Our Board
Who We Are
Gabi Marshall
Executive Director
Gabi Marshall relocated to Yuma, Arizona, shortly after graduating from high school in Bullhead City in 2005. A proud Arizonan, she and her husband, Levi Marshall, have embraced the joys of homeschooling their two sons. As a self-taught photographer with over a decade of experience, Gabi has dedicated her craft to empowering women through stunning portraiture, which ultimately led her to the Yuma Scholarship Organization. Gabi is deeply passionate about using her photography to illuminate the beauty and worth of women, reflecting their creation in God’s image. In 2018, she began her journey with the Yuma Scholarship Organization as a photography sponsor and later stepped into a more active role on the volunteer board of directors, where she has served as sponsor liaison, co-director, and is currently the Executive Director. Her unwavering commitment to the organization is fueled by her desire to help young women discover scholarships, build sisterhood, and gain confidence. Gabi believes that a thriving community is built on involvement and giving back. Her ultimate goal is to empower these women to pursue their education debt-free, while also benefiting from the incredible support of the Yuma community.
Allie Van Dyn Hoven-Mendoza
Co-Director
I have lived in Yuma since I was just 5 days old! I love the Yuma Community with a passion, the only thing that would make Yuma better are cooler summers! I have been a part of this organization since 2015 when I started my journey as a competitor. I was your Miss Yuma County in 2017 and 2019, and Miss City of Yuma 2018. Because of this organization, I was able to get my associates degree through AWC for FREE! Amazing right?! This organization helped me and many other young women further their education, so I wanted to continue volunteering in the organization. My specialty lies in the production part of the program. I love choreographing opening number, choosing music, helping with talents, perfecting their walking and fitness routines, and more!
Janet Porter
President
Aside from the fact that our program offers women in our community scholarships, totaling over $7000, I absolutely love what this program does to assist young ladies with their personal growth. The camaraderie that is established, the real life lessons, learning how to speak in front of crowds, facing fears of being on stage, learning to use their voice to speak on issues that matter to them, the realization that they are in fact fearfully and wonderfully made and have everything in them and around them to be successful, and being empowered to move forward with confidence is so beautiful and amazing! I am proud and honored to play a small part in that process.
Kathryn Buckman
Vice President
As former Miss Yuma County (2011), I believe in giving back to the program that gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader and help provide me scholarships to achieve a higher education. Watching each girl grow in their self confidence and love for our community makes every long night of working hard to make sure they are prepared for Miss Arizona 1000% worth it. The best part of this program is we gain new sisters every year and not one year is like that last they each title holder has their own goals and social impacts.
Ronna Sue Stubbs
Treasurer
I love the joy in experiencing the personal potential each delegate and Titleholders finds deep inside them.
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I am the Skin Care and Make Up Sponsor as a Mary Kay Sales Director.
Anaisa Ureta
Secretary
I am the owner of Desert Sunset Creations & More, and am the sponsor for delegate sashes, competition t-shirts, Princess t-shirts, awards and the Princess gift at the annual Princes tea party.
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I love what the Program brings to Yuma Girls. Not just the Scholarship opportunities it brings but also the sisterhood, the coaching, the community support, this program does so much.
Chelsea Ogram
Board Member
I am a board member, event chaperone, and the hairstylist sponsor. What I love most about the program is seeing the girls and how much they grow as young women over the course of the year! Seeing all they accomplish from the day they’re crowned until the pass the crown on. It’s tremendous to see their confidence change from once being a contestant to now leading the show!