Judi Steele, The Public Education Foundation
You may not think much has changed since featuring Judi almost seven years ago; after all, she is still the President of The Public Education Foundation. But implementing bold strategies to improve education requires innovation, something Judi knows much about. The Foundation has helped students realize their dreams in many ways. In addition to investing in early childhood and family engagement programming, the Foundation’s Scholarship Program awarded more than 440 scholarships – totaling nearly $1 million- this past year alone. Programs including Teacher EXCHANGE™, a green initiative that distributes books, office supplies and other material – frequently headed for landfills – to valley teachers brings much needed supplies to the classroom, and the Foundation’s Artists 4 Kidz initiative, developed in association with the Clint Holmes Foundation and other performing artists, is providing students with meaningful visual and performing arts experiences.
But the Foundation’s Leadership Institute of Nevada is what Steele feels is a real game changer for the future of education. “To effect real change in our schools we must develop entrepreneurial leaders who are strategic thinkers and demonstrate the courage to execute innovative solutions and produce results,” she says. “Through exposure to national thought leaders and collaborations, the Leadership Institute of Nevada is developing a statewide network of great leaders who are capable of transforming our public schools.” For information, visit www.thepef.org.
Paige Candee & Paula Lawrence, Dress for Success
When the great recession hit hard in Las Vegas, Paige Candee decided to make a difference for out-of-work women by founding our city’s affiliate of the international organization, Dress for Success, in 2009. Shortly thereafter, Paula Lawrence joined the Board of Directors, only to leave her post for a permanent position as the organizations Executive Director. With these two women at the helm, and the help of countless volunteers in the community, the organization has launched more than 1000 women on the road to self-sufficiency. “I founded DFSSNV with the intention of empowering women and helping them gain the skills necessary to not only stay employed, but to build careers and become role models to their children,” says Paige. “We have definitely done that through our suiting program that clothed more than 600 women in 2013 alone, and our job skills training and retention programs.”
Utilizing innovative fundraising ideas like their “Little Black Dress Club”, as well as signature social events including the annual Power Walk, Derby Rose Champagne Luncheon & Fashion Show and Diamond Dig sponsored by M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers, the group has big plans for the future. As Paula enthusiastically proclaims, “With the continued support of the community, Dress for Success Southern Nevada will help thousands of women find the spark that ignites their future. The years ahead are very bright for women looking to become self-sufficient.” To find out more, visit www.dressforsuccess.org/southernnevada.
Jeff Roberts, Springs Preserve and Desert Living Center
With a passion for sustainability and eco friendly initiatives, Jeff was instrumental in developing the Spring Preserve’s master plan prior to its opening in 2007, and also designed the Desert Living Center at the preserve. Today, this award winning facility is viewed as a cultural institution that prides itself on being a community leader in environmental stewardship, while offering interactive exhibits and events that entertain the masses. Influencing ecological initiatives around the globe, the preserve is toured and studied by building professionals and environmental organizations from around the world, making it a leading international example of sustainable architecture. Never has a public utility taken on such a bold and visionary task to transform its community with such a rich and culturally diverse resource, and Jeff is proud to be a part of it all.
“Through my continued engagement with the Springs Preserve I have been incredibly fortunate to be exposed to countless professionals, organizations and leaders in the green industry. It has allowed me to work on numerous other deep green projects in the area, including the Corn Creek, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Spring Mountains visitor centers, as well as the Discover Children’s Museum. I am honored to be associated with the project and proud that the Springs Preserve has the ability to influence future generations about appropriate decisions required by the community of tomorrow.” Visit them at www.springspreserve.com.
Stacey Escalante, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
You can have all of the research in the world, but if you don’t have public policy to implement it, it doesn’t matter. This is the mindset of Stacey Escalante, the volunteer Media Chair for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN). Along with other passionate voices, Stacey, a Stage III melanoma survivor, played a pivotal role in getting Senate Bill 267 passed this past October. The ground breaking law makes Nevada one of only three states in the nation to completely ban the use of tanning beds by anyone under the age of 18 years old. It’s a personal victory for Stacey, considering the chances of being afflicted by melanoma are drastically increased by UV exposure from tanning beds, but she’s just getting started.
“Getting involved with ACSCAN was such a blessing after my own diagnosis and subsequent remission. It’s a natural fit for me. As a cancer survivor, former broadcast journalist & a political science major (from UCLA), lobbying on behalf of cancer patients is right in my wheelhouse. I absolutely love it!” For information, visit www.acscan.org/nevada.
Staci Columbo Alonso, Noah’s Animal House
Determined to bring victims of domestic violence together with their beloved pets, animal lover Staci Columbo Alonso opened Noah’s Animal House, a full service pet facility on the grounds of The Shade Tree Shelter, in October 2007. Through hard work and perseverance, her efforts have not only housed, spayed and neutered, and provided veterinary care for hundreds of animals at the 1400 square foot facility, but has garnered national recognition from like-minded entities including Woman’s Day Magazine.
“Noah’s is still the largest facility in the country and includes over 30 kennels/cat condos, separate intake room for new arrivals, a vet station, grooming, and two living rooms for women, children and their pets to spend quality time together in a home environment,” say Alonso. With only two percent of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. offering some form of pet services, Staci’s has plans to change the national climate. “Thanks to the generosity of the Las Vegas community and the success of our operation, our goal is to partner with other domestic violence shelters in the U.S. to expand Noah’s Animal House outside of Las Vegas,” she adds. For more information, visit www.noahsanimalhouse.org.
Shawn Ritchie, Epicurean Charitable Foundation
Shawn Ritchie’s got a lot on his plate as the V.P. of Food & Beverage for Caesars Entertainment: Harrah’s Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, The Quad Resort & Casino and The LINQ. But although he’s a busy guy, he enthusiastically continues to support the Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) as an advocate and seasoned Board Member. Providing full-ride scholarships and mentorship opportunities to financially-underprivileged local students interested in attaining careers in hospitality or the culinary arts, the foundation has donated more than $1.3 million to Clark County students since its inception and is currently providing the means for more than 15 young individuals to study at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Penn State University, Culinary Institute of America and other prestigious institutions.
Besides playing an active role in mentoring students, one, of many factors that’s responsible for 100% of scholarship recipients garnering employment in their chosen field, Ritchie is vested in helping hard working kids obtain their goals. “I am inspired by the students of ECF. They prove that no matter what family background, financial situation or other obstacles we face, hard work and determination can lead to achieving your dreams.” For information, visit www.ecflv.org.
Pat Byrne, Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada
Having served as the President of the Foundation for the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas for nearly 10 years, as well as serving as an Executive Committee Board Member for the clubs since 2007, Pat played a key role in structuring a recent merger that combined the Las Vegas and Henderson organizations – a move that resulted in one entity that better serves the youth of our city. “As a board member of both Las Vegas and the Foundation, I could see that both organizations suffered with separate and competing identities. Neither Club was confined to the geographic location in their name. Donors and friends of the Clubs were often confused and many did not even realize there were two separate organizations,” said Pat.
Along with the tireless efforts of Club CEO Ken Rubeli and countless other volunteers, the newly formed Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada serves more than 32,000 youth attending 14, year-round club houses and 3 summer outreach programs. It gives kids, many of whom are underprivileged, a positive place to hang out, do homework and learn responsibility. Pat, a busy guy with two boys of his own, is looking forward to an even brighter future for the organization, he adds, “ I am excited to continue my involvement as a member of the new combined Board.” Visit their website at www.bgcsnv.org.
Frank Lowery, Ironman 70.3 Silverman
It seems triathlons are big biz these days, but an Ironman, well that’s a race of a different breed. After crafting the original Silverman event back in 2005, Frank continued to direct this arduous display of athletic prowess until 2010. Silverman was then acquired by the World Triathlon Corporation, a.k.a Ironman. Working with them, alongside the City of Henderson, he’s been a key player in bringing thousands of athletes (and their tourist-spending wallets) to Henderson to compete in various Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events. Coming full circle, the Ironman 70.3 Silverman race will return this October, with Frank again at the helm. To the delight of returning and future athletes alike Frank adds, “I plan to continue to host the Silverman 70.3 triathlon in Henderson. I love race directing and being involved with triathlons around the world.”
Fran Smith, ITNLasVegasValley
After working tirelessly with the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada, Fran took some well deserved time off to “recharge”. But philanthropy is in her DNA, so along with colleague Nancy Sprague, she soon established an affiliation of ITN Independent Transportation Network, a senior citizen transportation service with affiliates across the United States. With funding generously provided by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), they were able to get the venture off the ground in less than a year, offering the elderly transportation around the city by way of volunteer drivers and a small staff. Recognizing the shortage of paratransit services, especially in age restricted communities like Anthem, the RTC again partnered with ITNLasVegasValley in 2011, providing retrofitted mini vans to accommodate wheel chair access. This collaboration resulted in ITN going from 100 rides per month to more than 3500 rides per month in a very short period of time.
“We exceeded 75,000 total rides by the end of 2013,” Fran commented. “More than 400 individuals per month are able to get to doctor’s appointments, work, day programs and worship services, while also having fun visiting friends and relatives or even the casinos. Seniors and individuals with disabilities are able to remain active, contributing members of the community thanks to their ability to get from place to place.” She adds, “It is truly gratifying to know we are making a difference.” For information on ITN services, visit www.itnlasvegasvalley.org.
Drew & Barbara Stevens, The Josh Stevens Foundation
In a brave effort to honor the spirit of their late son Josh, the Stevens family has created a worldwide initiative to encourage children to embrace being kind. The Josh Stevens Foundation has made great strides over the last few years, engaging 350 schools in 7 states while including children from Uganda via a Kind playground named after Josh. Since 2009, Drew has spoken to more than 300,000 kids about the importance of leaving a Kind legacy behind, while Barbara oversees all design aspects of the Foundation and their “Be Kind… like Josh” apparel, a major source of fundraising for the organization.
“Through the work of our family, along with foundation supporters, volunteers and staff, Josh will forever be known as the Kind kid who started a Kindness revolution,” says the Stevens family. “Barbara and I feel blessed to have so much support for Josh’s Foundation, and our family is so grateful that his heart continues to shine in our community and beyond.” To help further their mission of Kindness, visit www.joshstevensfoundation.org.
