FOUR CORNERS PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S SUMMIT SPEAKERS
The Four Corners Professional Women's Summit proudly features a lineup of local and internationally known speakers. Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective and a wealth of expertise covering a wide range of topics designed to enhance both professional and personal growth. These thought-provoking speakers will leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and empowered.
2024 Speaker Lineup
The Four Corners Professional Women's Summit Planning Committee is pleased to announce this year's keynote and closing speakers.
Morning Keynote Speaker
Peggy Vasquez
Peggy is an inspirational speaker, a best-selling author, and an empowerment coach with a background as a chief executive assistant. Her professional journey began at the receptionist desk, evolving over time into a leadership role that helped unveil her deep seated ambition. A pivotal moment occurred at her first conference, where an inspiring keynote speaker not only reshaped her aspirations but also clearly defined the steps necessary to achieve them. Known internationally for her inspirational keynotes, Peggy is the real deal; she’s "been there, done that." With her gift for engaging audiences, Peggy vulnerably shares the successes and setbacks from her extensive career as an administrative professional and an entrepreneur. Her best-selling books, "NOT Just An Admin!" and "Mean Girl No More," along with her latest project, "The Roadmap to Empowering You"—a journal, planner, and career guide all rolled into one—reflect her journey and the practical insights she's gained. Her passion and personal mission to “empower others to succeed” shines through in every interaction. Through her keynotes and workshops delivered globally, Peggy equips her audience with the tools necessary for enhancing collaboration, boosting morale and productivity, improving leadership presence and communication, and recognizing their value within their organizations. Whether you are aiming to excel in your current role or seeking new opportunities, Peggy is here to boost your confidence and teach you how to overcome self-doubt. With the right guidance and tools, she believes anyone can achieve their aspirations. Career Highlights: •Former President of Women Helping Women •Certified Leadership Trainer •Recipient of the Athena Leadership Award (2020) •Recipient of the Women of Distinction Award (2021) •Recipient of the I am Women Helping Women Award (2023) Peggy’s commitment extends beyond her professional achievements. She maintains a loving marriage of over 30 years, has raised four children, and cherishes time spent with her grandchildren. Achieving a harmonious balance between her personal and professional life is what Peggy considers her greatest success.
Afternoon Keynote Speaker
Sheree Jones
Sheree is a woman who believes that your greatest pain can become your greatest power. Growing up in poverty and a home filled with alcohol, domestic, and drug abuse, Sheree struggled with her self-confidence, self-esteem, intrinsic value, and worth. At 17 she was pregnant, a high school dropout and her life was in an out-of-control cycle. For three years she survived a domestic abuse relationship before having her “superpower” moment. She realized she had the power to take back her story and control her narrative. After living as a single mother for three years, she met and married her incredible husband. Sheree went back to college, obtained her nursing degree, a master's in project management and is currently in a doctoral program to help executives solve high-level problems. Sheree knows what it takes to set goals, achieve them and how to keep showing up even when it hurts. She guides women to silence the internal narrative; the imposter voice that says, "You're not good enough." She has been featured on the Tough Mom Podcast, The Meaning Project with clinical therapist Dr. Daniel Franz, and The Resilience Podcast and as a featured speaker at other events. Through her life experiences, she has learned that our mindset is the only thing stopping many of us from achieving our dreams. Sheree loves spending her time with her husband of 23 years, her children, cultivating meaningful relationships, and developing herself into the woman she was always meant to be.
Closing Speaker
Bev Taylor
Bev Taylor is a professional artist and dedicated art instructor based in Farmington, New Mexico. With a career spanning several decades, Bev's major works can be seen in prominent locations such as the San Juan College Library and School of Energy, Farmington Regional Animal Shelter, Farmington Public Library, Merrion Oil and Gas Company, First Methodist Church, Pinon Hills Family Practice, Totah Theater, and the Unitarian Church in Durango, CO. Her art also graces numerous private collections. In 1999, Bev, alongside her daughter Tara Taylor, opened Artifacts 302 in historic downtown Farmington. This gallery showcases the works of 40 local artists and houses The Studio Bake Shoppe, a bakery and espresso bar launched in 2015. As a private art instructor at Artifacts 302, Bev teaches drawing, watercolor, acrylics, calligraphy, collage, and journaling to students of all ages. She also has experience as an adjunct art instructor at San Juan College, where she taught calligraphy, watercolor, art orientation, and two-dimensional design. Bev's commitment to the arts extends beyond her personal endeavors. She serves on the San Juan College Board of Trustees and the San Juan College Foundation Board. Her community involvement includes membership in the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, the Art in the Heart/Downtown Sculpture Committee, the Art in the Alley Committee/Downtown Farmington, and the San Juan Symphony Board. Bev was also appointed to the Museum of New Mexico Board of Regents by former Governor Bill Richardson, serving from 2007 to 2017. Additionally, she is involved with the Farmington Civic Center Foundation for the Performing Arts Board, the Northwest New Mexico Arts Council, and the River Reach Foundation. Bev earned her BA in Art History from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque in 1971. Beyond her passion for art, Bev loves cooking and is an avid world traveler, having visited over 25 countries and creating a journal after each travel experience. She is a lifelong resident of Farmington, married for 55 years to Tom Taylor, a former Farmington Mayor and NM State Representative. Bev is the proud mother of four children and grandmother of six, and she enjoys the companionship of her dog, Chief the Magnificent.
Financial Health & Wellness Panel
Perla Wahoske
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and over 17 years of experience in banking, Perla Wahoske is a branch manager at Washington Federal Bank. Being born in the Dominican Republic, she experienced poverty and overcame multiple adversities throughout her life. Now a U.S. citizen, Perla uses her story to inspire perseverance in others and advocate for financial literacy in women and young girls. Perla is an active member of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, San Juan County Board of Realtors Alliance, Kiwanis Rio Del Sol, MASADA House Board, Diversity & Inclusion Council member at Washington Federal Bank, a Leadership San Juan 2023 graduate, and most recently your Mrs. New Mexico America 2023. She enjoys skiing, fishing, frequenting local markets with her husband, Dr. Max Wahoske, and curling up with her fur babies Jasper and Pretty Girl. Perla is excited for the opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the community and lead through inspiration.
Nicci Unsicker
Nicci Unsicker, a practicing attorney for 15 years, owns the Unsicker Law Firm, P.C. The Unsicker Law Firm opened its doors in downtown Farmington in May of 2019 and joined the Farmington Chamber of Commerce shortly after. Nicci practices a wide range of areas of law, including family law, probate/estate planning, elder law, Native American law, business formation, and personal injury law. She’s licensed to practice law in New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla/Apache Nation, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Nicci loves working closely with her clients to find the unique solutions they need in each case, inside or outside of the courtroom. She believes she lives in “Adventure Land” and adores the Four Corners area. Nicci and her family moved here in 2016. She loves all the outdoor activities and finding the unique small businesses in our region. Nicci has loved serving on the Farmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and having a way to support small businesses beyond shopping locally. Nicci wants to see this community thrive and has joined several boards since moving to the area. She currently serves on the Aztec Boys and Girls Club Board, the Mosaic School Governance Board, and the San Juan Medical Foundation Board.
Alli Bird Davis
Alli moved to Farmington with her family (Scott, Shanna, and David Bird) as a first grader and basically decided at that time she would make Farmington her forever home. After attending Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, and graduating Magna Cum Laude with a double major in finance and accounting, she quickly made her way back to New Mexico. In 2009, Alli earned her Master of Accountancy from the University of New Mexico, married her Piedra Vista High School classmate, Shay Davis, and became a CPA. Alli started her career in Albuquerque as an auditor with Grant Thornton, which merged with Moss Adams. Shay and Alli moved back to Farmington in 2012 to be close to their families, and she joined the firm Chandler & Company. As she started a family, she made the decision to exit public accounting and join the Land Department at Merrion Oil & Gas in 2014. About three years ago, after missing the day-to-day thrill of accounting (truly!), Alli started her own part-time business, A. Bird D. CPA, LLC. Alli resigned from Merrion Oil & Gas in May 2024 and made her accounting business her primary career focus. Alli and Shay also enjoy running their business, Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt, which they’ve owned for almost seven years. Alli has served on several nonprofit boards and is currently the treasurer of San Juan Medical Foundation board. Shay and Alli have two children, Emerie (10) and Brecken (8), and a fun doodle, Maple. They enjoy traveling, biking, skiing, running, camping, and home projects and consider themselves blessed to call Farmington their home.
Carmen Martinez
Carmen Martinez is the director of the San Juan College Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She joined the SBDC in March 2000 and assists people who want to start a new business, keep an existing business profitable, or purchase a business. Carmen’s background is in banking and financial analysis. She’s a certified economic development finance professional (EDFP) through the National Development Council. The Small Business Administration New Mexico District office awarded her as Women in Business Champion of the Year in 2018. Carmen loves working with business owners in all industries to help them improve their businesses and the economy of San Juan County.
Sheila Matthews
Sheila Mathews is president and chief executive officer of Four Corners Community Bank (FCCB). She is a founder and organizer of the financial institution, which opened in 2000. Mathews is a member of the board of directors, which oversees and directs all aspects of the bank. She helps shape Four Corners Community Bank's strategic direction and oversees its growth, profitability, investments, regulatory compliance, and ethical behavior in all business conduct. FCCB has assets of $500M with six locations, four in New Mexico and two in Colorado.
Ideas Into Actions Couch Conversation
Sonnie Rodriguez
Sonseeahray Begay- Rodriquez (Sonnie) was born in Ogden Utah a little town near Salt Lake City. She was born into a broken home filled with substance abuse and domestic violence. At the age of 5, she was loaded in the back of a car with her older sister and started on the long drive through the heart of Utah and south toward New Mexico. The final destination was a children’s home in Farmington, NM. For the next 12 years, she spent her time in foster care, struggling to find where she belonged. Sonnie was told throughout her childhood and young adulthood, “You can’t do anything right, or you're nothing.” She began to believe that graduating high school might be an unrealistic goal for her. If she did graduate, it would be all she would do. Every time she heard that it made her want to work harder. Sonnie has been asked to speak to many foster children on their way to age out of the system and was the keynote speaker to the graduating class of 2022 at Career Prep Alternative High School about potential, planning, and acceptance. Most recently she was a session speaker at a National Association for Public Defense about the importance of telling people's stories. Today, Sonnie is a college graduate with an associate’s degree in human services, a bachelor’s degree, and a master's degree in social work, and is certified in criminal defense mitigation. She began her career nearly 10 years ago with the Children Youth and Families Department in permanency and in-home services. Sonnie currently works in the Social Work Unit with the 11th District Public Defender’s office, serving McKinley and San Juan County. She assists attorneys representing clients faced with criminal charges in New Mexico through the development of plans for addressing life situations that, if mitigated, may improve a person's opportunity for positive outcomes and provide alternatives to incarceration and sentencing through the criminal justice system. Sonnie volunteers her time to share and influence her community to understand systemic oppression and cultural humility correlated with the criminal justice system, mass incarceration, and the lack of resources. She loves encouraging people to reach their potential despite what others may say or where they came from. Her favorite quote to live by is Maya Angelou’s, “Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better.”
Jessica Culpepper
Jessica Culpepper is a strategic leader and engineering professional with over 15 years in defense contracting, as well as a small business owner of Bars and Jars Soap Company, founded in 2022. Jessica has grown a career in a largely male-dominated industry by influencing change and asking, “Why?” She defines her success through taking action, advocacy, and mentorship to achieve the greatest impact. Jessica is originally from Farmington and is currently based in Tucson, AZ. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. She also balances her professional life as a wife to Eric Winstead and dog-mom to Firefly.
Heather Gomez
Heather C. Gomez is the tribal content developer for the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), bringing a rich background in multimedia, social media, and journalism. Previously, Heather excelled as a communications specialist with Tribal Tech and served as the editor of the Jicarilla Chieftain newspaper. She also contributes as a digital editor for NPR’s NextGenRadio Indigenous project. Heather holds an Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media & Art Design and pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in Advertising and Marketing at the University of Visual Arts. Heather is the owner of Big D Flooring LLC, a flooring installation business she and her partner have grown in the rural areas of northwestern New Mexico. She is also a proud owner of the Dulce Base Tipi, which she hosts on Airbnb and Hipcamp in Dulce, New Mexico. She expanded the tipi business by adding two tipis to her family property in 2024. Heather furthered her expertise by earning a professional certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism from George Washington University. She is actively involved as a tribal liaison for the New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program at the University of New Mexico’s Rainforest Innovations, where she mentors and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs. Heather’s passion lies in advancing the Native tourism industry, and she is dedicated to fostering growth and opportunities within this sector.
Some of Our Past Speakers Have Included
Barbara Tedrow
A Gold Star Academy
Mary Bono
Shawna Becenti
Navajo Preparatory School
Shellie Whitfield
Shana Reeves
City of Farmington