PRESENTS

Women Leading Government and Community Change

An evening of candor, connection, and communication to accelerate women’s leadership

Wednesday, April 29, 2026
at

THIRD STREET

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Most women’s leadership events talk about leadership. This one gives you the mindset, strategies, and real-world examples to have true, lasting influence.

This intimate evening brings together some of Las Vegas’s most respected women leaders across government and mission-driven organizations for a candid, elevated panel conversation about communicating when the stakes are high. 

It creates a rare space for candid dialogue, reflection, and connection among women leaders navigating complex systems.

Whether you are already managing people—or want to be prepared to do so—this conversation is designed to help you strengthen your influence and adeptly navigate the unspoken, tricky dynamics that come with leadership.

What We’ll Discuss

  • The double bind women leaders live inside—how to be assertive and confident in ways that advance your priorities and build strong, mutually-beneficial relationships
  • Raising ideas, concerns, and boundaries with colleagues, clients, and team members so they land with clarity and respect
  • Spotting early trust breakdowns and addressing them before they undermine performance or credibility
  • Building internal and external relationships that strengthen your influence, visibility, and ability to get things done
  • Standing out as a thought leader on behalf of your organization and as an individual—without self-promotion that backfires

Featured Panelist

Angela Castro is Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Regional Transportation

Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), the only agency in the nation that manages public

transit, the traffic management system, roadway funding, and regional planning under one

roof. As chief strategist and advisor to the CEO, Castro oversees government affairs,

communications, marketing, the transportation demand management program, safety,

security, and procurement for the $1.3 billion agency. In her 18-year tenure at RTC, Castro has

been instrumental in advancing transformative initiatives that shape mobility, strengthen

economic growth, and enhance the quality of life across Southern Nevada. Prior to joining RTC,

she held senior marketing and media roles with the Las Vegas Monorail, MGM Resorts

International, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Angela Castro​

Deputy Chief Executive Officer | Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada

Beth Martino is President and CEO of Three Square Food Bank, where she leads efforts to address hunger while building long-term solutions that strengthen communities. Her work sits at the intersection of government, healthcare, and mission-driven leadership. Beth previously served as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the American Health Care Association, producing an Emmy® Award–winning documentary on long-term care during the pandemic. Her career also includes leading the Maryland Food Bank, serving in senior roles at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and working as Communications Director and Press Secretary for two Kansas governors. A Kansas native, Beth has lived in Las Vegas for 10 years with her husband Stephen, their two children, and their rescue boxer, Presley.

Beth Martino

President and Chief Executive Officer | Three Square Food Bank

Kathi Thomas addresses comprehensive community and regional housing initiatives as the Chief Housing Officer for the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA). In this role Ms. Thomas oversees key projects addressing conventional public housing, affordable housing development, senior services, veterans, neighborhood revitalization, and services for special needs populations. Prior to her current role with SNRHA, Ms. Thomas served as the Director for the Neighborhood Services department for the City of Las Vegas and the Neighborhood Services Manager for the City of North Las Vegas. Ms. Thomas has more than 35 years of experience implementing federal grants programs including Community Development Block Grants, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, Welfare-to-Work, and other special purpose programs for at-risk communities. She has been an adjunct instructor and frequent lecturer for higher education systems in Nevada and California. Ms. Thomas has a Master’s in Public Administration and received her Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Kathi Thomas

Chief Housing Officer | Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA)

Christina Vela is a mission-driven nonprofit executive and self-described “Hustler for Hope” with more than two decades of leadership advancing equity and transformative care for vulnerable

children and families. As CEO of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, she leads trauma-informed programs serving youth impacted by abuse, neglect, homelessness, and human trafficking, while strengthening systems for operational excellence, fundraising, and community engagement. Her career includes senior leadership roles at the local, state, and federal levels within child welfare and policy systems, including coordination of Nevada’s efforts to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Dr. Vela holds a Doctorate in Public Policy and a Master’s in Public Administration from UNLV and serves as a National Board Member of the Family Focused Treatment Association. She is widely recognized for her humanitarian leadership and belief that meaningful change is driven by courage, care, and accountability.

Dr. Christina Vela

Chief Executive Officer | St. Jude’s Ranch for Children

How the Evening Will Flow

The evening will open with a brief, energizing talk from Step into Your Moxie CEO, Alexia Vernon, setting the context for why women’s voices—and how we use them—matter so deeply right now.

From there, Alexia will moderate a panel of executive women leaders, creating space for candid dialogue, shared learning, and practical insight drawn from real leadership experience.

Intentional networking moments are woven throughout the evening to support meaningful connection—not transactional exchanges—among women leading across sectors.

Your Event Host and Moderator

About Alexia Vernon and

Step into Your Moxie

Step into Your Moxie is a Las Vegas–based leadership development company and a go-to executive and talent development partner for local agencies, Fortune 500 companies, healthcare and educational institutions, and tech and life sciences organizations.

Founded and led by Alexia Vernon, Step into Your Moxie is known for its unique and highly effective approach to vocal empowerment, executive presence, and influence—helping leaders speak up for themselves, their teams, and the issues that matter most.

Alexia was dubbed a “Moxie Maven” by the White House Office of Public Engagement for her communication and leadership development, and she has spoken at the UN during the Commission on the Status of Women. 

Alexia has been featured by media including CNN, NBC, ABC, The Wall Street Journal, and SUCCESS Magazine, and she is the author of the multi-award-winning book, Step into Your Moxie: Amplify Your Voice, Visibility, and Influence in the World.

Event Logistics

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Light appetizers served | Program begins promptly at 5:45 PM

Location: Third Street – 814 S 3rd St, Downtown Las Vegas, 89101


A multidisciplinary arts and community gathering space in the Las Vegas Arts District uniting live performance, education, and creative collaboration under one roof. A dynamic hub for performance, production, and shared experience, Third Street anchors culture, creativity, and connection in the heart of our city.

🎟️ Ticket Options

(Proceeds benefit Third Street) ​

Professional Women - $45

Students and Young Professionals - $25

*Each ticket includes 1 copy of Step into Your Moxie. Purchase your ticket NOW, as space is intentionally limited to support meaningful dialogue and to benefit Third Street’s programs.

Get Your Ticket Now

A Final Word​

Women are driving policy, shaping community outcomes, and steering teams through unprecedented complexity. That requires more than inspiration—it demands skillful communication, political savvy, and the confidence not only to advocate for yourself, but also for your people, your issues, and your mission.

If you’re ready to deepen your influence, strengthen your voice, and connect with other women who are doing the same, this event is for you. 

Because the future of our community depends not just on who holds leadership, but on who knows how to use their influence to drive meaningful change and create opportunities for others to do the same.