Leadership, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship: Miss Valley of the Sun Organization
In this insightful podcast episode, host Karen Nowicki engages with guests Kate Hofmann and Alexis Niekamp from the Miss Valley of the Sun organization, delving into their experiences within the Miss America system and their entrepreneurial journeys. Kate and Alexis share personal anecdotes, underscoring the profound impact of the organization on their lives, from scholarship opportunities to fostering a supportive sisterhood network. They discuss the organization’s mission to empower young women through personal and professional development, emphasizing the significance of community support and mentorship in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Throughout the episode, Karen, Alexis, and Kate navigate topics ranging from effective communication and networking to the role of small businesses in supporting organizations like theirs. They advocate for authenticity and openness in communication, highlighting the transformative power of embracing vulnerability and reciprocity in business and personal growth. Through their personal stories and insightful perspectives, the guests convey the value of networking, education, and community support in achieving individual and organizational success, leaving listeners inspired to embark on their journeys of empowerment and growth.
Miss Valley of the Sun an official local preliminary to the Miss Arizona & Miss Arizona’s Teen competition, the Miss Valley of the Sun Scholarship Organization is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to empowering the women of Arizona to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Alexes (Lexe) Niekamp was born in Northern California and moved to Arizona at a young age, she takes pride in starting to dance at the age of four years old, and being actively involved in theatre and her community as well.
She is the owner of two local businesses Lessons by Lexe: Dance Studio for 7 years and Quest Character Parties for 6 years. She also serves as a board member for a local non-profit theatre company; One Stage Family Theatre, and the National Ambassador for the state of Arizona with the Global Game Changers.
Lexe just wrapped up her third year as the NAZ WRANGLERS IFL Pro-Dance Team Coach and is the current Miss Maricopa County within the Miss Arizona Organization.
She genuinely believes her purpose is to ensure that as our youth develop they have access to the world of arts and entrepreneurship, because while growing up the arts was always her outlet, which ignited a passion to build her own business.
She started a dance studio at the age of 19 years old, working and going to college full time. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Applied Human Behavior and holds certificates in Community Development & Sustainability, Dance Medicine, Entrepreneurship, and Service Industry Management. Her dance studio provides scholarships for young dancers which is something she holds very close to her heart.
With the courage of a lion she gives so much of herself to her community and encourages all to apply themselves in the arts world to keep confidence instilled in all generations to come. Arts is a universal language; it’s important for us to come together to self-express, while using our talents to give back.
Baton twirling lead Kate Hofmann to competing in the Miss Arizona Organization where she won Miss Arizona’s Outstanding Teen 2009, and then continued as a Miss to earn multiple Preliminary, Quality of Life and Community Service awards.
After graduating from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, she became Miss Arizona 2016, speaking and serving at more than 300 events.
Now as a REALTOR® with Realty One Group North Scottsdale, she utilizes her network of resources and valuable insights to provide guidance, education and quality service in residential real estate. From your first home to your forever home, and the investments in between, Kate is there to make sure you love where you live.
She is also an experienced marketing and communications professional who has a passion for storytelling and helping others feel confident when connecting with their community, whether that’s on social media, television, a stage or in an interview room.
Kate’s been in front of the camera on both sides of the microphone – educating viewers as a reporter and being interviewed as a spokesperson for events, local businesses, non-profit organizations and more.
She’s been behind the camera coordinating television segments, magazine features, newspaper articles, online pieces and social media collaborations for businesses. Through her unique strategy, Kate crafts brand messaging and content that captivate, connect and converts.
Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, working on home projects, cheering on Arizona’s sports teams (except those Wildcats), listening to podcasts, reading books, and testing out new recipes for baked goods.
