Meet the Fall 2025 Grads of Banking on Women!

11/12/2025

We're here to say a big congrats to our Fall 2025 Graduates!

Launched in 2010, Banking on Women is our entrepreneurship program for women in Utah who are looking to start or grow their own business. The curriculum covers all aspects of running a small business including business planning, market research, marketing, financial management, growth, and leadership. The program is offered in both an in-person cohort as well as a virtual cohort designed specifically for women in rural areas.

Our favorite part? While going through this class, participants often find lifelong connections and friendships with the other women, and that could not be more true with these two groups. These ladies committed 15 weeks of their lives to this program, which included weekly three hour evening classes plus homework, all while juggling businesses, families, and every other responsibility on their plates. It takes a lot of grit to commit to working on your business and taking it to the next level, so these ladies deserve a huge round of applause.

Banking on Women is made possible through our education partnership with Westminster University, and we are grateful for their continued leadership and support. Synchrony also plays a key role in making this program possible through their generous sponsorship and commitment to women entrepreneurs across Utah.

This program is offered each spring and fall. Anyone interested in applying can learn more at www.utahmicroloanfund.org/bankingonwomen. Without further ado, let’s meet our graduates and celebrate the incredible businesses they are building!

Rural Virtual Graduates

Our virtual Banking on Women cohort is designed to support women across Utah, especially those in rural areas or requiring special accommodations. We are always excited to see our cohorts come together with women from all over the state!

Karry Deter
Deeter Accounting/ Financially Empowered Female

Financially Empowered Female, developed under Deeter Accounting, helps women entrepreneurs gain confidence and control over their business finances through approachable, hands-on education. They offer workshops, memberships, and coaching focused on practical financial skills, accountability, and strategic growth. Rooted in real-world experience, their mission is to make financial education accessible and empowering for women at every stage of business.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.financiallyempoweredfemale.com
Phone: 435-260-0730

Darci Alston
The Mindful Collective

The Mindful Collective is a mental health practice built to support both clients and providers. For providers, The Mindful Collective offers a flexible and community-oriented workspace that prioritizes independence and collaboration. Shared offices provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional practice settings, with full-time and part-time options available. The collective handles the operations and amenities so providers can focus on what they do best: caring for their clients.

Website: www.themindfulcollectiveutah.com
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1102 W 60 S, Suite 6, Tooele, UT 84074

Amy Ostermiller
HSA Home Medical

HSA Home Medical provides high-quality medical equipment and supplies designed to improve comfort, independence, and quality of life at home. Serving individuals and caregivers throughout Utah, the company offers personalized support and reliable products to meet a wide range of health and mobility needs. With a focus on exceptional service and compassionate care, HSA Home Medical ensures every client receives the right equipment, education, and ongoing assistance to feel confident and supported.

Website: www.hsahomemed.com
Instagram: @HSAHomeMedical
Facebook: HSA Home Medical

Candice Whipple
Lyran Sky Ventures/Success Imaging

Candice is the founder and CEO of Lyran Sky Ventures, an education, media, and coaching company dedicated to integrating technology, consciousness, and human potential. Her work blends intuitive development with evidence-based tools to help individuals and organizations grow, innovate, and improve their overall well-being. Through multiple brands under the Lyran Sky umbrella, Candice offers coaching, courses, retreats, podcasts, and success imagery resources designed to support people on their personal and professional journeys.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.successimagery.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/candice-whipplesuccessimagery

In-Person Graduates

Our in-person Banking on Women cohort is tailored for women residing in Salt Lake and the surrounding counties, offering an engaging classroom experience at Westminster University in Sugar House.

Ana Cuéllar Márquez
Ana Cuéllar: Your Trusted Advisor

Ana Cuéllar is an insurance and financial advisor helping families and professionals protect their health, retirement, and future. With over two decades of experience, she offers domestic and international life insurance, mentorship programs for new agents, and digital tools to support sustainable success in the insurance industry.

Contact:

[email protected]
801-810-5194
Instagram: @anacuellartuasesora

Pam Mares
Thanks for Giving

Thanks for Giving is a volunteer-powered nonprofit in Salt Lake City that provides full Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Started 14 years ago as a family tradition, it has grown to serve more than 100 families each year across Utah and California. Pam leads the effort with a focus on feeding families, fostering connection, and building community.

Contact:

[email protected]

801-680-9478
msha.ke/thanksforgiving.com
Venmo: @thanks4giving28

Camille Thorpe
Vonda's Quilt Frames

Camille Thorpe is the owner of Vonda’s Quilt Frames, a business dedicated to creating high-quality, handcrafted quilt frames that support quilters in bringing their projects to life. Her frames are designed with durability, comfort, and ease of use in mind, making quilting more enjoyable for both beginners and experienced makers. Camille’s thoughtful craftsmanship fills a real need in the quilting community and reflects her commitment to helping others pursue their creativity with confidence.

Contact:

Website: www.vondasquiltframes.com
FB: www.facebook.com/vondasquiltframes
Insta: www.instagram.com/vondas.quilt.frames

Vanessa Rios
Vlaz Construction

Vanessa Rios is the owner of Vlaz Construction, a company that specializes in drywall installation, texturing, painting, and coating finishes. She brings skill, reliability, and a strong commitment to getting the job done right, working closely with both homeowners and contractors. Vanessa’s attention to detail and steady communication help clients feel confident throughout every step of the process.

Contact:

Website: www.vlazconstruction.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/vlaz.construction
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555029278285

Rainey Parker
Sunshine After the Rain

Rainey Parker is the founder of Sunshine After The Rain, a coaching practice dedicated to helping individuals navigate personal growth, confidence building, and life transitions. Through supportive guidance and a strengths-based approach, Rainey helps clients gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and create positive forward momentum. Her work is grounded in compassion and empowerment, offering clients a safe space to reflect, grow, and move toward the life they want.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coachraineyparker
Insta: www.instagram.com/sunshineafterthe_rain
Podcast Feature: https://rebrand.ly/a14fd8

Jeanette Langston
Benita Jean Murals

Jeanette Langston is the artist behind Benita Jean Murals, where she creates vibrant, expressive mural work that brings life, color, and personality to homes and businesses. Her art is rooted in storytelling and connection, and she works closely with clients to transform blank walls into meaningful, beautifully crafted pieces. Jeanette’s style blends creativity with intention, making each mural a unique reflection of the people and spaces she serves.

Contact:

Nelly Coromoto Arandia Garcia
Nelly Arandia Official

Nelly Arandia is the creator behind a premium shapewear brand focused on helping women feel confident, supported, and comfortable in their own skin. Her products are designed with intention and quality in mind, offering solutions that enhance both everyday wear and special occasions. Nelly’s work centers on empowerment and body confidence, creating a space where women can feel seen, celebrated, and uplifted.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]
Linktree: linktr.ee/Nelly.arandiaofficial
Insta: instagram.com/nellyarandiaofficial

Michelane Challenger
Bayside Events

Michelane Challenger is the owner of Bayside Events, a company dedicated to crafting seamless, meaningful, and stress free events that exceed client expectations. Her mission is reflected in every detail, from planning and coordination to catering and equipment rental. Michelane offers a full suite of services, including wedding and event planning, professional catering, rental equipment, and day-of coordination. She brings calm, organization, and creativity to each gathering, helping clients enjoy their celebrations while she manages the logistics behind the scenes.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]
Website and social TBD

Sheree Vigil
Smile Gorgeous

Sheree Vigil is preparing to launch Smile Gorgeous LLC, a mobile teeth whitening service designed to bring accessible and affordable treatments directly to clients. Her goal is to help people feel more confident in their smile by offering convenient, professional whitening services in a comfortable and personalized setting. Sheree’s passion for beauty and client care is at the heart of her new venture as she gets ready to bring Smile Gorgeous to the community.
Contact:

Email: [email protected]
Business Email: [email protected]
Phone: 801-739-4331

Vy Ho
V for Veggies

Vy Ho is the founder of V for Veggies, a mission-driven urban agriculture project that grows culturally specific plant starts for Utah’s diverse communities. As a social worker and agricultural educator, Vy combines her passion for community building with hands-on teaching that helps people learn how to grow their own food and stay connected to the ingredients that matter to them. She will offer plant starts for fruits, herbs, veggies, and flowers that reflect a wide range of global food traditions, giving families access to culturally meaningful varieties that are often hard to find locally. Vy’s long-term goal is to cultivate spaces where food, community, and personal growth all thrive together.

Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: www.instagram.com/vyforveggies

Efi Neofitos
The Big M/Utah Pipe Doc

Efi Neofitos is part of The Big M/Utah Pipe Doc, a mission-driven team that views the underground systems of a property as its essential organs that keep a home functioning. Efi specializes in helping property owners understand and navigate diagnostics, education, and full-site restoration after water and sewer failures.

She believes every Utah family deserves trustworthy guidance and quality restoration that leaves no trace behind. Through her outreach and community education efforts, Efi is helping promote long-term property health and safety across Utah.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Big M Plumbing & Excavating

Thank You to the Westminster University Team

We’re so grateful for our incredible partners at Westminster University who make this program possible. A special thank-you to Program Manager Deborah Marzano, who leads each cohort, teaches marketing, coordinates every detail, and supports our participants every step of the way.

We also thank Dr. Richard Haskell for teaching financials, Professor Chelsea Dye for accounting, and Professor Charlie Warner for her inspiring entrepreneurship classes. We couldn’t do this without you!

Left to right: Richard Haskell, Chelsea Dye, Deborah Marzano, Charlie Warner

Made by Possible by Synchrony

Alan Urie Senior Vice President

VP of Community Development Alysa Peterson

Since 2010, Synchrony has been an invaluable financial partner of our program, recognizing the vision of empowering women business owners in Utah to thrive. Thanks to their unwavering support, over 25 cohorts have successfully graduated, creating a lasting impact on our entrepreneurial community. Their commitment to fostering success and building meaningful relationships has been instrumental in shaping the program and its participants. Thanks to Synchrony this program is offered via scholarship to each of the participants.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Synchrony for their exceptional dedication to supporting women in business. This program would not exist without your vision and continued partnership!

Not to Toot our Own Horn...

Utah Microloan has been a partner of Banking on Women since the very beginning. As a non-profit microlender and Community Development Financial Institution, we are dedicated to make the dreams of small business owners a reality, with a focus on underserved communities across Utah. Growing women business owners has always been a top priority for the UMLF and last year 60% of our loans went to female founders!

Executive Director - Doug Keefe

Program Manager of Training and Outreach - Sara Day

Congrats ladies!

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