July Member Spotlight

Posted by Julie Hayles

She is known throughout the state as Mrs. New Mexico 2007, but to all of us in Lea County Woman's Network, we know her as President Elect and fellow member. This month's spotlight is on the lovely Cortney Whitley.

A native of Hobbs, Cortney graduated from Hobbs High School in 1995. After spending a year in Lubbock, Texas, she moved to Albuquerque for six years. In 2003, Cortney returned to Hobbs and has been busy as a stay at home mom for the past seven years.

Cortney previously worked in the insurance and banking industry, but went back to school for an education degree, graduating from the University of the Southwest in 2007. Shortly after graduation, Cortney won the title of Mrs. NM 2007. Winning the state title required a year's commitment of making over 50 appearances throughout the state plus participating in the Mrs. America contest, where she was crowned fourth runner up. However, Cortney is quick to add that the best prize during her yearlong reign was when she and her husband, Levi, learned they were pregnant.

Five months ago, Cortney had her second child, Layla. In addition to being gorgeous like her mom, Cortney swears "Layla is the best baby you could ask for.and hardly ever cries". Cortney also has a seven-year-old son, Nolan, who loves to play basketball and dreams of playing in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cortney and her husband, Levi, were high school sweet hearts, but actually met each other at the Hobbs Holiday Tournament in junior high. Although they recently celebrated their four-year anniversary, the Whitleys dated off and on for 20 years. Levi works locally at Young's Manufactured Homes, where he is a sales manager.

Being a mom of two young children is definitely a full time job, but in the rare moments when Cortney has a little free time, she enjoys reading, writing and experimenting in the kitchen. Although she confesses that a shower or nap tends to be a luxury these days! Cortney also sells Arbonne skin care products and swears by the high quality anti-aging regime.

Cortney is also passionate about the environment. "When I was Mrs.NM, I enjoyed teaching people small ways to help the environment, stretch a buck, and save money at the same time!" Cortney offers a little advice to all of us, "Switch those light bulbs, unplug that charger, and start removing your eye makeup with extra virgin olive oil!" So if Arbonne skin care and olive oil makeup remover are Cortney's secrets, where do we sign up?!