This month, we honor the women who seem to do it all. Read on to learn about four local ladies who are making their mark.
Stacey Rouse and Vanessa Garcia, partners and co-founders of Performant Scout
Longtime colleagues and friends Vanessa Garcia and Stacey Rouse are doing their part to help with the ongoing supply chain issues by making sure that employers in the professional services industries (including food services) have access to the best staff possible. They do this through their business, Performant Scout, a boutique executive search firm.
The dynamic duo founded Performant Scout in 2015.
“Looking back at the trials and tribulations of that first year, it was a humbling experience becoming a new mom and launching a company at the same time,” says Garcia. “I’ve started to embrace others’ acknowledgment that I truly did have two babies that year, and it brings such a unique sense of accomplishment.”
Since then, Performant Scout has grown to an all-woman team of talented professionals who help staff top companies.
“I know we feel a similar sense of accomplishment as professional women at a time where we are both navigating so many roles in life,” Rouse says.
“Stacey and I care deeply about what we do every day,” Garcia adds. “We care about each other, our team, our clients, and our candidates.”
Christina Spicer, Co-CEO of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
Christina Spicer is co-CEO of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC), named to the position after serving as interim co-CEO since 2021. She has been a tireless leader in the nonprofit sector for two decades.
“My passion truly comes from my upbringing,” Spicer says. “It is my purpose to be able to serve girls and women in this community. As a mom of two, I pray that there are incredible organizations that my kids are part of that will allow them to know that it's not just their family that loves them but a community that loves them.”
With GSACPC since 2014, Spicer is passionate about her work and has helped raise millions of dollars for the nonprofit.
“Girl Scouts is the mothership,” she says. “It is all the incredible opportunities to watch girls discover self, connect with others, take action in their communities, watch them develop confidence, and be surrounded by a sisterhood that will allow them to feel a sense of belonging.”
She adds that the number one piece of advice she would give to working moms is to have time to truly enjoy their kids.
“There is so much in the day-to-day logistics to check off the list of ensuring they're cared for, but our kids can bring so much joy into our lives that create laughter, fun, and amazement,” Spicer explains. “So in the busyness of life, take time to find those incredible moments of joy and let that hit your soul because it's pretty spectacular when that happens.”
Sydney Goldstein, owner of Sydney G Salon
“I have been in the beauty business for over 20 years. I love the people I meet every day, and most of all I love the close connection that I have with most of my clients,” says Sydney Goldstein, owner of Sydney G Salon. “I love to make someone feel at ease and learn to let go and feel beautiful from the inside out.”
Goldstein began in the beauty business in Los Angeles, working in the entertainment industry. She moved to the Phoenix area for a quieter life and to raise a family. Once here, she trained and specialized first in eyelash extensions and perfected her must-see makeup artistry.
“I had always rented a small space in salons around the neighborhood, but it was never mine,” she explains. “I wanted to do what I had envisioned.”
Once a space opened, however, she swooped in and founded Sydney G Salon, which offers not only makeup but also hair services, and retail items such as top-of-the-line beauty products and clothing.
“I enjoy connecting people to each other,” Goldstein says. “I feel I have introduced people to their best friends in the salon. The salon is a very safe space to come in and just relax and laugh. Even if you don’t have an appointment, we like when people just pop in to say hi.”
In addition to creating a welcoming space at Sydney G Salon, Goldstein also supports the local community through donation baskets to various charities.
Overall, she emphasizes the vibe that Sydney G Salon is a place for all local women.
“Coming to the salon feels like you are getting ready at your best friend’s place with all your friends,” she says. “Everyone is welcome and there’s no intimidating vibe.”
“It is my purpose to be able to serve girls and women in this community."