Wendi Schweigart, Founder Project Marilyn Inc.
"Instead of living a life of obligation, how do you live a life of inspiration?"
This reminder from her late mother is what drives Wendi Schweigart every day.
"My mom passed away from cancer in 2011. She was my inspiration for starting Project Marilyn," said Wendi. "I want to help people, and we do that by combatting period poverty, which affects so many women in our community."
Wendi says her mom also left behind other life lessons she is passing on to the younger generation, including her 13-year-old son: Resilience, tenacity, and always remembering that tomorrow is a new day.
Wendi is also the Marketing Director for NDL Group Inc. and the current President of CREW Las Vegas. This latter role is helping to amplify her leadership role among women in her field.
"Leadership isn't about being at the front, it's about empowering others to rise with you," said Wendi. "Through resilience and collaboration, we've learned that true strength lies in lifting others up, especially in the face of adversity."
Bridget Richards, Broker/Principal, Brand Real Estate
"I didn’t take the conventional route into this industry. There was no roadmap, no set blueprint for success. But along the way, the right people saw something in me. I had great mentors who gave me the support and opportunities that changed the course of my career—and the rest, as they say, is history,” Bridget Richards stated.
Fast forward 20 years, Bridget is now a leader in Commercial Real Estate brokerage, marketing, and development. Getting here meant finding her “main character” voice in an industry where women were often in supporting roles.
"When I started, there were only a handful of women of stature in the entire industry," Bridget recalled. "One of them was Lucinda Stanley, one of the few who actively mentored younger women. I saw her speak at an event with such confidence and poise that I knew I had to reach out. I didn’t expect anything to come of it, but she responded—and that opportunity as her assistant became the foundation for my career."
That early mentorship opened the door, but it was often the men in the industry who propelled Bridget to burst through. The Las Vegas commercial real estate ecosystem is a meritocracy—everything is earned, not given, regardless of gender. "They showed me how to own the room," she said. "How to be forward in a meeting, put my hands on the table, and speak from my gut and my heart. They helped me realize my power, and that changed everything."
Her advice to women looking to break through? "Be tenacious. Relentlessly prepare. Find your voice, speak with authority, and claim your space. No one can refute your position if you are prepared."
Breanna Acosta, Co-Owner, Envision Dance & Gymnastics
"My advice for anyone wanting to start a business? Just do it and do it before you think you are ready", said Bre Acosta.
Entrepreneur, teacher, national title winning dance coach, Bre has done it all and has done it well. But she admits the path to success has not always been smooth. When times get tough, Bre said what keeps her going is her passion to teach and to remember to see the "best intent" in everyone around her.
“Life is not perfect. People get upset. Things happen. But if we see everyone with their best intentions, we create understanding, not conflict,” Bre explained.
China Hedry, Co-Owner, Envision Dance & Gymnastics
Balancing motherhood and a business is not for the faint of heart. China Hedry learned this firsthand when she took co-ownership of Envision Dance and Gymnastics three months after having her second baby.
"It was crazy, I am not going to lie,” said China. “But It was also really fun!"
This mother of two girls under the age of seven, wife, teacher, and entrepreneur said the secret to success is to surround yourself with the right people and to set your boundaries. "I have a very supportive husband and the best business partner who understands what needs to take precedence to stay sane and productive!"
Rishma Khimji, Chief Information Technology Officer, Harry Reid International Airport
Rishma Khimji is getting ready to celebrate her third anniversary at Harry Reid International Airport. She is the facility's first ever Chief Information Technology Officer. She brings more than two decades worth of information technology experience, including more than a decade in the public sector.
"This is a significant milestone and a true honor to be the first," said Rishma. "I'm proud to represent technology and strategy as our international airport embarks on a transformative journey in the coming years."
As the first-born daughter of immigrants from East Africa, Rishma was born in Canada and raised in New Mexico. She said her family has always instilled in her that if she wants to succeed, she has to find a way to make it in a world that is not always kind to women or people of color.
"I come from a line of strong women and a father who was a strong advocate for education," said Rishma. “They taught me that there's always a way to get things done. If you don’t succeed the first time, find another way.”
Rishma said as a female leader, she wants to lift other women up and see more of them represented in her industry. Her advice to others following in her footsteps? "Be prepared to put in the work and build a solid reputation," said Rishma. "If you want to move into management and have the experience, go for it. Don’t feel you must meet 100 percent of the qualifications. Many skills are learned on the job. Don’t undervalue yourself. Always aim high."