Wyoming Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award Recipient Announced

CHEYENNE, WY –The Wyoming Council for Women announced today that Marni Christensen, owner of Marni Christensen Pet Photography in Rock Springs will be the 2025 recipient of the Jan Torres Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

“Wyoming women continue to lead and fuel the Cowboy State economy, and once again, we were inspired by the many remarkable female entrepreneurs nominated for this award,” said Wyoming Council for Women (WCW) Board Chair Natalia Duncan Macker. “We are proud to honor Marni Christensen of Marni Christensen Pet Photography as the 2025 recipient of the Jan Torres Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Marni’s path to entrepreneurship is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the ability to adapt in the face of life’s unexpected challenges. Her commitment to building a business rooted in passion and purpose reflects the strength and innovation of women business owners across Wyoming.”

Marni Christensen joins a distinguished cohort of women entrepreneurs recognized not only for their contributions to Wyoming’s economy, but also for the passion, creativity, and purpose that drive their work. The award ceremony honoring Christensen is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on June 18 located at her photography studio at 642 Pilot Butte Avenue in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Members of the public and media are welcome to attend.

The Jan Torres Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award honors woman-owned businesses in Wyoming and aims to shine a spotlight on the vital contributions female entrepreneurs make to the state’s economy. Named in tribute to former WCW board member Jan Torres, whose vision and dedication helped establish and grow the award, it celebrates innovation, leadership, and impact. This year, the Council received an outstanding group of nominations from sixteen accomplished women entrepreneurs across Wyoming.

Marni Christensen, a lifelong pet enthusiast, founded Marni Christensen Pet Photography in 2016, specializing in creatively capturing pets and their personalities. Her work extends to portraits and custom pet products. An active community member, she volunteers her photography services to local shelters, helping increase pet adoption rates, and organizes an annual Pup-A-Razzi fundraiser supporting animal shelters. In 2023, she received the Rock Springs Mayor’s Art Award and joined the Board of Directors at the Red Desert Humane Society. A member of the Professional Photographers of America, Marni earned a Master of Photography Degree in 2021, receiving national recognition for her artistry and dedication to excellence.

“The competition this year was incredibly tough, with so many outstanding women entrepreneurs nominated,” said WCW Entrepreneur Task Force Chair Annie Fletcher. “However, Marni Christensen stood out not only for her creative excellence and entrepreneurial spirit but for her unwavering resilience. Her dedication to capturing the unique spirit of pets, supporting local shelters, and elevating animal welfare through her photography is both inspiring and deeply meaningful.”

For inquiries regarding the award, please contact the WCW Chair, Natalia Duncan Macker, at natalia.macker@wyoboards.gov.