Women Who Lead

Suzy Gurton grew up Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, a small mining town with “gorgeous night skies.”

She grew up with an interest in science but chose to attend the University of Arizona (U of A) to become an accountant because it seemed like a good, stable job.

Then she took an astronomy class. The wonder she experienced set her life on a new trajectory. Most recently, that trajectory has brought her to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), where she is the Assistant Director of the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium.

At this point in her career, Suzy said during a recent interview, she is looking to “find the joy.”

Her work in astronomy and physics has spanned five decades and taken her to Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Santa Fe Community College, the American Museum of Natural History, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

According to Eric Edelman, the Planetarium’s Director, “Suzy is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate scientific storyteller who is single-minded in her devotion of spreading the wonders of astronomy, STEM, and more generally, learning to all who are willing to listen.”

The Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Business Association (HBA) is a vital committee dedicated to supporting Hispanic-owned businesses in Prescott Valley and its surrounding areas. With a mission to foster growth and success, the HBA focuses on education, training, networking, and community outreach to empower local entrepreneurs.

The idea for the HBA originated with Chamber CEO Marnie Uhl, who identified an opportunity to engage with the local Hispanic business community. In 2021, the Chamber partnered with Yavapai College’s Lisa Raygoza and Alianza’s Rosanna Feyerbend to visit Hispanic-owned businesses in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. During these visits, Marnie shared her vision of establishing a committee within the Chamber to provide tailored resources and educational programs specifically designed for Hispanic entrepreneurs.

This vision quickly gained momentum, thanks to the collaborative efforts of then-Chamber staff member Kim Menosky, along with local business owners Lucy Leyva and April Chavez. Together, they began shaping the structure and goals of the HBA. The association officially launched its first event in 2021, supported by a grant from APS, introducing the group to the community and setting the stage for future initiatives.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Justine Burch, Managing Partner at Texas Roadhouse of Prescott, to find out what makes her enjoy being a part of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and how it benefits her business.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Melinda Hambrick, with NoCo Community Kitchen, to find out what makes her enjoy being a part of the Prescott Downtown Partnership and how it benefits her business. 

Prescott Woman magazine interviewed Kat, owner of Miss Kitty Tattoo. We learned about how much she values clients feeling safe and supported while healing or celebrating through tattoos.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Alicia Malouf, Director of Operations for James-Marco Health and member of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. We learned about how much she values wellness and community connections.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Irene Smith, Owner and Coach of CrossFit Prescott Valley and member of the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce. We learned about how much she values personal connections.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Sadie Sarti, owner of Sadie Sarti Design Co. and member of the Prescott Downtown Partnership. We learned about how much she values downtown Prescott’s strong sense of community and collaboration.

Prescott Woman magazine interviewed Summer Henry, owner of Avatar Tat2. We learned about how much she values clients feeling safe and supported while healing or celebrating through tattoos.

Prescott Woman magazine sat down with some of Polara Health’s women in leadership to talk about why they do what they do and what makes the organization special.