North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact
Marilee Wallace
North Idaho Alliance Women of ImpACT serves up the “scoop” on trailblazing women in the world of ice cream!
It’s summertime! What better way to enjoy North Idaho's stunning beauty than with a delightful treat? While we soak in the lakes, hiking, and camping, let’s not forget those industrious women who turned summer delights into booming businesses.
Did you know that women have played a surprisingly sweet and powerful role in ice cream history? Often overlooked, their contributions have shaped this beloved industry, bringing us iconic flavors and innovations.
Take Nancy Johnson, for instance, an American inventor who transformed the scene in 1843. Her hand-cranked ice cream freezer revolutionized production, making ice cream accessible to all — not just the wealthy. This invention paved the way for mass production.
Fast forward to the early 20th century, and we find Agnes Marshall, the “Queen of Ice Cream.” A British culinary entrepreneur, she introduced exotic flavors like cucumber and truffle well before their time. Her idea of using liquid gases to freeze ice cream was a precursor to modern techniques.
In the 1960s, Rose Mattus co-founded Häagen-Dazs alongside her husband Reuben. While Reuben crafted the brand, Rose's passion and marketing acumen expanded it into a luxury name recognized globally.
Today, Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, continues this legacy. Her artisanal approach and creative flavors bring a chef-driven philosophy to ice cream, emphasizing natural ingredients and unique pairings, redefining premium ice cream in the 21st century.
Getting excited to taste some local favorites? Great, because North Idaho is home to a delightful collection of women-owned and women-led ice cream shops that bring creativity, passion, and local flair to every scoop.
In Sandpoint, Panhandle Cone & Coffee is co-owned by Stephanie Dillon, who helped launch the shop alongside her husband. Known for imaginative flavors and a cozy café vibe, the shop has become a regional favorite.
Roger’s Ice Cream & Burgers in Coeur d’Alene is a cherished family-run institution dating back to 1940, currently co-owned by Nicole Randolph and her husband. Known for its commitment to quality, Roger’s serves premium hand-dipped ice cream (alongside burgers, fries, shakes, and malts) at multiple locations — including the original Sherman and 13th spot in Coeur d’Alene, Neider Avenue, Post Falls, and Hayden.
Together, these women are not just serving sweet treats — they’re shaping North Idaho’s ice cream culture with heart, innovation, and hometown pride!
Nia is proud to be expanding into other communities and welcomes women of every background, shape, and story to join us. We celebrate the influence of each woman’s leadership — and we celebrate our vibrant, growing community.
NIA is open for all women in North Idaho who want to learn and connect. Our only goal is to empower women to thrive and positively impact the community.
The Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable meets once a month for a nine-month series beginning each Sept. 24, 2025. Details at #nia-impact.com.
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Marilee Wallace, IOM, president/CEO of the North Idaho Alliance Women of Impact. The Women of Impact Leadership Roundtable meets once a month for a nine-month series, and we base our monthly agenda on the word IMPACTED. She can be reached at marilee@theniallaince.com.
