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Dear Reader:
I present to you our second annual Orange County Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards magazine.

Growth of Women Business Owners Outpaces the Market
The number of women-owned businesses increased at nearly double the rate of their male counterparts, while Black women and Latina entrepreneurs emerged from the pandemic stronger than all women-owned employers.

MemorialCare Launches Women’s Heart Center and Recruits Nissi as Suppogu, M.D., Medical Director
The move creates a sub-specialized women’s heart health center in the community.

Women Are on Track to Achieve Parity in Gender Representation Among Corporate Leadership Roles as Soon as 2030
S&P Global recently released a new research report that suggests women could achieve parity with men across senior leadership roles in the U.S. between 2030 and 2037.

EQUAL PAY PLAYBOOK LAUNCHED BY FIRST PARTNER SIEBEL NEWSOM
In March, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom released the Equal Pay Playbook in partnership with the California Partners Project to provide companies with strategies for creating a more equitable workplace by identifying and eliminating their internal wage gap.

Women United: Building Connections That Make a Difference
Built on a 100-year legacy, Orange County United Way remains a beacon of hope in our community.

House Passes WOSB Integrity Act to Ensure Women Small Business Owners Have Fair Access to Federal Contracts
The House of Representatives recently passed The WOSB Integrity Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI).

Dr. Veronica Kelley Promoted to OC Health Care Agency Director
Veronica Kelley, DSW, MSW, LCSW, has been selected as the new director of the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), effective March 22, 2024.

CREW Orange County Announces 2024 Board of Directors
CREW Orange County, a chapter of the national Commercial Real Estate Women Network, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing the success of women in commercial real estate, recently announced the group’s board members for 2024.

ORANGE COUNTY INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN FORUM & LEADERSHIP AWARDS
On March 28, L.A. Times B2B Publishing presented our second annual Orange County Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards at Marriott Irvine Spectrum.

The Power of Giving Back
Sona Shah is the CEO and founder of My Private Professor, an impact-driven, educational services company that partners with individual and institutional clients to provide a critical academic resource to students across the country and gives back with every hour to support youth in underserved communities.

Breaking Unseen Barriers and Addressing Common Challenges Unique to Women in Business
Scharrell Jackson is a game changer who has thrived in male-dominated industries for over 25 years, holding key positions like CFO and COO.

EXECUTIVE: SMALL COMPANY
Renee Loignon Dion joined Marquee Staffing in 1994 as the company controller. Over the years, she has excelled in her role by taking on every aspect of managing a staffing company.

EXECUTIVE: MIDSIZE COMPANY
Kelly Galligan, a distinguished partner at Rutan & Tucker, LLP, Orange County’s preeminent and largest full-service law firm, stands as a paragon of excellence in the realms of mergers and acquisitions, private equity and corporate governance.

EXECUTIVE: LARGE COMPANY
Manishi Parikh was raised in Laguna Niguel and completed her undergraduate degree from UCI, and later received her MBA from USC.

NON-PROFIT EXECUTIVE – HEALTHCARE
As the pandemic, winter viral surges and the youth mental health crisis have continued to present challenges for pediatric healthcare providers, CHOC president and CEO Kimberly Chavalas Cripe has remained focused on protecting the health and...

NON-PROFIT EXECUTIVE - SOCIAL ADVOCACY
Tia Dwyer is an innovative leader with 17-plus years of organizational leadership resulting in significant growth of revenue, providing fiscal and strategic leadership. From her roots as a teacher in the Los Angeles area, her journey reflects a commitment to educational equity.

EDUCATION / GOVERNMENT
Sandra L. Morgan, Ph.D., RN, holds a degree in nursing, a Masters of Arts in leadership studies and a Ph.D. in intercultural studies.

CEO / PRESIDENT
Andrea Klein is the CEO and founder of Rand Technology. In 1992, using the extensive knowledge, passion and drive she developed as a consultative sales leader, she launched Rand to support global tier one, tech-centric companies that were working to launch and modernize the first widely distributed desktop PCs.

ENTREPRENEUR / FOUNDER
Lisa Bhathal Merage joined the family business, RAJ Swim, in 2006 after graduating from USC and three years later launched LUXE by Lisa Vogel,...

RISING STAR
In the ever-evolving landscape of litigation and intellectual property law, Sarah G. Hartman emerges as a legal innovator, making profound contributions to her field while championing community involvement and diversity.

NOMINEES
For our second annual Orange County Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards, we received hundreds of nominations featuring women who are changing the way business is being conducted in the OC, from leaders in education and finance, nonprofits, healthcare, the legal world and real estate, to name a few.

Julie Aguilar
Julie Aguilar joined Building Skills Partnership (BSP) as an instructor in June 2019, teaching educational programs like Green Janitor Education, Infectious Disease Certification and English as a Second Language in Orange County.

Jessica Aliotti
Jessica Aliotti has been a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual since 2014, consistently acquiring 70 new clients annually. She’s achieved top rankings in the Western Region, including being recognized as No. 1 in 2016 and 2018.

Jessica Avelar-Bruce
Jessica Avelar-Bruce is a distinguished leader in homelessness and housing services. Since her tenure at Colette’s Children’s Home, she has been dedicated to addressing homelessness, pioneering stable housing solutions.

Talien Barsamian
Talien Barsamian, broker and managing partner at Barsam & Associates, grew up in the world of real estate. She has a broad range of experience in both the legal and real estate industries and is able to utilize her cross-functional expertise to benefit her clients.

Ramin Baschshi, M.D.
Dr. Ramin Baschshi is an accomplished executive with a strong background in nonprofit management and philanthropy. With expertise in strategic planning, event management and clinical research, she holds an M.D. from Xavier University School of Medicine.

Charlene Azema
Charlene Azema is a distinguished leader at Knobbe Martens and within the Orange County legal sphere. With a focus on intellectual property, she advises international clients across various industries on U.S. and international trademark and copyright management, including prosecution, enforcement and IP contracts.

April Barnes
April Barnes, president of Vital Link, has facilitated tens of thousands of students in career exploration, emphasizing vital employability skills.

Isabelle Bart
Isabelle Bart, founder of Impact Innovator, is dedicated to fostering innovative and impactful enterprises with a triple bottom-line focus. As a seasoned leader, she supports impact startups and nonprofit organizations across California.

Jennifer Backhaus
Jennifer Backhaus, acclaimed choreographer and founder of Backhausdance in 2003, is a dynamic force in Orange County’s dance community. As artistic director, she creates emotionally resonant repertory exploring humanity’s depths through athleticism and theatricality.

Letitia Berbaum
Letitia Berbaum, partner and COO of The Zandbergen Group, is a trailblazer in female wealth advising, specializing in “True Wealth” strategies, asset transfer and strategic planning for high-net-worth individuals and multi-generational families.

Alex Bravo
Alex Bravo is the preferred bank region executive for County and the South Bay, overseeing nearly 130 financial centers with over 1,100 employees, including bilingual specialists. She maintains the number one deposit share amongst competitors, accumulating $46.

Pooja Bhalla
Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO of Illumination Foundation, leads the organization in disrupting homelessness cycles in Orange County, California. Promoted from COO in 2017 to CEO in May 2023, she drives initiatives integrating housing and healthcare, fostering health equity to stabilize long-term housing and health for the homeless.

Bicvan Brown
Bicvan Brown exemplifies leadership and excellence in law, community and her role at Tressler LLP. As partner and chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, she’s instrumental in shaping the firm’s direction.

Lynne Bolduc
Lynne Bolduc, a leading corporate and securities lawyer for over three decades, has facilitated billions of dollars in transactions for domestic and international clients across various industries on the West Coast.

Tania Bhattacharyya
Tania Bhattacharyya has 12 years of experience in the Orange County nonprofit sector, where she discovered a profound passion for storytelling. Through her tenure, she cultivated relationships within the alumni, parental and patient communities of addiction treatment programs, delving into their narratives.

Michelle Campbell
Michelle A. Campbell, managing partner at Tyson and & Mendes’ Orange County Los Angeles offices, has over 12 years of defense law expertise. Specializing in general liability, directors’ and officers’ liability and errors and omissions, her practice spans across various California jurisdictions.

Peggy Chase
Peggy Chase, executive director of the Orange County Bird of Prey Center since 2018, holds a biology degree from Pomona College. With extensive experience in wildlife rehabilitation, she transitioned from volunteering to leadership, overseeing the center’s growth into a world-class facility.

Rebecca Carson
Rebecca Carson, a partner at Irell & Manella LLP, stands at the forefront of significant legal victories, both in defense and plaintiff roles. Between May 2022 and October 2023 alone, she contributed to securing over $1.7 billion in public damages for clients in intricate cases.

Ann Caruana
Ann Caruana, with over 20 years of commercial real estate experience, now serves as president and chief investment officer at Preservation Equity Fund Advisors (PEF Advisors).

Jennifer Chang
Jennifer Chang, with over a decade of experience in special education law, advocates for students with disabilities and their families to ensure they receive entitled services and support.

Stacey C. Chartier-Grable
Stacey C. Chartier-Grable is a dynamic leader with a B.A. in business and an M.S. in environmental studies, specializing in endangered species. She has experience writing environmental impact reports (EIRs), development planning and field surveys for endangered species.

Jessica Davis
Jessica Stones Davis, chief operating officer at Konnect, possesses a resilient spirit, forged through overcoming congenital heart defects and two open-heart surgeries. With a passion for fostering connections, she leverages her background to drive organizational transformation.

Dr. Amy Choi-Won
Dr. Amy Choi-Won, a distinguished leader in public education in North Orange County, has significantly enhanced access and equity for thousands of students. Her roles in various school foundations and community groups have equipped students, teachers and parents for success.

Denise Marie Cunningham
Denise Marie Cunningham boasts decades of influential leadership in social services and mental health. Holding both a Bachelor of Science and a master’s degree in marriage, family and child counseling from California State University, Fullerton, she began her career at Crittenton Services in 1991 as a therapist.

Kristin Daher
Kristin Daher, founder and CEO of Powerhouse+Co., exemplifies entrepreneurial success through her transformation of an established communications firm. Under her leadership since 2015, Powerhouse+Co. has thrived, expanding its client base into diverse industries such as health and fitness, international CPG and technology.

Dr. Christine Hoang Chung
Dr. Christine Chung, a respected general dentist, treats her patients like family, providing compassionate care at 7 Day Dental’s offices in Laguna Woods and Ladera Ranch. She earned her undergraduate degree from UC Irvine in 1992 and graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1996.

Aleanna Crane
Aleanna Crane serves as the vice president of communications at Virgin Galactic, a pioneering commercial human spaceflight company headquartered in Orange County. In her role, she directs comprehensive corporate communications and marketing strategies, shaping the global perception of Virgin Galactic as it leads the new era of space exploration.

Carol DeNembo
Carol DeNembo has led Mountain Mike’s Pizza for six years, enhancing brand visibility and awareness. Under her direction, Mountain Mike’s has excelled in the pizza market, earning accolades such as Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® List and Franchise Times’ Top 400 brands.

Elise Diaz
Elise Diaz, a certified financial planner and chartered financial consultant, transitioned from a marketing and business development background to financial planning, driven by her desire to help individuals achieve personal and professional goals.

Jeannie Denholm
Jeannie Denholm has been active in the art business for over 30 years and has an extensive background assisting corporations and private collectors with art acquisitions and curatorial services. She worked with the Broad Art Foundation for over nine years.

Rhonda Ducote
Rhonda Ducote, president of Apriem Advisors, graduated from Orange Coast College and holds board affiliations with institutions, such as the University of California Irvine Paul Merage’s School of Business and the Southern California Hospice Foundation.

Susan Dwyer
Susan Dwyer, co-CEO and managing principal at Hendy, leads the company’s operations, guiding a team renowned for crafting transformative human experiences through architecture and design.

Kellyn Dixon
Kellyn Dixon, brand manager at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orange County, a premier dealership on the West Coast, has garnered global recognition, notably winning Rolls-Royce Bespoke Dealer of the Year and Rolls-Royce Social Media Dealer of the Year awards.

Lauren Michelle Doyle
Lauren M. Doyle, a distinguished professional in business and estate planning law, ascended from associate attorney to partner at TLD Law in January 2024. Her journey reflects her outstanding legal acumen and commitment to clients.

Alison Edwards
Alison Edwards boasts a 25-year tenure with Groundswell, formerly the OC Human Relations Council, culminating in her role as CEO since 2017, following stints as program director for the BRIDGES program and deputy director.

Jacky Dilfer
Jacky Dilfer is an esteemed commercial and SBA lending expert with over two decades of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. As executive director of Business Finance Capital (BFC), she has led its remarkable growth, consistently ranking among the top national institutions in SBA loan volume.

Elizabeth Garcia Rivas
Elizabeth Garcia Rivas is a highly experienced bilingual licensed marriage and family therapist with 23 years of expertise, specializing in aiding individuals immediately following violent crimes.

Pamela Estes
Pamela Estes has been CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach since 2008, overseeing its expansion to serve families in Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo. Throughout the pandemic, she emphasized staying connected with over 4,000 youth and families, leading the organization to exponential growth in impact and revenue.

Jennifer Friend
Jennifer Friend, J.D., serves as CEO of Project Hope Alliance (PHA), a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness in Orange County through comprehensive care.

Becky Frost
Becky Frost, VP of marketing and corporate communications at MeridianLink, has 20 years of expertise in executive corporate communications, PR and brand strategy.

Janet Fohrman
Janet Fohrman, founder & CEO of Fohrman & Fohrman, Inc., specializes in providing comprehensive accounting support exclusively tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Jacqueline Erickson Russell
Jacqueline Erickson Russell, founder and CEO of Social Impact Advising Group, specializes in philanthropy, family foundation startup and community engagement strategies. Her expertise lies in fostering community connections, leading social entrepreneur accelerators and promoting equity and diversity.

Holly Hagler
Holly Hagler has led Meals on Wheels Orange County (MOWOC) as president and CEO for over 13 years, advocating senior health advocacy. Under her guidance, MOWOC initiated the Food Equity Initiative, providing culturally competent meals to diverse older adults.

Shayna Goldburg
Shayna Goldburg is an accomplished human resources leader renowned for her strategic approach and diverse industry experience spanning finance, sales, marketing and technology sectors.

Sue Grant
Sue Grant has built a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the nonprofit sector, driven by her commitment to addressing cultural inequities through literacy initiatives.

Hoda Hajirnia
Hoda Hajirnia is a dedicated professional in the real estate industry, drawing from a rich background influenced by her family’s success in the field. With a foundation laid by her father’s expertise as a real estate investor and her uncles’ esteemed careers as agents, she absorbed valuable insights from a young age.

Erin Glenn
Erin Glenn, director of product management, KVM at Belkin International, is a dynamic leader with extensive expertise in product development, marketing and sales. With a proven ability to inspire teams in fast-paced environments, she excels in problem-solving and achieving results.

Lisa S. Glasser
Lisa S. Glasser, a partner at Irell & Manella LLP, is renowned for securing blockbuster litigation victories. She serves on Irell’s management committee, the executive committee and as vice chair of the litigation group.

Dr. Carol Humphreys
Dr. CarolL. Humphreys, Sofia University’s current president, brings a wealth of academic and mental health expertise. With roles ranging from provost to psychologist, she prioritizes academic excellence and core values of authenticity and inclusivity. Dr.

Scharrell Jackson
Scharrell Jackson, CEO and founder of STJ Consulting Services, has made significant strides in traditionally male-dominated fields over the past 25 years.

Madelynn Hirneise
Madelynn Hirneise leads Families Forward as its CEO, dedicated to aiding families in housing crises across Orange County. Assuming her role just before the pandemic hit, she navigates evolving challenges, including the disappearance of pandemic assistance and soaring living costs.

Margaret M. Holm
Margaret M. Holm is a partner at Tyson & Mendes LLP, leading the healthcare practice across Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles. With over 40 years of legal experience, she is a distinguished trial and appellate litigator, specializing in complex civil disputes for large healthcare entities.

Jessica Hubbard
Jessica Hubbard, CEO of Casa Youth Shelter, has transformed the organization, doubling its services and expanding partnerships with school districts. With a personal history of adversity, Hubbard pursued education and law, later excelling in educational leadership and nonprofit management.

Julie Hudash
Julie Hudash, a dedicated social entrepreneur, founded Team Kids, a nonprofit in Irvine in 2001, aiming to empower children to enact positive change. Witnessing educational disparities in South Central Los Angeles during her time at USC, she envisioned fostering leadership and community engagement among youth.

Danielle Judd
In 2016, Danielle Judd faced a life-threatening ordeal while pregnant with her third child, battling bacterial meningitis, organ failure and sepsis. Her near-death experience ignited a profound realization of life’s preciousness and a commitment to selflessness.

Patty Juarez
Patty Juarez has devoted over 28 years to Wells Fargo, ascending to the highest-ranking Hispanic executive position. Currently she serves as head of Hispanic/Latino affairs, leading external engagement initiatives focused on national cultural engagement, executive recruitment, business development and stakeholder relations.

Manna Kadar
Manna Kadar is a self-made, self-funded minority “mom-preneur” behind the fast-growing Manna Kadar Beauty family of brands, including Manna Kadar Cosmetics, Beauty and the Bump, Goddess by Manna Kadar, Haute Dog Luxury Pet Products, Mason Man Skincare, and Manna Kadar Luxe Bath and Body.

April Josephson
April Josephson, an accomplished Orange County professional, boasts extensive animal welfare leadership and local government experience. As a legal and business consultant, she has served diverse sectors including private businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofits.

Andi Kay
Andi Kay created the Bloom Foundation to address the emotional toll of bullying, drawing from her own experiences and the lack of tailored support. Collaborating with therapists, she developed curricula to empower girls with emotional intelligence and resilience.

Mara James
Mara James is a dedicated advocate for mental health and children’s well-being. Through her charitable work with the Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF), she provides essential mental health tools to children and families, drawing from her own experiences to drive positive change.

Amrita Krishnan
Dr. Amrita Krishnan, M.D., is a leading figure in cancer research and treatment, particularly in multiple myeloma, at City of Hope Orange County. As executive medical director of hematology and director of the Judy and Bernard Briskin Center for Multiple Myeloma Research, her team’s efforts have propelled multiple myeloma research forward significantly.

Ladan Khamseh
Ladan Khamseh, executive director of operations at CalOptima Health, exemplifies inspirational leadership through her 28-year tenure at the organization. She spearheads departments crucial to serving low-income residents in Orange County, aligning her professional expertise with her personal drive to make a difference in the community.

Lee Ann Kline
Kline founded STEM Advantage in 2012 to address gender and racial diversity gaps in STEM fields. The program offers opportunities like paid internships and mentorship to CSU students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Meghan Medlin
Meghan Medlin’s career reflects a profound commitment to community service and transformative leadership. With over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she founded Medlin Workforce & Reentry Solutions (MWRS) in 2019 and the Hub for Integration, Reentry & Employment (H.

Anna Lisa Lukes
Anna Lisa Lukes, founder of The Lukes Network, embodies entrepreneurial spirit. She migrated from the Philippines, became the sole entrepreneur in a family of lawyers and pursued higher education at UCLA, earning degrees in Juris Doctor and business administration with a focus on entrepreneurship.

Maáza Martin
During her four-year tenure at Tarsus, Maáza Martin has spearheaded marketing and strategic planning efforts for XDEMVY, Tarsus’ pioneering FDA-approved therapy for Demodex blepharitis.

Victoria Ha Vy Le
Victoria Le’s journey in the financial sector began in 2009, and since then, she’s become a leading figure in Southern California. Her inclusive approach and dedication to empowering immigrant families have resulted in nearly $4 billion in financial protection.

Catherine Mattice
Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the founder/CEO of Civility Partners, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations create respectful workplace cultures and specializing in turning around toxic cultures. Civility Partners’ clients range from Fortune 500 to small businesses across many industries.

Kate Marr
Kate Marr has dedicated her 23-year career to legal services, starting as a staff attorney for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Leilah Mundt
Leilah Mundt is the visionary founder behind Crème Collective, a cutting-edge sales and creative agency revolutionizing the beauty industry. Her journey as an entrepreneur was sparked by her fervent dedication to clean beauty.

Kelsey Morgan
Kelsey Morgan, co-founder and CEO of EverFree, spearheads innovative solutions to combat human trafficking. With over 13 years of experience, she developed the groundbreaking Freedom Lifemap tool, aiding survivors in defining their path to freedom.

Vivian Mendoza
Vivian Mendoza, boasting almost 25 years of industry experience, currently leads the marketing and communications department at WaBa Grill. Throughout her tenure, she has not only streamlined operations and driven menu innovation but has also played a pivotal role in achieving significant sales growth for the company.

Jennifer Lynn Morris
Jennifer Morris founded Ajenda Public Relations 14 years ago, representing approximately 30 clients in the restaurant and hospitality sectors nationwide.

Anne Nguyen Oliver
House of M Beauty’s inception is deeply rooted in founder Anne Oliver’s personal journey. Struggling with postpartum depression after her first child’s birth, she discovered the mood-enhancing properties of saffron, which not only lifted her spirits but also improved her skin’s radiance.

Gianna Mulkay
Gianna Dahlia Mulkay, executive director of Foster Love, emerged from the foster care system herself to lead a team of over 50, prioritizing hiring individuals with foster care backgrounds.

Thea Pauley
Thea Pauley embarked on her journey with Eco Now in 2018, initially selling eco-friendly products like reusable towels at local farmers’ markets in Orange County. The venture gained momentum, leading to the opening of the region’s inaugural zero waste store at The LAB in Costa Mesa in January 2020.

Bonni Pomush
Bonni Pomush, the current CEO of Working Wardrobes, assumed leadership in 2021, succeeding the organization’s founder after 31 years. With a robust background in leadership across government and nonprofits, she is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and positive workplace culture.

Hazel Ortega
Hazel Ortega is a serial entrepreneur and an educational psychologist specializing in vocational rehabilitation. In her book, “From Bounced Checks to Private Jets: The Mastery of Miracles,” she shares her inspiring journey of transforming her life and creating success for herself and her family.

Taryn Palumbo
Taryn Palumbo, Orange County Grantmakers’ (OCG) executive director, is transforming philanthropy in the surrounding region. In her tenure, she doubled OCG’s membership, budget and events, earning the 2023 National Philanthropy Day’s Outstanding Philanthropic Group Award.

Erika Pedersen
Erika Pedersen possesses over 20 years of C-suite executive sales experience in global logistics and retail technology. In 2004 she secured her interior design credentials from the Interior Designers Institute and served as principal of her residential design practice for five years.

Julie Perlin Lee
Julie Perlin Lee stepped into the role of executive director at Laguna Art Museum (LAM) in May 2021, bringing with her a wealth of experience garnered from her leadership positions at the Catalina Island Museum and Bowers Museum.

Irina Rospotnyuk
Irina Rospotnyuk is a distinguished leader in estate planning and taxation, recognized for her expertise and commitment to excellence.

Linda Rank
After dedicating numerous years to serving as a crisis hotline operator, Linda Rank transitioned into the aesthetic industry, where her Rank-oriented approach continues to shine.

Becky Rang
Becky Rang, Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) and Retirement Management Advisor (RMA®) joined Avitas Wealth Management in 2021, bringing over a decade of experience in the wealth management industry.

Maricela Rios-Faust
Maricela Rios-Faust is a passionate advocate dedicated to eradicating relationship violence, striving for a future where every individual and family in Orange County can thrive without fear.

Gazal Pour-Moezzi
Gazal Pour-Moezzi, a partner at Sheppard Mullin in the intellectual property practice group, is renowned for her expertise in advising global businesses on brand development, protection and enforcement.

Angie Rowe
Angie Rowe, CEO of Beyond Blindness, has transformed the organization in just four years, leading it through rebranding and introducing innovative programs to support children with disabilities.

Laurie Sicaeros
Laurie Sicaeros transitioned to chief strategy officer for MemorialCare Health System in 2022, following her role as chief operating officer for MemorialCare Medical Foundation, which she established in 2011. She spearheaded the foundation’s expansion, emphasizing care coordination across medical groups and physician practices.

Sona Shah
Sona Shah, CEO & founder of My Private Professor (MPP), created the platform to offer personalized educational support. MPP’s sliding scale rates and giveback model aid underserved communities. She leads partnerships with nonprofits like Illumination Foundation and South Asian Helpline & Referral Agency, providing free tutoring to students in need.

Katie Rucker
Katie Rucker, with over 15 years of experience in her family business, understands the complexities of working with relatives. This led her to establish Next Gen Collaborative, a coaching service empowering female leaders in family businesses.

Lucy Santana
For nearly 25 years, Lucy Santana has led Girls Inc. of Orange County (GIOC) with a vision to empower girls in the region. Under her leadership, GIOC has grown into one of the largest affiliates nationwide, impacting over 7,900 girls annually, especially those facing economic challenges.

Amanda Spangler
Amanda Spangler joined Colliers in 2021 as managing director for the Inland Empire and Orange County offices. She and Jodie Poirier, executive managing director and Greater Los Angeles market leader, became the first female duo to oversee a global commercial real estate services company’s operations in the Greater Los Angeles region.

Tami Shaikh
Tami Shaikh is the dedicated Director of Refugee Resettlement at Uplift Charity, a nonprofit organization aiding marginalized communities since 2006.

Lauren Strickroth
Lauren Strickroth is a partner at Sheppard Mullin and a member of the business trial practice group. With a focus on trusts, estates, business succession and partnerships, she employs a pragmatic, strategic and effective approach as a trial lawyer.

Ardelle Catherine St. George
Armed with a Juris Doctorate, master’s in business, and executive certification from Harvard in key business domains, Ardelle Catherine St. George established her firm’s pillars in cybersecurity, experiential/digital transformation, sustainability and artificial intelligence.

Paula Steurer
Paula Steurer founded Sterling Public Relations as a publicity, branding and marketing hybrid in 2008. Closing out 2023 with an exceptional award, Sterling PR was recognized by Clutch as one of the Top PR Firms in the USA. She is among Entrepreneur Magazine’s contributing writers and is a part of their esteemed Leadership Council.

Sheila Teevans
Sheila Teevans’ professional journey has left a significant impact on the Orange County community. Her leadership roles in local events, particularly the church’s Vacation Bible School, which allowed her to use project, people and financial management skills to benefit hundreds of families across the community.

Joann Thach
Joann Thach is a seasoned first-generation professional with over a decade of experience leading diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) initiatives in the legal and technology sectors.

Mary-Christine Sungaila
Mary-Christine Sungaila, a prominent appellate attorney, opened the Complex Appellate Litigation Group’s Orange County office in 2023. Known for her groundbreaking legal work, she regularly petitions the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of clients such as the City of Costa Mesa and the American Bar Association.

Rachel Svoboda
Rachel Svoboda is a multifaceted entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. She is on a mission to build businesses, companies, people and initiatives that she believes in and that empower people. Svoboda is the CEO of Sunday Brunch Agency, the first fully remote female-owned marketing agency in Orange County.

Autumn Strier
Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids, has led the nonprofit since 2004, transforming it into a vital resource for families with children battling life-threatening illnesses.

Susan Taylor
Under Susan Taylor’s leadership, Juice It Up! has seen remarkable growth, marked by record-breaking sales and franchise expansion. As president and CEO since 2020, she has driven consecutive years of sales increases, surpassing $41 million in total system sales.

Debby Ann Thrailkill
Debby Thrailkill is an innovative entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist based in Orange County. With a successful career spanning three companies, including Sundown Lighting and Electric and Lighting Supply, Inc.

Jennifer Troyan
Jennifer Troyan, executive vice president of business operations & strategy at California Bank & Trust (CB&T), brings over 25 years of banking expertise to her role. She oversees bank operations, retail product pricing, internal communications, customer experience and branch operations, demonstrating influential leadership and strategic acumen.

Chikako Tyler
Chikako Tyler’s tenure at California Bank & Trust (CB&T) began in 2010 as a real estate analyst, progressing through risk management and corporate credit and finance. Appointed CFO in 2018, she expanded her responsibilities to include treasury management and enterprise incentive compensation by 2021.

Martha Nix Wade
Martha Nix Wade presently holds the position of executive director and project manager at A Quarter Blue, where she leads the development of a compassionate creative care model and delivers crime prevention and mental health seminars to the community.

Chrislynn VanSkiver
Chrislynn VanSkiver’s leadership at Second Harvest Food Bank spans seven years, marked by excellence in operations, volunteer engagement and fund development. Recently promoted to chief operating officer, she oversees a team of 68 employees, demonstrating exceptional leadership.

Tammy Tumbling
Tammy Tumbling’s journey from humble beginnings showcases resilience and determination. She earned degrees in business and public administration.

Jill Wassil
Jill Wassil is a fearless leader and advocate for growth within the organization she leads, but also for her team and peers. A true collaborator, she is transparent and direct yet compassionate. Her passion lies in calming chaos, establishing process while thinking outside of the box.

Lily Wen
Lily Wen, an e-discovery practice leader at FTI Technology, is deeply involved in enhancing engagement, career growth and diversity within the company. Notably, she serves on committees such as the Asian Diversity Network and has spoken on panels about workplace assimilation and diversity at global conferences.

Marissa Waldman
Marissa Waldman is a seasoned leader in leadership development with over 25 years of experience. She began as a career counselor, helping individuals find passion and purpose and later transitioned to coaching, focusing on developing authentic leaders.

Michelle Wulfestieg
Michelle Wulfestieg’s journey epitomizes resilience and purpose. In 2010, she became the executive director of Southern California Hospice Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of terminally ill patients and their families and has been shaping the foundation for the past 14 years.

Carolina Weidler
Carolina Weidler, co-CEO at Hendy, brings over 17 years of expertise in Lean Six Sigma and LEED AP practices. Her leadership at Hendy, an award-winning national interior architecture firm, focuses on creating efficient environments for renowned brands like Mercedes-Benz and Rocket Lab.

Amy Winchell
Amy Winchell is a longtime technology media sales professional with a track record for success. Investors in DemandSkill chose her to take their innovative AI-based lead generation and sales technology platform into a fast-growing marketplace.