Fort Collins, CO May 2026

THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

Proudly

banking on Elevations member since 1996

Here’s to the Women Who Shape Us

Excited to share some inspiring words from your new incoming publisher!

Here’s to the women who shape us, the ones who make our lives richer, our communities stronger, and our stories more meaningful. It’s an honor to introduce myself as the new Owner and Publisher of Fort Collins City Lifestyle and to begin this journey with you.

This Women’s Issue feels like the perfect beginning.

Throughout my life and career, I’ve been shaped by the people who believed in me, lifted me up, and stood beside me, especially the women who have had such a lasting impact on my life. Women who lead with strength and grace. Women who show up, not just for themselves, but for their families, their businesses, and their communities. Women who quietly carry so much and still find ways to pour into others.

I see that same spirit here in Fort Collins every single day.

In these pages, you’ll find stories of women who are building, creating, leading, and giving back in meaningful ways. Each one reflects the heart of this community: resilient, passionate, and deeply connected.

As I begin this new chapter, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the path that brought me here, for the relationships that have shaped me, and for the opportunity to tell stories that matter. This magazine has always been about connection, and to me, there is nothing more powerful than women supporting women.

My hope is that this issue not only inspires you but also reminds you of the strength within your own story, and the impact you have on those around you.

Here’s to the women who lead, the women who lift, and the women who make this community what it is.

I’m so honored to be on this journey with you.

With gratitude,

TAYLOR-DRAKE, PUBLISHER

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Carli Taylor-Drake carli.taylor-drake@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Dana Olson

dana.olson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Addie Knott Photography, Rich Caldwell, Monica Jean Photography, E.T.C. Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn

Longevity

city scene

1-6: NOCO Unify successfully revived Fort Collins’ Old Town St. Pat’s Parade on March 14th. Approximately 12,000 attendees enjoyed floats and dancers, followed by live music and festivities in Old Town Square, marking a triumphant return for this beloved tradition. Photo credit Tim O’Hara with Tim O’Hara Photography and Ty Mashek, took the group photo of the NOCO Unify members. 7: Ron Emery, Yvonne Meyers, and Greg Harrell at the Fort Collins Area Chamber Annual Celebration

Becky Vasos and Carol Jo Lubick 23: Allman and the Fish Band play at the Ram Strength dinner 24: Gerard and Michelle Boyle at the Ram Strength dinner 25: Sonny Lubick and Dr. Katie Scott attend the Ram Strength dinner 26: Jeff and Jessie Donaldson at The Ram Strength dinner

27: Ann Hutchinson at the Fort Collins Area Chamber Annual Celebration 28: NOCO Unify successfully revived Fort Collins’ Old Town St. Pat’s Parade on March 14th. Approximately 12,000 attendees enjoyed floats and dancers, followed by live music and festivities in Old Town Square, marking a triumphant return for this beloved tradition. Photo credit Tim O’Hara with Tim O’Hara Photography and Ty Mashek, took the group photo of the NOCO Unify members.

City of Fort Collins Receives National Vision Zero Award

Fort Collins is gaining national recognition for putting safety first. The city has been awarded the 2026 Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award, celebrating its bold commitment to safer streets for kids and families. Through smart planning, community partnerships and programs like Safe Routes to School, Fort Collins is leading the way in reducing traffic risks and making it easier—and safer—for everyone to walk and bike.

Miss Rodeo Colorado

As the 2026 Miss Rodeo Colorado, Lindsey Fancher-Rule carries a title that is often misunderstood at first glance—polished, poised, and too easily reduced to pageantry. In reality, the crown represents something far more layered. For Lindsey, it reflects a lifetime rooted in agriculture, a responsibility she has worked toward for years, and a role she now carries with both purpose and perspective.

Raised on her family’s ranch in Loveland, Lindsey grew up immersed in the Western way of life, helping raise horses, beef cattle, and bucking bulls while spending her early years behind the chutes at rodeos alongside her family. That foundation shaped both her experience and her voice, grounding her in the realities of an industry she now represents. When she was crowned Miss Rodeo Colorado 2026 at the Greeley Stampede, it marked the realization of a lifelong goal grounded in heritage and hard work.

But the title she carries today demands far more than tradition.

It requires a working knowledge of agriculture, horsemanship, veterinary science, policy, and public engagement, all brought to life through a year spent traveling the state as both a representative and an advocate. The work is not symbolic. It is deeply connected to a moment that matters.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Agriculture, long the backbone of Colorado, now sits in a complex position. Nearly 39,000 farms and ranches operate across the state, yet fewer than 2% of residents are directly involved in producing the food that sustains the other 98%. That disconnect shapes how agriculture is understood and supported, often influencing decisions far removed from the communities most affected.

For Lindsey, that gap is personal. It drives her platform, “Why We Ride,” which encourages others to reconnect with the purpose behind rodeo and agriculture and find their place within it. As she moves between classrooms, community events, and rodeos across Colorado, her role becomes one of translation, making a way of life that many no longer experience firsthand visible, approachable, and relevant again.

That work is especially important as pressures on agriculture continue to mount. Water rights remain one of the state’s most complex challenges, farmland continues to give way to development,

and policy decisions are often shaped far from the communities they most directly affect. The result is a widening rural-urban divide.

Lindsey steps into that space not as a spokesperson from a distance, but as someone who has lived it.

Often, the most powerful way she connects those worlds is through rodeo itself.

While many see it as entertainment, rodeo is a living demonstration of the skills still used on working ranches today. Each event reflects a real task, from safely handling livestock to training horses for daily work, creating a rare point of intersection where urban and rural Colorado share the same experience.

Events like the Greeley Stampede and the Loveland Rodeo extend that impact further, especially through

youth livestock programs and 4-H exhibitions that introduce the next generation to agriculture in a tangible way. For Lindsey, these are opportunities to create connection, spark curiosity, and begin closing a gap that continues to widen.

Her year will culminate on one of the largest stages in the sport, the Miss Rodeo America pageant alongside the National Finals Rodeo, but the significance of her role is found in everything leading up to it—miles traveled, conversations started, and perspectives slowly shifting.

At its core, Lindsey’s work is about advocating for the future of an industry she has known her entire life and ensuring that it remains visible and understood.

THE COURAGE TO ASK

Dixie Daly Shares her Secrets to Success

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADDIE KNOTT

It started with a simple ask—and it changed everything. Two moments stand out. One led to stepping onto a baseball field in full uniform at Colorado Rockies Fantasy Camp. Another led to participating in a local “Dancing

with the Stars” fundraiser. Both began the same way, with a question asked out loud. Each opened the door to something that had once felt out of reach, and together, they shaped a mindset that continues to guide Dixie Daly today.

“If you don’t ask, the answer is already no. But when you do ask, anything becomes possible.”

That belief has become more than a phrase. It is the foundation of how she moves through both business and life.

Dixie Daly is the founder of the Tickled Pink Collection, a community-driven brand featuring collaborations such as Tickled Pink Beer, Tickled Pink Cotton Candy–flavored vodka, pink chocolate, Pink Dragonfly Cider, Pink Sunrise Coffee, and more. Each product is created in partnership with local businesses, designed not only to bring something new to market, but to create connection along the way.

She is also the creator of multiple greeting card lines and the author of five books. Her work has earned recognition from BizWest, Colorado Women of Influence, and

eWomen Network, among others, and she is known as an award-winning poet. While the accomplishments are notable, they are not the defining element of her story. What stands out most is the approach behind them.

For Dixie, asking is not simply about receiving something. It is about initiating something. A conversation. A collaboration. A next step that would not exist otherwise. It requires stepping outside of comfort, often before certainty is guaranteed, and trusting that something meaningful can take shape on the other side of the question.

There have been moments when that willingness carried deeper significance. Times when stepping forward meant choosing growth during seasons that felt uncertain, and allowing something new to emerge in the process. In those moments, the act of asking became less about outcome and more about rediscovery.

That same mindset carried into her work as a creator.

A single question—What do you want?—brought an idea back to life, one that had been written down years earlier but never acted on. This time, she chose to follow

“If you don’t ask, the answer is already no. But when you do ask, anything becomes possible.”

through. What began as one ask evolved into something larger, growing into a business, a creative outlet, and a platform for collaboration. Today, the Tickled Pink Collection reflects that journey, expanding through partnerships that support local businesses and bring people together.

Her process begins with clarity. Understanding what she is working toward, both personally and professionally, and then taking action. Conversations are started. Opportunities are explored. Connections are made. And when the answer is no, she moves forward. As she puts it, “Next.” The response simply signals that something else may be waiting.

Over time, that repetition becomes its own rhythm. Asking becomes less intimidating, more familiar. Each conversation builds on the last, creating a sense of momentum that carries forward naturally. Confidence,

in that sense, is not something required to begin. It develops through the act itself.

None of it happens in isolation.

Relationships are at the center of everything she builds. Approaching others with kindness, listening with intention, and leading with a sense of care creates a foundation that allows ideas to develop naturally.

At its core, the work reflects something simple. Connection. Creativity. Community.

Not built all at once, but through a series of moments—questions asked, conversations started, and the willingness to keep showing up.

For Dixie Daly, asking is no longer a single action. It is part of how she lives.

And more often than not, the difference is not found in the opportunity itself, but in the decision to speak before certainty is guaranteed.

That is where everything begins.

Benefits of Routine Maintenance Programs

Routine maintenance programs provide numerous benefits for both residential and commercial properties. Firstly, regular inspections ensure the safety of the system, reducing the risk of malfunctions or even potentially hazardous situations. Additionally, routine maintenance can vastly improve the efficiency of the system, leading to cost savings on energy bills.

Preventive maintenance can help prevent unexpected heating emergencies, saving both time and money in the long run. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining manufacturer warranties, as neglecting regular maintenance and inspections could result in voiding the warranty

Aubrielle Brennan

Legacy is built behind the scenes, through women whose strength helps others keep going. Aubrielle Brennan, fitness and nutrition coach for Rebuilt by Motherhood, brings that kind of quiet power to her every day.

Aubrielle Brennan

A former marathoner, FBI agent, and lifelong athlete, Aubrielle’s path shifted when motherhood reshaped her identity, body, and sense of purpose. Instead of staying lost in transition, she rebuilt herself—and now helps other mothers do the same.

Through fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching, she teaches women to stop shrinking themselves. Instead to rebuild

with strength, nourishment, and confidence. Her work is rooted in service, faith, and the belief that mothers are worthy of investing in themselves, too.

From Berthoud to clients across the country, Aubrielle’s grit is fueled by grace and guided by heart. Her legacy is helping women see their own beauty, strength, and capability—reminding them that it is never too late to begin again.

“I think if we all were a little bit more authentic and true to ourselves, then we would form deeper connections.”

Lidia Varela:

Event Coordinator, High Country Beverage & Crown Distributors | Founder, Draft Pony & LIFT Foundation

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADDIE KNOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

LIDIA VARELA

EVENT COORDINATOR, HIGH COUNTRY BEVERAGE & CROWN DISTRIBUTORS | FOUNDER, DRAFT PONY & LIFT FOUNDATION

Connection has always been at the center of Lidia Varela’s work. Across her role with High Country Beverage and Crown Distributors, as well as the ventures she has built on her own, she focuses on bringing people together in ways that create lasting impact throughout Greeley and the surrounding region.

Her day-to-day work spans community engagement, sponsorships, and event coordination across Colorado and Kansas. From supporting nonprofit fundraisers to building partnerships with national and local organizations, her role is rooted in relationships—creating opportunities for collaboration and helping ideas come to life in meaningful ways.

That approach is shaped by her deep ties to Northern Colorado. Born in Greeley and raised along the Front Range, Lidia has remained closely connected to the community that helped shape her. Her continued involvement, including her work supporting and advocating within her communities, reflects both pride in where she comes from and a commitment to contributing to its future.

Over time, that commitment has expanded beyond her professional role. Draft Pony, a mobile draft beverage service, was created to bring people together in a different way—through shared experiences at events, celebrations, and gatherings. It reflects her understanding that some of the most meaningful moments happen when people have the space to connect.

She has also founded the LIFT Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting underserved children through education, mentorship, and community resources. The mission is centered on helping young people build confidence, stay engaged in school, and create opportunities that support their long-term success.

Together, these efforts reflect a consistent focus: creating spaces where people feel supported, included, and connected. “At the heart of it all, my goal is simple— building relationships and creating opportunities that strengthen the communities we serve,” Lidia says.

Outside of her work, family remains at the heart and foundation of everything. As one of six siblings, she grew up surrounded by a strong sense of togetherness—something she continues to prioritize today with her children and grandson. Time with family and close friends provides balance, grounding her in the relationships that inspire much of what she does.

“Leadership is the ability to inspire others, create space for their voices, and help them become more than they thought possible. Lead, live, and give back. If my journey inspires someone to step into their purpose and use their voice boldly, that’s a legacy I’m proud of.” “

Her involvement across the community extends through leadership roles with organizations including the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Colorado Youth Outdoors, the Latino Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Fund of Weld County, and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, along with ongoing work supporting additional nonprofit efforts.

As she looks ahead, Lidia remains focused on continued growth—both within the organizations she represents and through the work she is building. With strong momentum behind her, her approach remains consistent: strengthening relationships and creating opportunities that bring people together. It’s also something she hopes the next generation carries forward.

“Leadership is the ability to inspire others, create space for their voices, and help them become more than they thought possible. Lead, live, and give back,” she says.

“If my journey inspires someone to step into their purpose and use their voice boldly, that’s a legacy I’m proud of.”

REDEFINING BEAUTY AND WELL-BEING WITH AMNA RAFIQ

The Skin Lounge

“

“We are empowering our clients through beauty and self-love. We look at our clients as a whole.”

What was once a childhood dream is now a reality in the form of The Skin Lounge, a boutique skincare studio in Northern Colorado founded by licensed aesthetician and skincare transformation coach, Amna Rafiq. Not just any skincare studio, The Skin Lounge strives to transform the way guests perceive beauty and overall wellness by going beyond superficial societal standards. They do this by equipping their guests with knowledge, tools, and ongoing support to empower them to prioritize not only their skin, but their well-being in all aspects of their lives.

Their commitment to their clientele goes far beyond superficial beauty standards. At The Skin Lounge they believe that true beauty is a holistic concept that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They aim to inspire confidence, nurture self-love, and help customers embrace their

unique and authentic beauty. From education to providing the best, custom curated treatments the industry has to offer, they’re redefining beauty from the inside out. Amna explains, “We are passionate about what we do and ultimately we are trying to improve people’s lives—empowering our clients through beauty and self-love. We look at our clients as a whole.”

Amna was born and raised in Pakistan and moved to Colorado in 2001. She’s loved skin care and makeup for as long as she can remember and many of her techniques are inspired by Asian skin care standards. She started The Skin Lounge in 2019 with the intention of providing skin care services that are not only relaxing and enjoyable but also deliver lasting results. She is particularly passionate about helping women over 35 transform their skin through non-invasive treatments and expert guidance.

We firmly believe that self-care is not a luxury but an essential part of a fulfilling life. “ ”

“I want everyone to feel included and heard,” Amna explains. “I want my clients to feel at ease that not only is their skin being taken care of but we also want to make a positive difference in each and every one of their lives. It’s far more than beauty.”

As soon as you walk through the door of the Skin Lounge you are immediately enveloped by the calm, nurturing, and elegant atmosphere. Rooted in kindness and attentiveness as well as cutting-edge techniques, The Skin Lounge is proud to offer an array of transformative skin care services, premium products, and unique treatments. They start with comprehensive skin consultations and custom curate all the treatments according to their clients’ needs. Their services include Advanced Bespoke Facials, Plasma Fibroblast, Jett Plasma, Oxylight® Facial, Gua Sha + Buccal Massage, facial and

head massages, and skin consultations. They also carry scientifically backed brands like Environ and Alastin skincare.

“We firmly believe that self-care is not a luxury but an essential part of a fulfilling life and we are honored to be part of our guests' personal growth and well-being,” Amna shares.

When it comes to Amna making self-care a priority in her own life she admits that self-care for her is not just an action but a philosophy. “Simply put, self-care is all about recognizing that you are ‘worth’ your time.”

Customized, transformative and imparted with love, The Skin Lounge is not simply a skin clinic. It’s a luxury mind-body experience and their greatest passion is empowering their clientele through selfcare and providing the tools to celebrate their natural beauty and ignite confidence.

DELIGHT MOM WITH HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES

ARTICLE BY MATTHEW SOUSA

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.

CLASSIC BELGIAN WAFFLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 eggs, separated

• 1¾ cups milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4.  In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.

5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour in enough batter to cover the surface and cook until golden brown and crisp.

Serving Suggestions:

Top the waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

This simple yet elegant breakfast is a heartfelt way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

BREAKFAST Mother’s Day

DIY DAY

INSPIRATION FOR A MOTHER/ DAUGHTER DIY DAY

WITH MOM

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

An afternoon spent together is priceless with today’s busy schedules. Instead of going out, staying in can provide quaint, quiet one-on-one time for a mother and daughter (or multiple daughters). Finding time on calendars is the hard part, and filling that time is all fun from there. Here are a few favorite ideas for inspiration that may spark excitement for planning those special times together.

01 Charm Necklaces

Custom DIY charm necklaces and bracelets are trending. Gather a theme idea: birthstones, family initials, travels or even favorite hobbies, and procure charms from your local craft store or online shop. Selecting charms for each other also could be a fun way to bring delight to the crafting occasion. Necklaces and bracelets can be made for each other, or as future gifts for upcoming occasions such as a family wedding, a birthday milestone or an anniversary.

03 Meal Prep

Text conversations around kitchen tips or ingredient procurement seem endless. Spend some time together in the kitchen preparing favorite family recipes, sharing Mom’s best tips and tricks. Choosing freezer-friendly meals is a great way to walk away with meals for upcoming busy days. There’s nothing like Mom’s recipes!

Storytelling makes for the best memories. Structure memory recall by filming or journaling interview-style question-and-answer sessions, cataloging information for future generations. Videos and notes with detailed family adventures are priceless, and we all always wish we had more of them.

Journaling

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

MAY 5TH

Ginger's Book Club: Yes, Chef

Ginger and Baker | 6:00 PM

Join Ginger and the team for a lively discussion on this month’s food themed book, Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelson. In order to reserve your space, there is a ticket fee of $10. This fee will be used as a credit toward food/drink purchased at book club. Visit Old Firehouse Books in Old Town to purchase your book

MAY 7TH

Virtuoso Voices

Griffin Concert Hall | 7:30 PM

The Ralph Opera Program at CSU, under the direction of Dr. Tiffany Blake, with the University Symphony Orchestra, led by Dr. Rachel Waddell, unite for an evening that celebrates the artistry of CSU’s vocal and instrumental performers. The program features the first movement of Édouard Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D minor. Opera arias, ensembles, and overtures round out the program, creating a spirited gala that showcases collaborative spirit of students.

An exceptional equestrian estate offering premier horse facilities! Situated on 5 32 fully fenced acres with mineral rights, this proper ty is thoughtfully designed to enjoy the breathtaking v iews! Saddle up at home and enjoy scenic rides around the lake!

Four-story luxury townhome per fectly positioned next to Library Park and just three blocks from Old Town Square. Designed for both privacy and elegance, the home features a private street-level entrance as well as direct access from the secure, gated two-car garage and private glass elevator

Andrea Tuell

Stylish 2-bedroom condo in the hear t of Old Town Nor th! Ideally located just blocks from the Poudre River, trails, and the new kayak park, and within walking distance to breweries, restaurants, shops, The Exchange, and Old Town For t Collins.