First Ladies First Event

A Message from First Lady, Kathleen Sandoval

It is my honor and privilege to welcome everyone to First Ladies First: A Conversation with Five Former First Ladies. The First Ladies that have gathered here today all have remarkable stories to tell and provide a unique insight into Nevada and how our state operates.

The role of First Lady is many things. You serve as a hostess, advisor, ambassador, and champion for meaningful causes that make our state a better place to live. The First Ladies here today championed issues such as women’s health, combated domestic violence, advocated for children with special needs, and fought against drunk driving to name a few. The work that has been done by these women has impacted generations of Nevadans.

First Ladies Kathryn List, Bonnie Bryan, Sandy Miller, Dema Guinn, and Dawn Gibbons have all touched Nevada in a way that has been profound and lasting. Each of these women has made her mark on our state and all who live here. Other than devotion and love for the Silver State, there is truly no archetype for the role of the First Lady in Nevada. Each woman who takes on that role has the opportunity to recreate this position, and seek the best way to serve our great state. This is an honor that is only enjoyed for a short time, and Kathryn List, Bonnie Bryan, Sandy Miller, Dema Guinn, and Dawn Gibbons all made the most of their time as First Lady. What each of these women has done as First Lady is truly remarkable, and serves as a shining example of what one individual can do to make a difference.

FIRST LADY FIRST OF NEVADA – PART ONE

FIRST LADY FIRST OF NEVADA – PART TWO

FIRST LADY FIRST OF NEVADA – PART THREE

Paula Francis, Event Emcee
Paula Francis has lived in Las Vegas since 1985. She has been chosen “Best TV Anchor in Las Vegas” by the readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal every year from 2000 to 2012, except in 2004 when she was second only to Gary Waddell, her co-anchor and dear friend. Paula is a founding member of the Nevada Chapter of the International Women’s Forum. In 2005, Paula was honored as a woman of Distinction by the National Association of Women Business Owners, and also received the prestigious “Heart of Gold” award from the American Heart Association. She has received a number of humanitarian awards for her community involvement, especially her campaign for breast cancer awareness, Buddy Check 8 and won numerous awards for medical reporting.