Amelia Beard
HILL COUNTYAs a first-generation Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student, Amelia has learned the power of strength and community. Using these valuable lessons, she has created and partnered with organizations that capitalize on giving back to their communities. Independent Alliance, an organization Amelia has developed, aids those challenged with poverty in taking back their lives and gaining financial freedom through education, motivation and opportunity. Amelia’s passions; volunteering and caring for animals, is her motivation for success.
Ashley Nicole Lindgren
QUEEN CITYBorn with polycystic kidney disease, Ashley is a 2-time kidney transplant recipient and advocates for Donate Life, raising awareness for the importance of organ donation. With a love for theatre and dance, Ashley has played numerous roles, earning multiple scholarships that allowed her to graduate debt free. Serving as the President of her University’s Official Fashion Blog, she advocates for representation, showcasing the beautiful diversity across campus for students of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
Autumn Powers
BILLINGSAutumn is a 7th generation Montana. Raised on a ranch taught her the importance of farm to table and daily responsibilities. Autumn is earning her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Marketing at Montana State University Billings. With her love of Montana, travel, and adventure, Autumn thrives in her own full time Wedding Photography business. Autumn plans to use her Marketing degree to help businesses and current clients with their social media and print media.
Courtney Hawkins
MISSOULAWith her BFA in Media arts and Filmmaking, Courtney is writing her first screenplay with intentions to someday walk the red carpet. In 2016 she served a 19-month mission for her church where she discovered her purpose of empowering women to embrace their femininity and faith. Courtney is now breaking stereotypes as a full-time Milwaukee sales rep, selling power tools and showing women that they can belong in any setting.
Gracie Raynor
MISSOULA COUNTYGracie’s a 21-year-old student for Occupational Therapy Assistant. She’s a middle child with 14 siblings and the volunteer coordinator for Prototypez, a nonprofit that offers training for special needs teenagers. Gracie enjoys singing, modeling and volunteer work. She was a top 10 finalist in Jovani’s It Girl Contest and walked in NY Fashion Week. She believes in the power of positivity and helping others see their true potential to achieve their dreams.
HeatherLee O’Keefe
BOZEMANAs a 24-year-old lawyer, HeatherLee successfully graduated with her Juris Doctor degree as the youngest in her class. HeatherLee is also a grief counselor for those, like herself, who have lost a parent at a young age. When she isn’t busy volunteering at the therapeutic horseback riding center, practicing law, or curating content for her small business “Haute Heatherly,” she enjoys spending time outdoors, horseback riding and hiking with her dog, FinleyJane.
Julie Theis
WEST BOZEMANJulie Theis is an entrepreneur and self-made, unrealistic goal achiever. Through overcoming childhood poverty and homelessness in Montana, she went on to obtain her masters degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, graduating with highest honors. Julie is the owner of a global company that has helped thousands of disadvantage women in over 30 countries succeed in business. She is an international speaker and was awarded and recognized as Montana’s 25 under 25 most influential people.
Rachel Jakovac
SWAN VALLEYAfter experiencing an abusive relationship, Rachel created her non-profit, End The Silence, in which she not only raises money for survivors, but also uses her platform to be an advocate across multiple states. Her upbringing in Montana fostered a love for the outdoors which influenced her to run a half marathon that raised over $500 for the advocacy organization, No More. Rachel plans to pursue a career in civil rights law.
Tara Broderick
DOWNTOWN BILLINGSMaking the most of her degree in marketing and experience as certified welder, Tara created EmpowHER to help equip women with the tools to achieve success. Her program currently pairs with national and international organizations that inspired her to create her published children’s book. Tara plans on traveling Montana as a pioneer for female empowerment and helping lead a stronger generation of women that can accomplish anything that they set their minds to.
Veronica Marquardt
POLSONVeronica, 22, professional actress, who spends her time helping young women find themselves, by ironically looking inside of themselves. She is able to connect with girls though her website, iRonicallyYou. Since birth, Veronica has suffered with a rare sink condition known as, Pachyonychia Congenita. It affects her hair, skin, teeth, and nails and limits her ability to walk. Although she suffers from this disability, she does not let it affect her ability to help others.