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Dear Readers,
At the Inspirational Women Forum and Leadership Awards, held on November 7, 2023 at The Beverly Hilton, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with this year’s speakers, nominees, finalists, honorees and all of the other assembled inspirational women featured in these pages.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN
Produced by L.A. Times B2B Publishing.

Most Small Businesses Feel Well-Equipped to Survive a Recession
Entrepreneurs remain focused on attracting and retaining talent amid inflation and supply chain pressures.

How Your Banking Relationship Can Support Your Woman-Owned Business
The decisions you make about cash and capital have never been more critical. Now more than ever, selecting a bank is one of the most important decisions a business makes.

Growing Number of Women Fill Supply Chain-Suite Roles
Women have made a strong comeback to the supply chain workforce in 2023, with gains at nearly every level of leadership.

Inside Phonexa’s Unwavering Commitment to Empowering Women in Tech
In a world where gender diversity in the tech industry remains a pressing concern, Phonexa is leading the charge to empower its workforce and redefine the status quo by driving a seismic shift in the tech landscape, championing a platform for women to thrive.

Addressing the Attrition Crisis of Women Lawyers in a Post-Pandemic World
A recent study found almost a quarter of women attorneys were considering leaving the profession due to burnout, stress and mental health concerns.

Reshaping the Construction Industry
Construction is an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men.

NASA AWARDS $5 MILLION TO WOMEN’S COLLEGES TACKLING STEM GENDER GAP
Agency’s Minority University Research and Education Project spearheaded award slated to create equity and opportunity for women in science.

Inspiring Women of the University of West Los Angeles
The Southern California School Provides Opportunities For New Generations Of Inspirational Women.

In the Spirit of the National Women’s Business Ownership Act, Women Continue to Advocate for Advancement
H.R. 5050, the historic act supporting women entrepreneurs and ending discriminatory gender-based loan practices celebrated 35 years of existence this October.

Inspired by Inspirational Women
The Nuvo Group celebrates this year’s IW participants and their dedication.

National Association of Women Business Owners Reports Nearly 92% of Women-Owned Businesses are ‘Microbusinesses’
Microbusinesses, or businesses with 25 or fewer employees, provide a huge impact to family incomes, especially in underserved communities.

Women-Led Group Offers A Closer Look at Transparency in Corporate DEI Data
The Women Business Collaborative has released a first-of-its-kind repository and analysis of public DEI and ESG reporting.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN
FORUM & LEADERSHIP AWARDS

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN
Karina Sterman of Greenberg Glusker LLP greets Deborah F. Birndorf of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN
Tony and Nancy Barletta proudly represent The Nuvo Group.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN FORUM
The participants of the Inspirational Women Forum offered vital insights and meaningful discussions to the attendees. Continue reading to see highlights from their conversations.

Mentorship and Sponsorship: The Keys to Career Success
Mentorship is an imperative part of the journey for many soon-to-be business leaders. This mentor-sponsor relationship has been hugely important for businesswomen, as they navigate a world that is difficult, brand new, and, at times, hostile to their goals.

Game Changers
“Game changers” is applied so often the term feels passé – until you hear from those who are actually changing the game. The women in this panel are entrepreneurs who have pushed the boundaries of what their respective industries can do.

Innovation to Impact: Building a Stronger Future By Fostering a Culture of Empowerment
In this conversation among five fascinating multidisciplinary women, the discussion often returned to how women could advance each other in their workplaces.

Revolutionary Technology, Changing Consumer Habits
In this intimate conversation, the discussion explored how the U.K.-based company DnaNudge actually used new DNA technology to create a completely new sector in the consumer marketplace.

Network, Community and Reciprocity
This one-to-one chat focused on how networking is a key to building a success in business ventures while adding the elements of embracing community involvement and bonding at a local level, particularly in the case of Angel City Football Club.

Doing Well by Doing Good
This discussion explored how companies large and small intermix Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their way of doing business, creating an internal culture of “doing well by doing good.”

Establishing Brand Authority
Successful entrepreneurs in the beauty and fashion sectors wowed the audience for the last panel of the afternoon. The panelists shared their secrets for establishing iconic brands as well as how they go about maintaining their brand authority.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN
Professor Christofer Toumazou of sponsor DnaNudge shares his thoughts with Mike Kechichian of Los Angeles Times.

Honorees receiving awards
Prior to the awards ceremony, guests were treated to a fireside chat with City National Bank’s Linda Duncombe and actress Daniella Ruah (pictured at left).

Lilit Davtyan
Under Davtyan’s stewardship, the entire Phonexa staff benefits from mentorship programs, professional development initiatives and internal networking opportunities.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN AWARDS HONOREES
“Inspiring” is a word that you’ll find repeated often throughout these pages – this is intentional. The women selected as honorees in the third annual Inspirational Women Awards are true game changers, disruptors and thought-provokers who are shaping the industries they represent.

Amanda Bialek
In recent years, these driving forces have been put to the test by the tumultuous business climate. From shrinking marketing budgets, staffing challenges and shortages and a general malaise that has seemingly crept into all parts of life; keeping the agency afloat and teams motivated has been no easy feat.

Kimberly R. Steppp
KIMBERLY R. STEPP is a principal and co-founder of Stepp Commercial Group, a leading multifamily brokerage firm in the Los Angeles market with sales of more than $3 billion in properties since inception.

Lorenza Muñoz
Prior to Amazon, Muñoz was executive vice president at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in charge of global member relations and the Awards department.

Pamela Brown
Joining Skybound Entertainment during a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory, Brown displayed her adeptness at organizational transformation. She strategically established robust people, processes and systems that facilitated monthly reporting, quarterly forecasting and strategic planning.

Lori Roth
Roth oversees all the day-to-day operations for the entire firm and provides guidance and oversight to each of Prager Metis’ office managing partners and service line leaders.

Nanxi Liu
In the past 24 months, Liu led three successful M&A transactions where she served as a founder or board member. As founder and CEO of Enplug, a leading digital signage software and one of the most profitable companies in its industry, she led the company to its acquisition by Spectrio in 2021.

Anastasia Soare
Soare founded Anastasia Beverly Hills in 1997 when she opened her flagship salon in Beverly Hills. The company’s first product line was released in 2000. The brand has become known for its eyebrow products and for introducing the “Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method.

Kathryn Schloessman
KATHRYN SCHLOESSMAN LEADS the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission’s (LASEC’s) strategic efforts to attract the most sought-after major events in the world to Los Angeles....

Lauren Noel Antion
Lauren Antion is the co-head of Beauty, Personal Care & Wellness at Intrepid, a leading M&A advisory firm. She excels in originating and executing mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and building industry relationships.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN AWARDS FINALISTS
Here, you’ll find our Inspirational Women Awards finalists, representing women leaders who are deserving of recognition by peers and the public.

Veronica Arteaga
Veronica Arteaga is the president & CEO of Exceptional Children’s Foundation (ECF). She is ECF’s third president & CEO and the first woman in this leadership position.

Tiffany Boyle
Tiffany Boyle, president of packaging & sales at Ramo Law PC, has a decade-long track record of bringing films and documentaries to life. She serves as a key team member at Ramo Law, skillfully connecting filmmakers with industry representatives.

Jazmin Gabriela Carpenter
Jazmin Gabriela Carpenter, vice president of investments at Wedbush Securities, focuses on developing tailored investment strategies for her clients, building strong, meaningful relationships as the cornerstone of her financial guidance.

Jennifer Coyne
Jennifer Coyne is the director of business management for sports and entertainment at Adeptus Partners. With over 15 years of experience in various accounting roles, she specializes in providing tailored business management services to clients in the entertainment industry, including athletes, film production companies and music executives.

Monique Burrola
Monique Burrola, COO of Partner Engineering and Science, played a crucial role in establishing and managing the company’s operations and culture. Partner has grown substantially and consistently ranks on ENR’s Top 200 Environmental Firms and Top 500 Design Firms Lists.

Diane De Felice
Diane De Felice, a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, is a seasoned expert in land use and environmental law. Her adeptness in navigating the intricacies of California’s regulatory landscape, including CEQA, NEPA and the Coastal Act, helps clients efficiently resolve complex planning issues.

Dorene Carmen Dominguez
Dorene C. Dominguez, chairwoman & CEO of Vanir, hails from a family that instilled hard work, faith and education. Her journey in the family business began early, learning from her father, H. Frank Dominguez, the founder of Vanir.

Christine Deschaine
Christine Deschaine, a senior vice president at Kennedy Wilson Brokerage with over 30 years in commercial real estate, specializes in retail brokerage and urban redevelopment.

Christine Duque
Christine Duque, a global partner at IBM Consulting, leads the Data, AI & CX Delivery and Salesforce Marketing Cloud practices. Known for her expertise in customer experience transformation, technology and analytics, she excels in strategic branding and fostering diversity.

Frances Ellington
Frances Ellington, DBA, CPA, serves as a partner and state and local tax practice leader at GHJ. Her extensive experience spans state and local tax, and she provides tax planning guidance to various industries.

Elizabeth A. Dryden
Elizabeth A. Dryden, a partner at Ervin Cohen & Jessup, specializes in various real estate transactions and finance. Her extensive experience includes representing lenders, property owners, private equity investors and developers in complex deals across all asset classes.

Sabina Gault
Sabina Gault, CEO of Konnect Agency, embarked on her PR journey at the age of 19 when she relocated from Romania to Los Angeles. Her entrepreneurial drive led her to establish Konnect with a focus on prioritizing people.

Michelle Gosom
Michelle Gosom, chief compliance officer at Aristotle Capital, is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience in the asset management industry. Her current role, overseeing a substantial $77 billion in assets, showcases her profound expertise.

Aza Ghazaryan
Aza Ghazaryan is a tax partner at Withum and an accomplished certified public accountant with a remarkable career trajectory. Starting as a junior accountant, she evolved into a tax partner and business development partner, demonstrating exceptional tax expertise.

Maria F. Hunter
Maria F. Hunter is a senior vice president and relationship manager at Enterprise Bank & Trust, where she has nearly 20 years of experience in building robust client relationships. Her expertise primarily lies in providing support to family-owned businesses.

MaryBeth Heydt
With 25 years of experience in commercial real estate law, MaryBeth Heydt, partner at DTO Law, offers unmatched legal services and business acumen. Her career spans roles in construction litigation, general counsel positions and transactional law. Heydt has facilitated over $1.

Michele Havens
Michele Havens, West Region president at Northern Trust, leads the wealth management business from Washington to Texas. Under her leadership, the West Region achieved remarkable revenue growth and strong employee engagement.

Dr. Dieuwertje Kast
Dr. Dieuwertje Kast, director of STEM Education Programs at USC Joint Educational Project, is a devoted educator with a solid foundation in STEM. Her impactful work has reached over 31,000 underserved students, emphasizing hands-on, inquiry-based STEM education.

Ann Lee
Ann Lee co-founded CORE in 2010, later serving as CEO. She transformed CORE into an international NGO focused on disaster response and resilience-building. Her background includes roles with the UN’s OCHA and the Secretary General’s World Humanitarian Summit.

Evie P. Jeang
Evie Jeang, the CEO of Making Baby Connection, is a highly experienced professional with a diverse background. She holds a position on the President’s Advisory Council of the Women’s Network in Electronic Transactions (WNET) and oversees global affairs at ID TECH.

Bonnie Lee
Bonnie Lee, the first female CEO in Hanmi Bank’s 41-year history and a pioneer in the public banking industry, has made significant contributions. She has overseen Hanmi’s transformation, strengthening its balance sheet, expanding its services and nurturing customer relationships.

Lana Manganiello
Lana J. Manganiello, managing director at Equinox Strategy Partners, offers strategic counsel to service professionals and firms, enhancing market visibility and revenue.

Diana Madison
Diana Madison began her career as an intern for E! News and Entertainment Tonight. She then launched the YouTube channel Hollyscoop, which became a global entertainment news phenomenon.

Lisa Helfend Meyer
Lisa Helfend Meyer is a distinguished co-founder and senior partner at Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers LLP, specializing in complex divorces and contested custody cases. With over four decades of experience, she’s recognized as a top family lawyer, advocating for high-profile clients in diverse fields.

Connie M. Orlando
Connie M. Orlando is the award-winning executive vice president of specials, music & music strategy at BET, where she oversees key departments. Her role involves producing and leading some of BET’s major entertainment specials, including the BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards and Hip Hop Awards.

Pooja S. Nair
Pooja S. Nair is a dedicated business litigator specializing in the food and beverage industry. She advises clients such as restaurant groups, food brands and manufacturers on various matters, including false advertising, employment, trade secrets, partnership disputes, contract negotiations and intellectual property.

Precious Velvet Mayes
Precious Velvet Mayes has been instrumental in the growth and sustainability of Pacifica Hospital. Under her leadership, the subacute unit expanded from 33 to 98 beds with approval for an additional 35 beds. She increased accounts receivables by $25 million, addressing over-120-day aging accounts.

Alice P. Neuhauser
Alice P. Neuhauser is the CFO and treasurer of Seismic Capital Company, co-founded in 2020. She’s an accomplished business leader with a background in entertainment and tech, focusing on early-stage companies.

Michele M. Mulrooney
Michele Mulrooney chairs Willkie’s private clients group in Los Angeles, boasting 30+ years of experience in estate planning for high-net-worth individuals, including prominent figures from entertainment, sports, business and real estate.

Mary Osako
Mary Osako is the vice chancellor leading UCLA’s communications and marketing since September 2019. She has over 20 years of experience in complex communications roles with Fortune 500 companies, excelling in reputation management, brand marketing, media relations and more.

Paulette Pantoja
Paulette Pantoja, a distinguished entrepreneur and influential figure in the entertainment industry, has made significant contributions through her innovative digital media supply chain solutions.

Bee Kamala Rarewala
Bee Rarewala, chief strategy officer at AC Martin, drives firmwide transformation, spearheading growth through visionary planning and strategic change. She is actively engaged in industry organizations, including the Society for College and University Planning and the Design-Build Institute of America.

Karen Reffner
With over 25 years of public accounting experience, Karen Reffner leads the Northwest construction real estate practice. She specializes in closely held clients, including those owned by private equity groups (PEGs).

Bonnie Robertson
As Dine Brands’ manager of environmental, social and governance (ESG), Bonnie Robertson plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability, diversity and inclusion. She contributes to the ESG report’s accuracy, covering vital topics.

Kavitha Reddy Bhatia, MD, MMM, FAAP, FACHE
Dr. Kavitha Bhatia Reddy, president and chair of the Prime Healthcare Foundation and chief medical officer of strategy at Prime Healthcare, leads a not-for-profit public charity dedicated to improving healthcare, managing 15 of Prime Healthcare’s 45 hospitals.

Vicky Schiff
Vicky Schiff, CEO of Avrio Real Estate Credit, has championed women’s advancement in the male-dominated commercial real estate industry. A serial entrepreneur, she founded and co-founded successful firms since 1996, including a $400+ million real estate fund supporting women and minority firms and an investment banking firm raising over $6 billion.

Terra Russell-Slavin
Terra Russell-Slavin has dedicated over 17 years to the Los Angeles LGBT Center, currently serving as chief impact officer. She’s a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice and racial justice.

Cindy Schoelen
Cindy Schoelen, a partner at BPM, is a pivotal advisor to nonprofit organizations and federally qualified healthcare clinics. She oversees a team of 30 CPAs and professionals, specializing in financial controls such as accounting, compilations, reviews and audits to ensure nonprofit status and government funding.

Dr. Dayle M. Smith
Dr. Dayle M. Smith is the dean of LMU College of Business Administration (CBA), driving innovative strategies for executive, graduate and undergraduate programs. Her vision emphasizes business as a force for good, entrepreneurial agility and global inclusivity.

Melissa Scott
Melissa Scott’s remarkable 20-year Olympic career, spanning nine Games, led her to address a crucial issue. She observed female athletes from culturally diverse backgrounds lacking activewear that combined competitive performance with modesty.

Evin Shutt
Evin Shutt, the first employee and female partner at 72andSunny, has been integral to its growth from a four-person team in L.A. to a global advertising powerhouse.

Lorena Tomb
Lorena Tomb began her real estate career in 2011 and founded Urbanlime Real Estate in 2017, specializing in food and beverage, entertainment and hospitality properties. Her 12-broker team in Southern California is a top brokerage in this niche.

Anny Tavit
Anny Tavit, chief recruiting officer at Greenspoon Marder, boasts over 20 years of legal recruiting experience. She is a driving force in identifying and recruiting top legal talent, collaborating with firm leadership throughout the recruitment process.

Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk
In 1990, Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk, a Filipino immigrant, embarked on a journey to revolutionize the expert witness industry, founding ForensisGroup. Her determination led her to offer top experts to attorneys, challenging industry norms. Despite initial skepticism, Steenwyk’s visionary approach prevailed.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN AWARDS NOMINEES
The following nominees for the Inspirational Women Leadership Awards represent a rare kind of professional who stands out among their peers, making them worthy of recognition within these pages.

Jennifer Stephens Acree
Jennifer Stephens Acree is the founder and CEO of JSA+Partners, a Los Angeles-based communications agency specializing in esports, consumer tech and digital media. With a background as vice president of corporate communications at Yahoo, she founded JSA+Partners to offer strategic partnerships instead of traditional PR services.

Sarah Adolphson
Sarah Adolphson, co-founder of The Artemis Agency, is an entertainment strategy and engagement expert with a wealth of philanthropic experience working alongside global celebrities.

Claudia Afshar
Claudia Afshar Design is a prestigious interior design company with a global presence. Raised between London and the British countryside, Afshar who is the director of Claudia Afshar Design developed her unique style through apprenticeships with award-winning design and property firms.

Mia Alexander
Mia Alexander is the VP of Member Success at Dave, overseeing the customer lifecycle, fraud management and bank operations. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, she has dedicated her career to transforming banking experiences for unrepresented communities through customer care, service and success.

Natalie Alameddine
Natalie Alameddine, a partner in Labor & Employment at Blank Rome LLP, is a prominent figure in employment litigation, handling complex cases encompassing wage and hour issues, class actions, discrimination, retaliation and more.

Vanessa Anderson
Vanessa Anderson, founder and president of AM PR Group, has committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and is a sought-after figure in entertainment public relations. Her visionary approach and strong partnerships have propelled clients to international stardom, securing top-tier media placements.

Jill Basinger
Jill Basinger, the first chief legal officer at Discovery Land Company, leverages her extensive experience as a former partner at prestigious law firms to enhance her company’s success. Her unique skill lies in recognizing the human aspects behind business and legal disputes and resolving them proactively.

Pat Bell
Pat Bell, executive director & CEO of House of Ruth, embodies resilience and compassion. She has lived a life where she could have been perceived as a victim but instead chose to be a survivor and lift others up along her journey.

Mona Andrews
Mona Andrews, the CEO of Stay in the Game, leads initiatives that provide work opportunities to caregivers. With nearly three decades of experience in the financial industry, Andrews also founded Executive Financial Enterprises, Inc., an international business process outsourcer for over 29 years.

Jamie Altman Buggy
Jamie Altman Buggy, partner & general counsel at Harvest LLP, is a distinguished attorney with expertise in commercial real estate disputes and bankruptcy matters.

Smita Goel Bagla
Smita Bagla, a serial entrepreneur, corporate executive and angel investor, leads Aligned Strategies (Alignstra), a boutique management consulting firm. She specializes in helping Fortune 2000 corporate clients with new product development and digital transformation strategies.

Courtenay Bauer
Courtenay Bauer, co-founder and principal at Verse Design Los Angeles, brings over two decades of architectural expertise to her role. Her passion for design was kindled during her formative years.

Evelyn Baez
Evelyn Baez, an associate agent at Lyon Stahl Investment Real Estate, recognizes a significant opportunity in the Los Angeles area. Her primary focus is to educate immigrants and their generational family members about Latino generational wealth, aiming to bridge the homeownership gap driven by age.

Jasmin Baveja Bhandari
Jasmin Baveja Bhandari, a principal at Scali Rasmussen, PC, specializes in labor and employment law. She advises clients on compliance with employment laws, represents businesses in various disputes and defends against wage and hour class actions.

Stephanie I. Blum
Stephanie I. Blum, chair of the family law practice at Reuben Raucher & Blum, is a certified family law specialist with over 25 years of experience. She is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenging journey of divorce.

Erika Bennett
Erika Bennett, CEO of Essence Ventures, oversees marketing for a portfolio of brands, including ESSENCE Communications, AfroPunk, Beautycon and ESSENCE Studios. Before joining Essence Ventures, she led Instagram’s Culture and Community Marketing team, contributing to the development and growth of the department.

Deborah Birndorf
Deborah Birndorf, partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, is an accomplished employment and labor attorney. With over two decades of experience, she has built lasting relationships with clients and excelled in the field. She has cultivated enduring client relationships and developed expertise in the field.

Debra Bordeaux
Debra Bordeaux serves as senior vice president, relationship manager at Enterprise Bank & Trust. Starting as a teller, she developed a passion for customer service, briefly worked as a banking paralegal and later transitioned to a community business bank as a relationship manager.

Luciana Brafman
Luciana Brafman is a two-time Emmy® nominated producer with over 20 years of experience, starting her career as an attorney in New York. She’s worked on shows like “Survivor” and “The Apprentice” and was an executive producer for Montel Williams’ first film “Little Pieces.

Lena Bradshaw
Lena Bradshaw, vice president of human resources at Caltrol Inc., embodies determination and resilience. As an immigrant, she overcame language barriers to excel academically and professionally.

Barbara Bernstein
Barbara Bernstein, a wealth management advisor at Fortuna Wealth Management, Legacy Strategies & Insurance Solutions, is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Andrea Brenholz
Andrea Brenholz, CEO/president of ATR International, is leading the staffing industry’s next generation. She continuously drives innovation and adoption of emerging technologies. Brenholz’s focus is to stay ahead of industry trends, benefitting both ATR and those seeking talent.

Dr. Giovanna Brasfield
Dr. Giovanna Brasfield, widely known as Dr. G, serves as the CEO of Brasfield & Associates LLC, bringing more than 19 years of leadership consulting and DEI expertise to the construction industry.

Elizabeth Brink
Elizabeth Brink, co-regional managing principal of Gensler’s Southwest region, oversees six offices and spearheads transformative design and business strategies. With over two decades of experience, she’s an expert in creating high-performance, people-centric workplaces and is a global leader in workplace transformation.

Jennifer Brewer
Jen Brewer, chief ethics & compliance officer at Activision Blizzard, is a dynamic leader excelling in building trust and authenticity in changing business landscapes. Her team manages integrated investigations, companywide ethics and compliance training, and policy development and enforcement.

Lisa Cahill
Lisa Cahill, chief operating officer at Pathways LA, demonstrated exceptional leadership during the pandemic when she assumed the role of interim executive director amid unexpected loss.

Ashley Carr
Ashley Carr, senior vice president and business banking manager at PNC Bank, brings over 20 years of experience in corporate and commercial banking. Originally from Southern California, she returned to her hometown from Atlanta to lead a diverse team of business bankers, establishing the PNC brand in California.

Susan Burton
Susan Burton founded A New Way of Life Reentry Project (ANWOL) to help formerly incarcerated women reintegrate into society. Her personal struggles led her to create a safe space for women to heal.

Saundra Bryant
Saundra Bryant, executive director of All Peoples Community Center for 40 years, embodies dedicated community involvement and leadership.

Jessica Carrera
Jessica Carrera, director of RSVP at L.A. Works, is a dynamic leader with a background in the nonprofit sector and project management. She started her career at Mount St. Mary’s University, aiming to improve educational outcomes.

Kim Bubnis
Kim Bubnis, executive VP and employee benefits division leader at SCM, is a pivotal figure in the agency’s growth strategy. She oversees the employee benefits division, making significant contributions to its success.

Jackeline Cacho
Jackeline Cacho, the Queen of Spanish Language Edutainment Programming, marks the 10th anniversary of her national TV show, “Jackeline Cacho Presenta Triunfo Latino.” She received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Program in Spanish and Outstanding TV Host in daytime program in Spanish.

Kaycea Campbell
Dr. Kaycea Campbell, a seasoned economist with a Ph.D. in economics and management, serves as a tenured professor at Pierce College. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she imparts her extensive knowledge in economics to undergraduate and graduate students.

Cyndie M. Chang
Cyndie M. Chang, managing partner at Duane Morris LLP in Los Angeles, is a distinguished leader. She holds board positions at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and the Committee of 100, advocating for Chinese Americans and victims of hate crimes.

Caitlyn Elizabeth Chase
Caitlyn Chase, the founder of Caviar & Cashmere and Caitlyn Chase Consultancy, is a luminary in the luxury sector. Boasting over 12 years of experience in marketing and communications across various industries, she’s known for her pioneering work in digital marketing.

Arminé Chaparyan
Arminé Chaparyan, city manager of South Pasadena, boasts two decades of government experience. A native of Armenia, her family moved to the U.S. when she was nine, with Chaparyan graduating from UCLA and subsequently completing her Master of Public Administration at USC.

Tige Charity
Tige Charity founded Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. (KITS) with a mission to empower foster youth by providing them with a platform to share their stories through filmmaking. Under her leadership, KITS has created over 85 short films with the participation of more than 850 foster youth.

Sally Thomas Cooper
Sally Thomas Cooper, CEO of Lusive Decor, Inc., began her career in New Zealand in film and TV, later excelling in residential interior design. After moving to L.A. in 1999, she gained a celebrity clientele as an interior designer and worked in textiles, furniture and lighting.

Jennifer L. Cohen
Jennifer L. Cohen is a corporate partner at Sklar Kirsh LLP with extensive experience as in-house corporate counsel and an associate representing corporate clients.

Sarah Chavarria
Sarah Chavarria is the president and future CEO of Delta Dental of California, poised to become the company’s first female CEO. With over 30 years of experience in various leadership roles across multiple industries, she’s been instrumental in leading Delta Dental.

Anna Chung
Anna Chung, executive vice president of Hanmi Bank, initially pursued a chemistry career but found her true calling in banking.

Nancy Clifton-Hawkins
Nancy Clifton-Hawkins, director of community benefit at the City of Hope, is a compassionate leader. She spearheads large-scale collaborative projects in underserved communities, focusing on health improvement and equity.

Nancy Coblenz
Nancy Coblenz, VP of marketing at ActOne Group, is a transformational leader in the employment solutions industry. Her strategic vision has secured partnerships with organizations like NASCAR and Dress for Success, driving progress toward a more diverse workforce.

Pamela R. Clay
Pamela R. Clay, the executive director of Living Advantage, Inc., has transformed the 30-year-old nonprofit into a powerful force in the lives of Southern California’s foster youth. After her mother’s passing, she took the helm and infused the organization with innovative technology, social networking and media.

Lara D. Compton
Lara D. Compton is a member at Mintz, where she specializes in healthcare law, offering regulatory guidance to various healthcare stakeholders. Her expertise spans HIPAA privacy, health data regulations and HIPAA breach investigations.

Ravit Darougar
Ravit Darougar, an immigrant from Israel, is the CEO of 4EVER MAGIC COSMETICS. She started her journey in the U.S. working at an entry-level position and rapidly proved her worth.

Michaeline DeJoria
Michaeline DeJoria, the CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS), brings her entrepreneurial spirit to L.A.’s legacy DeJoria family. As one of the industry’s youngest CEOs and a millennial, she uses her digital expertise to anticipate customer needs, guiding JPMS’s future in hair care.

Deborah Dawahare
Deborah Dawahare, senior vice president, treasury management sales manager at California Bank & Trust (CB&T), is a treasury management expert responsible for expanding and building client relationships, promoting treasury management products and services and driving treasury management revenue growth.

Jessica Nolan Daugherty
Jessica Nolan Daugherty, founder of Cause IMPACTS, is a dedicated policy analyst and community organizer with a career spanning social justice causes. Her experience in nonprofits and the private sector led her to establish Cause IMPACTS, breaking down silos between sectors to drive social innovation.

Caryn Desai
Caryn Desai, artistic director & producer at International City Theatre (ICT), is a distinguished figure in the arts. With an MFA from UC Irvine and certificates in arts administration, marketing and fundraising, she’s been recognized with numerous awards, including “Enterprising Woman in the Arts” and “We Can Do It” Award.

Jacqueline Eleanor Davis
Jacqueline Eleanor Davis, the CFO of 24 Hour Home Care, is an inspirational figure who overcame challenges, rose from a humble background and achieved Summa Cum Laude honors in accounting.

Nicole Cressman
Nicole Cressman, the head of human resources at Matthews Real Estate Investment Services™, transitioned from property management to human resources in 2018, taking a temporary HR role at Matthews™ that later turned into a permanent position.

Veronica Dover
Veronica Dover, CEO of St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, holds a degree in psychology and is a licensed therapist. With over two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, she advanced from a mental health intern at the Family Service Association to serving as the chief operating officer for 24 years.

Alexandra Soleil Dumas
Alexandra Dumas, Google’s head of VC & Startup Partnerships, stands as a transformative figure in the tech sector. She drives Google’s expansion and fosters startup growth by forming strategic partnerships that integrate innovations.

Sarah Duru
Sarah Duru, CEO of the French Toast Agency, leverages her passion for communications and love for the Latin community in the music industry. Fluent in Spanish, she moved to L.A. to immerse herself further, ultimately founding her agency. Duru’s dedication and strategic prowess have made her a force in the Latin music industry.

Kathryn Edgerton
Kathryn Edgerton is a distinguished member at Mintz, known for her exceptional ability to provide practical guidance to healthcare providers and related businesses, including hospitals, physician groups and laboratories.

Amanda Dwyer
Amanda Dwyer, IHOP’s senior brand and product marketing manager, has gained universal respect in her four years at the company. Known for her dedication to meticulous research, industry best practices and calculated decision-making, she consistently takes the best path, even if it’s the more challenging one.

Marisa Drury
Marisa Drury, the executive vice president and regional director of the Los Angeles Real Estate Lending Group at California Bank & Trust (CB&T), boasts over 25 years of service, having originated over $3.5 billion in new loan production.

Bonique Edwards
Bonique Edwards, principal at Kaleidoscope Consulting Group, brings over 27 years of expertise in cultural transformation and leadership development. Her approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) goes beyond surface-level changes, focusing on creating lasting impact.

Danijella Dragas
Danijella Dragas, CEO of the Lending Corporation, possesses vast experience in finance, asset management and fintech. An Oxford native, she spent 18 years at Bear Stearns Investment Banking. She contributes to business TV shows and online publications, focusing on fintech, technology startups and commercial lending.

Emily C. Edwards
Emily C. Edwards, a partner at Manning Kass, excels in workers’ compensation and military and veterans law. With prior experience at a respected workers’ compensation defense firm, she represents insurance carriers, self-insured employers and public entities.

Angela Marie Evans
Angela Evans serves as the president & CEO of Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC). With decades of experience, she oversees CCC’s substantial budget, its global TV ministry and coordinates the efforts of over 1,500 volunteers. She is also a co-founder of Price Schools, where she played a pivotal role in achieving a remarkable 100% graduation rate.

Bernadette Fernandez
Bernadette Fernandez, CEO of Imagine Etiquette, Inc., has pioneered enrichment programs that empower K-12 students with essential life skills. These programs, once localized in Los Angeles County, have now expanded to reach students worldwide.

Dr. Michelle Feng
Dr. Michelle C. Feng is the chief clinical officer at Executive Mental Health. She has driven the expansion of clinical services, reduced turnover rates and overseen organizational growth. Her contributions encompass the development of clinical protocols, innovative retention programs and the creation of comprehensive continuing education content.

Kayo Elkner
Kayo Elkner, a principal at Prager Metis, is a seasoned CPA with over 20 years of experience, specializing in accounting and tax services for individuals and closely held businesses. She has managed diverse clients, including Japanese corporations in Hawaii and California.

Phylicia Fant
Phylicia Fant, founder of The Purple Agency, has a remarkable career in the music industry. With significant roles at Columbia Records and Warner Music Group, she has earned recognition on Billboard’s Women in Music list and ASCAP Women Behind the Music.

Lauren Feder
Lauren Feder, director of asset management at Trion Properties, brings her financial and acquisitions expertise to this private equity real estate firm. She joined in 2019 as an acquisitions associate, rising to her current role.

Amy Ferber
Amy Ferber, co-founder of She’s Birdie, embarked on this mission after personal experiences with family members. With over 35 years of industry expertise, she co-founded She’s Birdie with her sister, Ali. The company, which was self-funded and profitable from day one, has achieved significant growth, selling over 2.

Shannon Melania Fernando
Shannon Fernando is a highly accomplished nurse practitioner executive who successfully manages dual roles as the chief innovations officer at Los Angeles Christian Health Centers (LACHC) and founder/CEO of Alabaster International.

Nicole Friday
Nicole Friday is the president of NICE CROWD, a prominent entertainment and tourism company known for organizing events celebrating BIPOC culture and achievements. Together with her husband, she has diversified their portfolio to include comedy, health & wellness, food and fine art events.

Deborah A. Ferrington
Dr. Deborah A. Ferrington, chief scientific officer at Doheny Eye Institute, is an internationally recognized researcher in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Her groundbreaking work on AMD has the potential to transform treatment approaches, addressing a significant public health concern.

Gail Ann Fornasiere
Serving as the deputy director of external affairs at the Catalina Museum for Art & History, Gail Ann Fornasiere holds a pivotal role in shaping the museum’s identity and fostering community engagement.

Shani Foster
Shani Foster, the director of education at 826LA, transitioned from a successful music career to education, becoming a passionate advocate for young students. She revitalized 826LA’s mission, achieving significant increases in student engagement and community involvement.

Demetria L. Graves
Demetria Graves, a certified family law specialist, founded The Graves Law Firm shortly after law school, earning accolades as a top woman lawyer and influential minority attorney. She authored a book and hosts a podcast on family law topics.

Janet Gaspard
Janet Gaspard, chief people officer at First Entertainment Credit Union, brings over 30 years of experience in cultivating high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. With a strong commitment to community involvement, she volunteers for child-focused nonprofits and co-founded The Outlier Project, emphasizing “People Over Everything” leadership.

Dianne Gubin
Dianne Gubin is the co-CEO of C-Sweet, a national networking association for female executives. As an investment banker and principal at Capital InVentures, she facilitates financing for CEOs. Gubin’s career spans 20+ years in B2B sales and management. She owns Amplify Professional Services Inc.

Simona Grace
Simona Grace, founder & executive director of Moms in Office, is a dedicated advocate for women’s political empowerment. With a background in political strategy and philanthropy, she’s a recognized voice in women’s rights and fundraising, featured in major publications.

Eliza Glants
Eliza Glants, co-founder and chief legal officer of J’Adore Les Fleurs, is an immigrant success story.

Cassandra Goetz
Cassandra Goetz’s transition from a thriving career in Chicago’s tech startups to a prominent leadership role in the traditionally male-dominated commercial fishing industry at Del Mar Seafoods is nothing short of impressive.

Barbara R. Gadbois
Barbara Gadbois, a partner at Gibbs Giden in Los Angeles, brings over 35 years of expertise to the field of construction law. Her specialization includes project development, contract negotiation, procurement and dispute resolution for projects.

Cynthia Grande
Cynthia Grande is a trailblazing attorney, first-generation college graduate and founder of The Grande Law Firm. Born to Salvadoran immigrants, her journey reflects resilience, dedication and a commitment to justice. As a Latina lawyer, Grande advocates for marginalized communities, assisting over 1,800 families through her firm.

Elissa L. Gysi
Elissa L. Gysi, a partner at Hill Farrer & Burrill LLP, specializes in employment and civil litigation. With extensive experience in labor disputes and appellate matters, she counsels employers and represents them before administrative agencies. Gysi’s legal expertise is complemented by degrees from Stanford and Columbia.

Brandy Han
Brandy Han, promoted to executive vice president at City National Bank, leads capital markets and sits on the executive council. Based in Los Angeles, she manages loan syndications, risk management, foreign exchange and global markets.

Sofia Haq
Sofia Haq, founder & CEO of Muslim Women Professionals (MWP), transitioned from retail to entrepreneurship and venture capital. She excelled in sales and expanded Diane von Furstenberg’s presence.

Jennifer Harris
Jennifer Harris, CEO & founder of Technology Management Concepts, has been a leader in ERP for over 30 years. She co-founded TMC to implement Microsoft Business cloud applications for midmarket companies. Harris’ finance and technology background allowed her to thrive in a male-dominated industry.

Janine Hamner Holman
Janine Hamner Holman, CEO of J&J Consulting Group, embarked on a mission to transform the world of work. Her diverse career includes community organizing, nonprofits, Fortune 200 companies and entrepreneurship. Hamner Holman champions leadership, organizational culture and healthy workplaces.

Monica Guzman Escobar
Monica Guzman Escobar, CEO of Startr Co., excels in PR and marketing for startups. She drives results-oriented campaigns in food, wellness and family industries. Guzman Escobar prioritizes diversity with a predominantly female and BIPOC team. In 2021, her agency received awards for workplace excellence.

Dionne Harmon
Dionne Harmon, now president of Jesse Collins Entertainment, is known for producing the Super Bowl Halftime Show and music-related content. Her career includes TV specials like the Oscars, American Music Awards and BET Awards. At Jesse Collins Entertainment, she produced various shows, including the Emmy-winning Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show.

Kirstin Harper-Smith
Kirstin Harper-Smith, a project executive at Shawmut Design and Construction, leads projects like the UCLA Nimoy Theater renovation and LA Live! Nokia Theater revitalization. She promotes inclusivity, mentoring and teamwork.

Pamela Cohen Hirsch
As the co-founder of Baby Quest Foundation, Pamela Cohen Hirsch’s journey spans education, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. From 1985-2001, she helped grow her portion of the company, being named to Inc. Magazine’s Inc 500 List as CEO of one of the country’s fastest growing private companies.

Chastity Heyward
Chastity Heyward, founder of Heyward Marketing Lab, is a dynamic entrepreneur and advocate. Serving on the board of One Bread Foundation and the School Site Council for Temecula Valley Unified School District, she is committed to causes like child sex trafficking rehabilitation and education.

Kat Janowicz
Kat Janowicz is a leading environmental and business strategist renowned for her book “Chasing Zero,” which chronicles the transformation of the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach. With expertise in energy, transportation and technology, she serves as the president and CEO of 3COTECH, Inc.

Beth Hilbing
Beth Hilbing is an experienced senior executive with a 25+ year track record across aerospace, financial institutions, media and insurance. Currently the co-CEO at C-Sweet, a national executive women’s networking organization with over 16,000 members.

Tracy Michelle Holland
As both an entrepreneur and founder of InnerFifth, Tracy Holland is a visionary in beauty and wellness. Her podcast, “Potential to Powerhouse,” empowers female entrepreneurs, while InnerFifth fosters a supportive community.

Nancy N. Hejran
Nancy Hejran, CFO & COO of Clipper Corporation, transformed the company’s financial and operational landscape. She built a finance team, implemented SOPs and improved company culture. During the pandemic, Hejran’s leadership ensured the company’s success by sourcing PPE and adapting to changing market needs.

Judith Helle
Judith Helle, a seasoned professional in the performing arts, began her career dancing across Europe.

Cathy J. Hood
A public relations and communications expert, Cathy J. Hood has made a significant impact on Los Angeles through her work with various organizations and initiatives. She manages PR crises, elevates diverse leaders and corporate brands, and is actively involved in community advocacy.

Beth Kean
Beth Kean, the CEO of Holocaust Museum LA, has a profound personal connection to her position as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors. Her leadership has facilitated remarkable growth for the museum, encompassing both physical expansion and heightened outreach in the battle against hatred and bigotry.

Alice Juarez
Alice Juarez, a seasoned veteran of the financial services industry with 32 years of experience, currently holds the position of region executive for Wells Fargo’s Los Angeles Region. Her purview includes consumer banking, small business and affluent business segments.

Janine Jarman
Janine Jarman is a renowned celebrity hairstylist celebrated for her extensive industry experience. As the CEO and founder of Curl Cult, she has left an indelible mark on the beauty world. Additionally, she founded Hairroin Salon, which received the NAHA Salon Design Award.

Mollie Kaiser
Mollie Kaiser, a private wealth advisor at Strategic View Advisors, boasts 16 years of extensive experience in the finance industry. Her career has traversed investment management roles at renowned firms such as Bernstein Global Wealth Management and Credit Suisse, culminating in a holistic approach at Strategic View Advisors.

Christianne F. Kerns
Christianne Kerns is the managing partner of Hahn & Hahn LLP. She has guided the firm to attain certification as a majority Women Owned Business. In her role, Kerns oversees firm strategy, operations and lawyers while also serving as outside general counsel to private companies.

Amy W. Johnson
Amy W. Johnson, boasting a decade of experience in the financial services sector, embarked on her career journey at Chase Bank, subsequently transitioning to Edward Jones. In 2019, she became a valued member of the Perennial Financial Services team.

Monica Marie Jaramillo
Monica M. Jaramillo, co-founder of LABEL The Agency, is a seasoned industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in event marketing and branding. She has orchestrated numerous high-profile events, brand campaigns and celebrity partnerships, including collaborations with Pepsi and Airbnb.

Catherine Kimmel
Catherine Kimmel, a seasoned connector, boasts an expansive global network, specializing in the transformation of philanthropic efforts. As the founder of CK/LA, a strategic consulting firm, she has carved a niche in this domain. Currently, Kimmel takes the helm as the West Coast lead consultant for prominent campaigns.

Lee Ann Kline
Lee Ann Kline, president and founder of STEM Advantage, is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing diversity in STEM fields. With a background in mathematics and computer science, she established STEM Advantage as a nonprofit organization to empower underrepresented students pursuing STEM careers.

Lois Klavir
Lois Klavir, vice president at JPMorgan Chase Bank, is a distinguished professional in cultivating and nurturing intricate business client connections. Her expertise lies in real estate financing, business loans, credit lines and more, with a profound commitment to supporting minority and women-owned enterprises.

Jenna Knudsen
Jenna Knudsen, AIA, is the managing principal of CO Architects and a trailblazer in promoting gender diversity within the architecture field. As a co-founder of Women of CO, an internal initiative, she champions career growth for female professionals in the firm.

Gayane Kirakosyan
Gayane Kirakosyan is a managing director at B. Riley Securities, a leading investment bank in Los Angeles. She boasts over two decades of experience in investment banking, specializing in debt and equity capital raises, mergers and acquisitions and financial restructurings.

Deborah J. La Franchi
Deborah La Franchi is the founder & CEO of SDS Capital Group, a national leader in impact investing, managing over $1 billion in assets. With 20+ years of leadership, SDS innovatively deploys capital to projects and companies, focusing on alleviating poverty, achieving racial equity and promoting economic mobility in low-income communities.

Tina LaMonica
Tina LaMonica, SIOR, is a standout figure in commercial real estate at NAI Capital Commercial. In 2018, she took on the exclusive leasing role for a 92,000 sq. ft. Class A office building in South Pasadena when occupancy was at 63%.

Jaime Lee
Jaime Lee, the dynamic CEO of the Jamison group of companies, has spearheaded an impressive transformation in commercial real estate. Under her leadership, Lee has evolved into a major player, with a market capitalization of over $3 billion and a vast property portfolio throughout Southern California.

Mindy S. Leigh
Mindy S. Leigh is the vice president of property management at BLT Enterprises, a successful Santa Monica-based real estate investment company. She has played an integral role at BLT since 2015, overseeing a portfolio valued at over $1 billion, encompassing industrial, R&D and commercial properties across Southern California.

Sara Kornblatt
Sara Kornblatt is a seasoned partner at Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt, specializing in construction project development, claims and complex litigation. Her expertise spans contract drafting, negotiation and litigation, with numerous successful representations before the California Court of Appeal.

Dr. Regina Lark
Dr. Regina Lark, a pioneer in neurohacking for household management, is an accomplished academic, entrepreneur, speaker and author. Her journey began in higher education and led to founding A Clear Path during the Great Recession. She employs her expertise to provide professional support for decluttering lives.

Jennifer Lee
Jennifer Lee is a prominent partner at Sheppard Mullin, where she leads the Corporate and Entertainment, Technology and Advertising practice groups. She is renowned for her role as a global leader, assisting public and private companies across industries, such as entertainment, technology, manufacturing and finance.

Allison Krant
Allison Krant, a senior manager at Adeptus Partners, LLC, excels in delivering personalized financial concierge services to high-net-worth creatives, entertainers and athletes. With a diverse clientele, she offers comprehensive support, including tax planning, tour accounting, asset acquisition guidance and business growth strategies.

Sara Litvak
Sara Litvak, CEO of the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE), is a board-certified behavior analyst and healthcare executive who founded the widely adopted accreditation for Applied Behavior Analysis organizations.

Helen Lum
Helen Lum is a visionary leader in ad tech with a decade of digital media and campaign management experience. She rose from leading mobile retargeting campaigns to becoming senior vice president of operations at Sabio, where she played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a leading Connected TV/OTT advertising provider.

Alisha White Madison
Alisha Madison has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a consultant with Ernst and Young, a corporate leader at Northrop Grumman and as CEO of The Bella Network. Madison’s career encompasses working with diverse teams to tackle complex problems, relying on her intuitive understanding of social dynamics and analytical thinking.

Vicky LeVay
Vicky LeVay holds the role of senior director of compliance at FloQast. Her journey led her through project and program management roles at firms like Sungard Availability Services and Slalom. Joining FloQast in 2020, she established the compliance department amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently earned a promotion to senior director.

Adrienne Inez Logan
Adrienne Logan, a seasoned professional in finance and law, has a track record of delivering unique perspectives to clients in the consumer product and finance sectors. Her career spans global investigations, U.S. litigation and strategic counsel in international business hubs.

Diana Lua
Diana Lua’s journey from the Philippines to the United States is a testament to her determination and pursuit of the American Dream. She has ventured into various entrepreneurial endeavors. Her passion for culinary arts led her to become a trained culinary chef.

Marissa Arielle Lepor
Marissa Arielle Lepor, director & head of beauty and personal care at The Sage Group, has established herself in the finance community through an entrepreneurial approach in investment banking. She has a consistent tenure at Sage, a prominent investment bank focused on M&A, and capital raises for consumer brands.

Jennifer Lieser
Jennifer Lieser is a distinguished white-collar criminal defense attorney, practicing at the national level. Recent achievements include negotiating a favorable plea agreement for a prominent real estate developer, handling international extradition cases and obtaining dismissals in workers’ compensation and customs fraud matters.

Yassi Mahdavi
Yassi Mahdavi, an accomplished legal professional, fled the revolution in Iran, subsequently pursuing her legal education and ultimately emerging as the preeminent female attorney at FirstUp. During her tenure at the firm, she has achieved remarkable success, recently securing a momentous $100 million deal for the company.

Carly McGinnis
Carly McGinnis joined Exploding Kittens in 2015, contributing to the company’s rapid ascent. Under her leadership, Exploding Kittens launched nearly 30 games and sold over 25 million tabletop games globally. She expanded the brand to over 50 countries and translated games into 25 languages.

Melissa Miller-Ramirez
Melissa Miller-Ramirez is the founder and CEO of Connect Teletherapy, which provides virtual therapy services for children, including speech therapy, occupational therapy and counseling. Her journey began as a speech-language pathologist, working with children with autism.

Jennifer Meeker
Jennifer Meeker represents public and private sector clients in complex commercial disputes in both state and federal courts. She collaborates closely with her clients, understanding their business objectives and risk tolerance to craft tailored strategies for dispute resolution.

Mercedes O. Martin
Mercedes O. Martin specializes in real estate transactions, particularly real estate-secured transactions, tax credit finance and equity investments. As co-chair of the firm’s Community Development Finance group, she represents a range of clients, including developers, borrowers, lenders and investors in nationwide projects.

Pamela Marshall
Pamela Marshall, co-director at A New Way of Life Reentry Project, embarked on her journey after facing a layoff during the Great Recession. Through California’s Transitional Subsidized Employment Program, she began as a housing coordinator.

Camilla Ruth Marcus
Camilla Marcus embodies culinary art, entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. She founded the zero-waste restaurant, west~bourne, blurring the lines between gastronomy and sustainability.

Nina Marino
Nina Marino, a top-tier white-collar lawyer in California, has received various accolades, including being recognized by the Daily Journal and the Los Angeles Business Journal for her exceptional legal prowess.

Laurel Mintz
Laurel Mintz J.D., M.B.A. is the CEO and founder of the renowned marketing agency Elevate My Brand, catering to start-ups and global giants like Facebook, Verizon Digital Media Group and more. She’s also launched Fabric VC, focusing on funding diverse founders and championing equity and inclusion.

Jasmine Nachtigall-Fournier
At the age of 23, Jasmine Nachtigall-Fournier co-founded GovInvest with a mission to address government’s significant financial challenges, including unfunded liabilities, budgeting and negotiations.

Valerie Moizel
Valerie Moizel established The Woo, an independent, woman-owned creative agency. Serving top clients like LG, Lenovo and LA Fitness, she defies the notion that emotions and business do not mix. Her focus on using emotions to connect with consumers has led to high-impact campaigns.

Delores Druilhet Morton
Delores Morton is the CEO of Step Up, a nonprofit empowering girls and young women through mentorship programs. In her role, she led the organization to celebrate its 25th year in 2023. Morton has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and navigated Step Up through pandemic challenges, expanding its programs nationwide and globally.

Nichole Ann Montague
Nichole Ann Montague is a remarkable individual, tirelessly managing a mini farm, business, homeschooling and volunteering 500 hours in 2022 with the MilVet charity. She started her journey in the restaurant industry at age 16 and, after years of hard work, founded Montague Brothers Coffee in 2020, overcoming hardships and breaking barriers.

Ann Marie Mortimer
Ann Marie Mortimer, the head of Hunton Andrew Kurth’s commercial litigation practice and founder of the firm’s Los Angeles office, is a prominent figure in the legal field.

Frances Moreno
Frances Moreno, a successful entrepreneur, co-founded Vaco in Los Angeles with a mission to help individuals advance their careers while achieving personal goals. She established a unique culture focused on autonomy, flexibility and accountability, earning Vaco the title of #1 Best Place to Work in Los Angeles four times.

Allie Mirosevic
Allie Mirosevic founded Bliss’d to empower moms through journaling. Her journey began in 2019, combating postpartum depression with journaling and medication. Recognizing the need for an easy-to-use, inspirational journal, she launched the Anytime Reflection Journal in 2022.

Ariela Nerubay
Ariela Nerubay is a visionary chief marketing officer with over two decades of experience across various industries. As the CMO of Curacao, she’s revitalized the brand, expanded the target audience and instilled a culture of data-driven decision making.

Carmelita Nix-Williams
Carmelita Nix-Williams served in the United States Air Force for 21 years, specializing in financial management. Currently she works at Kaiser Permanente, focusing on finance and organizational transformation.

Ginna Claire Nguyen
Ginna Claire Nguyen, associate principal of Relativity Architects, specializes in affordable housing. With over 500 housing units created, she oversees design, management and business operations, contributing to RA’s rapid growth.

Myra Nourmand
Myra Nourmand, the principal of Nourmand & Associates, brings 36 years of real estate experience and outstanding leadership to the agency. She manages client relationships, mentors agents and guides the brokerage’s strategic mission.

Annie Roque Nepomuceno
Annie Nepomuceno’s journey from Iowa to the vibrant Filipino American community in Los Angeles is marked by resilience and innovation.

Kimberly Rae Nelson
Kimberly Rae Nelson, an advisor at Coastal Bridge Advisers for seven years, specializes in working with divorced women. She collaborates closely with their attorneys to ensure not only a favorable financial outcome but also long-term capital stewardship, allowing these women to rebuild their lives and networks post-divorce.

Trina Chantel Norman
Trina Norman, a dedicated UPS employee of 33 years, serves as the SoCal feeder operations manager. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and has mentored college students to help them achieve academic success. Norman established the first Women in Operations business resource group in Southern California in 2019.

Theresa Nguyen
Theresa Nguyen’s journey from a war-torn Vietnam to her current role as chief HR officer at Blackstone Consulting Inc. is a remarkable story of resilience. Despite the challenges her family faced as immigrants, she excelled academically, graduated with honors and built a successful career.

Karla Ortiz
Karla Ortiz, a triple-threat Latinx executive, is a trailblazer in the music industry. She has served as the VP of marketing and label services for Vydia and held a digital marketing executive role at Universal Music Group. During the pandemic, she founded Monark Entertainment and achieved remarkable success.

Doreen Marie Olson
Doreen Marie Olson, with 30 years of exclusive experience in family law, is a partner at Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP, specializing in high-asset divorce and custody cases.

Rebecca Nunez
Rebecca Nunez, founder & CEO of The MRN Agency, defied the odds by establishing a woman- and minority-owned company that succeeded in its initial two years without external funding. The MRN Agency prioritizes cultural intelligence, utilizing diverse perspectives to enhance creativity, innovation and problem solving.

Eliza Langdon Oliver
Eliza Langdon Oliver is a seasoned litigator with over a decade of experience, specializing in employment law. She’s been a valuable member of the client service litigation team at HELG since 2018. Oliver adeptly manages motions, pleadings and discovery, including summary judgment motions, depositions and mediations.

Grace Park
Grace Park is known for her impactful work at The Walt Disney Company and as the co-founder of Nuleep. She’s been recognized with the Presidential Service Award for her role as a project leader at Disney VoluntEARs.

Shana Palencia
Shana Palencia serves as senior vice president and cohead of marketing at Aristotle, a global investment firm. In this role, she leads marketing strategy, content development, digital marketing and public relations efforts.

Dr. Ifunanya Nweke
Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Ed.D., is an empowerment engineer and founder/executive director of Jazz Hands for Autism, a nonprofit supporting neurodivergent musicians. She holds a bachelor’s in anthropology, a master’s in nonprofit leadership & management and a doctorate in educational leadership from USC Rossier School of Education.

Missy K. O’Linn
Mildred K. O’Linn is a partner at Manning Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez, Trester LLP with 35 years of experience in law. As a former police officer and legal advisor for the Law Enforcement Television Network, she specializes in peace officer civil liability, training, tactics and governmental defense.

Maria Pearman
Maria Pearman, CPA, CGMA, is GHJ’s principal and beverage practice leader, excelling in the food and beverage industry. She founded an accounting firm offering outsourced accounting services, addressing a crucial market need.

Sasha D. Pisterman
Sasha D. Pisterman is the founder of SDP Digital, a PR and marketing agency established in 2017. Her career started at BMI, where she developed and executed PR campaigns for various award shows and events. In 2017, she established SDP Digital, working with renowned talent and brands in music.

Catherine Marie Parks
Cat Parks is the visionary behind Grl Pwr LA, which she founded in 2018. Recognizing the challenges women face in making friends and connections when moving to Los Angeles, Parks created a private Facebook community.

Ali Ferber Peters
Ali Ferber Peters co-founded She’s Birdie with her sister Amy after experiencing the trauma of their teenage children facing assault. They aimed to prevent future attacks, leveraging their creative skills to develop a stylish safety tool.

Angela Reddock-Wright
Angela Reddock-Wright is an accomplished figure in labor and employment law, recognized for her recent induction into the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers, membership in the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and her selection as a Top 50 Woman Attorney by the Daily Journal.

Lauren Plichta
Lauren Plichta is the dedicated president & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. She has steered the organization to exceptional growth and accomplishment, overseeing an 8% increase in youth served and successfully adapting to the pandemic’s impact on mental health.

Dr. Indre Raviv
Dr. Indre Raviv is a luminary at the intersection of economics, business and community leadership. Her pioneering work in economics includes reshaping dynamic pricing and economic prediction with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the General Linear Model (GLM).

Elsa Ramo
Elsa Ramo is a prominent figure at the intersection of content creation and distribution, negotiating groundbreaking deals for clients in the entertainment industry. Her client roster includes major players like Imagine Entertainment, HartBeat Productions and more.

Kelly M. Raney
Kelly M. Raney, a partner at Greenberg Glusker’s Employment Law Group, boasts a distinguished career representing clients of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Her expertise spans employment policies, pre-litigation disputes, high-stakes intellectual property disputes and commercial contracts.

Thai Randolph
Thai Randolph is an accomplished leader in content, commerce and community. Recognized in prominent industry lists, she formed HARTBEAT with a $100M investment. As CEO, she’s taken the reins after successful roles as president & COO of Laugh Out Loud and COO of HartBeat Productions.

Heather Quinn
Heather Quinn is a finance specialist at Fortuna Wealth Management, Legacy Strategies & Insurance Solutions. Her expertise lies in setting clear goals and timelines to achieve financial security and prioritizing financial education.

Jodie Poirier
As the executive managing director and market leader at Colliers’ Greater Los Angeles region, Jodie Poirier manages a team of over 300 professionals across nine offices. Her dynamic leadership, industry expertise and strategic foresight have elevated Colliers to a leadership position.

Charlene Elizabeth Roxborough Konsker
Stylist Charlene Roxborough Konsker’s fashion journey began in her childhood closet in Jamaica, where she honed her style skills with her fashion-forward mother. Her style is a reflection of her natural and culturally rich surroundings, blending neutrals and vibrant colors.

Rachel Russell
Rachel Russell is a remarkable marketer and the driving force behind the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Greater Los Angeles Program. At just 29, she leads the program, honoring high-growth company leaders and impressing CEOs with her prowess. Russell builds lasting relationships with these entrepreneurs, hosts alumni events and encourages growth.

Andrea Saunders Rifenbark
Andrea Saunders Rifenbark is a seasoned transactional attorney specializing in real estate investment, development and finance.

Miri Rossitto
Miri Rossitto is the founder and chief executive officer of Cowe Communications, a business and brand development firm that specializes in strategic communications.

Schenae Rourk
Schenae Rourk serves as the president and CEO of Redwood Resources, a management consulting firm specializing in transportation and infrastructure projects. She assists real estate developers, A/E firms and construction companies in navigating procurement and contracting processes, focusing on the transportation and infrastructure sectors.

Sarah Robarts
Born in Uganda and raised in Kenya, Sarah Robarts brings a wealth of international experience. With a background in fine art and a career transition into public relations, she founded Ballantines Public Relations (BPR) in 2000, specializing in luxury and lifestyle communications.

Charlie T. Savage
As a producer, accomplished screenwriter and Woman of Inspiration award finalist, Charlie T. Savage shines in the creative arena. Recognized nationally for her community service, she received the Washington D.C. Community Hero Award from Dunkin Donuts and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal from the U.

Sunitha Reddy, MBA, MPH, FACHE
Sunitha Reddy, chief revenue officer/vice president of operations at Prime Healthcare, plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and financial strategy. She is acclaimed as one of Modern Healthcare’s “Top 25 Emerging Leaders” in 2022.

Tami Shaikh
Tami Shaikh is a mother, author and nonprofit director at Uplift Charity. She has dedicated her life to giving a voice to those who feel invisible and have been silenced because of social inequalities.

Lauren Schneider
Lauren Schneider, partner in Lewis Roca’s intellectual property practice, serves as the office managing partner for their Los Angeles and San Francisco offices. She specializes in patent procurement, portfolio development, licensing and opinion work, particularly in the biotechnology and chemistry sectors.

Hannah Shahriyari
Hannah Shahriyari serves as the director of sales at GeoLinks, a California-based telecom company known for its advanced internet and hosted voice solutions. Her extensive nine-plus years of experience span international markets, starting as a sales strategy coordinator at Amobee.

Lara Schmoisman
Buenos Aires native Lara Schmoisman, founder and CEO of L.A.-based marketing agency THE DARL, blends her Jewish and Latina heritage and is known for her outspoken, tenacious nature. With over two decades of experience spanning radio, television, film, distribution and content marketing, she lends her expertise to nurture emerging brands.

Constance Schwartz-Morini
In her 30+ year career, Constance Schwartz-Morini has excelled in sports, media, entertainment and culture. She began at the NFL, handling TV programming, events, marketing and player engagement.

Carol Jean Schary
With a background in education and psychology from the University of Southern California, Carol Schary took the helm of the Nathan Kimmel Company, embracing her role with determination and innovative thinking.

Suze Yalof Schwartz
Suze Yalof Schwartz is the founder and CEO of the Unplug Meditation app and Unplug, the world’s first drop-in secular meditation studio in Los Angeles. She authored “Unplug: A Simple Guide to Meditation for Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers.

Elizabeth M. Sbardellati
Elizabeth M. Sbardellati leads Greenberg Glusker’s Trademark Protection & Enforcement Group, specializing in branded consumer products. She handles trademark prosecution, enforcement, growth strategy and various agreements. She received a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University School of Law.

Amanda Spangler
Amanda Spangler, managing director at Colliers, is part of a historic leadership duo alongside Jodie Poirier in overseeing the Greater Los Angeles region. In her role, she manages over 70 brokerage professionals across two offices, focusing on business development, service quality and top talent recruitment.

Johnese Spisso
Johnese Spisso has served as president of UCLA Health, CEO of UCLA Hospital System and associate vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences since 2016. She oversees UCLA’s Health System, which includes major medical centers, clinics and regional outreach programs.

Nicola Staples
Nicola Staples is the COO of Cowe Communications, leveraging her extensive branding and communications expertise. In her role, she oversees daily operations and guides the team to create tailored communication strategies for clients. Her leadership and strategic acumen have led to successful outcomes for clients.

Erin Ashley Simon
Erin Ashley Simon is a versatile multimedia personality, host, producer and consultant with a strong presence in e-sports, gaming and entertainment. As a prominent figure in PUMA’s e-sports line, she’s been at the forefront of pushing cultural boundaries and advancing inclusivity in the industry.

Christine Son
Christine Son, senior vice president at Dine Brands Global, leverages her legal expertise and strong connection to the restaurant business. Over her 10-year tenure with Dine Brands, she’s developed a reputation as a brand-focused attorney with a deep understanding of franchisees.

Della Shaker
Della Shaker, a distinguished attorney, founded a successful employment law practice, handling diverse cases from wage disputes to wrongful termination claims. Her expertise shines in sexual harassment and disability discrimination cases, securing significant settlements.

Cary Singleton
Cary Singleton and her husband, Will, established a foundation to address the lack of financial literacy and entrepreneurship education. They agreed that using the power of entertainment to engage, entertain and enlighten people about financial subjects might give them a basic understanding of things that are no longer taught in schools.

Erika A. Silverman
Erika A. Silverman is an attorney specializing in labor and employment law and general civil litigation. She began her legal career as a law clerk for the United States District Court in the Central District of California, where she worked on various motions for district court judges.

Lisa Tamayo
Lisa Tamayo, VP of development at BLT Enterprises, excels in spearheading entitlement and development projects across real estate sectors. Her exceptional leadership and ability to connect with teams ensure efficient and high-quality project completion.

Laura Stumm
Laura Stumm, vice chairman at Newmark, leads the firm’s capital markets practice in Los Angeles. She specializes in acquisition and disposition advisory for commercial real estate across various asset classes, with over $18 billion in transaction leadership experience.

Jocelyn Tan
Jocelyn Tan, an engineer, holds certificates in material science, engineering and energy efficient technologies from Stanford University. She’s a former Hackworth Fellow, known for publishing Engineers Ethics Cases and now leads a team developing ethical cases in the metaverse.

Desireé L. Talley
Desireé Talley, an accomplished attorney and adept storyteller, fuses her practical and intellectual prowess to impact culture through law. Prior to founding Talley Law Group, she held key legal roles at BDG Media, Viacom Media Networks (Paramount), ASCAP, Pandora Media and Turner Entertainment Networks.

Julie D. Taylor
Julie D. Taylor, an L.A. design advocate, has dedicated 35 years to educating the public about professional design and architecture. Leading Taylor & Company for almost 30 years, she bridges design professionals and media. Her firm has placed thousands of articles in over 3,250 media outlets with nearly 150 as cover stories.

Ana Valdez
Ana Valdez, co-founder of Valdez Productions & Consulting, Inc. and president/CEO of The Latino Donor Collaborative, is a respected marketing, media and political expert with 25 years of experience in these fields.

Vicky Ventura
Vicky Ventura, an exemplary community leader, has made an enduring impact on the Antelope Valley region. In her roles as CEO of the Antelope Valley Chamber of Commerce, founder of the Ventura Foundation and owner of Ventura Graphix, Vicky’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth and success is unmistakable.

Melody Tecson
Melody Tecson, a dedicated professional at Belkin for over two decades, has risen from a customer service representative to vice president of product management. Leading a team of 28, she oversees Belkin’s global product portfolio, promoting inclusivity and innovation.

Dr. Cindy Tsai
Dr. Cindy Tsai, an award-winning board-certified internal medicine physician, is the chief wellness officer for successful female entrepreneurs. She founded Yes & More, a wellness company empowering women to prioritize their health.

Yessy Ulloa
Yessy Ulloa, the CEO of iCore Lending, Inc., leads a diverse team of over 200 employees and fosters leadership and empowerment through continuous training. Her company specializes in purchase loans, refinancing and innovative lending solutions while maintaining a reputation for integrity and excellence.

Alisa Tovmanyan
Alisa Tovmanyan, CEO and co-founder of J’Adore Les Fleurs, is a Los Angeles native with a deep passion for creativity and empowering women. She possesses a natural affinity for beauty, colors, textures and fashion.

Heather Tierney
Heather Tierney, founder and creative director of The Butcher’s Daughter and Wanderlust Design Studio, is a passionate designer with a love for healthy food and juice. Inspired by her cocktail bars, Apothéke, she ventured into juicing. Tierney leads restaurant design, infusing a unique blend of feminine and masculine energy.

Rayni Williams
Rayni Williams specializes in high-end real estate, amassing over $10 billion in total career sales. After a decade of success at Hilton & Hyland, she co-founded The Beverly Hills Estates in 2019. Growing up in a family of developers, she has a unique skill set for creative marketing and understanding the financial aspects of transactions.

Rose Vitale
Rose Vitale, managing partner of the DRA Family Office in San Diego, is a seasoned entrepreneur turned private investor known for defying traditional investment norms in women-owned businesses.

Shawn Ray White
Shawn Ray White is an accomplished executive and dedicated public servant known for her leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives. With a strong background in finance, law and business, she mentors youth on financial literacy and economic preparedness.

Tiffany Wenzel
Tiffany Wenzel, a respected vice president and banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Pasadena, California, is a financial expert and community advocate. With nearly two decades of experience, she provides holistic wealth planning and innovative financial strategies, guiding clients through complex financial decisions.

Wanda Wen
Wanda Wen, owner of Soolip for 28 years, is a creative influence in Los Angeles’ wedding and event industries. Her background in graphic design and fashion manifests in exquisite high-end invitations, printed materials and corporate gifts for renowned brands.

Karen Williams
Karen Williams is a seasoned executive, currently serving as managing director for the Roybal School of Film and Television Production, a fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Marla Wooton
Marla Wooton has over 30 years of expertise in wealth management, broker-dealer relations and client service. She previously spent a decade with Bel-Air Investment Advisors, a notable registered investment advisory firm, where she advanced to the role of broker-dealer operations manager.

Tracy Olmstead Williams
Tracy Olmstead Williams is a seasoned PR professional with a team of seasoned communicators, offering a comprehensive range of services, including crisis and reputation management. With a competitive debating background, she approaches issues from all angles, ensuring effective PR strategies.

Sarah Zapp
Sarah Zapp is the founder and CEO of Beyond Board, a distinguished journalist and a relationship curator. Recognized as a “Women to Watch” by Brown Brothers Harriman, she has established Beyond Board as a powerful network of prominent board directors and C-suite executives.

Sarah Kathryn Young-Sheppard
Sarah Young-Sheppard is the founder and executive director of the Social & Emotional Wellness Initiative (SEWI), dedicated to providing mental health programs and services to youth and youth-serving organizations in Los Angeles County and beyond. Overcoming personal challenges, including a cleft lip and dyslexia, she embraced resilience and optimism.

Helen Wu
Helen Wu is the co-founder of two pioneering nonprofits dedicated to serving individuals with autism. In 2011, she co-founded Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit academy and studio supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.

Sally Zesut
Sally Zesut prioritizes honesty, communication and client care. She achieved accolades including the CoStar Top Deal in Q1 2022 for a significant lease deal in Inglewood and recognition from the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Business Council.

Meredith Yinger
Meredith Yinger, a filmmaker with a background in film and TV production from Loyola Marymount University and international experience in documentary filmmaking, founded She TV Media to address the underrepresentation of women in the media industry.

Helen Zad
Helen Mohsenzadeh, an Iranian immigrant, defied cultural norms to achieve entrepreneurial success in the United States. After a challenging journey, she rapidly acquired a nursing credential and financial knowledge, setting her sights on the American Dream.

Ani Zonneveld
Ani Zonneveld, a Malaysian immigrant, realized the American Dream twice: first as a Grammy-certified songwriter/producer and then by spearheading a global progressive Muslim human rights movement. She addresses human rights issues with creative solutions and a focus on changing harmful cultural practices.

Dr. Connie Ann Yu Allen
Dr. Connie Ann Yu Allen is a dedicated family physician, educator and businesswoman. After her journey through AmeriCorps and Teach for America, she became a family physician, focusing on serving underserved communities.