Wyoming women recognized for leadership, service at 15th annual Women of Influence celebration

CHEYENNE — “We don’t have to diminish our own achievements to make room for someone else. We can celebrate what we’ve built and use what we’ve learned to open doors for others. We can be ambitious and generous, but we can lift and lead. Those things are not in conflict.”

First lady Jennie Gordon made this statement at the 15th annual Wyoming Women of Influence celebration Tuesday, which honors women’s professional accomplishments, leadership and service across Wyoming.

Dozens of women from across the Equality State were nominated by their friends, family and colleagues. A panel made up of past years’ winners, Adams MultiMedia (AMM) staff and other volunteers selected the winners. AMM is the parent company of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, which coordinates the annual event.

Twenty women were recognized across 16 categories at the ceremony, which was held at Little America Hotel and Resort.

Arts

Allison Maluchnik, executive director of the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper, was recognized as the winner of the Arts category for guiding the museum through financial challenges and national accreditation.

“Rather than lowering expectations, she established a clear vision for the museum’s future, focused on strengthening its operations, building a culture of accountability and achieving the highest professional standards,” award presenter Lucas Downey of Microsoft read from a letter written by Maluchnik’s nominator.

Banking and Finance

Michele Bolkovatz, vice president of community and business development at Blue Federal Credit Union in Cheyenne, won in the Banking and Finance category. She has spent more than 33 years with the organization and serves numerous community groups. Her nominator called her a “true leader” and community champion.

Best Mentor

Casey Kuckert, winner of the Best Mentor category, founded SheLeads Women’s Network, which grew from a Rock Springs lunch group into a national movement.

“Casey’s impact is measured not only by the events she produces or the programs she leads, but by the women who leave her community, believing more deeply in themselves and more willing to support the women beside them,” read award presenter Steph Props of Blue Federal Credit Union. “Her mission is simple but powerful: Bring women together, help them recognize their influence and prove that collaboration will always take us farther than competition.”

Economic Development

Jennifer Thoma has served as executive director of the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce since 2024. She also owns The Legacy Clinic in Cody with her husband, and has a background in banking, risk management and entrepreneurship.

As the winner of the Economic Development category, her nominator praised her “strategic clarity” and warmth.

Education

Carla Gregorio, winner of the Education category, has 29 years of experience teaching in Title I schools and has served as an elementary and summer school principal in Cheyenne. She also founded the Wyoming Independent Citizens’ Coalition.

“Carla leads the way to strengthen civic engagement, maintain and expand partnerships for voter education and civic participation,” read presenter Kari Brown-Herbst of Laramie County Community College. “(She) volunteers with passion, a warm heart and a big smile.”

Entrepreneur

With 11 nominees in the Entrepreneur category, two were recognized as winners.

Christina Colva is a third-generation beekeeper whose Riverton operation grew from a 1956 car and trailer to shipping semi-loads of bees to California. Her nominator called her the “definition of resilience.”

Abby Lane owns Bloom Therapy, a women’s mental health counseling center, and Flourish Fitness and Recovery, a women-only fitness center.

“Abby has shown she is a women’s health advocate by opening two wonderful businesses in Cheyenne that focus on women’s physical and mental health,” read presenter Brandi Monger of the Wyoming Women’s Foundation. “Bloom Therapy and Flourish Fitness studio have become two places where women can be safe and seen in our community.”

Government

Kelli Little is the government affairs director for the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming in Cheyenne, and previously worked with the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and Wyoming County Commissioners Association.

Little told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that the recognition is a great honor.

“I think working in Wyoming as a woman sometimes is a hard row, especially in the construction industry, which is where I work,” Little said. “But I think to be recognized for the years of hard work you put in, for your expertise, for your knowledge, is something that’s very special.”

Healthcare

With nine total nominees, the Healthcare category also had two winners.

Sydney Calero is a licensed midwife and certified professional midwife who operates Moonlit Midwifery and Wellness, serving Cheyenne and Laramie. She graduated summa cum laude from the Midwives College of Utah and has helped in more than 300 births.

“I’m super grateful,” Calero told the WTE. “This community has welcomed me with open arms. Grateful is the only word that I have, honestly, to serve families that otherwise don’t have access to care.”

The other winner, Anna Catino, is a cardiologist for St. John’s Health in Jackson who attended the University of Vermont, Dartmouth and the University of Utah. Her nomination highlighted her teaching, cardio-oncology work and patient care, describing her as “one in a million.”

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

Trinity Thatcher, winner of the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism category, owns Cowboy Saloon and Dance Hall in Laramie, and was recognized for supporting nonprofits, organizing fundraisers and making customers feel welcome. Her nominator said she “goes above and beyond” for her community.

“I really couldn’t stop crying when I sat down at my table,” Thatcher told the WTE. “I’m just so honored. This is just the best day. It’s such a great year it’s been, and this just topped it off.”

Manufacturing, Science and Technology

Michelle Huff, who works in helicopter maintenance for V2X and is also a Wyoming Air National Guard flight engineer evaluator, won in the Manufacturing, Science and Technology category.

“I’m surprised by winning,” Huff told the WTE. “I mean, there’s probably so many other women in the community that have done a lot more and do a lot more for science and technology than I do. So I’m very grateful.”

Marketing and Public Relations

Landree Ashby founded Ascent Social Marketing LLC as a college sophomore in 2024 and has built a growing business serving organizations throughout Laramie. It’s this effort that earned her the award in the Marketing and Public Relations category.

“Landree is a very successful and driven woman with such a passion for marketing,” read award presenter Shalom Brickey of the Wyoming Business Alliance. “She has taken that passion and turned it into something amazing with Ascent.”

Media and Journalism

Melodie Edwards, winner of the Media and Journalism category, is a senior journalist at Wyoming Public Media, and host and producer of podcast “The Modern West.” She has spent more than a decade covering Wyoming and the West.

Nonprofit

Brittlynn Adame, first winner of the Nonprofit category, is the executive director of the Mercer Family Resource Center in Casper, where she has expanded suicide prevention education, as well as mental health and family services.

Second winner Daffney Sandoval is the development director for Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County, fosters with Black Dog Animal Rescue, and volunteers with CASA and Cheyenne Rotary After Hours.

“(Sandoval) is very involved in the organization, not only creating and managing their fundraising efforts, but you regularly find Daffney on her build sites swinging a hammer,” read Brickey. “She performs her job with zeal and with true concern for the Habitat clients, volunteers and staff.”

Personal Training/Wellness

Jan Odman, winner of the Personal Training/Wellness category, spent 22 years as