Women Who Mean Business honored at event

These women may mean business, but they also know how to have some fun.

Over pool-side cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Renaissance Las Vegas, 2013’s Women Who Mean Business networked, shared war stories and thanked friends, family and community for helping them soar.

It was the fourth year for the special issue of the Las Vegas Business Press, but the first year the publication had feted the winners.

This year’s 10 honorees represented diverse industries, including hospitality, law, health care, banking, education, real estate and construction. The Business Press sifted through about 160 applications, choosing winners based on professional accomplishments and community service.

Michelle Shetrom, sales administrator at Commercial Roofers, said she didn’t initially believe the news that she’d made the list.

“I don’t know who nominated me. When the reporter (Alan Snel) called to tell me I’d won, I actually thought I was being punked,” Shetrom said.

She added that she was both flattered and embarrassed at her inclusion on the list.

“I’m very humbled. I don’t like to toot my own horn,” she said. “I do what I do not for recognition, but because I love it.”

That was a common refrain through the night, as each winner picked up her award and said a few quick words to the crowd of about 175.

Molly Hamrick, president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, gave a shout-out to her fellow winners, noting that “everyone is working hard, raising families and doing a lot for Las Vegas.” She also thanked her “amazing” office team for enabling her to build both a family and a business.

Karie Hall, vice president of hotel operations for Caesars Entertainment Corp., brought her father, husband and three daughters, “to show (her girls) what amazing things women can do in business, no matter what your discipline is.”

Chef Carla Pellegrino reflected on a whirlwind seven years in Las Vegas.

“I’m so honored, I can’t talk right now. I’ve been here since 2006, and I have been getting so much love. I just want to say that I love you right back,” she said.

And Patricia Lee, a partner in the law firm of Hutchison & Steffen, reflected on joining an elite sorority that now includes 40 honorees since 2010.

“This is one of the greatest achievements of my career, and it’s great to be in the company of women who have so much vision,” she said.

Contact reporter Jennifer Robison at
jrobison@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4512.
Follow @JRobison1 on Twitter.