In this Women’s Issue, we honor the influential women of the year—remarkable individuals whose resilience, leadership, and commitment to their communities have made a lasting impact. These women break barriers, uplift others, and redefine success, inspiring us all to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change.
Entrepreneur and Realtor and dog-mom, Amanda Nealy exemplifies resilience, balance, and leadership. By embracing a methodical approach to scheduling, she prioritizes both personal well-being and professional commitments. She redefines success by celebrating daily progress and small victories, highlighting the importance of personal growth. In moments of difficulty, she allows herself space to process emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and strength. Amanda took the initiative to create The Local Collective, a networking group for entrepreneurs, showing her dedication to supporting others in her community. Her commitment to growth, community, and self-care makes Amanda Nealy a West Valley trailblazer.
Carol Prelog’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and determination. Overcoming personal and professional challenges, including teenage motherhood, abuse, and limited education, she built a successful career, starting as a receptionist and rising to manage a federal weapons division. In Arizona, she founded Exclusive Transportation, driven by a commitment to treat every client like family. Carol’s perseverance, unwavering belief in herself, and dedication to learning have shaped her into a role model, inspiring young women to set goals, rise above doubts, and embrace their own journeys with strength and self-respect.
Heather Hamby is a dedicated mother of four, entrepreneur, and cancer fighter. After relocating to Surprise in 2015, she founded Inspired Homes by Heather in 2020, providing exceptional design and project management services for homeowners. Despite being diagnosed with leukemia in 2023, Heather has continued to grow her business, attending her children’s events and supporting her family. Her remarkable resilience, exceptional customer service, and dedication to others have earned her multiple Best of Houzz awards. Heather is also an active community member, supporting The Gathering Church, Gateway Foundation for Cancer Research, and Willow Canyon's sports program. She’s a true inspiration.
Charity Tovar, founder and CEO of Charity’s Plumbing Solutions, transitioned from a successful career in banking to launch her woman- and minority-owned plumbing business in 2023. With a focus on ethical, affordable, and customer-first services, Charity’s company has gained recognition for its professionalism and quality. Beyond her business, Charity is deeply involved in the community, sponsoring local student clubs and supporting scholarships. Her dedication to excellence earned her accolades, including being named one of PHOENIX Magazine’s Great 48 honorees. Charity’s passion for service and integrity makes her a true community leader and role model.
Monica May-Dunn is the CEO and owner of Arizona Escrow & Financial, a leader in commercial escrow services. With over 30 years in the industry, Monica’s strategic vision has led to remarkable growth and milestones, including expanding services and relocating the company headquarters. In 2023, she made AEF 100% woman-owned. Monica balances her professional success with her personal life, commuting weekly from Yuma to Phoenix. She is an advocate for economic growth and education, mentoring future leaders and serving on advisory boards. In her downtime, Monica enjoys hiking and spending time with her two grandchildren.
Kristi Kay May is the founder of Legend Acres, where she offers results-driven training for dogs and horses. A CHA Certified Riding Instructor, AKC Evaluator, and Pet Partners Therapy Evaluator, Kristi aims to prevent behavioral euthanasia by connecting veterinary medicine with training. After a medical retirement from her dream of serving in the Army Veterinary Corps, Kristi created Legend Acres in honor of her golden retriever, Legend. Through her nonprofit, Legend’s Heroes, she provides service dog training scholarships, helping individuals and families build life-changing partnerships. Kristi is dedicated to helping pets and their owners thrive together.
Laura Hansen, owner of Saddle Mountain Brewing Company and New Penny Café, is a pillar of the West Valley community. Known for her grace, confidence, and infectious smile, Laura leads with humility and generosity. She’s deeply committed to local nonprofits and supports her team with loyalty and respect. Her leadership, developed through years of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, has earned her admiration. Laura’s selfless contributions, especially during challenging times, reflect her unwavering dedication to the people around her. She’s the kind of woman others admire, aspire to be like, and are grateful to know.
Amapola Judd-Shimp is a passionate advocate for small businesses, education, and workforce development in the West Valley. Her dedication to fostering community collaboration and partnerships has made a significant impact on the local economy and residents' lives. As a fierce supporter of small businesses, she recognizes their role as the backbone of the community and tirelessly works to ensure their growth and success. A single mom, she empathizes with the challenges families face, fueling her drive for empowerment and advocacy. Through her unwavering commitment, Amapola is shaping a brighter future for the West Valley, creating lasting change for all.
Brooke Carney, a local mother and small business owner, is the proud founder of Poke Me Pretty. With a nursing background, she brings a deep, compassionate approach to her work, genuinely caring for her clients on a human level. Brooke is dedicated to helping women of all ages look and feel beautiful in their own skin, guiding them to rediscover their confidence. She focuses on more than just aesthetics, addressing root causes and promoting lifestyle changes in a supportive, holistic environment. Brooke’s commitment to the community and her clients' well-being is at the heart of everything she does.
Megan Gerber is a remarkable leader within the Surprise community. As a dedicated wife and mother of two, she exemplifies strength, passion, and determination in every aspect of her life. In her professional role, Megan serves as the Vice President and Marketing Manager at Gerber Injury Law. Additionally, she is the founder of Tones & Bones, a local nonprofit that provides young people with opportunities to express their love of music through concerts, classes, and group activities at their facility. Megan has built Tones & Bones from the ground up and dedicates countless hours of volunteer work to benefit our community.
Diana Smithson is the cornerstone of her family and community. As a devoted mother, wife, and local business owner, she consistently prioritizes others. Through her business, Stronger Today Fitness, Diana empowers individuals to look and feel their best with functional exercise. Her unwavering strength and dedication inspire everyone around her, embodying the true essence of resilience and the power we all possess to thrive.
Shannon Melde bakes with a heart full of love, and it's no surprise that her cookies are beloved across Arizona. A devoted wife, mother, and a beautiful soul, Shannon's kindness and generosity shine through in everything she does. With a heart of gold, she continues to inspire us all with her unwavering spirit and warmth.
Whitney Yates Woods, a proud Litchfield Park native, is the dealer principal of Yates Buick GMC and is opening a Mitsubishi dealership in Goodyear. A dedicated mother and philanthropist, Whitney’s career shift from real estate to the automotive industry honors her late father’s legacy. She leads a family-focused life, raising her children in the same community where she grew up. Actively involved in local organizations, Whitney supports causes like Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the West Valley Mavericks. Her deep commitment to family, community, and business continues to shape her future in Litchfield Park and beyond.