Photo Credit: Lindsay Linton Buk

Lynette St. Clair, a passionate advocate for indigenous communities, has dedicated her life to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Shoshone people. As a Shoshone linguist, cultural preservationist and education consultant on the Wind River Indian Reservation, Lynette has tirelessly worked to safeguard the Shoshone language and history, making it a central focus of her endeavors. Growing up on the reservation has instilled in her a deep connection to her roots, and she remains unwavering in her commitment to ensuring the legacy of the Shoshone people endures for generations to come.

Taylor Thoman, a fifth-generation rancher at the Thoman Ranch in southwest Wyoming, embodies a deep-seated commitment to the art of ranching that spans generations. Having worked on the family ranch since her earliest days, Taylor's immersion in the traditions of ranch life, coupled with guidance from her grandmother, a Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee, reflects a profound understanding that cannot be acquired overnight or from textbooks. For Taylor, ranching is not just a livelihood; it's a heritage learned from the best of the best, shaping her into a steward of the land with invaluable insights passed down through her family's legacy.

Casper resident Amber Pollock's unexpected journey led her to co-found the Backwards Distilling Company in Wyoming, turning a family conversation about crafting spirits into her dream job. Originally pursuing a career as a music teacher, Amber now manages the distillery's tasting room, events and social media. Actively involved in her community, Amber's unique path showcases her tenacity and commitment to being a positive influence in both business and civic engagement.

In Buffalo, Wyoming, Karen Hostetler is the driving force behind Mountain Meadow Wool, a business dedicated to preserving the ranching tradition and promoting the cultural heritage of the American West. Faced with the scarcity of local Wyoming wool, Karen and her son founded the Mountain Meadow Wool Mill in 2007, ensuring that Wyoming-raised wool is transformed into a variety of textures and colors for diverse applications. Through her commitment to 100% American-made and Wyoming-grown wool, Karen not only sustains the state's sheep-raising legacy, dating back over a century, but also provides ranchers with a market for their products.

Located in Jackson, Wyoming, Haley Fitzgerald has cultivated a deep connection with the land and its resources. Passionate about conservation and whole animal use, she launched her brand, Spruced Plume in 2017, crafting unique, sustainable and wearable art from feathers and leather sourced through personal experiences, local farms and close connections. Embracing the distinctive nature of sustainably-sourced materials, Haley ensures that each handcrafted piece tells a unique story, reflecting her commitment to ethical practices and celebrating the individuality of her creations.

Peggy Sue Garman, hailing from a multigenerational ranching family in Crook County, Wyoming, epitomizes the spirit of resilience and trailblazing in the world of rodeo. She honed her rodeo skills at Casper College, focusing on breakaway roping. With a remarkable rodeo journey since the age of seven, Peggy Sue has not only made history as one of the first women to compete in breakaway roping at Cheyenne Frontier Days but also proudly holds the arena record for this event at the prestigious rodeo, showcasing her prowess and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.