2023 Panelists

Sam Buffalo

Samantha Buffalo has been the general manager of her family’s coffee roastery and restaurant, Twin Beans Coffee Company, for ten years. She believes there are few things that promote true community as much as gathering around good food to hear each other’s stories and share life together. It is not uncommon for a typical family dinner in her home to evolve into a meal for neighbors, strangers, and friends of all ages and backgrounds. This theme of hospitality has become the heart of Twin Beans – the belief that we create community when we welcome each other into safe spaces. Other life-giving adventures that bring her joy are climbing Idaho’s waterfalls, skiing with her son, and browsing used bookstores with her husband.

Vicky Fajardo

Vicky Fajardo is the Program Director for the Idaho Women’s Business Center, located in Twin Falls. In this role, she is dedicated to serving entrepreneurs find the appropriate resources and opportunities to help elevate, sustain, and grow their businesses. From the age of 13, she started her entrepreneurial journey being her mother’s right hand in her decorating business to later running and owning the business. She is passionate about helping her community and understands the struggles and barriers that women, the underserved, and small businesses face and strives to bridge those gaps. Other passions, have been serving in the education field, earning her master’s degree, and becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent. Today, she continues to follow her passion for helping the underserved and those with limited access to business education. Vicky is originally from Mexico and takes pride in her culture, heritage, and takes great pride in her background richness.

Julie Underwood

Julie Underwood is a passionate performance coach, trainer, and speaker. With more than 20 years of education experience as a former university administrator, secondary teacher, and adjunct college professor. In an effort to accelerate her ability to help others, Julie founded Focus For Leaders, a performance coaching company that trains success-seeking individuals and organizations to discover the superpower of focus to transform their thinking and achieve their wildly impossible goals.

Prior to founding her business, Julie certified as a John Maxwell Leadership Coach and Speaker. In that organization, she has had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic and train community volunteers and government leaders from the Ministry of Foreign Relations in the implementation of transformation principles nationwide. She also shares her expertise in managing life’s most valuable resource - time - as a Full Focus Certified Planner Pro.

Malan Erke

Malan is an Idaho native, born and raised right here in the Magic Valley. She is a mother, a wife, and an entrepreneur. She is one of the visionaries behind Milner's Gate and has a deep value in the people of her community. Malan has spent the last 12 years pursuing interpersonal relationships, personal growth, and leadership strategies. She believes in staying rooted in core values and working on personal development while supporting others to do the same.