Featured Stories
Discover the powerful stories of the women shaping Prescott and the Quad Cities. From community leaders and entrepreneurs to artists and changemakers, Prescott Woman Magazine celebrates passion, purpose, and perseverance. Dive into exclusive interviews, inspiring features, and expert tips on living your best life — all while connecting with the vibrant heart of our community.Being Better
Tara Fort has written for Prescott Woman Magazine for about 17 years—and has become a fixture at the publication. Yet her work there is just one of many facets that comprise this accomplished and versatile Prescott resident.
These days, she primarily works alongside her husband, Simon, a member of Prescott High School’s class of 1982 and a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway (she has her real estate license, too).
“I feel really grateful that I can work from home and have the flexibility to work with Simon. He’s a top producer, a go-getter, and a marketing person. I learn so much from him.”
Taking the Time to Pause
Trisha Shaffer loves capturing the “little moments”: the spontaneity, laughter, and tender moments exchanged among the people she photographs.
Prescott Woman magazine’s staff photographer said her love for photography originated from her great grandparents’ black and white photographs from the late 1800s and early 1900s. As a child, she’d look at them and use her imagination to take her back in time.
Building on a Legacy
Haley Construction has come a long way in the nearly 70 years since Jim and Frances Haley launched it in Globe with nothing more than a borrowed $1,000 and an old Ford truck. Today, their granddaughter Gillian Haley strives to secure the company’s reputation as a local firm that can handle all types of projects, from custom homes to even the biggest commercial buildings.
Getting the Epic Shot
Kimberly Marsh never planned to start a photography business. Now, a decade in, she said during a recent interview, “I love it.”
Kim specializes in portraits and personal branding—and doing things differently.
Shortly after she started photographing people, others would see the photos and say, “I can see their soul in that picture,” or, “I feel like I know them,” or, “I can see straight through them.”
‘You Deserve to Feel Safe’
The Yavapai Family Advocacy Center’s (YFAC) mission statement reads: “to reduce trauma to victims of abuse by providing a safe and supportive environment and facilitating a team approach to advocacy, investigation, and prosecution.”
But the people behind the organization describe their work a bit differently; they say they guide their clients to find their voice, take back their power, and rediscover their worth and value (or discover them for the first time).
Enlighted and Empowered: Understanding your Risk for Breast Cancer
One in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes. An estimated five to ten percent of those breast cancers will be linked to gene mutations passed through many generations of the family. Hormonal changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play a role in the development of breast cancer. This means breast cancer is likely caused by a complicated interaction of genetic makeup, the environment, and lifestyle.
#SheCan
At 27, Alexes Niekamp’s list of achievements is impressive by any measure. She owns two successful businesses: the award-winning Lessons by Lexe dance studio and Quest Character Parties. She holds the Miss Saguaro title (a local title within the Miss Arizona organization). And, she’s the dance team coach for the Mustangs, the Northern Arizona Wranglers dance team.
Her journey hasn’t been easy; she’s worked hard for every one of her accomplishments … and the payoff is sweet.
Arizona in All its Glory
When Prescott residents Cal Seabaugh and Kelly Williams say they’ve seen Arizona, they mean it: the duo spent 45 days this past fall hiking the entire Arizona National Scenic Trail—all its 800 miles and 110,000 feet of elevation gain.
Stretching the length of the state, from Utah to the Mexican border, the trail, also known as the Arizona Trail, showcases Arizona’s diverse landscape. And, Kelly, said, “It’s all spectacular.”
Entrepreneurship Runs In the Family
It took a degree, a couple of careers, and several years for Julie Glaze Gorman to dial in on what she wanted to do. Now, she’s living her dream (which looks nothing like she expected), and she’s sharing it with her daughter, Autumn Sierra, who is enjoying the ride, too.
Julie opened Wild Iris Coffeehouse and Bakery 15 years ago this past November. Just a kid at the time, Autumn grew up washing dishes, taking orders, and managing the store. This past November, on the Wild Iris’s 15th anniversary, Autumn opened her own digs, The Century Lounge, and is now putting her experience to use.
Glorious Bursts of Color and Lush Green Abundance
Wendy and her husband Greg started offering weddings and other events on their 30-acre property four years ago (their son Grant and his bride Sofia were the first to get married there).
Hosting events at Lynx Creek Farm is a family affair. Wendy and Greg live on the property, and their daughter Raphael is the day-of coordinator.
Between events, the trio works to constantly beautify the property, adding color and depth to its wide-open views.
A Life Changing Respite
The Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS) mission statement is simple: To serve women, women with children, and veterans by providing temporary housing, resources, individualized case management, and a pathway to permanent housing.
For the women, PASS serves, though, the benefits are complex and life-changing.
Caring for All of You
Every team member is committed to caring for the whole person—body, mind and spirit.











