Women’s Networking Events in Durango: About PWN
Our mission: We create an environment where female identifying people can connect, grow, and inspire each other to reach new levels of success. We elevate and empower the women in Durango to do remarkable things and exceed their goals.
Furthermore, the Professional Women’s Network of Durango celebrates women and the accomplishments of women. Through collaboration and storytelling, we make a stand for women’s voices to be heard and to reflect on the progress women have made throughout history, honoring the courageous steps taken to create positive change in the world and discuss the changes that still need to be made.
WHY?
We have seen that PWN of Durango helps women improve their confidence and self-esteem when it comes to meeting other like-minded women. Women more readily share and celebrate small victories in both personal and professional areas in female-only environments. Creating a deep connection and inspires growth. Most importantly, PWN cultivates hope and determination. That’s why we facilitate and host women’s networking events for our members and interested female professionals on a regular basis.
MONTHLY EVENTS
Join us as we host our Inspirational Speakers, Workshops, Community Building events, Book Club, and other Networking events that support local professional women.
-Monthly Board Meetings occur on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 10-noon.
-Monthly Networking and community building events vary.
-Monthly Book Club occurs on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30pm.
RESOURCES
Becoming a member provides you with an exclusive database of companies and individuals to help you with any need, access to exclusive monthly women’s networking events, a place to share and gain knowledge, and a place to grow as a professional woman, and network in our rural community.
Meet the PWN Board and Ambassadors
We are an all-volunteer run organization. Our board members consist of entrepreneurs, executives, new professionals, mothers, students, and more. We are committed to promoting volunteerism, providing regular women’s networking events, and building a strong community of women – together. Collectively, our board members and volunteers put in hundreds of hours a year to support our mission and the community.
Are you in search of a strong community of women, looking to push yourself professionally, and want to empower other women in the area? Join us to connect with local women on a deeper level and join our team! We’d love to chat over tea.
PWN Board Members and Ambassadors
Alexis Krisay - Board member
Vice-President
Alexis Krisay, the visionary founder of Serendipit, a premier creative and brand agency, and VAMPED, a platform that trains and coaches Virtual Assistants to become strategic, marketing-driven experts.
With over 20 years of experience in marketing and branding, Alexis has helped launch major brands like Orangetheory Fitness in Arizona, led award-winning campaigns for multi-billion-dollar real estate portfolios, and built over 100 bold, high-growth wellness brands
Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs inspired the creation of VAMPED - born from decades of working alongside business owners who needed skilled, marketing-savvy support to grow sustainably and reclaim their time.
Jessica Stockton - Board Member
President
Jessica Stockton is a military veteran, spirited lifelong learner and community-minded adventurer based in Mancos, Colorado.
She and her husband enjoy the rhythm of empty-nester life in their cozy home riding dirt bikes and 4 wheeling in woods. Originally part of a
bustling family of five, she now cheers on two children proudly serving in the military and another living his best life, while staying
connected to her roots with parents still living nearby Durango.
Jessica is driven by curiosity, compassion, knowledge, and creativity. Juggling two jobs with energy and heart, she also
devotes time to a variety of volunteer efforts. She’s an active member of the Professional Women’s Network
of Durango, the 4 Corners Rifle and Pistol Club, Women at The Range, Cortez VFW, and the lively, dance-driven
Shimmy Mob.
In her spare time, Jessica nurtures her artistic side through hands-on crafting—working with resin, paint, and
yarn to bring vibrant creations to life. A lifelong animal lover and someone who thrives on new experiences,
she brings enthusiasm, empathy, and a dash of adventure to everything she does.
Mikaylla Brown - Board Treasurer
Treasurer
Mikaylla was born and raised on the Western Slope of Colorado. Colorado is the only home she has ever known. She spends her free time rock hounding in the San Juan Mountains and Northern New Mexico with her fiancé and step-son. She graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2017 and began working at Bank of the San Juans the same year. She worked her way from a teller to branch manager within 5 years. Through her banking career she has developed a passion serving local businesses and being involved in her community. As the treasurer of PWN she plans to grow professionally while helping and supporting other women in the Durango area.
Jessica Jennings - Board Member
Events Coordinator
I've called Durango home since the mid-90s and love being part of this community. My husband and I have two amazing sons and a beautiful granddaughter, and we spend our summers enjoying time on the water with our pontoon boat. I’ve worked at Vectra Bank since 2015 and currently serve as a Branch Service Manager.
I’m passionate about bringing people together, which is why I’m involved in event coordination—creating spaces where connection, joy, and community can thrive is incredibly meaningful to me. I’ve been a Shimmy Mobster since 2017 and have proudly led the Durango Shimmy Mob team since 2021. I also support Community Connections through the Festival of Trees and enjoy finding meaningful ways to give back.
Christina Uptain- Board Member
Secretary
Christina Uptain is a veteran and advocate for empowering individuals and families to achieve their dreams and secure their futures. A proud alumnus of both the University of New Mexico and the University of Montana, Chris holds two bachelor’s degrees and brings a strong academic foundation to their work.
Guided by the principle of “No Family Left Behind,” Christina Uptain is passionate about meeting people where they are, listening to their aspirations, and helping them create actionable plans to achieve their goals. This philosophy reflects their deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others and empowering individuals to turn their dreams into reality.
As a veteran, Christina Uptain carries the values of discipline, resilience, and service—qualities that continue to shape their approach to helping others. In addition to their professional pursuits, they value a balanced life that allows them to cherish time with family while contributing to their community.
Laura Ross - Ambassador
Member Relationships
Laura is passionate about bringing women together in ways that feel real, energizing, and meaningful. As PWN Durango’s Ambassador of Member Development, she’s the connector behind the scenes—welcoming new faces, deepening relationships, and making sure every member feels like they belong.
With a background in community publishing and relationship-based marketing, Laura brings a spark of creativity and a heart for connection to everything she does. She believes that when women feel supported, they grow—and when they grow, they change everything around them.
Whether you’re new to town, launching something big, or simply craving connection with like-minded women, Laura’s the friendly face ready to help you plug in and thrive.
PWN History
In the fall of 2014, founding board members and local La Plata County businesswomen, Melissa Glick and Jessika Buell, were inspired by international startup entrepreneur Daniel Epstein, Founder and CEO of Unreasonable Institute who challenged entrepreneurs to step up in their communities, form support groups and foster creativity and innovation. Taking this message to heart, Glick and Buell teamed up to combine their passion for business and community. They created a space they found to be lacking in La Plata County – an opportunity for professional women’s networking events – in hopes they would be able to foster a space for professional women to thrive. At their first women’s networking events, women poured through the doors, enthusiastic yet starved for more opportunities to connect with each other. Attracting women-thought leaders on a local and national level to their events, PWN brings in speakers and interactive experiences for women with the purpose of elevating and empowering women. Today we continue to build our network and strengthen connection through inspirational stories and professional growth.
Thank you to our past full term Board Members:






