No one person is created the same.
Each and every one of us possesses traits, skills, values, and energies — uniquely tailored to us — to lead us to fulfill our life’s purpose. Legacy is not just what we leave behind; it is the substance of how we lead today.
Yet, to achieve this, we first must realize our strengths and embrace them.
Whether you step up as a natural born leader or toss aside your fears to venture into the unknown, your gifts to this world play an integral role in molding society.
This month, we spotlight local women who each champion a specific virtue of the LEGACY acronym, transforming their influence into a cornerstone for a better, more vibrant community.
L for Leadership, Jennifer Provencher
Leadership does not always begin with a perfect plan. Sometimes, it begins with courage, work ethic, and the willingness to say yes before everything is figured out. Jennifer Provencher, general manager, stylist, team lead, and educator at Cristiana Salon Spa, embodies that kind of leadership.
Jennifer entered the salon industry almost by accident, but once she saw the impact it could have, she never looked back. From answering phones at the front desk to stepping into management, then returning to school at 32 to earn her cosmetology license as a single mother, she built her career from the ground up. Today, she leads with experience, heart, and a deep understanding that true service is about making people feel seen, heard, and beautiful.
That leadership extends far beyond the salon chair. Jennifer has used her craft to support clients through cancer, hair loss, recovery, grief, and life’s most vulnerable moments. She has helped rebuild not only confidence, but dignity.
After moving to Loveland two years ago, Jennifer found more than a new home—she found a place where she could help co-build something meaningful. At Cristiana Salon Spa, she has helped reshape systems, strengthen culture, expand education, and guide the team toward becoming the best Aveda salon in Northern Colorado.
Her philosophy is clear: “Be willing to fail. It’s not just about perfection and getting it right. As a matter of fact, it’s the opposite.”
That is leadership—showing up, daring greatly, and helping others rise with you.
E for EMPOWERMENT, Heather Krout
Motherhood can empower women in so many ways.
And the love for her 3-year-old daughter empowers Heather Krout to create a legacy of meaningful experiences and powerful life lessons.
As the owner of Venue at 319, Heather wants to demonstrate to her daughter, Ellie, that you can take a risk, as she did with opening a new business, and construct a life around your values and passion.
“If this example empowers her and others to believe in themselves and go after what they want, then that is a legacy I will always be proud of,” Heather shares.
While opening Venue at 319 was like taking a jump off the high dive, she embraced the unknown, bearing in mind that growth comes from taking risks and learning from mistakes.
“Just go for it,” she says. "Taking that risk is so vulnerable and empowering, just knowing that you’re taking a risk and going for it—and that alone is powerful.”
G for Grit Fueled Grace, Aubrielle Brennan
Legacy is built behind the scenes, through women whose strength helps others keep going. Aubrielle Brennan, fitness and nutrition coach for Rebuilt by Motherhood, brings that kind of quiet power to her every day.
A former marathoner, FBI agent, and lifelong athlete, Aubrielle’s path shifted when motherhood reshaped her identity, body, and sense of purpose. Instead of staying lost in transition, she rebuilt herself—and now helps other mothers do the same.
Through fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching, she teaches women to stop shrinking themselves. Instead to rebuild with strength, nourishment, and confidence. Her work is rooted in service, faith, and the belief that mothers are worthy of investing in themselves, too.
From Berthoud to clients across the country, Aubrielle’s grit is fueled by grace and guided by heart. Her legacy is helping women see their own beauty, strength, and capability—reminding them that it is never too late to begin again.
A for AUTHENTICITY, Alyssa Cordova
For Alyssa Cordova, you can’t have hospitality without authenticity.
The two go hand in hand for the general manager and director of operations for the Oak + Maple Whiskey & Waffle Co. Being authentic is important to Alyssa not only in building sincere relationships in the workplace, but also in her personal daily life.
“I think if we all were a little bit more authentic and true to ourselves, then we would form deeper connections,” Alyssa reflects. “If you want to have genuine connections with people around you, they have to know who you are, and you have to be open to sharing who you are and the things that you're passionate about. That’s how you’ll create a likeness with each other.”
By remaining authentic to who you are, Alyssa believes one can leave behind a long-lasting positive impression in this world. To her, that means truly caring for others and their intentions and only pursuing what resonates with our core.
“My personal life philosophy I think is just being genuine with everything that I do. I’ve never really followed into anything that I didn’t fully support or fully believe in…. I really make sure things align with who I am.”
As a woman hoping to open her own hospitality business one day, she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be at this moment and doing exactly what speaks to her character.
C for CONNECTIONS, Abby Powell
As humans, we are naturally social creatures in search of profound connections with others.
No one understands that better than Abby Powell, the assistant director of events and operations for the Loveland Downtown Development Authority.
“Forming meaningful connections in the world is critical to our health and well-being as human beings,” Abby stresses. “There is a loneliness epidemic in the world where we are more ‘connected’ than we have ever been through social media and online, yet having true meaningful connections and spending time face to face has been lost for many.”
Much of her job at the downtown authority is centered on connections and people – whether it’s holding events or revitalizing 4th Street to create spaces where folks can gather, grab a coffee, or shop and build relationships.
“There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in seeing people happy and enjoying themselves at events, watching businesses grow from small startups into successful ventures, and reflecting on where we began and how far we’ve come as a downtown,” Abby shares.
To her, a vibrant historical downtown that hosts local businesses and events adds tremendous value to any city and its residents.
And, as part of her legacy, Abby’s strives to contribute to a revitalized downtown area, establish a framework for meaningful events, provide locals with a heart of the city they take pride in and love, and make valuable community connections that “last for years to come.”
Y for YOUR VISION, Monica Hockel & Emily Carter
We’re told to live in the present. Yet, we’re often guilty of reminiscing about the past.
Fortunately, photography helps capture and immortalize our memorable moments.
“I like to call myself a professional memory hoarder,” says Monica Hockel, owner of Monica Jean Photography. “Photos are more than images, they’re one of the most important things someone can invest in because they hold life, love, and emotion. They are proof that you've lived.”
Since she was a little girl, Monica has always been drawn to photography and sold her first photograph in eighth grade. She’s also completed professional courses with the New York Institute of Photography. In 2022, Monica launched her photography business at age 17.
Meanwhile, Emily Carter, owner of E.T.C. Photography, began snapping photos as a creative outlet in high school. It evolved into making a little extra cash taking senior photos and acting headshots during college. Then, it progressed into photographing a few post-pandemic weddings.
“I fell in love with the storytelling of photography and how I can connect with people and give them peace of mind, positivity, and confidence through my craft,” Emily shares. “I’m passionate about documenting real moments in a way that feels cinematic, honest, and enduring.”
Both photographers strive to produce work that elicits emotions and makes people feel deeply.
For Monica, her vision is to keep running a photography business where every client's experience feels “personal, intentional, and meaningful, with work that stands out and lasts.”
For Emily, her hope is to grow a business that not only produces beautiful work, but also “creates space for connection, collaboration, and opportunity—especially within the creative community.”
“Be willing to fail. It’s not just about perfection and getting it right. As a matter of fact, it’s the opposite.”
“I think if we all were a little bit more authentic and true to ourselves, then we would form deeper connections.”
“Forming meaningful connections in the world is critical to our health and well-being as human beings.”
“Photos are more than images, they’re one of the most important things someone can invest in because they hold life, love, and emotion.They are proof that you've lived.”