Frisco STYLE Magazine proudly presents its honorees for this year’s Women in Business
October brings the opportunity to honor our 2024 Women in Business, a phenomenal group of servant leaders who have made their mark on our community while championing others, driving commerce, and setting an incredible example. We proudly recognize these deserving women, as each honoree brings unique skills and perspectives to their respective industries while continually cultivating a purpose for their work and remaining fearless when challenging the status quo. They have shown determination, problem-solving skills, confidence, and contribution, all while being champions for our great city.
Frisco Style Magazine’s 2024 Women in Business have played instrumental roles in shaping Frisco’s unique past, present, and future. Because of women like these and their unwavering commitment to success in business, shown through their innovative career approaches, Frisco continues to be recognized nationwide for its thriving business opportunities.
Wren Ovard
President and CEO - Li'l Birdie Consulting
As President and CEO of Li’l Birdie Consulting, Wren Ovard specializes in advising clients in business strategy, business planning, brand awareness, expansion and development strategy, and civic and philanthropic engagement.
“I work hard with my clients to achieve their goals and dreams,” Ms. Ovard shares. “I love connecting business, community, and charitable leaders through work. Bringing people who do not know each other together and creating lasting relationships strengthens our Frisco community now and in the future.”
Ms. Ovard’s journey to success includes over 25 years of experience in business while remaining incredibly active in the Frisco community, including work in both professional and college sports - Ms. Ovard’s passions. As a leader in our community, she serves through volunteering with the Frisco Women’s League, Frisco Education Foundation, Frisco Family Services, and Frisco Fastpacs. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Frisco Class 13 and served the City of Frisco as a seven-year Board Member of the Frisco Community Development Corporation.
“I decided to take that experience, including work with the Frisco Bowl, and serve Frisco and the surrounding area in new and exciting ways through Li’l Birdie Consulting,” she says. “I have a passion for helping people achieve their goals and connecting people with their best possible relationships. Relationships are great for people, great for business, and great for our community!”
Because of Ms. Ovard’s strong relationships with local businesses, communities, and charitable and political leaders, she is uniquely positioned to provide outstanding perspectives and viewpoints to help her clients achieve efficient and prolonged results of their own.
No stranger to teamwork, Ms. Ovard also serves as Senior Counsel for Dallas-based public relations agency Sunwest Communications. Sunwest and Li’l Birdie Consulting have established a valuable partnership leveraging strengths that allow Li’l Birdie Consulting clients access to Sunwest Communication’s public relations, crisis communications, creative services, government relations, social media, philanthropic, and media training services. In return, Sunwest Communications clients utilize Li’l Birdie’s marketing, relationship building, event planning, and government relations services.
“I am excited to work on projects that will benefit the City of Frisco and North Texas for decades to come. It fuels me every day to help my clients have such a positive impact on Frisco and North Texas,” Ms. Ovard shares. As Ms. Ovard looks to the future, she admits that her hope is “to continue serving our community by helping clients. present and future, reach and exceed their business goals.”
Leah Clark
Founder & Owner - Batch Bakery
Leah Clark is the proud owner and founder of one of Frisco’s most beloved bakeries, Batch Bakery. Batch is known for making delectable pies, cakes, cookies, and more, all from scratch daily. Ms. Clark’s specialized role allows her to run and operate the bakery while “serving joy one slice at a time.” Ms. Clark and her team strive to provide top-notch customer service to their valued customers, always going out of the way to treat them like they are family.
When she’s not at the bakery, Ms. Clark stays actively plugged into various groups in the community, including The Frisco Chamber of Commerce and Refresh NTX. Through serving as an advisory board member for Refresh NTX, a local non-profit that provides children in the community with access to personal hygiene items, she utilizes her personal and professional business-related skills and strengths in multiple capacities while giving her time and energy to the cause.
Not only does Ms. Clark use her talents to run a successful business, but Batch Bakery actively gives back to several non-profits in the area by donating its sweet treats to galas, silent auctions, and volunteering time. She’s proud to support others in various ways, whether through donations, time, or service, and she’s incredibly proud to share her gifts with others. “I try to give back as much as I can!” she admits. “I love being able to be out in the community, sharing what we offer, and bringing sweets with me anywhere I can.”
Ms. Clark worked in the bakery industry for more than ten years before setting off on the exciting new journey to start her own bakery. “I’ve always had a passion for baking and connecting with the community. After Batch Bakery opened, I realized quickly that it’s not just about baking pies and cakes, but about being there and helping the community when we can,” she says.
In thinking about the future, Ms. Clark’s current business goal is to expand Batch Bakery and possibly even look at opening more locations. In doing so, she understands the importance of developing sound employees who also progress and grow. “I’m proud of coaching and developing my team members. For many of my staff, this is their first job or job in a bakery. It teaches so many lessons…how to interact with guests and how to handle any issues that come up. I love guiding them and coaching them into leaders with abilities that they can use in future jobs,” Ms. Clark shares.
By utilizing her years of experience, her magnetic personality, and her giving heart, Ms. Clark has successfully created and established a career and business in Frisco that not only provides delicious treats in our community but a place that provides joy through both it’s products and community service and support.
Cori Powers
Director of Marketing & Communications - Visit Frisco
As the Director of Marketing and Communications for Visit Frisco, Cori Powers leads the overall marketing and communications strategy to help elevate Frisco’s profile as a premier destination for tourism, meetings, conventions, and sports, with a mission to champion the overall Frisco experience.
“I oversee a talented team of four people. We work to enhance Frisco’s visibility through advertising, content creation, public relations, and social media. We provide support to all of the Visit Frisco departments, ensuring cohesive and impactful messaging across all channels,” Ms. Powers shares.
Ms. Powers’ vital and strategic role helps shape growth and prosperity by driving economic growth, enhancing Frisco’s brand, and supporting local businesses. Her efforts focus on increasing visitation, which then directly contributes to Frisco’s thriving economy through spending on accommodations, dining, attractions, events, and services. Last year alone, Visit Frisco had an economic impact of $84.4 million. More than six million visitors come to Frisco annually, and they spend $4 million each day.
Of her impactful role in Frisco’s thriving business community, Ms. Powers shares, “Visit Frisco is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Our work often goes unseen by local citizens. My role is to extend our marketing and communications efforts past Frisco’s borders, educating visitors in key markets about what makes this city unique and inspiring them to book a trip, meeting, or sporting event.”
Ms. Powers values her team’s passion, creativity, and dedication and feels “it’s rewarding to see how our combined efforts help showcase Frisco as a premier destination.” She adds, “I enjoy building strong relationships with local businesses. Partnering with them allows us to highlight the best of what Frisco has to offer, and it’s gratifying to see how our work positively impacts both the businesses and the local economy.”
While a lot of Visit Frisco’s work seemingly flies under the radar, this powerhouse organization responsible for much of Frisco’s travel and tourism success has flourished over the years. Ms. Powers has led her team to achieve significant milestones, including developing award-winning campaigns, announcing major developments and events, and hosting influential travel writers and social media influencers. “Our collaborative efforts have not only elevated Frisco’s profile but also strengthened our presence in the tourism industry,” she says.
Most recently, Ms. Powers is proud of leading the team behind the newly launched Frisco Rail District brand personality and visual identity. This community-driven project was informed by insights from hundreds of Rail District business owners, residents, and visitors. “Seeing this brand come to life and resonate with the community makes all the effort worthwhile!” she shares.
Ms. Powers aims to deepen her engagement in the Frisco and tourism communities by getting involved in local boards, nonprofits, and professional development opportunities. She is committed to “serving and contributing to this remarkable community.”
Dynette Davis
Founder & Owner - Dymensions Educational Consulting & The Suite Space
Dynette Davis wears many hats in our community as the founder and owner of Dymensions Educational Consulting, a K-12 education consulting company offering tutoring, college planning, and standardized test preparation. Ms. Davis is also the proud owner and founder of The Suite Space, a first-of-its-kind, membership-based co-work space for women, and is the current President of the Frisco ISD School Board.
Ms. Davis says, “My goal is to make a meaningful impact on the Frisco business community through Dymensions Education and The Suite Space by giving women in business the valuable inspiration to pursue their dreams.”
For the past 11 years, Dymensions Education has served the academic needs of local families. The mission of Dymensions Education is to promote academic excellence by encouraging growth and development throughout the educational community.
She created The Suite Space for local women in business who need a dedicated space to create, build, and grow their businesses in the community. Its mission lies in providing a supportive and empowering environment where women thrive professionally and personally. As a 100% woman-owned business, Ms. Davis learned valuable lessons through trial and error.
“My journey to becoming the CEO of Dymensions Education and The Suite Space has been both challenging and rewarding, fueled by a deep passion for transforming education and empowering individuals,” Ms. Davis shares. “Starting as an educator, I have dedicated myself to innovative approaches that promote experiential learning. Along the way, I cultivated relationships with like-minded women in business, which allowed me to refine my vision and expand my influence.”
Each of Ms. Davis’s career steps was marked by collaboration, resilience, and a commitment to fostering inclusive and engaging environments for students and women in business. “From a young age, I was captivated by the idea of creating something from nothing and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. My desire to become an entrepreneur stemmed from witnessing my parents as entrepreneurs. The thrill of bringing innovative ideas to life, combined with the opportunity to inspire and empower others, fueled my passion for entrepreneurship,” she shares.
Ms. Davis loves working alongside her team of passionate individuals. “Every day presents a chance to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and witness the transformative impact of our efforts on both our employees and customers. I thrive on the challenge of navigating complex decisions and finding creative solutions that propel our organization to new heights,” she shares.
Dymensions Education and The Suite Space impact the community because of Ms. Davis’s commitment to inclusivity and support for local initiatives, further strengthening community ties, and making Frisco a more connected and thriving place to live and work.
Ms. Davis adds, “Our commitment to community involvement and partnerships with local organizations has led to impactful initiatives that strengthen our community, making it a vibrant place for both personal and professional growth.”
Gloria Salinas
Vice President - Frisco Economic Development Corporation
As vice president of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Gloria Salinas leads and implements the EDC’s five-year sustainable growth strategies, policies, and performance-based metrics that help define Frisco’s economic impact.
Ms. Salinas champions a team of economic developers focused on national and international business attraction, retention and expansion, innovation, and research, including policy initiatives to attract headquarters and corporate offices and scale emerging tech industries in Frisco. Vital aspects of her role include overseeing team culture, internal operations, management of the annual budget, strategy development, implementation, and tracking of key performance indicators.
By attracting Fortune 500 headquarters, corporate offices, and technology companies, the Frisco EDC helps increase the city’s property tax base to provide more services to residents—from more investments in public safety to redevelopment projects like the Frisco Rail District and Toyota Stadium.
In the past three years (October 2021-September 2024), the Frisco EDC team won 68 relocation and expansion projects, creating 10,429 new jobs and $1 billion in capital expenditures for the City of Frisco.
Ms. Salinas was initially attracted to Frisco for its progressive and innovative approach to economic development and its engaged and supportive community. “Frisco is the fourth city in Texas I have had the honor of serving. In each role, I have picked up valuable skill sets to add to my toolbox. Frisco has been the city that has allowed me to fully utilize my toolbox of experiences in economic development,” she shares.
“It’s truly a privilege to serve Frisco during this period of rapid growth,” Ms. Salinas says. “In my role, I get to live out my passion and work on meaningful and impactful projects for residents of Frisco and find creative solutions for new opportunities for the City’s booming business environment,” she says.
While so much of her daily role is centered around business, Ms. Salinas admits that the people involved in every aspect of the job make it truly enjoyable. “I mostly enjoy the people I work alongside and the residents I get to serve through my work. I love developing and implementing our strategic initiatives and tracking their positive impacts in the community.”
As a leader within the EDC, Ms. Salinas looks to continue to encourage and support her team by leading by example and seeking new ways to grow personally and professionally. “I strive to provide inspirational leadership that drives my team’s happiness and success. I feel a strong sense of duty in my role to grow as a leader and provide exemplary leadership for my team, the EDC, and the City. I am keenly focused on paying it forward through experience and knowledge sharing to develop the next generation of economic developers on my team.”
Vicki Chen
Sales Director - Community Impact
Since joining Community Impact in 2017, Vicki Chen has served as its General Manager in multiple cities, including Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and Celina. In September, she was named the Dallas-Fort Worth Sales Director, expanding her regional role to support advertising sales in all ten communities across the Metroplex. “Day-to-day, my favorite part about my job is working with local businesses to increase their brand visibility and connect them with people right in their backyard.” she shares.
In 2023, Ms. Chen led Community Impact’s expansion efforts into Prosper and Celina. With areas north of U.S. Highway 380 growing rapidly, Community Impact recognized a need to bring journalism to that area. “Our Frisco paper has been around since 2013, so going from leading a well-established market to launching a brand new one from the ground up was a huge challenge but also a lot of fun!” Ms. Chen shares.
Community Impact strives to build stronger, more connected, and better-informed communities. News journalists cover local issues, news, and current events so residents can stay updated about local business, city government, local schools, transportation, real estate, and healthcare.
Given her early love for journalism, it’s no surprise that Community Impact has flourished under her direction, as her work with the organization has allowed her to continue doing what she loves. Ms. Chen shares, “I fell in love with journalism when I started writing for my high school newspaper in San Antonio. Maybe I was nosy, or just curious, but I loved interviewing people around my school, including the principal, and writing about all sorts of topics ranging from mental health to special education funding and fun features like movie and book reviews!”
While traditional newsrooms are becoming less common, Community Impact is a growing news company that provides local journalism and encourages valuable relationships and community relations. “We always try to attend events and meetings in person so we can develop genuine relationships and get to know our community as it grows and evolves,” she shares.
Ms. Chen adds, ”I absolutely love my team. We are a well-oiled machine and trust each other to get the job done. We work really hard, but we have a lot of fun too! When I was younger, I was all about chasing the next promotion or opportunity. Now, I am more focused on appreciating the everyday interactions and relationships I get to build through my work. I love to help my team members grow, so my primary focus is to support, encourage, and mentor them on their own professional journeys.”
