Powered by Innovation: Nadya Rousseau Moderates “How Women Are Using Technology to Get Ahead” at Tech Alley Henderson’s Ladies in Leadership Event
Henderson, NV Last night, Wednesday, March 25th, Tech Alley Henderson kicked off its March meeting in a big way, hosting a landmark Ladies in Leadership event at The Pass Casino, 140 S. Water St. in Henderson. Running from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the evening brought together community members, entrepreneurs, and innovators to celebrate Women’s History Month in the most fitting way possible, by spotlighting the remarkable women shaping the future of Henderson and beyond.
The visionary behind it all? Lorraine Yarde, the driving force of Innovation Henderson and the woman who has made it her mission to turn Henderson into a thriving, world-class innovation hub.
The Woman Building Henderson’s Innovation Future
If there’s one person who embodies the spirit of the evening, it’s Lorraine Yarde herself. As the founder of Innovation Henderson, the official alignment hub and companion experience for Tech Alley Henderson, Lorraine has been quietly and deliberately building something extraordinary in the City of Henderson. Month after month, she brings together entrepreneurs, tech leaders, investors, creatives, and community changemakers under one roof, creating the kind of connective tissue that healthy innovation ecosystems are made of.
Her platform, innovationhenderson.org, serves as the central hub for Henderson’s growing tech and startup scene, and her vision is clear: to position Henderson not just as a suburb of Las Vegas, but as a destination in its own right for innovators and founders who want to build something meaningful. With the support of a dedicated network of sponsors and community partners, Lorraine is doing exactly that, one monthly event at a time.
Last night’s Ladies in Leadership event was a shining example of what that vision looks like in action.
Thank You to the Sponsors
None of this would be possible without the generous support of the evening’s sponsors and community partners, who continue to invest in Henderson’s growth and innovation ecosystem:
- Innovation Henderson serves as the backbone of the event series and is Lorraine’s own platform.
- Elevate Las Vegas champions entrepreneurship across the greater Las Vegas valley.
- City of Henderson provides civic support and commitment to economic vitality.
- HopeLink of Southern Nevada, Henderson’s trusted nonprofit partner for community support services, was represented at the event by Kristin Alves.
- Life Savers Restoration are local business leaders backing community growth.
- Social Alignment, led by Jonathan Sterritt, is the team that helped bring Lorraine’s vision for Innovation Henderson to life.
- Hello Henderson amplifies Henderson’s voice and community pride.
- Primm Valley Casino Resorts (Contest Sponsor) generously gave away tickets to some of the most exciting upcoming shows at their venue.
Their investment in this event reflects a collective belief that Henderson’s best days are ahead, and that building a strong innovation community is how you get there.
An Evening That Started at the Top
Before the panel even began, the event made a statement. Three distinguished women took the stage as featured speakers in recognition of Women’s Month:
- Mayor Michelle Romero, Mayor of the City of Henderson, lent the evening an air of civic pride and underscored Henderson’s commitment to cultivating a thriving innovation ecosystem.
- Monica Coburn, Managing Director of Nevada Business Advisors, brought her expertise in business strategy and entrepreneurship to the forefront.
- Kristi Staab, Chief Rock Star of Leadership Development, energized the room with her signature approach to building bold, fearless leaders.
Together, these three set a powerful tone of possibility, ambition, and community that carried through the rest of the night.
The evening also included a special moment when Diana Dikes took the stage briefly to speak to the importance of health and wellness, a timely and welcome reminder that thriving in business starts with taking care of ourselves.
Nadya Rousseau Takes the Helm
When it came time for the panel discussion, all eyes turned to Nadya Rousseau, who stepped into the moderator’s seat with the confidence and charisma that have made her a standout voice in the digital marketing and entrepreneurship world. As the founder of Alter New Media, a purpose-forward global digital marketing and PR agency, Nadya brought a unique lens to the conversation, drawing on her background as a storyteller, journalist, and business strategist to guide a dialogue that was as thought-provoking as it was inspiring.
Meet the Panelists
Nadya led an impressive lineup of five women who are actively leveraging technology to lead, disrupt, and innovate:
- Claire Longo, AI Executive and Start-Up Advisor, offered a front-row perspective on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the startup landscape and what women need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
- Kathia Spore, AVP Business Access Advisor at U.S. Bank, spoke to the intersection of financial technology and economic empowerment for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- Catherine Wiersch, District Court Commissioner and Judicial Candidate, illuminated how technology is modernizing the legal system and expanding access to justice for everyday people.
- Carissa Begonia, Business Coach and LinkedIn Strategist, empowered attendees with practical tools to build their personal brands and grow their businesses in the digital age.
- Kadambari Beelwar, CEO of Truss Healthcare, shared how healthtech innovation is transforming patient care and creating new opportunities for women in leadership.
The Conversation That Moved the Room
Across industries including AI, fintech, legaltech, healthtech, and digital marketing, the panelists painted a vivid and inspiring picture of what it looks like when women don’t just adapt to technological change, but actively drive it. Themes of accessibility, resilience, and reinvention wove their way through every exchange, while Nadya kept the energy focused and the dialogue inclusive, ensuring the conversation remained as actionable as it was motivating.
Attendees mingled, exchanged business cards, and left with a renewed sense of purpose and a network to match.
Good Food, Good Drinks, and an Even Better Cause
The evening was as much a celebration as it was a conversation. Guests were treated to a generous spread of refreshments including egg rolls, meatballs, fresh veggies, and crispy fried chicken wings, with water stations keeping everyone refreshed throughout the night. The full bar had something for everyone, including wine, beer, champagne, mixed drinks, and drink specials that kept the energy flowing well into the evening.
And the night gave back in more ways than one. A portion of the evening’s efforts went toward raising funds for HopeLink of Southern Nevada, adding a meaningful layer of community purpose to an already inspiring event. It was a reminder that when this community gathers, it doesn’t just talk about making a difference, it actually does it.
A Special Treat: Primm Valley Casino Resorts Ticket Giveaway
As if the evening needed any more excitement, contest sponsor Primm Valley Casino Resorts brought the night to a thrilling close with ticket giveaways to some of the most buzzworthy upcoming shows at their venue. Just a short 25-minute drive south of the Las Vegas Strip at the Southern Nevada/California border, Primm Valley Casino Resorts boasts a 6,500-seat arena that features top-notch entertainment every month. Primmvalleyresorts Lucky attendees walked away with tickets to the following shows:
🚗 Gearhead Society: Las Vegas vs. Cali Right on the Nevada/California border, two of the most passionate car cultures in the country go head to head in an epic showcase of custom builds, modified masterpieces, and gearhead pride. The Gearhead Society has built a reputation for events that celebrate passion for cars, friendly camaraderie, and a family-friendly atmosphere that brings together enthusiasts of all ages. Wheelsandheelsmag
🎸 Fairchild Blues Tribute, April 11, 2026 A soulful night of blues at its finest, celebrating the iconic sounds that have shaped American music.
🎸 Icons of Classic Rock, April 18, 2026 Formed from current and past members of some of the most famous rock bands of the 70s and 80s, the tour features Fran Cosmo (formerly of Boston), Paul Shortino (formerly of Quiet Riot), Robin McAuley (formerly of Survivor), Alex Ligertwood (formerly of Santana), and Kevin Chalfant (who performed with Journey). Primmvalleysresorts A night of wall-to-wall anthems at the Star of the Desert Arena, with the real voices behind the hits. A very special shoutout goes to Lauren Jones, co-founder of Alter New Media, who won tickets to this incredible show! Rock on, Lauren! 🤘
💃 Sexxy The Show, Multiple Spring Dates. This modern burlesque production starring Jennifer Romas features dancing, modeling, music, and even a few laughs, and is for ages 18 and up. Upcoming dates at the Primm Event Center include March 28, April 9, April 25, and May 9, all at 9:00 PM.
🎩 Thom Kaz’s Hypnaughty, May 8, 2026 Named “One of the Best” by USA Today and voted “Best Comedy Hypnosis Show” in Vegas six years straight, Thom Kaz blends traditional comedy hypnosis with lasers, dancers, and music to create an interactive experience designed to entertain while introducing his audience to the power of the mind.
For more information on upcoming shows and events, visit primmvalleyresorts.com.
As Tech Alley Henderson continues to build momentum month after month, last night’s Ladies in Leadership event stood as a testament to what becomes possible when a community invests in its women, and when visionaries like Lorraine Yarde create the spaces where that investment can flourish. To learn more or get involved with Innovation Henderson, visit innovationhenderson.org.
Alter New Media is a purpose-forward digital marketing and PR agency founded by Nadya Rousseau. For more information, visit Alter New Media online.
