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South Vegas, NV April 2026

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Beyond the Portfolio: The True Currency of a Well-Lived Life

When we hear the word “investment,” our minds usually go straight to the tangible: portfolios, real estate, 401(k)s, and the stock market. We think about the future. We think about security. We think about compounding interest.

And while financial health is undeniably a pillar of a secure life, this month’s Investment Issue invites you to widen the lens.

In my own life, I’ve learned that the most critical currency we spend isn’t the money in our bank accounts. It is our energy. It is our attention. It is the time we allocate to the things (and the people) that matter most.

There is a line from a new book that I am writing that keeps coming back to me: “What you tend to flourishes. What you neglect fades.”  That is the true definition of investment. It is the act of pouring your resources, whether that be capital, love, or presence, into something with the faith that it will grow.

In this issue, we explore investment from every angle. We look at smart financial moves to secure your family’s legacy, but we also look at investing in your own well-being. You’ll find my feature on Jacó, Costa Rica, where I explore how booking a ticket and stepping away isn’t just a vacation, it is a vital investment in your mental wellness and a maintenance plan for your soul.

We also highlight local businesses that are investing in our community, building the kind of culture that makes our community such an incredible place to call home.

As we move into the fullness of spring, I invite you to audit your own portfolio. Not just your finances, but your life. Where are you pouring into cups that pour back into you? Where are you seeing the highest return on your joy?

Remember: The most valuable asset you manage is your own life. Invest wisely.

With heart,

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Camilla Soléa Rae | camilla.solearae@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Demi Guillory, Belanie Dishong, Camilla Soléa Rae, Rishma M. Khimji, Paige Candee, Vivian Greggory, Jennifer Florendo, Andres Molina

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Denise Truscello, Bryan Steffy, Getty Images, Ashley Marie, Camilla Soléa Rae, Dragonfly Portrait Design Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Proverbs 3:5-6

Photo credit: Casey Jade

THE ROI OF A TRANSFORMED MINDSET

The most powerful investment you will ever make isn’t in the market.

It’s in your mindset.

The right coaching helps you change how you think, decide, and show up and that changes everything.

I started working with Belanie at  Live At Choice because I wanted more, more clarity, more confidence, and a better way to handle the pressure that comes with big goals. What I didn’t realize was that mindset work would improve every area of my life, not just my business.

Since then, I’ve done amazing things professionally, paid off debt, married an incredible man, and learned how to be truly present with my clients, friends, and family. Belanie helped me shift from surviving to leading—with peace, intention, and joy. I’m grateful for the growth, but even more grateful for the life I’ve built along the way.

Michele Mere Feist

Fractional CFO

Bottom Line Bookkeeping Solutions

BottomLineFocused.com

See what Live At Choice can do for you, your business, and your mindset.

discoverysession.liveatchoice.com

S Las Vegas Blvd Suite 110, Las Vegas, NV 89119

@acnecliniclasvegasbyjustina

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city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The 30th Annual Power of Love Gala. 2: Guests gathered at the MGM Grand to advance brain health and inspire hope for millions. 3: The gala raised an astounding $12 million to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. 4: Camille and Larry Ruvo celebrated three decades of love, legacy, and lifesaving care. 5: Music legend Kenny Loggins was honored. 6: Wolfgang Puck and Charlie Palmer crafted a culinary masterpiece, joined this year by their talented sons. 7: Rachel Platten moved the audience with her performance of the empowering anthem “Fight Song.”

Photography by Denise Truscello, Bryan Steffy, Getty Images

Nevada State Bank Added Veteran Lender Angie Hagedorn

Nevada State Bank announced the addition of Angie Hagedorn to its mortgage lending team as a Mortgage Lender. With more than two decades of experience in banking and lending, Hagedorn will serve clients throughout Southern Nevada. Her background spans retail banking, commercial and consumer lending, and mortgage origination, as well as financial management experience from her previous role as a chief financial officer.

Photography by Nevada State Bank

CCMSA Strengthens Healthcare Education and Community Support

The Clark County Medical Society Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to advancing healthcare and community well-being through several recent initiatives. The organization awarded $5,000 scholarships to medical students at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV and Touro University Nevada, highlighting its support for future healthcare professionals. CCMSA is also extending assistance to the Children’s Heart Foundation Nevada and will continue its fundraising efforts at the upcoming annual fashion gala.

Photography by CCMSA

Springtime is a Natural Time to Refine

Reputation compounds or it erodes. Especially when Leadership becomes more visible not less.

The Co-Mission is a discreet, boutique marketing partner working with professionals, founders, and executives whose public brand presence must reflect the caliber of their work.

We believe clarity is a competitive advantage. How you sound matters.

How you look matters. Consistency matters.

Our work focuses on aligning voice, image, and intent so presence feels considered, not performative.

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www.theco-mission.com Bridget Richards, Co-Missioner

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Photography by Ada’s

WHY CHOOSING MERCEDES-BENZ IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN SAFETY, QUALITY, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION

LUXURY THAT LASTS

ARTICLE BY VIVIAN GREGGORY
“WE UNDERSTAND IT’S PERSONAL. DECADES HAVE BEEN INVESTED INTO CREATING OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCES THAT FEEL TAILORED TO EACH GUEST.”

Luxury has always been about more than indulgence — at its best, it’s about choosing quality that enhances everyday life. Today’s buyers are looking not just for beautiful design and elevated experiences, but for purchases that hold their value over time.

Nowhere is that shift more evident than in the automotive world.

For Jaymie Hampson, Area General Manager of Fletcher Jones Imports and Mercedes-Benz of Henderson, true luxury isn’t fleeting — it’s built to last.

“Mercedes-Benz builds its vehicles to last. That’s always been part of the DNA.” Jaymie explains. “As more focus is placed on technology in other brands, you often see compromises in comfort and quality. MercedesBenz continues to use high-quality materials, rigorous engineering standards, and modular designs that allow upgrades and longevity.”

At the end of the day, it’s not just about how it drives today — it’s about selecting craftsmanship designed to endure.

MORE THAN A FIRST IMPRESSION

Luxury is often associated with aesthetics — the feel of leather, the gleam of polished finishes, the quiet confidence of thoughtful design. Jaymie believes the true value of Mercedes-Benz lies even deeper.

“IT’S NOT ABOUT A SHORT-TERM INDULGENCE — IT’S ABOUT PEACE OF MIND, AND MAKING A CHOICE THAT STILL FEELS RIGHT YEARS FROM NOW.”

“Mercedes-Benz isn’t just about that first luxury impression,” she says. “It’s about sustained quality and industry-leading safety innovations.”

For many families, safety ends up being the deciding factor. In Southern Nevada, where traffic patterns and road conditions can change quickly, those advanced safety systems aren’t just nice to have. They’re something parents genuinely rely on.

“The safety innovations are designed to prevent accidents,” Jaymie notes. “Pre-collision systems and advanced airbag technology ensure that every trip is a calculated reduction in risk.”

She recalls working with a local family shopping for their daughter’s first vehicle. Their decision to stay with the brand was deeply personal.

“While the mother was pregnant with their now 16-year-old, they were in an accident,” Jaymie shares. “They’ve never left the brand because they saw firsthand how Mercedes-Benz prioritizes keeping drivers safe through design and safety features.”

That kind of trust doesn’t fade with time — and it contributes directly to another key investment factor: resale value. With a reputation built on reliability and safety, Mercedes-Benz vehicles consistently maintain strong market demand.

“It’s not about a short-term indulgence,” Jaymie says. “It’s about peace of mind, and making a choice that still feels right years from now.”

INNOVATION THAT ENHANCES DAILY LIFE

Luxury today also means seamless integration with the technology that powers modern life. But innovation, when done right, shouldn’t feel overwhelming — it should feel supportive.

For Mercedes-Benz owners, that translates into a premium ownership experience that extends well beyond the driver’s seat.

“From connected car features to personalized support, the ownership experience is designed to feel seamless,” Jaymie explains. “For many owners, it becomes the most advanced piece of technology they interact with every day.”

From remote connectivity to intuitive interfaces, these features are designed not to distract, but to simplify. They bring ease to daily routines while reinforcing the sense that the vehicle is evolving alongside its owner.

INVESTING BEYOND THE DRIVE

At Fletcher Jones Imports and Mercedes-Benz of Henderson, the philosophy of investment doesn’t stop once the keys are handed over.

For more than 55 years in Nevada, the focus has always been on relationships, not just transactions.

“We understand it’s personal,” Jaymie says. “Decades have been invested into creating ownership experiences that feel tailored to each guest.”

That commitment extends beyond the showroom into the broader community. The team partners with local charities, sponsors cultural programs, and hosts philanthropic events — often alongside the very clients they serve.

“In many cases, we’re introduced to participate in these efforts because our clients are already involved,” Jaymie explains. “It’s a full-circle approach that allows us to dedicate our time and resources to the broader community.”

A PERSONAL COMMITMENT

For Jaymie, investment is a daily mindset. “I don’t just oversee dealership operations and unplug when I leave for the day,” she says. “I’m deeply invested in making sure we build long-lasting relationships with our guests and community.”

That perspective reflects a larger philosophy: luxury isn’t defined by price — it’s defined by purpose.

“We simply want to be considered when someone has a vehicle need,” Jaymie adds. “It’s up to us to earn and keep the business.”

“LUXURY ISN’T ABOUT A FLEETING THRILL — IT’S ABOUT CRAFTSMANSHIP, SAFETY, AND TRUST THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME.”

Advanced Stem Cell Therapies, Designed Around You

At Infinite Wellness, we focus on stem cell treatments that support recovery, improve mobility, and help you feel your best—inside and out.

• Stem Cell IV Drips to support whole-body wellness

• Targeted Stem Cell Injections for specific joints or areas of concern

• Personalized treatment plans tailored to help you.

INVESTING

YOURSELF IN

Practical, personalized strategies to turn your time, habits, and money into lasting financial freedom

Investment, like any important goal, requires real commitment and consistency. But more than that, Mike Bajorek of Priority Wealth Partners says, investing is most successful when a plan is exclusively customized for an individual to meet goals specific to them.

“You don’t need to get lucky to become financially free,” he adds. “You need a personalized plan that you can follow consistently, day after day. That plan will be fluid and will grow with you as your habits change and your vision becomes clearer.”

Whether you start early or feel behind in securing financial stability, starting at all is what matters most, especially in a fickle market with many uncontrollable variables. Mike, a financial advisor and wealth strategist, stresses “We trade time for money on a daily basis. It’s important to remember that time is your most valuable asset. Money can be replaced. Time cannot.”

By investing, more is poured into the things that are important to you. This also happens when you “pay yourself first,” which Mike says has become a lost practice in a society shift that favors instant gratification and indulgence.

“This is one of the primary reasons people are struggling later in life. Whatever your goals may be, paying yourself first needs to be top of mind,” he advises.

“If you have charitable tendencies and have a passion for helping others, [paying yourself first] will be of great benefit to become financially stable. When you are on stable ground, it allows you to consistently help more people than you would be able to if you are financially unstable.”

When most people think of investing, the usual securities come to mind: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, the S&P 500, or Dow Jones Industrial Average, Mike explains. The beauty of investment, though, is that plenty of other options exist to fit your specific goals and lifestyle. This “large category of alternative investments are independent of typical markets,” which he points out is particularly advantageous for those older and getting a late start on preparing for retirement or other goals.

Volatility in an unpredictable market is harder to accept as you get older, he notes. “If your investments experience even a moderate loss while you are retired, it

CONTINUED >

Mike and the Priority Wealth Partners team are equipped with the tools necessary to get your financial wealth and investment on track to where you can fully reap the rewards of your hard work.

“Your plan must be specific to you to be the most effective,” Mike says. “We will custom craft a financial plan and investment portfolio to meet your current and future needs.”

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to contact Mike at Priority Wealth Partners directly for any additional questions. Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA (finra.org) and SIPC (sipc.org).

may force you to go back to work in order to afford your lifestyle.” An experienced financial advisor can help you avoid that and keep the asset most important to you, for you: your time.

“Positioning your investments in a way that reduces your risk without neutering your potential for growth is key to ride out the more volatile and uncertain years, especially if you are retired or nearing retirement,” Mike explains.

Regardless of age, he also notes that everyone should have both short and long-term goals established. “Short term needs to be more liquid, meaning you can access it quickly when necessary. Long term can be more strategic with certain funds being allocated for longer periods of time with the goal of enhancing returns.”

THE SMARTEST INVESTMENT

you’ll make this year
YOUR NEXT VACATION
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMILLA SOLÉA RAE

We often treat vacations as a luxury, something we earn only after exhaustion or achievement. But in a world that constantly demands our attention, stepping away is not indulgent; it is maintenance for the soul.

I didn’t go to Costa Rica to see another beach. I went to remember what it felt like to exhale. I wanted to trade the noise of daily life for the rhythm of the ocean and see if a shift in latitude could recalibrate something inside me.

I landed in Jacó, a lively beach town on the Pacific coast. I stayed on the southern side, one block from the ocean; walkable, vibrant, filled with music and restaurants. It was convenient and social. But if you’re seeking a deeper sense of peace, I would recommend staying on the northern end.

Jacó is known for its volcanic sand, darker and moodier than Caribbean white. It glimmers like charcoal when the tide pulls back. On the southern stretch, volcanic rocks scatter the shoreline, giving it character but making long barefoot walks less inviting. The northern end is smoother. Softer. Wider. The energy shifts. It’s quieter, elevated, and still close enough to town.

CONTINUED >

And then there are the sunsets.

I have chased sunsets across the world, but in Jacó they are theatrical. Each evening felt like a performance. The sky ignited in deep orange, crimson, and blush before melting into lavender. I stopped whatever I was doing to witness it. It became my ritual.

For rooftop views, Samudio’s Sunset Rooftop became a favorite. Upscale yet relaxed, it offers front-row seats to the horizon. If you prefer your feet in the sand, Aloha Beach Front Bar & Grill lets you sit directly on the beach as the Pacific rolls in. Salt in the air. No rush. Pure pura vida.

Jacó hums with energy. On the southernmost part of town, PuddleFish Brewery serves craft beer, burgers, and live music. However, one of my favorite discoveries was the local “sodas,” small family-run restaurants where you eat like a resident. The traditional dish is a casado, made of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, tortillas, and your choice of protein. Simple and deeply satisfying.

to Herradura and Los Sueños Marina, with yachts, polished shops, and relaxed sophistication.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a must. Reserve in advance and arrive early. Inside, sloths drape across branches, monkeys swing overhead, and tropical birds flash through the canopy. A tuckedaway white-sand beach within the park feels almost surreal against the jungle backdrop.

Some of my most meaningful moments were the simplest. After days of dining out, I bought fresh fish from the local market and sautéed it in butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. I paired it with papaya and freshly squeezed orange juice. Cooking local ingredients shifts you from tourist to temporary resident. It slows you down, making the experience intimate.

“Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply learning to slow down.”

Jacó is a beautiful paradox. It has energy and stillness, adventure, and ease. Rooftop cocktails and barefoot sunsets. One practical note: avoid traveling between Christmas and the New Year if possible; traffic can turn a short airport drive into hours.

Jacó is also an ideal base for adventure. About 30 minutes away, I hiked through 10 waterfalls on private property, swimming in cool jungle pools beneath cascading falls. I visited Playa Blanca, where the sand contrasts dramatically with Jacó’s black volcanic shore, and caught the final surf competition of the season. A short drive brings you

Jacó isn’t polished perfection. It’s real, gritty, alive, and vibrant. It’s about presence. About standing on dark volcanic sand as the sky explodes into color and realizing that slowing down is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

For me, it wasn’t just a vacation. It was a reminder to breathe, to taste, to watch the sky and to let Pura Vida settle into my bones.

And truly, the sunsets alone are worth the trip.

INVESTING MADE UNDERSTANDABLE

As someone who has spent two decades in technology and leading teams, I am often asked a version of the same question – “What is AI actually doing for me?”

In investing, that question is especially important. Financial markets already feel complex, and layering technology on top can sound intimidating. Investment technology is growing rapidly, and artificial intelligence is already reshaping how strategies are built, portfolios are managed, and opportunities are identified. At its core, AI is a set of tools that help people make sense of large amounts of information more quickly and more clearly.

THINK OF AI AS A TRANSLATOR, NOT A DECISION-MAKER

One of the easiest ways to understand AI in investing is to think of it as a translator. Markets generate enormous amounts of constantly changing data every day, and for most people, that volume of information is overwhelming. AI helps translate that complexity into something usable. It looks at patterns across time, compares scenarios, and highlights what may deserve attention. It provides context so you can make more informed choices. Rather than guessing or relying on jargon-heavy advice, AI tools explain what is happening and why it matters.

GETTING STARTED WITHOUT FEELING BEHIND

You do not need to be a finance professional to benefit from AI. Many modern investment platforms now use AI to guide people through basic questions such as goals, time horizons, and comfort with risk. These inputs allow the technology to suggest diversified approaches that align with real-life priorities.

Good AI systems show their work. They help users understand why a certain mix of investments might reduce risk or why rebalancing over time matters. That transparency builds trust and confidence. AI works best when paired with human judgment. The goal is not to hand over control, but to gain insight.

WHAT AI IS REALLY DOING BEHIND THE SCENES

HOW AI HELPS AS EXPERIENCE GROWS

As investors gain confidence, AI continues to add value in subtle but meaningful ways. It can monitor portfolios continuously, flagging potential risks or imbalances earlier than a human likely would. It can also model “what if” scenarios, helping investors understand how portfolios may respond to volatility or economic change.

It scales analysis, reduces blind spots, and supports better decision-making. The investor remains in control. AI simply broadens the view.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT AI TOOL OR APP

One of the most common questions I hear is where to begin. From a technology standpoint, the answer is not to look for the most advanced or flashy tool. It is to look for the most understandable one.

Start by choosing platforms that clearly explain how recommendations are generated and what data is being used. Transparency matters.

Look for tools that allow you to stay in control, offering guidance and insight rather than fully automated decision-making.

Strong security practices, reputable providers, and clear privacy policies are essential when personal financial data is involved.

Most importantly, select tools that match your goals. Some apps are designed for learning and long-term planning, while others focus on active portfolio management. The right tool should feel like a partner, not a pressure point.

PRACTICAL BENEFITS YOU CAN FEEL

AI in investing is already delivering benefits that resonate with everyday people:

• Clarity: Clear explanations instead of dense financial language

• Efficiency: Less time spent trying to interpret charts and reports

• Consistency: Ongoing monitoring without emotional reactions

• Confidence: Decisions supported by data rather than guesswork It is about understanding what you own and why.

WHY RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

Any time technology touches personal finances, trust is essential. As a technology leader, I believe strongly in responsible design. AI tools should be transparent, ethical, and easy to understand. That balance between innovation and responsibility is something many technology leaders actively champion.

“When AI is done right, doesn’t replace human judgment, it strengthens it,” said Debbie Banko, CEO of Link Technologies. “It can make people more confident, not more overwhelmed. It brings clarity to complexity, inspires smarter questions, and keeps humans at the center of every decision.”

THE TAKEAWAY

AI is not here to replace human judgment in investing. It is here to support it. When used thoughtfully, it helps people move from confusion to clarity.

When technology is designed well, it does not demand attention. It earns trust by being useful, understandable, and supportive over time.

From a CIO’s point of view, this is what good technology always does. It works quietly in the background, making complex systems easier to understand, so people can focus on what truly matters.

“AI ISN’T REPLACING HUMAN JUDGMENT — IT’S STRENGTHENING IT WITH CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE.”

Buy your tickets: impact.unlv.edu/LibrarySilverSoiree

VIP: $250

General Admission: $125

Special prices for UNLV students and alumni.

Headliner

Magician and actor Christopher Hart, best known as “Thing” in The Addams Family films.

THE GREATEST Investment

TRANSFORM YOUR MINDSET, AND EVERY CHOICE, RELATIONSHIP, AND OPPORTUNITY IN YOUR LIFE GAINS NEW POWER

When you think of investment, you think of return. You put something in, and over time, it grows. It multiplies. It pays dividends. Now imagine this: If you could choose the dividends in your life, what would they be?

Greater confidence?

Stronger relationships?

A thriving business?

Clarity in your decisions?

Peace in your home?

Freedom in your schedule?

We are intentional about financial investments. We study options. We measure risk. We evaluate potential return. Yet rarely do we approach our internal lives with the same level of intention. What if you deliberately chose the kind of mindset that would produce the dividends you most desire?

I have spent decades studying, teaching, and living this truth. As the founder of Live At Choice and The Live At Choice Coaches Academy, I have had the privilege of working with entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, families, and individuals who were capable, intelligent, and driven. Yet many of them felt stuck. Not because they lacked strategy. Not because they

“The most powerful return on investment isn’t money—it’s peace, alignment, and the freedom to choose with intention.”

lacked opportunity. But because unseen internal patterns were shaping their choices.

We invest in education. We invest in business growth. We invest in health and wellness. All of these matter. But if the internal foundation is misaligned, even the best opportunities fail to produce the results we desire.

Mindset is not positive thinking. It is not affirmations. It is not pretending circumstances are different than they are. It is understanding how your beliefs formed, how they drive your decisions, and how they quietly determine your outcomes.

Every result in life follows a sequence: beliefs shape thoughts, thoughts influence actions, actions create results. When the results are not what we want, most people try to change the action; few pause to examine the belief beneath it.

That examination is where real investment begins.

True investment in yourself requires courage, inquiry, and a willingness to look beyond performance and productivity and ask deeper questions.

What am I believing about myself?

What assumptions am I carrying?

Where did they come from?

Are they serving the future I say I want?

When individuals take the time to understand the internal framework driving their lives, something shifts: clarity replaces confusion, confidence grows, certainty develops, decisions become cleaner, action becomes more consistent, and results begin to align.

This is not about fixing something broken. It is about elevating something capable.

Over the years, I have seen business owners double revenue after uncovering internal barriers they did not know existed. I have seen leaders strengthen teams simply by shifting how they view responsibility and ownership. I have seen individuals rediscover joy in their families by releasing stories they did not realize were shaping their reactions.

The return on investment is not merely financial. It is peace, alignment, and the freedom to choose deliberately rather than react automatically.

We cannot control every circumstance in life: markets shift, industries evolve, people disappoint us, and plans change. But we can learn to respond rather than react. We can learn to think deliberately. We can learn to operate from awareness instead of habit. That is an investment no downturn can erase.

When you invest in your internal foundation, every external investment becomes stronger. Strategy works better. Leadership deepens. Relationships stabilize. Opportunities expand.

Your greatest asset has never been your bank account. It has always been your ability to choose, and when you strengthen that ability, you strengthen everything.

That is the investment that pays dividends for a lifetime.

INVESTING IN DIGNITY

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY THROUGH ACCESS: HOW PROJECT MARILYN IS ENDING PERIOD POVERTY IN NEVADA

Most people in Southern Nevada will never see period poverty on a billboard. It doesn’t look dramatic from the outside. It looks like a mom in the grocery aisle doing math between pads and pasta, a teenager skipping school because she’s terrified of staining her jeans, or someone folding socks into their underwear and pretending they’re fine.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DRAGONFLY PORTRAIT DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY

Period poverty is defined by three key barriers: lack of access to proper period supplies, lack of access to hygiene facilities, and lack of access to education surrounding menstruation. But in everyday life, it looks like

missed opportunities: missed school days, missed shifts at work, missed community events. It can mean choosing between essentials, staying home to avoid stigma, or navigating daily life with anxiety and discomfort.

That’s where Project Marilyn comes in.

Founded by Wendi Schweigart, Project Marilyn exists to ensure everyone can experience a healthy, dignified period. The organization distributes thoughtfully assembled period kits designed to last an entire cycle through schools, period partner agencies and outreach initiatives, including the Period Supplies are School Supplies program.

At its core, the work is about more than products. It’s about participation. When communities support menstrual equity, they strengthen more than access to hygiene supplies; they reinforce education, financial stability, mental health, and opportunity. Access to period supplies means students can stay in class, employees can show up to work, and individuals can fully engage in daily life without shame or interruption.

Project Marilyn itself was born from a deeply personal place. Named in honor of Schweigart’s mother, Marilyn, the nonprofit reflects a legacy of resilience and care for others. After her mother’s passing, Schweigart was moved by a desire to create something meaningful, something that honored the quiet strength and sacrifices she had witnessed growing up.

That inspiration has since transformed into tangible impact across Southern Nevada, reaching schools and community partners with essential supplies and support.

For those who have never had to think twice about affording period products, it may be easy to overlook the issue. Many people instinctively donate food, clothing, or school supplies, which are all vital resources. Yet, menstrual products are often left out of the conversation, despite being a recurring, unavoidable necessity.

Supporting solutions like Project Marilyn means helping neighbors stay in school, maintain employment, and participate fully in community life. It fills a gap that often goes unseen but deeply felt.

By treating menstrual care as community care, Project Marilyn is not just addressing a need, it’s building a stronger, more inclusive Southern Nevada where dignity is recognized as a basic necessity, not a luxury.

APRIL 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 7TH

From

Garden to Garnish

Windmill Library | 11:00 AM

Open to all ages, discover how to grow plants indoors using a hydroponic garden with the “From Garden to Garnish” event at the Windmill Library. For more information, call 702-507-6068.

APRIL 11TH

Tacos and Tamales Festival

Desert Breeze Event Center | 10:00 AM

Hosted by Clark County Parks & Recreation, this two-day celebration is a showcase of culture, community, and seriously delicious eats. Watch the high-flying action of Lucha Libre wrestling, experience the creativity of a spray paint art battle, and browse unique finds from local artists, makers, and the Kids Market. Buy tickets at eventim.us

APRIL 11TH

Lied Library’s Silver Soirée

Lied Library, UNLV Campus | 6:00 PM

The Lied Library will transform into a world of discovery and enchantment for the Silver Soirée, an unforgettable celebration of 25 years of inspiration, innovation, and impact. Proceeds from the Silver Soirée will support student employment in the University Libraries. library.unlv.edu

APRIL 16TH – 19TH

Home + History

Las Vegas Festival

Nevada Preservation Foundation 10:00 AM

Home + History Las Vegas, the valley’s largest annual heritage festival presented by the Nevada Preservation Foundation, returns April 16th to 19th. The four-day festival honors Southern Nevada history and architecture through a diverse array of programs and more than 40 immersive experiences and special events led by local historians. Purchase tickets at nevadapreservation.org

APRIL 17TH

Rooted in Wellness

Half-Day Retreat

Ascaya Henderson | 9:00 AM

Collective Women’s Leadership hosts Rooted in Wellness, an intimate half-day retreat at Ascaya Henderson on April 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Enjoy a keynote by Sarah Wragge, calming yoga, lunch featuring SWW products, swag bags, and complimentary private consultations. Tickets are $199; limited availability. For more information visit: collectivewomensleadership.com

APRIL 25TH

Make-A-Wish Nevada Walk for Wishes

Grand Prix Plaza | 8:00 AM

The 25th annual Make-A-Wish Nevada Walk for Wishes presented by Allegiant Air will take place at Grand Prix Plaza. Walk for Wishes is the Las Vegas Valley’s largest walk and fun run, raising funds to help Make-A-Wish Nevada grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across the state. For more information, visit wish.org/nv

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