accessible for all.

Hilary Clark, Regional Controls and Community Relations Manager | Austin Commercial

Hilary Clark is the Regional Project Controls Manager for Austin Commercial, LP., a construction management and general contracting firm with a 50-year history. In her 30 years in the industry, she’s managed finances for over $12 billion in large commercial construction (aviation and semiconductors). Her entry into this work was unintended – a manager in the ‘90s asked her to assist with the administration of a construction project. She knew nothing of construction, but said yes anyway, then leveraged that position into one of leadership over contracts, changes, and cost management. Clark’s career began in Austin, then Houston and Chicago, where she oversaw project controls for both Chicago airports for 15 years before relocating to Phoenix in 2021 to oversee the financial health of Austin Commercial’s work on the TSMC project and other Austin Phoenix projects. Her experience is proof that saying yes to a new direction can lead to a successful and fulfilling career.

Julie Fink, Vice President, Talent Management | University of Phoenix

Julie Fink is the Vice President of Talent Management at the University of Phoenix. She provides strategic thought leadership to executive management regarding the University’s talent acquisition, talent development, succession planning, learning and development, and employee engagement and appreciation strategies. Fink has been with the University of Phoenix for 13 years and has previously held leadership positions in many different industries, including oil and gas, public transportation, healthcare, and hi-tech, among others. She is responsible for internal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging activities at the University and is the Senior Executive Sponsor of their Employee Resource Groups. Fink received her undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and her master’s from the University of Phoenix. She is a Certified Senior HR Professional and a Certified Diversity Professional. She lives in Phoenix with her wife Laura and three kids.

Stefanie Gorres, Executive Director, Market Manager | Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

As a Market Manager, Stefanie Gorres is responsible for driving growth in four Arizona offices – Phoenix, Peoria, Prescott, and Tucson – and helps every Financial Advisor in her branches realize their full potential. She is committed to cultivating a positive atmosphere that promotes peer-to-peer idea exchange, team building, and the strategic connections required to satisfy the sophisticated needs of their clients. Gorres is also a passionate advocate for women in business and financial services. In 2021, she was one of 18 individuals across Morgan Stanley Wealth Management to be named a Morgan Stanley MAKER. Gorres has been with Morgan Stanley since 2006 and has held positions as a Complex Manager Assistant, Branch Service Manager, Complex Business Service Officer, and Associate Complex Manager, before taking on her current role. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Gorres worked at AIG where she managed a team that was responsible for writing compliance policies and procedures.

Kate Mellow, Creative Director & Founder | Bloom + Blueprint

Kate Mellow has long been a lover of celebrations, happily ever afters, and special events. She is a lifetime creative and crafter, dreaming and scheming out of this world details for her company’s clientele. With an eye for color and a heart of gold, Mellow has driven Bloom + Blueprint’s creative department with unstoppable energy for 10 years. Married to her husband Nate, they have two terrific toddlers Teddy and Betty. She is a coffee lover, Disney freak, whole foods junkie, and a colorful home enthusiast.

Desirae Outcalt, Co-Chair of Community Development Committee | Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central AZ

Desirae Outcalt is VP Commercial Banker at Bell Bank. She works with commercial clients and specializes in helping those who have complex treasury needs. Outcalt loves meeting new people and businesses, learning about what they need from their bank, and from her as their banker, and then executing that for them.

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Outcalt worked her way up in finance – starting as a part-time teller at an Arizona credit union and eventually running its second largest branch. Since 2006, she has served as a bank branch manager, operations manager for back-end processing, treasury sales, and most recently as a business banker at Parkway Bank, before joining Bell Bank in 2020. Because she has worked in branches, operations, and treasury, Outcalt has a deep understanding of the Bank Security Act and compliance requirements. She is AAP-certified, which allows her to help clients who process ACHs (such as payroll, taxes, or HOA payments), remain compliant, understand electronic processes, and become more efficient and cost-effective when paying their employees or vendors.

She has been recognized as an Arizona community activist and trailblazer and was named in Arizona Business Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Arizona in 2017. Her and her husband Brad live in Phoenix and, outside of work, she is a foodie who loves to cook (winning trophies for her homemade chili). She attends car shows regularly and helps many charities, including Junior Achievement of Arizona, Suns Charities 88, TGen, Barrow Beyond, the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Arizona, the American Heart Association, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

Elizabeth Shabaker, Co-Chief Executive Officer | Versant Capital Management, Inc.

Elizabeth Shabaker, CFP®, CDC®, leads Versant’s comprehensive family office services, developing strategies to help families manage and preserve their wealth. With expertise in family governance, next-generation planning, investments, estate planning, tax strategies, and philanthropy, she helps people navigate multi-faceted financial decisions while building lasting legacies. Empowering women through life transitions, Shabaker advocates for financial confidence as an ambassador for the Women’s Leadership Alliance. She serves on the Arizona State University W. P. Carey Dean’s Council and the Grant Review Committee for Women and Philanthropy. She is Vice President of Internal Relations at Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, an Advisory Board Member of the Arizona Community Foundation, and a member of Phoenix Art Museum’s Planned Giving Committee. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Dementia Care Certified®, Shabaker combines technical expertise with compassion to guide families through life’s financial complexities.

Nikki Shaffer, Director of Events | Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering & The Farm at South Mountain

With a portfolio of over 2,000 events, Nikki Shaffer is a dynamic leader in the Phoenix event industry. As Director of Events at Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering and The Farm at South Mountain, she leads a team of talented planners, producers, and chefs, transforming visions into unforgettable experiences. Her approach is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Shaffer thrives on curating events that exceed expectations—elevating hospitality, showcasing Arizona’s finest purveyors, and crafting moments that leave a lasting impact. Her career includes executing high-profile events such as Super Bowl celebrations in Arizona, LPGA tournaments, brand launches, and large-scale corporate and nonprofit gatherings. Passionate about giving back, she has collaborated with numerous nonprofit organizations to produce impactful fundraising galas, community events, and initiatives that drive meaningful change. Whether orchestrating global brand activations, nonprofit fundraisers, or intimate gatherings, Shaffer believes in the power of thoughtful execution and authentic connections. At Women Powered, she looks forward to sharing her journey—offering insights on leadership, career evolution, and the balance between creativity and business strategy.

Abby Zufelt, Clinical Assistant Professor, Journalism & Mass Comm | ASU + Host of Working Girl Talk Podcast

Abby Zufelt is a marketer, educator, and award-winning podcaster. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, leading the digital marketing capstone course at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Previously, Zufelt worked in social media and marketing, both in-house and in agencies, for various brands. She’s also the founder and host of Working Girl Talk, an award-winning podcast for marketers who love pop culture, and voted “Best Podcast” by Arizona Foothills Magazine’s Best of Our Valley 2025. Zufelt is a board member of the global nonprofit organization We Make Noise, which harnesses the power of technology and education to advance gender equity in the music industry. She is a two-time ASU alumna and is passionate about helping the next generation feel confident in the workplace.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

Sponsor support directly impacts Phoenix Art Museum’s ability to provide free-access to art and arts education. To be a supporter, please contact corporate@phxart.org.

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