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. Most importantly, PWN cultivates hope and determination and gives our members and participants a reason to believe when they run out of reasons. That’s why we facilitate and host women’s networking events for our members and interested female professionals on a regular basis.

MONTHLY EVENTS
Our monthly women’s networking events occur on the second Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30pm. Join us as we host our Inspirational Speakers Series, Speed Networking sessions, Workshops, Book Club, and other women’s networking events that support La Plata County.

RESOURCES
Becoming a member provides you with an exclusive database of companies and individuals to help you with any need, access to monthly women’s networking events, a sounding board for ideas, and a platform to get you out there, personally and professionally.

Meet the PWN Board and Ambassadors

We are an all volunteer run organization. Our board members consist of 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 La Plata County community.

Are you in search of a strong community of women, looking to push yourself professionally, and want to empower other women in the Durango area? Join us to connect with local women on a deeper level and join our team!

PWN Board Members and Ambassadors

Molly Pagano - Board President

President

Molly is a Colorado native and grew up in the foothills of Denver, where her love of the outdoors was introduced. Molly, her husband and their four-legged pup have called Durango home for 6 years and have no plans to ever leave.  Molly’s professional career began when working for the Colorado Public Defenders Office.  From there she obtained a degree in Paralegal studies and has since been a Paralegal for over 14 years, working in a variety of areas.  Currently, Molly is the owner of San Juan Paralegal Services, providing contract paralegal support to attorneys throughout Colorado.  Molly’s passion for her community continues to grow, as a graduate of the 2018-2019 Leadership La Plata Class and recently obtaining a Certificate in Non-Profit Management she is excited to continue her growth professionally and move towards non-profit work.

Kelly MacNiven - Board Secretary

Secretary

Kelly MacNiven grew up in Durango, CO and is proud to call it home. She is a portrait photographer and has been growing her business in Durango since 2013. She loves being able to capture the most important moments for families and create images that help businesses thrive. She is very excited to work with the Professional Women's Network of Durango. Kelly believes in this team that empowers women to achieve together, inspires one another, and continues to be a positive force in the community. When she is not serving on one of two non-profit boards or creating photographic art for the families and businesses of Durango, you can find her skiing, mountain biking, cheering her son and husband on at their bike races, gardening, camping, or doing many of the amazing outdoors activities this beautiful town has to offer. 

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 Stockton - Board Member

Book Club

I am a very proud wife and mother of three. I love to relax with my family by hanging out, playing games, or watching a good comedy. I love to 4-wheel, ride dirt bikes, and create things. 

I am prior military, and later received an Associates of Science in Medical Assisting from Pueblo Community College, and then a Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Management from Colorado Technical University. I am always looking for ways to increase my knowledge.

Previously, I had been the sole medical and administrative staff for a thriving occupational medicine clinic. There are many things that I have had to research and teach myself in order to do my job well. So, jumping in to lend a hand is an easy step for me. 

This has taught me dedication, efficiency, and the desire to share accurate information with others. I am a go-getter and will do everything I can for patients, staff, and the community. I am currently part of a couple fun non-profit groups that help raise money for our local community. I am very happy to be part of The Professional Women's Network and I can’t wait to do what I can to help.

Kelly Jean Miller - Board Member

Marketing

Hi there, I'm Kelly Jean Miller. As a passionate advocate for neighborly connections, I cater to the needs of creative solopreneurs right here in the vibrant heart of Durango, Colorado. I view the world as a canvas of untapped potential, firmly believing in the power of effective marketing to unlock your dreams of financial freedom, meaningful relationships, balanced work-life, and unbounded exploration. 

Recovering from burnout, I launched a consulting business bringing a rich background in managing all aspects of the non-profit sector and a passion for helping creatives thrive. My approach is a fusion of hands-on work, teaching, coaching, and guiding, all executed with the perfect balance of tenacity and gentleness. 

With online training workshops and business development summits on the horizon, my commitment to your growth is unwavering. My core values are deeply rooted in cultivating healthy relationships, loving your neighbors, and treating all life with respect and dignity. In my world, marketing isn't just a tool for business growth; it's a catalyst for transformation – personal and professional. 

Derya Anderson - Ambassador

Book Club

Derya moved to Durango from Boulder, Colorado in January of 2021 to enjoy all the beauty and activities that this special town has to offer. Derya loves to spend time outdoors with her husband and their two fur babies, Hazel and Rufus.
Derya began working as a physical therapist in a busy clinic and now owns her own small practice, Essential Physical Therapy. Derya started her own clinic because she wanted to incorporate a whole body, whole person approach and to spend more time with her patients.
Derya is dedicated to contributing to her community and to her own continued growth and learning. She loves connecting with people and believes in educating her community on better health through better movement. Derya also teaches restorative yoga, which she loves to share with others and see the changes and benefits they gain from the practice.

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, PWN is the largest professional women’s group in the Four Corners Region.

Thank you to our past full term Board Members:

  • Shanon Hansen (2020-2023)

  • Tracy Kellermeyer (2019-2021)

  • Melissa Glick (2015 – 2020)

  • Jenna Black (2017-2019)

  • Susan Lander (2016-2018)

  • Jessika Buell (2015-2018)