Women Who Lead

Michele Tryon loves what can happen while someone waits for a cup of coffee. A conversation begins. Friends catch up. Two people who arrived as strangers find something in common.

Those small moments are the idea behind Connect Coffee Co., the Prescott-based mobile coffee and gelato business Michele owns and operates. From weddings and private gatherings to corporate events and local markets, she brings her vintage-inspired micro truck to places where people are already coming together—and gives them another reason to linger.

For Sarah White, helping women feel good about themselves is at the heart of her business.

As the owner and licensed esthetician behind Skin by Sarah, she has turned her passion for skincare into a business of her own—one built on confidence, connection, persistence, and the belief that women are stronger when they support one another.

For Jessica Stickel, helping others discover what is possible is more than a career. It is a philosophy that has shaped her own life.

As a school counselor at Prescott High School and founder of Inspired Freedom Coaching and Speaking, Jessica works with students, individuals and groups to build confidence, gain clarity and move beyond the barriers that may be holding them back.

“I love seeing people reach their full potential,” she said. “I give students and clients the opportunity to explore, discover and become who they truly are.”

When Lexi De La Cruz moved to Prescott with her son in 2020, she was ready for a fresh start. She wanted to create a better future for her family, pursue her dream of business ownership, and build something meaningful in her new community.

Today, Lexi is the co-owner of two growing, women-owned businesses: Buckin Brims Hat Bar and Ranch Babes Market. Although each offers a different experience, both were built on the same foundation: bringing women together, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating opportunities for connection.

hen Danielle Derois started Old Soul Creatives, she wasn’t simply looking for a way to earn extra income. As a stay-at-home mom with a lifelong love of art and crafting, she wanted to create something that would allow her to stay present for her family while sharing her creativity with others. Today, that dream has grown into one of Prescott’s favorite mobile paint and sip experiences, bringing together people of all ages for afternoons and evenings filled with laughter, connection, and colorful canvases.

After more than three decades of service, Catherine “Cathy” Peterson, Executive Director of the Northern Arizona region and Vice President of Northern Arizona Program Operations for Catholic Charities, is preparing to retire—leaving behind not just programs and buildings, but a legacy that will continue through the people she has mentored and the communities she has helped shape.

For Cathy, the milestone is less about recognition and more about gratitude. Reflecting on her time with Catholic Charities, she describes it simply as “an honor to serve.” 

For Amy Marshall, helping others is not just a career. It is deeply personal.

As the Emergency Homeless Shelter Supervisor for the Coalition for Compassion and Justice, Amy spends her days supporting individuals experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her work centers around ending and preventing homelessness in the Prescott area, but beyond the title and responsibilities, Amy brings something especially powerful to the role: understanding.

In a field where strength, compassion, and resilience must coexist, Jodi Mullins has built a career defined by service, perseverance, and a deep commitment to her community. As the Police Community Services Supervisor for the Prescott Valley Police Department, Jodi brings decades of experience and a heart for helping others into every aspect of her work.

Jodi’s journey in law enforcement began in 1989 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where she served as a deputy sheriff. Inspired by a desire to protect and advocate for those who could not help themselves, she embraced a career that demanded both courage and compassion. After a career-ending injury in 2004, Jodi didn’t step away from service—she adapted. Transitioning into a civilian role as a background investigator, she continued to support the field she loved.

For more than 20 years, Angela Smith has helped Prescott families prepare for life’s uncertainties.

As an insurance agent and broker with Comparion Insurance, Angela focuses on protecting clients’ hard-earned assets and securing their futures against life’s “what ifs.” Shortly after moving from Gilbert to escape the Arizona heat in 2004, she became licensed and began building a career rooted in trust and relationships.

For Tiffany Bustillos, leadership didn’t begin in a boardroom. It started with long days, longer nights, and a determination to build something better for her family.

As the owner of Prescott House Cleaning, Tiffany’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in grit and passion. Just a few years ago, she was balancing a full-time 8-to-5 job while cleaning her church at night and taking on Airbnb clients on weekends. Days off were nonexistent. The pace was relentless, but so was her drive.

For Makayla Chadwick, leadership has never been about titles. It’s about people.

As a State Farm Insurance Agent in Prescott Valley and President of Prescott Area Young Professionals (PAYP), Makayla has built a career rooted in service, connection, and community impact. Whether she’s helping a client protect what matters most or creating opportunities for young professionals to grow, her work reflects a consistent purpose: showing up for others in meaningful ways.