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Nevada Women's Forum

We celebrated Women’s History Month by moderating a stellar panel of Nevada’s top leaders to discuss and encourage women in the workplace. Watch this encore presentation.

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Click below for an insightful conversation with Nevada’s premier thought leaders. We will discuss the challenges women face in the workplace. Moderated by Kara Jenkins and Amy Nigro, this hybrid event will inspire and engage participants to celebrate Women’s History Month with knowledge, while giving exclusive access to key industry insiders.

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View Recording HERE

Meet Our Panelist

Patricia

Senator Pat Spearman

Nevada State Senate

Dr. Pat holds several accredited degrees; a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science from the Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA; a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from The Seminary of the Southwest; and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Walden University. Her military education includes Military Police Officer Basic and Advanced Courses; Equal Opportunity Management Institute; Military Public Affairs Officer; Food Advisor and Technical Supervisor course; Nuclear Biological, and Chemical Training Course; Command and General Staff College

Pat is an Ordained Minister, former Pastor, and serves on the Global Social Justice Ministry Team of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. She is also a former part-time lecturer at the University of Louisville and Professor of Military Science at Kentucky State University. Pat served in the U.S. Army for more than two decades and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and her final assignment was at the Pentagon as a member of the Army Operations Center for worldwide missions. Dr. Spearman earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University with an emphasis on Energy Policy. She is serving in her third term as a Nevada State Senator representing North as Vegas Senate District 1 and as Senate President Pro-Tempore .

Her doctoral study, Using Sustainable Development as a Competitive Strategy, provided her the opportunity to gain professional and academic expertise to facilitate improvements in policy development and implementation within the energy industry. Global researchers have read or referenced her Doctoral Study more than 1,000 times and that number is growing. She is also a published author. In 2015, Dr. Pat co-authored “A Call to Action: Military and Civilian Collaboration in Energy Policy Discussions”. The research is Chapter 7 in Volume X of the Refractive Thinker (RT). The RT is a 15-time, award winning, and international peer-reviewed anthology series. She has spoken at several events promoting “Energy Independence, Energy and National Security, and the importance of expanding Renewable and Clean Energy. In 2017, she was one of the featured speakers in the HBO Documentary “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution”. In 2017 she was also invited to be one of the speakers for the 2017 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) C3E Women in Clean Energy Symposium

Pat has also received national recognition for her work including 2018 Solar Champion Award (renewable energy), 2015 Female Veteran of the Year EMG (advocate for military and veterans services), 2018 Visionary Voice Award for her work on behalf of sexual assault and human trafficking survivors (National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). In 2017, Women in the Legislative Lobby (WiLL) selected her to receive their coveted Pacesetter Award for her work on women’s equality issues. Her military honors include Army Staff Badge, Joint Service Accommodation Medal, Army Commendation medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

In 2020, Dr. Spearman was awarded the Charles Dick Medal of Merit during the 142nd Annual General Conference of the National Guard Association of the United States. The award recognizes exemplary support from an elected official (Legislators and Governors) to acknowledge their exceptional contributions to the National Guard. The recipient’s support must have a long-term positive affect on the members and mission of the National Guard. In October of 2020, Senator Spearman received the Equality Leadership Award for her legislative work and unwavering committed leadership to the LGBTQ+ community as an elected official in Nevada

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latoya holman

Latoya Holman

Chief Development Officer,
Public Education Foundation

Latoya was born and raised in Sacramento, California and she is the first in her family to attend college. Encouraged by her parents to pursue multiple talents, Latoya enjoys playing the piano, acoustic guitar, and singing. Her day-to-day life is spirited by the love and joy that she receives from her one-eyed dog, Willa, who was adopted through the Animal Foundation (pictures of one-eyed Willa are available upon request).

Latoya is the Chief Development Officer of the Public Education Foundation where she serves as an ambassador and principal fundraiser for the nonprofit which supports teachers, students, and families of the Clark County School District. She secures resources to support our teachers to reduce the amount of money that they spend out of their own pockets, fundraises for the PEF Scholarship PLUS program which raises $5 million annually towards post-secondary scholarships, and works to gain support financially for the Teacher Pathway Program, which aims to reduce the current teacher shortage which directly impacts the education of our youth. Latoya previously served as the Director of Community Projects & Community Outreach for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Foundation, which fundraises to support the fallen officers fund, provides community safety programs, and works to strengthen the relationship between the community and our police officers. Latoya led and coordinated all marketing and DEI initiatives. Latoya also served as an official media spokesperson for the LVMPD Foundation

Latoya is a founding member of the Human Rights Campaign Las Vegas (HRC). HRC is the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the country with more than 4 million members. Latoya has been serving on the board in numerous capacities for 16 years. She currently serves as a member of the National Board of Directors and is a member of the National Executive committee for HRC, lending her voice as a proud African-American ally, business woman and advocate to the Equality Movement. Latoya was a member of the cultivation committee which helped fundraising efforts for what is now the Robert L. Forbuss LGBT Center. She has also delivered multiple keynote speeches at HRC galas and corporate diversity programs, both locally and across the country. As an extension of her work as a national LGBTQ advocate, Latoya serves as Vice Chair to Jim Obergefell (Supreme Court -Obergefell v. Hodges) for WebQ, which is an organization that represents LGBTQIA+, and allied communities, to cultivate systemic equity in the design of startups, emerging technologies, institutions, and policies

With a passion for civil rights, Holman has worked with Project REAL, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which encourages students to learn more about the importance of the law. She has led presentations and tours for more than 3,000 students, helping them identify career paths for themselves and develop a respect for our justice system. For years, she has been a powerful advocate for arts education in Southern Nevada by serving on the board of Nevada School of the Arts, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides world-class music instruction and a life-changing experience to students of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, Latoya takes pride as a member of the Board of Trustees with Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and works to uplift girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Her service with the GSSNV includes mentoring Sydney Ramenofsky, who went on to become a Gold Star Award recipient, the highest honor possible for a Girl Scout. Latoya believes that her human experience aligns with this Girl Scout Mission and will be a part of her continued life journey. Latoya is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University HBCU which is a part of the Atlanta University Center. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Latoya is a proud lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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Punam mathur

Punam Mathur

Executive Director,
Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation

Punam Mathur, a prominent individual in Nevada, is celebrated for her impactful contributions to education and community development, serving as an inspiring leader and advocate for positive change.

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Hanandi Nadeem

Hanadi Nadeem

Commissioner,
Nevada Equal Rights Commission

A public servant like her mother, Hanadi’s motto in life is grounded in duty to help Nevadans, especially our children. Mrs. Nadeem is an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. As the head of operations of a healthcare business, she leads with both compassion and dedication to assist all of her clients. She has a deep understanding of the need for a stronger and more equitable healthcare system for those that are underinsured or uninsured in Nevada.

In addition to overseeing a thriving business, Mrs. Nadeem is very much involved in her community. She is the past president of APPNA Alliance, an organization aimed at providing medical relief and support to women and children across the world. Under her leadership, she expanded the organization and its mission to local chapters across the United States. She is also the founder of Save God’s Special Children, a non-profit organization devoted to providing educational support to children with special needs. Save God’s Special Children has been providing education to children for over 20 years. In her words, "We must work together to make this world a better place, and we can with dedication."

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Will Rucker

Will Rucker

Community Health Director,
Intermountain Health

A faith leader, nonprofit professional, small-business owner, and ardent voice for equality, Will Rucker sees a real need to bring compassion to community consciousness. Throughout his professional career, Will has been recognized for his talent to communicate with clarity and empathy, which empowers him to forge coalitions among even the most unlikely collaborators.

Will is engaged in local, statewide, and national platforms advancing socio-spiritual transformation efforts in restorative justice, health equity, and humanity first initiatives. Nearly twenty years of experience in leading individuals, teams, and organizations to extraordinary success informs his unique approach to change.

Currently, Will leads the development and expansion of public health programs for a major national nonprofit organization. He also is a board member of several nonprofits, including the Interfaith Council of South Nevada, Community Partners for Better Health, Compassionate Las Vegas, and the Nevada Minority Health and Equity Coalition.

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Welcoming Remarks

Iris

Iris Jones

Cabinet Secretary,
Office of the Governor

Iris Ramos Jones is a first-generation American, originally from Ecuador, with a strong background in hospital administration and real estate.

Making history as the first Ecuadorian to join a Governor’s cabinet in Nevada, Iris was appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo to serve as the Director of the Governor's Office for New Americans. In this role, she is committed to providing support and resources to the newest citizens of Nevada, helping them navigate their way towards success and integration into American society

Iris is a successful Realtor in Las Vegas. She has been honored with the prestigious top "40 under 40" award, a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication in the real estate field.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Iris remains deeply committed to her community. Recognizing her passion for service, the Clark County Commission appointed her to serve as a board member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Citizen Review Board, where she advocates for fairness and accountability.

Iris worked in the administration of the “Hospital Universitario de Guayaquil” for over seven years. She focused on managing different projects, ensuring efficient administration, and maintaining high-quality standards within the hospital. This experience equipped her with valuable skills in organizational managements and instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to serving others.

As a true believer in the American dream. Her journey and achievements demonstrate that with hard work, determination, and resilience, one can overcome challenges and create a fulfilling and prosperous life.

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With Moderators

Kara

KARA JENKINS

Administrator,
Nevada Equal Rights Commission

NERC Administrator Jenkins oversees employment, housing and public accommodation complaints of discrimination relating to race, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, and gender identity or expression for the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. Miss Jenkins earned her law degree at Loyola University School of Law New Orleans and Executive Education Certification from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She also served on the Governor’s Task Force to prevent sexual harassment.

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Amy

Amy Nigro

Outreach & Education Coordinator,
U.S. EEOC

Amy Nigro serves as the Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Las Vegas Local Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Amy is responsible for all community outreach and training for the Las Vegas office, which also includes Hawaii, the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, Wake Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Amy joined the EEOC in 2015 and has held the positions of Senior Federal Investigator and Federal staff Mediator for the Los Angeles District. She was appointed to the position of Outreach & Education Coordinator in Aug 2023. Prior to joining the EEOC, Amy worked in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services for the Department of Homeland Security and spent six years working as an Assistant to the Appeals Director for the Department of Treasury. Amy is also a military veteran, serving 8 years in the United States Air Force, and holds an undergraduate degree in Social Psychology, with a minor in Personnel Administration.

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