What does Boss Babe mean to GAP!?
We're redefining and reclaiming the term Boss Babe because, truth be told, you can do anything like a boss. To us, a Boss Babe is a woman who moves with passion. She is smart, empathetic, and thoughtful. A Boss Babe is an inventive problem solver, whether she's a beginner or an expert in her field. She's a good leader but also a good teammate. Boss Babes are continuously learning and sharing their knowledge. And let's be clear: you don't need to be the boss to be a Boss Babe.
There are many inspirational Boss Babes who support our GAP! girls, and we want to take a moment to recognize them. These women lead purposeful lives in our community and leave a positive impact. They dedicate their time to organizations like GAP! and help empower young girls along the way. We have complete admiration for these incredible women. They serve as real-world examples of navigating womanhood for our young, impressionable GAP! girls. Our heartfelt thanks go out to these remarkable Boss Babes.
Let Us Introduce you to the ‘Boss Babes’ that support gap!
Cora Ligori
Cora grew up in Western NC within the rich tradition of summer camp. Her passion for youth and the summer camp experience opened the door to move to Jackson. After practicing 15 years as a Dental Hygienist, she accepted the role of Camp Director at Teton Valley Ranch Camp in 2020. She is raising three children alongside her husband and co-director, Jim. Their oldest, Elsie, is a GAP! girl.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
“It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.”
- Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
A true friend is one who wants the other to succeed and be happy without feeling that take away from themselves. They rejoice when their friend rejoices and weeps when they weep. A true friend accepts the other for who they are inside and doesn't love them by halves.
Nacole Hanson
Nacole has spent 24 years in Jackson. Beginning as an office manager at Farm Bureau 21 years ago, she swiftly rose to become a partner in the local branch within 7 years. With her husband, Jake, she cherishes exploring Jackson's adventures with their two boys.
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
Don't worry about all the drama. It's not worth your time. Just keep being you and find friends that love you for that.
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
Caring, friendly, honest, good listener, someone who wants to help lift others up.
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
Encouragement. If you encourage others, you will be encouraged to be your best self.
Adrian Croke
Adrian grew up in New York City, primarily in lower Manhattan, surrounded by creativity and activism. Before landing in Jackson, she bopped from college in St. Paul, Minnesota to the Peace Corps in West Africa. Now, Adrian is the Director of Education and Outreach at Community Safety Network, where she raises awareness of the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, in hopes of ushering in a world free of violence. When she takes a break, she loves to travel, eat and cook food from around the world, be near or in a body of water, or scramble around in the mountains.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
“We have to reeducate ourselves and our children to understand that power and privilege doesn't always have to destroy and take -- it can be used to serve and build. And we have to reeducate ourselves to understand that, unequivocally, every human being has the right to walk through this life with their full humanity intact.” - Tarana Burke
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
You're exactly who you should be, and you will become exactly who you want to become. You are more of a fighter than you realize. And don't worry, as impossible as it seems now, eventually you and your mother will get along.
Heather DeVine
Heather, originally from Richmond, VA, holds a BFA in Kinetic Imaging and Media Studies. With over 16 years of experience in advertising, television, academia, and creative agencies, she has now run her own marketing business, Transcend Ideas, for the past 3 years. Additionally, Heather is the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit, People Spread Love. As a mother and wife, she resides in Victor, Idaho, prioritizing community service and supporting impactful local businesses.
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
The false narrative that "I'm not smart enough" to do anything worth while.
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
Laughter, Kindness, Empathy And Always learning from each other
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
Grace
Jessica Jaubert
As Principal of Three Elephant Public Relations, Jaubert serves as project manager, helping clients to develop winning strategies that incorporate messaging, strategy, design, stakeholder and community engagement. She currently serves on the board of directors of pARTners, Rotary Club of Jackson Hole, Rotary Foundation of JH and St John's Episcopal Church. Originally from the New Orleans region, Jessica moved to Wyoming in 2005 and loves raising her children with her husband in the wide open spaces of the west.
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
Loyalty. I look for loyal friends who will always uphold trust in our relationship, celebrate joys, sit with me in uncomfortable, hard moments and provide me with honest, hard truths when I need them to grow and make better decisions.
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
Your best years will begin the moment you know yourself, trust yourself, love yourself and stop listening to and pleasing the world.
Ashley DiPrisco
Ashley is a leading figure in Jackson Hole's real estate sector, blending local insights with extensive business and real estate knowledge. She's been awarded "Agent of the Year" by Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty in 2019, "Rising Star" in 2021 from the Teton Board of REALTORS®, and a Silver award in the Best of Jackson Hole. Collaborating with her father, Tom Evans, a seasoned broker, Ashley uses her vast network and strategies to help her clients achieve their real estate goals. Her position as President of the Teton Board of REALTORS® and negotiation skills highlight her commitment to ethics and client satisfaction. Her reputation as a trusted advisor in the Jackson Hole real estate market speaks to her dedication and skills.
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
The most important qualities I seek in friends are kindness, humility, and a good sense of humor. Having friends who are compassionate, down-to-earth, and able to share a laugh creates a strong, meaningful connection that enriches my life.
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
I'd advise my middle school self to tune out the "noise" and focus on what truly matters. Do not worry about all the small stuff that seems big at the time. It's really easy to get caught up in things that won't matter later on. Just be yourself, be nice to people, and hang out with friends who make you want to be a better person.
Beth Shidner
Beth Shidner, BSN, RN, NCSN, serves as the dedicated school nurse at Jackson Hole High School, Wyoming. With prior experience in oncology nursing at St. John's Hospital, she's committed to student wellness. Beyond work, Beth enjoys outdoor activities and cherishes time with her family. She actively educates students on vaping dangers, leading the "Lose the Vuse" club, recognized on Good Morning America for aiding students in quitting vaping.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
What someone is saying about you in none of your business.
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
Put down the phone and enjoy life as it comes to you.
Christina Feuz
Christina Feuz, is a natural people person who loves building relationships. She began her career working with two Fortune 100 companies in sales and marketing. In 2003 she moved to Jackson, and got her real estate sales license. This led to her opening Wyoming Title and Escrow where she has led her team as President since 2006. WTE continues to be the industry leader throughout the region insuring properties through the title and escrow process for real estate transactions. Christina has served on the Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area Board of Directors since 2009. In 2017, she received the Golden Hammer Award for her involvement in successfully getting housing projects completed in one of the most financially challenging counties in the nation.
Christina is also the loving mother of four beautiful children and married to a 4 generation Teton County business owner.
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
Integrity, Compassion, Kind-hearted, Truth-speaking and God Fearing
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
God has a perfect plan for your future. Perfect beyond measure more than you can ever dream of. Be confident in who you are....and.... no, your boobs will not stop growing for a few more years, get used to them!
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
When I said yes to marry my husband, I had to lose myself completely. My identity in work, my name as an athlete was always my maiden name, my family, my home, my car, the warm weather of San Diego (my birth place) EVERYTHING. I lost everything I knew as a young woman, and moved to Wyoming. It has taken years to overcome the challenge of recreating ME. And I am still working on it. And I still hate the cold ;-)
Helen Macauley
Originally from Cleveland, OH, Helen moved to Jackson after college and never left. She met her husband, Sean, there, and they now have three teenage daughters. With a passion for interior design and unique objects, Helen opened Lazy H Home, a home decor shop lazyhhomejh.com, last winter. She's thrilled about this new venture and eager to see its evolution. While not an avid skier, Helen enjoys taking her dogs for walks, spending time at Jackson Lake, hot yoga, and pilates. Helen holds a soft spot for the children of the Jackson community, having spent her early years working in various positions at Teton Youth & Family Services, as well as, former VP of the Fund for Public Education.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
You are the greatest project you'll ever work on. Restart. Reset. Refocus. As many times as you need. Just don't give up. - Diego Perez
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
Don't let your self-consciousness get in your way of trying new things or being bold. Put your self out there.
Hailey Morton Levinson
Hailey Morton Levinson, raised in Jackson and a former GAP! Girl, proudly serves as Mayor of Jackson, WY. She is also raising her three children and managing her family’s small bed and breakfast, Inn on the Creek. Hailey is passionate about empowering women to find the courage and confidence to lead.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” - Ruth Bader Ginsberg
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
Girl, keep going!
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
Kindness, fun/silly, empathy, good listener
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
Courage- to me, this means doing things even when you don’t feel ready or might be scared.
Maya Frodeman
Maya Frodeman arrived in Jackson in 2015 after graduating with a degree in Philosophy from Reed College in Portland, Oregon. After working at The Bird, Calico, and the Moose for three years, she became a writer for Tayloe Piggott Gallery in 2018. Working diligently to learn the contemporary art and fine jewelry scene, Frodeman found connections between her education in philosophy, specifically how beauty, ethos, passion, and art come together and make life beautiful. Frodeman continued to push her role at the gallery and was titled Gallery Director in 2020 - working directly under Tayloe Piggott before becoming an owner last year. The gallery, now known as the Maya Frodeman Gallery, along with its sister business, No. 62 Jewelry, is now under the direction of Maya Frodeman as Executive Director and Managing Partner and Alexis Dittmer as Principal Partner.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
“Do not whine...Do not complain. Work harder. Spend more time alone.” -Joan Didion
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
I tell myself daily to "let go". I feel this concept applies to all aspects of life: friendship, work, and family. There is a strong notion of trusting yourself in this that I try my best to stay committed to. Letting go of the old version of yourself to allow the next to come into your world. When something isn't bringing happiness and positivity into your space: let go. All things change and holding on to the past never brings about positive growth and expansion.
Molly Hughes
Molly Hughes has been a professional fundraiser for 30 years. In 2016, she joined the Board of the Hughes Charitable Foundation and in 2018 became its first Executive Director. Today, with her husband, founder Wayne Hughes Jr., this Jackson-based small family foundation is committed to supporting organizations that are directly helping those across the state of Wyoming who need it most. Beyond philanthropy, Molly focuses her time on faith, family, and fitness.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Phil 4:13
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
This too shall pass!
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
Alignment in values
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
Humility
Sarah Beninga
Sarah manages the philanthropy, community outreach, and regional reporting at First Interstate Bank where she has worked for over 11 years. She currently serves as the Board President for Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding and coaches the high school girls’ volleyball club team for Jackson Elite Volleyball. She is a firm believer that courageous female leaders are made on fields, courts and gymnasiums - sports teaches girls to be STRONG and work together to achieve a common goal.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
"There's no substitute for hard work. If you work hard and prepare yourself, you might get beat, but you'll never lose." - Nancy Lieberman
Natalia D. Macker
Natalia D. Macker has served as a Teton County Commissioner since 2015, including as the Chairwoman for four years. Commissioner Macker is focused on securing the economic future of women and advancing equity in the Equality State. This work includes championing gender wage gap efforts at the state and local level, early childhood education and care, helping propose pregnant workers fairness legislation, affordable housing, and supporting prevention infrastructure. She passionately pursues collaborations to advance women’s representation in government and leadership, including as a founding board member of the Wyoming Women’s Action Network and the chairwoman of the Wyoming Council for Women. In addition, Natalia is the Producing Artistic Director of Off Square Theatre Company and the proud mom of three sons.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
"Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you." - Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
Use your voice - even if it shakes!
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
I want to be with friends who allow me to be myself. If I start to feel like I need to hide who I am to fit in, I know that's not a relationship I want to invest in.
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
As taught to me by GAP! girls - Brave not Perfect!
Katie Curry
Katie grew up here in the valley. After many fulfilling years as an intensive care registered nurse, Katie calling became clear: to share her expertise and passion for aesthetic medicine. Katie's journey in healthcare has been a testament to her dedication to the
well-being of others, and this passion has been the driving force behind the creation of Evergreen Aesthetics. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, and snowboarding with her husband, Aaron and daughter, Lily, who is a GAP! girl.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
“If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” Seek out opportunities, even when you are not feeling 100% ready. Find the courage to try hard things, and with that comes confidence and newfound knowledge.
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
I value honesty, loyalty, and a good sense of humor.
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
Middle school is a challenging time of personal growth. It’s a time to get to know who you are and who your friends are. It’s not easy, and it’s not forever!
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
Resilence and courage
Shawn Daus
Shawn moved to Jackson Hole back in 2000. With 20 years of service at JHMR, she obtained a lifetime ski pass and ventured to establish her boutique group management and event planning company. Before relocating to Jackson Hole, she obtained a law degree and remains a licensed attorney.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
If you have to choose between being kind and being right, choose being kind and and you'll always be right.
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
This too shall pass
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
honesty, integrity and fun!!!
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
Integrity
Amy Vignaroli
Amy moved to Jackson from Michigan in 1996. She and her husband Bob have a 7th-grade daughter, Violet, along with three dogs and a kitty. Amy owns Teton Tails pet supply store and has been in business for 22 years. She enjoys giving back to her community by supporting local animal welfare groups and coaching track at JHMS. Amy finds joy in running, hiking, and cross-country skiing with their pups in the beautiful valley.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”
- Henry Ford
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
Kindness, humor & thoughtfulness.
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
It only gets better!
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Running a retail business and being a Mom during COVID.
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
Empowerment
Tori Parker
Founder Tori Parker is infinitely committed to Teton Lunch Counter & is fueled by her love for the environment, food and a sense of grounding community. Tori holds a Master's in Mechanical Engineering and boasts 7 years of expertise in commercial Net-Zero builds, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Sustainability within the built environment. Eager to start a new career, she took a hard left turn and became a business woman in Jackson! Tori is well-equipped with chef skills from international experiences & most recently Chez Panisse, in Berkeley California & plans to open 2 additional community & sustainability focused restaurants in the coming years.
What's your favorite inspirational quote?
“ Go where you’re celebrated not where you’re tolerated.”
What would your present self tell your middle school self?
You’ve got an abundant amount of opportunities ahead, and you can have and achieve whatever you want!
What are the most important qualities I look for in friends?
Commitment to encourage growth, allow for forgiveness and prioritize inclusion.
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Being slower to learn athletic sports in an athletic-driven town.
Being intimidating to others by having a very bold personality.
Not having parents.
Having to work harder than my peers who have more financial support, especially men.
What Power Word is most meaningful to you or resonates with your leadership journey?
Solution