Meet the Team
The Power of Women Board

Co-President
Vanessa Ruiz Cox
Hi, I am so proud to be the Co-President of The Power of Women. It has been such an amazing experience. I have had the privilege to meet some amazing women. Starting my own business was a learning experience for me, so I thought why not create an event to get all these amazing minds together and have women help each other. I reached out to Nessa about my idea, and we got to working.
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I have my own business names Royalty that I started back in 2018.With my own business I started selling hoodies and the graduated to organic skin care. From skin oils to soaps to scalp mask to cuticle oil. I have so much more to do and build. Royalty gives back to the community as much as I can. From backpack drives to Thanksgiving dinners. I am so grateful for all that have helped me achieve that. I also host an annual Hispanic Market, an event that gives the Hispanic and Latino community a platform to sell their good. I have music, fun and more. ​I volunteer to help the city clean every year. I also volunteer at my daughter's school. I have helped in the lunchroom and in the classroom. During the summer my daughters and I volunteer at the animal shelter.
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I am a blessed mom of two amazing girls who are mini version of me. I strive to be an example of what women are capable of. I also have a Doberman who's on high energy all the time. I'm married to a supportive husband who is also my best friend.​ I'm originally from California, but I call Williston home. We have been here for over 10+ years. I am so excited to see what 2026 has planned for all of us.

Co-President
Vanessa Alfaro
Vanessa “Nessa” Alfaro is a licensed esthetician, salon owner, and community advocate based in Williston, North Dakota. She is the founder of Elevated By Nessa, a beauty studio specializing in body waxing and self care, Elevated Collective, a collaborative salon space created to support and elevate local beauty professionals and small business owners.
Driven by her passion for empowerment and connection, Vanessa is also a co-founder and president of The Power of Women, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, networking opportunities, and community exposure for women-owned businesses throughout the region. Through large-scale events, fundraisers, and ongoing outreach, she works to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for women to grow together.
Vanessa is deeply committed to community impact and is an active advocate for recovery support and local philanthropy, serving as a board member of Sober AF. Known for her heart-led leadership, creativity, and ability to turn ideas into action, she believes that collaboration over competition is the key to building stronger businesses and stronger communities.

Vice President
Kelly Salmans
Hello! My name is Kelly Salmans, and I have the honor of serving as the Vice President of Power of Women. I’m originally from Mississippi, but I grew up in Liberal, Kansas—and now proudly call North Dakota home. I’ve been the owner of KS Golden Glam since August 2024, where I offer spray tanning, permanent jewelry, teeth whitening, and tooth gems… and honestly, who knows what service I’ll dive into next!
Outside of business, I’m a full-time employee, a wife, and a mom to a busy 3-year-old boy who holds my whole heart. A few fun facts about me: I’m left-handed, I can speak a little Cajun French, I’m the oldest of six girls, and I fully believe I’m a comedian—no matter what anyone else says!
I’m a big dreamer who believes the sky truly is the limit. As part of this group, I hope to help bring visibility, knowledge, and genuine support to those who need it. It takes a village—not just to build a business, but to navigate life—and it’s powerful to know you have people cheering for you, guiding you, and standing with you. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, and everyone deserves the chance to create, grow, and chase their dreams without fear or doubt.
I’m so excited to be a part of this group and continue building something meaningful together!

Executive Director
Angel Lindgren
My name is Angel LIndgren, and I moved to Williston eight years ago with a focus on raising my
children and pursuing personal empowerment. Over the past six years, I have actively
developed my entrepreneurial skills and currently own and operate several successful
businesses in the Williston area.
I was recently elected as the Executive Director for the Power of Women nonprofit organization,
a role that allows me to expand my passion for community impact through networking and
education. Over the next two years, my goal is to create meaningful change within the city of
Williston by supporting women and business owners as they grow, thrive, and emerge into their
full potential.

Treasure
Megann Reames
I am Megann Reames, originally from Burlington-Des Lacs ND right outside of Minot but spent a chunk of my childhood moving around CA and OR. I have been in Williston ND since 2014. I am currently the AVP and Senior Customer Service and Sales Supervisor at Gate City Bank (have been there 11 years) as well as owner of my own little cottage bakery, Meg's Cakes and Confections (est 2023) . My husband Jon is a high school Biology and Forensic Science teacher and we have 2 boys, ages 9 and 6. Fun fact, I am currently writing a cookbook and serve as a small group leader of a preteen bible study and lead pre teen Sunday School at New Hope. I am the Treasurer and look forward to meeting, networking with, and growing other women owned businesses and stepping into my first board role and growing my own knowledge with POW.

Financial Advisor
Jalissa Peiffer
I'm a 24-year-old originally from lowa, and Williston has been home for the past three years. I work in the oil field as a Weld inspector and have been married to my wonderful husband for three years as well. Outside of work, I love snowboarding and have had the opportunity to visit over 30 mountains across the United States — a passion that's taught me a lot about discipline, resilience, and enjoying the journey.
I currently serve as Financial Advisor on the Power of Women board. While I'm new to this role, I'm eager to learn and grow while contributing in meaningful ways. During my two-year term, I hope to help strengthen community connections, bring awareness to local businesses and initiatives, and support efforts that encourage long-term growth and collaboration within our community.

Secretary
Jessica Christoffersen
I am a North Dakota based entrepreneur and mom who cares deeply about community and showing up for other women. I am the owner of Bossin Hooks, a customizable sensory toy company, and have sold over one thousand toys to therapists and parents. I joined the Power of Women board as Secretary because I believe women deserve real support and connection as they build businesses and step into leadership. A fun fact about me is that I prefer meaningful work over being in the spotlight and am happiest when I can contribute by building, organizing, and improving systems. During my two-year term, I hope to help strengthen the foundation of Power of Women, support women owned businesses through shared knowledge and connection and help grow a community where women feel confident stepping into leadership in their own way.

Fundraising
Elizabeth Cady
I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and raised my teenage years in North Dakota and Montana. I co-own Badlands Tattoo and Piercing Studio here in Williston, North Dakota. My store is APP certified which is Association of Professional Piercing. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) is a California-based, international non-profit organization focused on promoting health and safety information about body piercing to professional piercers, health care providers, legislators, and the general public. It serves as a voluntary alliance of piercing professionals who share best practices and educational resources to support safe piercing practices worldwide. My goals I want to gain from the group is to become more apart of my community and teach myself to push myself forward instead of hiding away! I believe POW will make me into the stronger woman I’ve been looking to become and push my past my comfort zone!

Marketing
Alissa Myers
My name is Alissa Myers, and I am honored to serve as the Marketing Chair for Power of Women. I am originally from Ohio and later rooted in Williston, North Dakota, where Power of Women was founded and where my work remains closely connected. I am a certified homeschool educator, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of Mommy and Me Tea Time LLC, as well as the founder of Dakota Tea House—brands centered on education, etiquette, community engagement, and meaningful experiences for women and families. I also serve as the Florida Director for the Coast to Coast Infinities Natural Pageant System, supporting leadership development and empowerment for girls and women. As Marketing Chair, my goal is to strengthen Power of Women’s brand presence, expand community awareness, and support partnerships and sponsorships aligned with our mission. On a personal and professional level, I am committed to building purpose-driven spaces that uplift women and families, including securing a flagship location for Dakota Tea House that is thoughtfully aligned with my values of hospitality, history, and community. A fun fact about me is my love for vintage pieces and the stories they tell, which often inspire the aesthetics and storytelling behind my work.

Event Planning
Stephanie
Hi everyone! I’m Stephanie, your Power of Women event planning coordinator. I’m so excited to be part of this incredible board and to learn everything I can to bring out the best in myself while contributing meaningfully to this beautiful group of women. I’m also hoping to step out of my shell a bit more and grow alongside all of you.
I’m the owner and baker behind LiLee Mae Cakes, where I get to share my passion for creating gourmet desserts and custom cakes that bring joy to others. Outside of baking, I’m a proud mom of three wonderful kids and have been happily married for 17 years. I’m originally from California, but Williston has been home for the past nine years—and I’ve truly grown to love it here.

Social Media
Desirea Colwell
Hi, I’m Desi, the owner of Divinus Photography LLC. I was born and raised in Waterville, Washington, a tiny farming town in the heart of central Washington. I come from a fifth-generation ranching and wheat farming family, and that deep rooted work ethic has shaped everything I do. Life eventually led me to North Dakota after meeting my husband and it’s here that my photography journey truly took off.
I specialize in boudoir, business, and creative portraits, and I’m endlessly inspired by helping women see just how powerful, beautiful, and unique they really are. Over the years, the support of this incredible community has helped my business grow beyond what I ever imagined. I’ve been published in four photography magazines, three boudoir and one portrait. I’ve also had the honor of landing both a front cover and back cover in boudoir publications. I’ve also been featured eleven times on Unscripted, the largest photography app in the world.
A little fun fact about me? I’m a total rock-aholic. If it sparkles, is shaped funny, or came from a meaningful place, I probably brought it home. There’s hardly a corner of my house that doesn’t have a rock tucked somewhere.
In addition to being a photographer, I’m proud to serve as the Social Media Manager for the Power of Women program. My goal is to amplify this incredible community through intentional, creative, and powerful digital storytelling. I want to bring bigger, bolder visibility to the program while continuing to push my own limits in editing, creativity, and digital marketing.
Looking forward, I hope to dive into more big, imaginative creative sessions and hopefully to finally book a dudeoir session!


