Karla Blanco -
Karla Blanco is a leadership trainer, coach, bestselling author, and four-time TEDx speaker with over 26 years of experience at Intel. Today, she helps high performers and organizations grow through communication and leadership development, often guiding those who feel stuck or overlooked into their next level of success.
Her journey into entrepreneurship began after an unexpected job loss, a moment that pushed her to rebuild with resilience and purpose. Gilbert quickly became home through its balance of innovation and small-town connection. Karla loves spending time at local favorites like Cooper’s Hawk, Hash Kitchen, and the Farmers Market. She is also passionate about empowering women through communities like Women 360 and believes everyone has limitless potential.
JoAnn Crohn -
JoAnn Crohn is the founder of No Guilt Mom, a platform dedicated to helping moms truly enjoy motherhood without losing themselves in the process. With a background as an elementary school teacher and experience in television development in Los Angeles, she brings both heart and creativity to her work. She is the author of three books, including the Amazon bestselling The Best Mom is a Happy Mom, and hosts the No Guilt Mom podcast, which is nearing 500 episodes. She is also currently pursuing her coaching credentials, continuing to expand how she supports women.
Her journey began from her own struggles balancing motherhood and personal ambition, which inspired her to create a space where women feel seen, supported, and understood. In Gilbert, JoAnn found connection through Women 360, opening the door to meaningful relationships and opportunities within the community. She enjoys spending time at local favorites like Peixoto Coffee and Joe’s Farm Grill, places that reflect the heart of Gilbert. Through her work, she empowers moms to set boundaries, find balance, and rediscover joy in both motherhood and life.
Kristen Cantrell -
Kristen Cantrell is the founder of The Hello Culture, a nationwide community designed to help female entrepreneurs and real estate agents build relationship-driven businesses through connection, collaboration, and consistent presence.
What started as a vision to create more meaningful, impactful spaces for women has grown into a multi-city movement, with chapters led by women across the country. Through The Hello Culture, Kristen provides a “business in a box” model, empowering others to build their own communities without starting from scratch.
Locally, she co-leads The Hello Culture Gilbert chapter alongside Lisa Mont Ros, where they bring that same vision to life, creating intentional rooms where women connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses together.
Kristen is also the co-founder of Moms in Real Estate, a national community connecting thousands of women across the country, and leads a nearly 400-agent organization at Real Broker. Through her podcasts, events, and mentorship, she is known for building spaces where relationships turn into real opportunities. At her core, Kristen believes the right room can change everything, and she’s built her career around creating them.
Rachel Hixon -
Rachel Hixon is deeply rooted in the Gilbert community, where her passion for connection and service shapes both her personal and professional life. A mother of six, she spent years volunteering in schools, churches, and local organizations, naturally building relationships and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. That foundation eventually led her to pursue a career in therapy, driven by a desire to help others strengthen the relationships that matter most.
Through her work with local nonprofits and organizations, Rachel has witnessed the powerful impact of small, consistent acts of service. She believes true community is built in those everyday moments, when people choose to show up for one another. Gilbert, to her, reflects that spirit, from peaceful afternoons at the Riparian Preserve to grabbing a bite at local favorites like The Humble Bistro or Mexi-Q.
She also brings that same sense of connection into her home, hosting a quilting club that gathers women together each month to share stories, learn, and build meaningful friendships that extend far beyond the table.
Michelle Lacy -
Michelle Lacy is the founder and Executive Director of Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona, an organization dedicated to supporting families through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. A wife and mom, her work is deeply personal, shaped by her own experience with perinatal depression at a time when resources were limited. That journey became the foundation for a mission centered on connection, care, and ensuring no parent has to navigate those challenges alone.
Since bringing her organization to Gilbert, Michelle has continued to expand services that support not just parents, but entire families, including children and teens. Through programs, partnerships, and financial assistance, her work has impacted thousands of families across the community.
She finds peace in simple moments around Gilbert, especially at Gilbert Regional Park, where she enjoys time outdoors with her family. Michelle’s work is rooted in one belief: no one is meant to do this alone.
Kayla Kolar -
Kayla Kolar is a nonprofit leader whose work and life are rooted in connection, service, and purpose. With more than 30 years in executive leadership, she currently serves as CEO of House of Refuge, where she is dedicated to helping families rebuild their lives through stability, accountability, and support.
Her journey in Gilbert began in 2005 and quickly turned into a deep commitment to the community. From leading at HD South to actively serving through the Gilbert Chamber and local leadership programs, Kayla has long been invested in preserving the town’s sense of connection while embracing its growth.
She believes leadership is about responsibility, creating environments where people feel empowered and supported. That philosophy carries through her work every day as she helps families rediscover their strength and potential.
Outside of her role, Kayla enjoys long walks, travel, and time with her family, often finding inspiration in both quiet moments and meaningful conversations within the Gilbert community.
Analaura DeVary -
Analaura DeVary is passionate about creating connection and supporting families through life’s most important moments. With a heart for service, her work is inspired by her own experience navigating care for a loved one, which shaped her commitment to helping others feel informed, supported, and never alone.
In Gilbert, she found a strong sense of community through local events and relationships that quickly made the area feel like home. Analaura values simple ways to give back, organizing initiatives that bring people together to support seniors and spread kindness. Outside of her work, she enjoys exploring local favorites, spending time with her family, and finding joy in everyday moments.
Brooke Deanne -
Brooke Deanne is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate whose work is rooted in healing, truth, and transformation. A mother of three, she has rebuilt her life from the ground up and now uses her story to help others feel seen and supported.
Through her memoir Shattered, Broken & Beautiful and her children’s book The Grief Monster, Brooke shares her journey of overcoming trauma and loss while offering hope to others navigating similar experiences. Her work now focuses on helping women heal, rebuild, and step into a more empowered version of themselves.
In Gilbert, she found a strong sense of belonging and community, a place where she could fully show up, grow her businesses, and create meaningful connections.
Carolyn Clegg -
Carolyn Clegg is a longtime Arizona resident whose roots in Gilbert run deep, with her story in the community beginning over three decades ago. A wife, mom, and entrepreneur, she co-founded ZONiE Beverages alongside her husband, bringing their shared vision to life through a product focused on quality, taste, and intentional living.
Her journey is grounded in faith, family, and purpose, shaping both her business and personal life. Carolyn is passionate about giving back, especially when it comes to supporting those experiencing homelessness. She believes in leading with compassion and care, both in her work and within the Gilbert community she has called home for years.
Brittany Hart -
Brittany Hart is a native Arizonan and founder of Communiscape, a communication design and coaching firm rooted in one belief: how we communicate shapes everything. With 15 years of experience in the corporate Salesforce world, her career was shaped by a pivotal moment that revealed just how powerful, and often overlooked, human-centered communication truly is.
That experience led her to build a business focused on helping individuals and organizations communicate with clarity, empathy, and impact. Her philosophy, “Say it Human. Make it Clear. See Results,” guides her work and mission.
In Gilbert, Brittany found connection through Women 360 and appreciates the balance of growth and small-town feel. She also enjoys local gems like the Riparian Preserve, where nature and curiosity come together. Passionate about both nourishment and storytelling, she encourages others to give back, share their experiences, and be part of meaningful, community-driven connections. She is currently writing a book, gathering real stories to inspire deeper, more human communication.
Laura Allred -
Laura Allred is a mother of six, yoga teacher, and founder of the Brightly Living Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women through breast cancer and beyond. A stage 3 breast cancer survivor, her journey reshaped her life and inspired a mission rooted in connection, resilience, and hope.
Through Brightly Living, Laura creates spaces where women can come together, share their stories, and find strength in community. What began as small gatherings in her living room has grown into a meaningful organization offering support groups, retreats, and mental health resources for women navigating some of life’s hardest moments.
In Gilbert, Laura finds beauty in everyday connection, believing that even the smallest interactions can remind us we are not alone. Passionate about movement, mindfulness, and emotional wellness, she encourages others to slow down, stay connected, and remember they are capable of doing hard things. Her work continues to impact countless women and families throughout the community.