Board of Directors

"Empowering women to lead, inspire, and transform our community, with strength and grace."

Ellen Loomis

Board President 2026
Marketing Director 2025

Ellen was transplanted to Southeast Idaho at a young age and grew up here before attending Idaho State University, where she studied marketing and began shaping a career rooted in service, community engagement, and small business empowerment. Today, she proudly wears many hats: travel agent, manager of the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market, manager of Loomis Apple Ranch south of Pocatello, and owner of LNL Small Business Service.

Across all of these roles, her work is guided by a deep commitment to helping others succeed. Whether she designing memorable travel experiences, supporting local vendors, or providing tailored business solutions, she strives to uplift individuals, strengthen local commerce, and create meaningful connections.

She is proud to be a member of the Business Women of Pocatello, where she is able to collaborate with inspiring professionals who share a passion for growth, leadership, and community impact. She is honored to serve as the 2026 President of the Board of Directors and to help lead this incredible organization into its next chapter of connection, empowerment, and success.

Michelle Turner

Secretary 2026

As an insurance professional with nine years of experience, Michelle is committed to helping clients navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence. Her career has been built on trust, transparency, and a dedication to providing personalized coverage solutions that truly meet each client’s needs.

With a strong management background, she has successfully led teams, improved operational efficiency, and fostered a collaborative work environment centered on growth and customer care.

She is also proud to volunteer with United Way, supporting programs that uplift individuals and families in our community. Service is at the heart of everything Michelle does—whether assisting clients, leading a team, or giving back. She is excited to serve as the 2026 BWP Board Secretary.

Leilani Fox

Treasurer 2026
Secretary 2025

Leilani has been with ICCU for 8 years this summer and currently works as a Business Relationship Officer. She is passionate about helping local businesses achieve their goals, providing financial guidance, and fostering strong partnerships within the community. One of Leilani’s favorite parts of her job is mentoring branch employees, teaching them how to better support business members, and watching those relationships grow.

She takes great pride in her Samoan heritage, which has shaped her values of family, hard work, and community. She is also a loving wife, a proud dog mom, and someone who truly enjoys getting to know people. She is naturally curious and loves learning new things—whether it’s about business, the world, or the people around her.

Outside of work, Leilani has a deep love for music and has been playing the piano and singing for over 20 years. More recently, she has discovered a passion for attending live concerts. She also enjoys photography, writing, and storytelling—capturing and sharing life’s moments through creative expression.

Leilani is always up for an adventure! Traveling, camping, and paddleboarding—especially at Bear Lake—are some of her favorite ways to recharge. Spending time with family and friends is incredibly important, and she cherishes the memories created together.

It’s this love for relationships—both in business and in life—that drives Leilani every day. She thrives on building connections, asking questions, and truly listening to people’s stories. She is excited to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to Business Women of Pocatello, and looks forward to making a meaningful impact in our community serving as the 2026 Board of Directors Treasurer.

Beixy Shepard

Events Co-Chair 2026
Vice President (January 2025–August 2025)
Executive Board Member 2024

Beixy Shepard is a Venezuelan-American entrepreneur, financial professional, and community leader based in Pocatello, Idaho. A dedicated member of Business Women of Pocatello since 2019, she is also a proud recipient of the BWP Grant (2023), an investment that helped further grow her business vision.

As the owner of Beixy’s Kitchen, a Venezuelan-inspired food truck known for its bold flavors and strong brand presence, Beixy has built a brand rooted in culture, resilience, and strategic leadership. Her business has been nominated for the ISJ Readers’ Choice Awards and Idaho’s Best, reflecting strong community support and local impact.

In 2025, Beixy was honored as a Women of Influence award recipient, recognizing her leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to uplifting others.

With nearly a decade in the financial industry, she brings expertise in relationship-building, advocacy, and growth strategy. Her passion aligns deeply with BWP’s mission to Engage, Empower, and Educate — creating spaces where women lead confidently and build lasting legacies.

Magali Saunders

Marketing Co-Chair 2026
Events Co-Chair 2025

Magali Saunders is a proud wife, mother of 2 daughters, and a Latina Realtor with over half a decade of experience working with Keller Williams. Her passion is helping people achieve their dream of homeownership, and she works hard to guide each client toward reaching their goals.

In addition to her work in real estate, Magali is an investor with hands-on experience in fix-and-flip projects as well as in residential and commercial developments. This diverse background has given her a well-rounded perspective on property investments.

With a background in early childhood education, she was inspired to help create a beautiful daycare in the Pocatello community--a project close to her heart as a parent. This initiative not only benefits local families but also reflects her commitment to nurturing future generations.

When she is not working, she loves to travel with her family. In the past year alone, she has had the opportunity to visit more than 20 countries, which has enriched her view of the world and broadened her horizons. She is also a committed supporter of Rotary International, actively participating in global grant initiatives to make a positive impact in communities around the world.

Every day, Magali strives to combine her professional expertise with her personal passions, making a difference in both her community and the lives of her clients.

Heather Judd

Marketing Co‑Chair 2026

Heather Judd is a long-time Pocatello resident, a hairdresser of 32 years, and the owner of Fringe, The Styling Salon & Spa, which she has proudly led in Pocatello for 28 years. Through more than three decades in the beauty industry, Heather has gained deep experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, and service—learning not only what helps people and businesses thrive, but also what does not.

For nearly 15 years, Heather has also served as an industry educator, teaching hairdressers across the country the art of color, cutting, and business. She is passionate about helping women grow both personally and professionally, and believes true success is built through balance in what she calls the core four: money, time, love, and health. In her view, when even one of those areas is out of alignment, women cannot fully show up as their best in business or in life.

Heather deeply loves Pocatello and believes wholeheartedly in its future. Having watched other communities grow and evolve, she has made a personal commitment to be part of the positive change she believes Pocatello needs. She is passionate about building stronger connections among professional women and helping take BWP to the next level through meaningful support, education, and value for all members. She believes women grow stronger when they support one another—and that thriving communities are built exactly that way.

Outside of business, Heather is a proud mother of four and grandmother to her beloved grandbabies. She rides a Harley, performs in local theatre and music productions, and has been on stage since the age of seven—so some in the community may already know her from a performance as much as from the salon. She also hosts a book club at Fringe, creating another space for women to connect, grow, and gather—while happily justifying her goal of reading 100 books this year.

Jenni Sanderson

Board Executive 2026
Board Executive 2025

Jenni Sanderson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner at Health Innovations LLC, committed to patient-centered care. She specializes in personalized treatment plans, actively listening to patients and supporting both physical and emotional well-being.

With expertise in primary and preventive care, Jenni addresses a range of health concerns, from chronic disease management to wellness promotion. She stays at the forefront of medical advancements through continued education, integrating the latest evidence-based practices into her care.

Known for her compassion and clinical excellence, Jenni empowers patients with the knowledge and tools for lasting health. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized healthcare that fosters long-term wellness.

Katie Lish

Grants Committee Chair 2026

Katie is a wife, mother of two teenagers, and a working professional balancing career growth, family life, healthy living and continuing her education. Her career has included nonprofit leadership, volunteer engagement, event planning, office management, and supporting organizations through change. She hopes to soon be a business owner herself and she is excited to see inspiration in all the women of this group.

Katie’s hobbies are yoga, reading thrillers, continuing her education, watching live theatre, and plants (lots of them!)

She is passionate about supporting women as we navigate work, family, and personal goals. Katie joined Business Women of Pocatello to connect with other women, learn from shared experiences, and build meaningful professional relationships.