Meet the Graduates of Banking on Women Fall 2024

We're here to say a big congrats to our Fall 2024 cohorts of Banking on Women!

Launched in 2010, Banking on Women is an 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 and is offered in both an in-person cohort as well as a virtual cohort. 

Our favorite part? While going through this class our participants often find that they make lifelong connections and friendships with the other ladies in the class and that couldn't be more true with these two groups.
 
These ladies committed 15 weeks of their lives to this program, which entailed weekly three-hour night classes + homework all while juggling running their businesses, families, and beyond. It takes a lot of chutzpah to commit to working on your business and taking it to the next level, so these ladies deserve a huge round of applause! 

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Thank You to the Westminster University Team!

Dr. Richard Haskell, Chelsea Dye, Deborah Marzano, and Charlie Warner.

Without the amazing team at Westminster University, this program would not be what it is today. Program Manager Deborah Marzano is the glue that makes the program work. In addition to teaching the marketing sections of the class, Deborah leads each cohort and coordinates everyone and everything that makes the programs happen. She is also the cheerleader, therapist, and momma bear for all of the women when needed! Thank you for all you do Deborah.
​Additional thanks to Dr. Richard Haskell for teaching the ever-dreaded but necessary financials sections, Professor Chelsea Dye for teaching the accounting sections, and Professor Charlie Warner for her informative intro to entrepreneurship classes. 

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Over A Decade of Impact: Synchrony’s Commitment to Women in Business

VP of Community Dev Alysa Peterson, and Alan Urie Senior Vice President

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.
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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!

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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!

Over the years our role in the program has changed but now we are the proud outreach managers of the program, handling the marketing and community engagement about the program to all corners of the state. We also serve as judges for the Pitch Night where each of the ladies pitch their business to a panel. We are so grateful to be a partner of this program!​

Executive Director Doug Keefe and Program Manager of Training & Outreach Sara Day

Banking on Women Virtual Cohort Graduates

Our virtual Banking on Women cohort is designed to support women across Utah, especially those in rural areas or requiring special accommodations. With classes conveniently hosted on Zoom, we can ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all participants. 

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Amanda Luzzader - Knowledge Forest Press

A.M. Luzzader is a full-time author living in northern Utah who has published 17 books for children including Hannah Saves the World, A Mermaid in Middle Grade, and Arthur Blackwood’s Scary Stories for Kids who like Scary Stories. Learn more at www.amluzzader.com.

Location: Smithfield, Utah

Chelle Wyatt -Hearing Loss Live!

Hearing Loss Live! was founded with a vision to create a more understanding and accessible world for individuals with hearing loss. Inspired by her own journey, Chelle, who began using hearing aids at the age of 23, is passionate about empowering others to explore communication options, such as lip reading, to enhance connection and accessibility in their lives. Learn more at https://hearinglosslive.com

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Rebecca Bird/Wilkey - Mad Moth Fitness

With over 10 years in the fitness industry and working at other gyms with hundreds of clients, Rebecca saw the need for more specialized programming in the gym environment in the Uintah Basin..She is a personal trainer specializing in group classes, customized training, pre/post natal care, injury recovery and more!
Learn more: https://beccapersonaltrain.wixsite.com/madmothfitness​

Location: Vernal, Utah

Serenity Kimball - The CuriosiTea Bookshop

The CuriosiTea Bookshop was started in November of 2023 by Serenity Kimball in response to a long-held dream and a lifetime love of books, but also in response to an uptick in book bans in schools in Utah (and across the nation). Sanpete County's newest bookshop specializes in selling new, used, and vintage books, tea, gifts and more!
​Learn more:  https://curiositeabookshop.com​

Location: Mount Pleasant, Utah

Cynthia Yarinakis - Africa Safari & Tours

Cynthia Yarinakis, the owner of Africa Safari & Tours, carries forward her family’s legacy of organizing unforgettable tours in Tanzania, Zanzibar & South Africa, a tradition spanning decades. With a Master's in Public Health, Cynthia is passionate about creating personalized and meaningful travel experiences. Her company caters to all types of travelers, offering luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly packages to ensure everyone can experience the breathtaking beauty of Africa. New website is launching soon to make planning your adventure even easier!


Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Rachel Ekman - Emergency Management Foundation

The Emergency Management Foundation focuses on educating communities about disaster preparedness and supporting first responders. By integrating preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation into its initiatives, the foundation aims to enhance community resilience. It provides resources to both first responders and the community while collaborating with organizations committed to community well-being. Learn more: https://emergencymanagementfoundation.org​

Location: Brigham City, Utah

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Banking on Women In-Person Cohort 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.

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Jennifer Abendroth - Caffe Torino

Jennifer and her husband Aaron own the below Caffe Torino Cafe in Farmington. Their restaurant is a a charming crêperie offering an impressive menu of 25 different crêpes, ranging from sweet to savory, with several options combining a delightful mix of both. In addition to their crêpes, they serve delicious paninis and a variety of beverages, including both espresso drinks. They also feature a large seasonal menu to keep things fresh and exciting. Guests can enjoy their offerings with the option of outdoor seating.
​Learn more: www.caffetorinoutah.com​

Location: Farmington, Utah

Katie Malan - Katie's Quilting Co

Katie Malan is a passionate lifelong crafter with experience in a variety of crafts, from cross-stitching and knitting to upcycling furniture. She discovered quilting in 2009 and has been creating and designing quilt patterns ever since. In 2021, Katie expanded her craft to edge-to-edge longarm quilting and now offers her quilting services as well fun apparel.
​Learn more: www.katiesquilting.com​

Location: Ogden, Utah

Alisa Bayanduryan - Baby Pearl

Baby Pearl, created by Alisa Bayardryan, is an organic skincare line coming soon for babies. As a mother of two, Alisa was inspired by her son’s eczema to develop gentle, nourishing products. Baby Pearl offers a 2-in-1 foam shampoo and body wash, along with a baby body lotion available in a scented option. Alisa’s products focus on providing safe and effective skincare solutions for young children.
​Learn more:  Website coming soon.​

Location:  Sandy, Utah

Lynsey Mahoskey - Curated Utah

Curated Utah is dedicated to creating a thriving community in Northern Utah where parent entrepreneurs and small business owners can grow their businesses effortlessly while maintaining a balanced, family-first lifestyle. Lynsey focuses on helping parent entrepreneurs attract and convert their perfect-fit clients through simple, time-saving solutions and empowers business owners to achieve success without sacrificing what matters most.​
​Learn more:  www.curatedutah.com​

Location: Ogden, Utah

Carissa Thurman  - Texturs

Texturs is dedicated to supporting the residents of Eagle Mountain by fostering opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. Through Community Classes and Resources, they create meaningful ways to weave connections within individuals and the broader community. Texturs also focuses on uniting Community Spaces with the purpose of uplifting individuals, families, and businesses. By curating shared spaces and facilitating opportunities for their use, they empower creators, businesses, and others to strengthen and elevate the community as a whole. Learn more: https://texturs.co​

Location: Eagle Mountain, Utah

Brynlie (Binnie)Green Morris - BZBEE Planner

Brynlie (Binnie) Green Morris is the founder of BZBEE Planner, created out of her personal experience as a busy, disabled individual and avid planner enthusiast. After years of using various planning tools, she envisioned a single, comprehensive planner that could organize all aspects of life without feeling overwhelming. Inspired by the disability community's "spoon theory," which highlights the importance of managing limited energy, Binnie designed BZBEE Planner to help users conserve energy while finding joy in their plans. Her goal is to create a tool that empowers individuals to focus less on planning and more on doing.​
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Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Zhazira Begaly

Zhazira Begaly, who holds a degree in food technology from her native Kazakhstan, is creating a unique line of canned beverages inspired by her cultural roots. Her products will include traditional compote lemonade, lemonade buratino, and sea buckthorn compote, as well as kefir. These beverages are available through her restaurant, Plov & Borsch, opening soon. Zhazira’s vision brings the flavors of Kazakhstan to a broader audience, and she also has partnerships with SSG Redwood and offers dishes like plov and borsh. Learn more: [email protected]​

Location: Sandy, Utah

Anna Robbins-Ek - Mom Pod Co

 Anna Robbins-Ek is the owner and director of Mom Pod Co, a company dedicated to providing exceptional childcare services. Mom Pod Co centers offer flexible, hourly drop-in play and creative learning experiences designed to nurture and inspire children. Driven by a passion for education, a commitment to childcare advocacy, and a strong support for women in the workplace, Anna leads this endeavor to make a meaningful impact on families and communities. Learn more: www.mompodco.com​

Location: West Valley City, Utah

Alicia Tang Lead - Lab Co

Alicia Tang founded Lead Lab Co to help wellness businesses with lead generation and growth. Through innovative strategies, Alicia inspires her clients to reach new potential. Lead Lab Co offers a comprehensive lead generation package and Alicia provides tailored strategies that drive success. Website coming soon at leadlabco.com.​

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Cesia Dominguez Lopez - Flourishing Futures Coaching

Cesia Rodriguez Lopez is the founder of Flourishing Futures Coaching, a consultancy specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for executives and their teams. As a DEI and somatic coach, Cesia helps leaders develop adaptive emotional intelligence, build trauma-informed practices, and cultivate strong organizational cultures. Her coaching is focused on creating sustainable change within companies, supporting leadership through both personal and professional growth. Flourishing Futures Coaching is launching a website soon to expand its reach and continue helping businesses create inclusive environments.​

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Learn more at www.utahmicroloanfund.org/bankingonwomen because this could be you!