Tammy Figueroa and Susan Johnson - Judges
When we decided to launch a search for the amazing moms in Queen Creek, we suspected we might find some special stories. What we in fact discovered were women who were quietly but heroically carrying their families and passionately pursuing community and volunteering their time and talent. We asked Tammy Figueroa of The Figz Team and Susan Johnson, owner of The Cottage Flowers and Gifts, to help us choose just a few of these wonderful candidates. Tammy and Susan committed to the process with enthusiasm. Getting to know and meet each of these women has been a delight, each surprised and humbled to have been chosen for doing something they would do anyway. Thank you to each of the women who participated and thank you to Tammy and Susan for joining us in celebrating some truly amazing women who might also just be your next door neighbor.
Lisa Horne - Board Clerk/Author/Podcaster
Lisa Horne is a wife and mother of five, while she homeschools her three youngest children her two eldest attend Combs High School. She is also a published author of the Everything Nut Allergy Cookbook, as well as a food allergy writer for WebMD. Lisa has described her own mother as her greatest inspiration who taught her to go for her goals. In her nomination, Lisa received a glowing recommendation:
‘Lisa… is a mom of five adorable kiddos. She homeschools them, teaching them homesteading skills, playing instruments, community engagement, etc. Her oldest children are high school age and began participating in a few on-campus classes and extra curricular activities... She saw the social value of the kids being a part of in-person classes but saw so much untapped potential within the school systems that she decided to run for Combs School District Governing Board and was elected in 2024. In between all of this, she is dedicated to spreading food allergy awareness.
Her son is anaphylactic... this created such a passion for supporting others with food allergies that she created the website www.foodalergypi.com and the Food Allergy Talk Podcast. She has poured her heart into supporting her children more than any human I've ever met and they are some of the sweetest, most creative, and accomplished kids I've ever met!' - Lindsey Pittman
Lisa’s podcast has received 10,000 downloads in which she interviews doctors and discusses the latest treatments. Her record of volunteering is extensive and she currently serves as Marketing Director for a national non-profit. She has been a resident of Queen Creek since 2022 and enjoys that it maintains a ‘rural, small town’ feel.
Ensley Morgan - Owner, East Valley Flower Walls
Ensley Morgan is the mother of two small girls who kindly donated her beautiful floral backdrops for this special photoshoot. After her husband lost his job, they took the jump to start the East Valley Flower Walls business, providing photo worthy decorative walls in various colors and styles for special events. She learned the process from her cousin who runs a similar business back in California. Ensley brings her creativity and her passion for events to a wedding, baby shower, or corporate event to brighten any space. All the while, she continues to be a dedicated mom to her daughters. @eastvalleyflowerwalls
Karen Shields - Facilities Manager
Karen Shield’s nomination makes her a clear inspiration:
‘Karen is the mother of two. Her daughter has special needs and requires significant support to oversee her complex care needs. Karen does it all on her own- she's been widowed for 7 years. She is an exceptional woman who brings joy to everyone at the Ranch as our facilities manager… she brings that passion to serving other special needs families at the Manes and Miracles Ranch, which makes her uniquely compassionate and bonded with the other… families here. Karen is the definition of grit in motion!' - Lindsey Pittman
Lisa Keffer - Advocate for Fallen Firefighters
Lisa Keffer is a mother of four, including twins Liam and Kayde who are scootering champions. In addition to supporting their athletics and homeschooling her boys, Lisa is also dedicated to the memory of her late husband and other fallen firefighters and first responders. She has recently accepted becoming one of the 2025 speaker cohort for the Gary Sinise Foundation, which seeks to represent and reach out to other families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Lisa says she is continually inspired by her children’s ‘resiliency, vulnerability, and courage for life.’ You can follow them @thekeffertwins.
Nicole Onwuasor - Owner, Sweet Creek Boutique
Nicole is the mom of three (almost four!) and nominated by her aunt Tricha:
'Niki's mom was my sister and I loved her so much (we lost her two years ago unexpectedly)…she struggled with some… issues…and was not the perfect role model. Niki and her husband are raising three little boys with a little girl on the way! She gives her boys so much love, support and patience and I am so proud of her. She does all of this while working hard to make Sweet Creek a success… and has also written two children's books.' - Tricha Diehl
Alacey Yarn - Volunteer and Board Member
‘Alacey serves on the board as the concessions manager for Queen Creek Heat Softball…She volunteers upwards of 30 hours per week. In her time with the organization, Alacey has trained and mentored numerous local teenagers, many of whom are gaining their first job experience. Her efforts have raised more than $50,000 for Queen Creek Heat Little League. Alacey’s three daughters have all grown up in the program, and she remains an integral part of its success. She consistently goes above and beyond, often without recognition, and her contributions are invaluable.' - Kari Kaapana-Hansen