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BUSINESS by L.A. Times STUDIOS
Director, Client Services and Systems Advertising.

Dear Readers,
In the June issue of Business by LA Times Studios, we present a recap of the first-ever Los Angeles Executive Awards, held May 12, 2025 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica.

Orange County’s Pacific Premier Bancorp to Merge with Columbia Banking System
Columbia Banking System, Inc., the parent company of Umpqua Bank, and Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Irvine-headquartered Pacific Premier Bank, National Association, have jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement

In a Data-Obsessed World, Attorneys Welcome Privacy Law Specialization
California’s State Bar will offer the specialization in a state that revolutionized privacy law with the CCPA

Restaurants and Retail Target New Space Amid Century City Office Boom
A strong post-COVID showing for the “city within a city” is highlighted by return-to-work amenities and luxe offerings

Navigating the Current Business Insurance and Employee Health Landscape
The Business Insurance Landscape Market Challenges

A Blue Wave for Business
L.A.’s unique access to new and innovative opportunities driven by the ocean economy

Early-Stage Technology Disruptions and Trends Set to Define the Future of Business Systems
Researchers point to technologies addressing GenAI-enabled code architecture, disinformation security and surface asset management as the most likely to be widely adopted by businesses by 2030, while leaders find themselves reassessing cloud usage and not overlooking the ever-growing need for effective cybersecurity solutions

Faraday Future Secures $41-Million Funding Commitment to Advance Faraday X and AI Strategic Upgrades
Round of financing is expected to bring the company’s total fundraising to over $100 million since September 2024

Accounting Firm Growth Spurned by Acquisitions, Global Expansion and New Services
Mergers have reshaped smaller and larger firms, mirroring the business climate at large

TOP ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRMS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Business by LA Times Studios presents the 30 largest accounting and business advisory firms ranked by the number of CPAs in Los Angeles County offices. Ernst & Young LLP is the largest firm in Los Angeles County with 621 CPAs. The firm employs more than 2,200 accounting professionals locally.

TOP ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRMS IN ORANGE COUNTY
Business by LA Times Studios presents the 20 largest accounting and business advisory firms ranked by the number of CPAs in Orange County offices.

M&A Roundup
This month’s top deals from around Southern California

25 Years of Banking Evolved: How Axos Continues to Redefine the Financial Experience
In 2000, before smartphones and mobile apps became ubiquitous, Axos Bank launched with a bold vision: to be the first bank that existed entirely online.

Movers & Shakers: Highlights of Recent Executive Hires and Climbs
Christine Walker-Bowman Named Chief Operating Officer of Farmers and Merchants Trust Company

LA EXECUTIVE FORUM AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Mark Caton, Najeed Ghauria, Roger Almond, Kenneth Tran.

LA EXECUTIVE FORUM AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Jake Margolis, Charles Eckstrom, Samir Sachdev, Mani Vasudevan.

Leading Beyond Uncertainty: Navigating a Shifting Economy
Brian Hegarty is a principal and leader for Marsh McLennan Agency’s Los Angeles office. In addition to overseeing the firm’s rapid growth in L.A., he specializes in employee benefits programs for mid-size to large companies.

HONOREES
The 2025 Los Angeles Executive Leadership Awards, presented by Business by LA Times Studios, celebrate the bold, innovative and impactful leaders shaping the future of our region.

Michele BOERSMA
HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES: SMALL-MIDSIZE COMPANY

Carlo GIOVANNI
HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES: LARGE COMPANY

Joel BROUWER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: SMALL-MIDSIZE COMPANY

Alex BOBO
Alex Bobo serves as the chief financial officer for Universal Studio Group (USG), the prominent umbrella brand housing NBCUniversal’s four powerhouse television studios: Universal Television, UCP, Universal Television Alternative Studio and Universal International Studios.

Kim TULLY
Kim Tully is the chief information officer at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a leading entertainment and sports agency, where she has been instrumental since joining in 2019.

Corey MCMAHON
Corey McMahon serves as the chief product & technology officer at HopSkipDrive, a technology company dedicated to solving complex transportation challenges where safety, equity and care are paramount.

Aurelian LIS
Aurelian Lis is a seasoned executive and the chief executive officer of Dermalogica, a subsidiary of Unilever Prestige dedicated to the skincare industry.

Frank ADELL
Frank Adell is a tenured technology leader and visionary, distinguished for his innovative contributions to the medical device industry. Since 2015, he has served as chief executive officer of Cognos Therapeutics, Inc., a medical technology company specializing in advanced implantable pump devices for critical neurological and oncological indications.

Maureen ABDELSAYED
Maureen Abdelsayed is a distinguished executive with 20 years of industry experience, currently serving as general counsel and chief operating officer at Integrated Data Services (IDS), a leading technology and data solutions firm backed by Arlington Capital Partners.

Rachel S. MOORE
Rachel S. Moore has dedicated her career - which began as a dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) under Mikhail Baryshnikov - to enriching lives through the arts. Since her appointment, she has spearheaded TMC’s transformation into a community-centric arts organization, focused on deepening the cultural engagement of all Angelenos.

Dermalogica
This recognition celebrates leaders who drive their organizations with vision, resilience, and purpose. Under Aurelian’s guidance, Dermalogica continues to push boundaries and embrace innovation while remaining rooted in what defines us: human touch, professional education, personalized care, and skin treatment expertise.

Berkley EGENES
Berkley Egenes is a distinguished marketing and growth executive currently serving as the chief marketing & growth officer at Xsolla, a global leader in video game commerce solutions.

Rey Marcelo RODRIGUEZ
Rey Marcelo Rodriguez embodies the qualities of a true leader, with a professional trajectory that has been remarkable. As the assistant general counsel at Walt Disney, Rodriguez has built a successful career over 28 years in the industry, supported by a solid educational background from the University of California, Berkeley.

Steve GATENA
Gatena’s entrepreneurial acumen was evident early in his career. A former NCAA champion athlete, he launched his first venture, REP Interactive, at the age of 22.

Erik HUBERMAN
Erik Huberman is the founder and CEO of Hawke Media, one of the fastest-growing marketing consultancies in the U.S. With 16 years of industry experience, Huberman has helped over 5,000 brands – from startups to global giants like Red Bull, Casamigos and Crocs – scale through a flexible, outsourced CMO model that brings top-tier marketing strategy to businesses of all sizes.

Sachin NAYYAR
Sachin Nayyar is a prominent leader and entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to cybersecurity and identity governance. His career took off in 2004 when he founded Vaau, a company specializing in Enterprise Role Management (ERM) and identity compliance solutions.

FINALISTS
Business by LA Times Studios is proud to recognize the outstanding finalists for the 2025 Los Angeles Executive Leadership Awards.

Ryan Barker
As chief technology officer at Zefr, Ryan Barker leads the development of AI-powered solutions that advance brand safety and media responsibility across the world’s largest social platforms. With 25 years in the tech industry and over eight at Zefr, he has built an impressive track record in machine learning and large-scale optimization.

Anuar Aly
As chief marketing officer of Revenge, Anuar Aly leads the Los Angeles-based streetwear brand known for blending fashion and music into culturally resonant experiences.

Avetis Antaplyan
Avetis Antaplyan, founder and CEO of HIRECLOUT, is a serial entrepreneur and thought leader who has transformed how tech companies attract, retain and develop top talent. As CEO, he has helped over 300 companies scale, contributing to dozens of successful exits including IPOs and acquisitions.

Robert W. Brown
As president of the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA), Robert W. Brown leads one of California’s most inclusive and accessible institutions for legal and business education.

Kristin Carlson
Kristin Carlson is associate general counsel, employment & litigation at ServiceTitan, where she leads litigation strategy and employment legal matters for the rapidly scaling software company. With over 13 years of legal experience, she advises executive leadership and HR teams, ensuring compliance while driving business-aligned legal solutions.

Colin Bennett
Colin Bennett is the general counsel and chief compliance officer at SKIMS, where he leads the legal and compliance strategy for one of the fastest-growing lifestyle brands in the world.

Jenny Bode
Jenny Bode is the vice president of people at Laserfiche, where she leads the global people strategy for the Long Beach-based SaaS company specializing in intelligent content management and business process automation.

Lawrence Castillo
Lawrence Castillo is president and CEO of Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning, where he has led the 80-year-old brand to record-setting growth and cemented its position as the top residential HVAC provider in Los Angeles.

Dr. Saeb Besarati
As chief technology officer of CarbonCapture Inc., Dr. Saeb Besarati is at the forefront of advancing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, turning scientific innovation into scalable climate solutions.

Eren Laurel Cello
Eren Laurel Cello is the senior vice president of communications and marketing at Ontario International Airport (ONT), where she has redefined how mid-sized airports engage travelers, grow brand recognition and fuel economic development.

Olga Chrysostomides
Olga Chrysostomides is the director of human resources and administration at Hill, Farrer & Burrill, LLP, where she leads strategic HR operations and workforce development for the historic Los Angeles-based law firm.

Stav J. Davis
Stav J. Davis serves as head of finance and business operations at GrayMatter Robotics, where he brings over 15 years of experience driving growth and operational excellence across a diverse range of tech startups in Los Angeles.

Ed Clark
Ed Clark is the chief information officer for the California State University (CSU) system, where he oversees technology strategy for the nation’s largest four-year public university system.

Joseph Derhake
Joseph Derhake, PE, is the founder and CEO of Partner Engineering and Science, Inc., a global leader in engineering and environmental due diligence for the commercial real estate industry.

Dr. Alejandro Covalin
Dr. Alejandro Covalin is the co-founder and chief technology officer of Spark Biomedical, where he leads research, development and intellectual property strategy for groundbreaking wearable neurostimulation treatments.

Tom Dreifus
Tom Dreifus serves as the chief financial officer of Hillcrest Country Club, bringing over four decades of experience in finance and operations, with 30 of those years dedicated to Hillcrest.

Robert Nathan Fried
Robert Fried is the CEO of Niagen Bioscience (formerly Chromadex) and founder of Tru Niagen and Niagen Plus. An Academy Award and Emmy-winning producer, he brings decades of leadership across entertainment, technology and health.

Saelina Dunn
Saelina Dunn serves as the vice president of people operations & administration at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, where she has spent the past nine years strengthening internal systems to better support the organization’s mission of affordable housing.

Charles Eckstrom
Charles Eckstrom serves as chief information officer for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, where he leads the strategic direction and daily operations of the IT organization supporting water delivery to 19 million residents.

Lorne Fierbach
Lorne Fierbach is a seasoned CFO and strategic financial leader at Stem Disintermedia, Inc., with 25 years of experience across finance, operations and corporate strategy. He has raised more than $25 million in venture capital for startups and was instrumental in securing a $100-million facility at Stem, where he has served for three years.

Chris Doll
As executive vice president and chief financial officer of City National Bank, Chris Doll leads the bank’s finance organization and serves on both the executive leadership team and senior management team.

Sheenika S. Gandhi
Sheenika S. Gandhi is the chief marketing officer at Greenberg Glusker, where she leads marketing, business development, lateral partner recruiting and corporate social responsibility.

Sanjiv Gomes
Sanjiv Gomes is the chief information officer at CARiD.com, a leading e-commerce platform for automotive parts and accessories. With over 22 years in technology, he has led digital transformations that significantly impact business growth and operational efficiency.

Mara Garcia
Mara Garcia is the chief financial officer of Phonexa, where she leads the company’s tax, accounting and finance teams while playing a key role in strategic growth and expansion. Since joining Phonexa in 2020, she has overseen budgeting, audit management and tax functions, contributing significantly to the company’s financial success.

Ronnie Gul
Ronnie Gul is principal and co-CEO of Mesa West Capital, a leading commercial real estate debt fund manager and part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Based in Los Angeles, he was named co-CEO in 2023, overseeing a lending portfolio with loans ranging from $20 million to $400 million across all major property types.

Najeeb Ghauri
Najeeb Ghauri is the founder and CEO of NETSOL Technologies Inc., a global leader in asset finance and leasing software. With 28 years at NETSOL, he led its 1999 NASDAQ IPO – making it the first Pakistani IT firm listed – and guided its growth through global acquisitions, a SaaS transition and digital retail innovation.

Nima Hakimi
Nima Hakimi is the CEO and co-founder of Convoso, an AI-powered contact center platform launched in 2006. With 19 years in the industry, he has led Convoso from a startup to a market leader, driving innovation in outbound sales software while maintaining a strong focus on compliance and customer success.

Howard Hammond
Howard Hammond is president and CEO of City National Bank, a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada and the largest bank headquartered in Los Angeles. Appointed in November 2023, he brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, with prior leadership roles at Fifth Third Bancorp and Citigroup.

Hope Horner
Hope Horner is the founder and CEO of Lemonlight, a leading video production company recognized globally for its tech-driven approach to content creation. Under her leadership, Lemonlight has earned over 30 industry awards, including six consecutive Inc.

Hamid Hussain
Hamid Hussain is the president of Banc of California, overseeing the strategy and execution of all client-facing teams. A financial services veteran with over 30 years of experience, he was promoted to president in 2022 after leading the bank’s commercial and real estate banking division.

David Harrington
David Harrington is the president of Matthews Real Estate Investment Services™, a role he assumed in 2022 after joining the firm in 2016.

John Holland
John Holland is general counsel at Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC, where he oversees all legal affairs for the firm and its global portfolio of companies. He joined Platinum in 2020 and brings over 30 years of legal and executive experience across corporate governance, M&A, joint ventures and securities regulation.

April Houlehan
April Houlehan, chief financial officer of Murad Skincare, has 20 years of experience in finance & strategy, beginning in commercial banking with a focus on financial analysis, liquidity management and acquisitions.

Ed Kaufman
Ed Kaufman serves as general counsel at Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc., leading global legal and privacy teams and playing a pivotal role in the company’s growth and innovation strategy. With over 40 years of legal and executive experience, he has guided public and private companies across technology, IP, M&A and employment law.

Jeremy Kasler
Jeremy Kasler, founder & CEO of CaskX, is revolutionizing alternative investments by merging fintech innovation with the tradition of whiskey. Since launching CaskX in 2019, he has opened access to whiskey cask investing, a once-niche market, by creating a transparent, tech-driven platform.

Jackson Kalb
Jackson Kalb, founder of Memento Mori Hospitality, began his culinary journey at age 11 in Pacific Palisades, launching a catering business before apprenticing under Josiah Citrin at Mélisse for six years.

Kamini Lane
Kamini Lane was appointed president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Realty in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience in technology, marketing and real estate leadership. She quickly set a bold strategic direction focused on innovation, agent support and service excellence.

Michelle Kluz
Michelle Kluz, CEO of Stila Cosmetics, brings over 13 years of leadership experience across retail, fitness and consumer goods. She has led a $1-billion global retail group, scaled startups and revitalized iconic brands.

Isaac Larian
Isaac Larian, founder, president and CEO of MGA Entertainment, embodies the American Dream. Arriving in the U.S. in 1971 with $753, he built MGA into one of the world’s largest privately held toy and entertainment companies. Since founding the company in 1979, Larian has launched global brands including L.

Kushal Khatri
Kushal Khatri, CTO of Feedonomics, is a technology leader with 16 years of experience in software engineering and eCommerce innovation. Originally from India, he earned his master’s in computer science from the University of Southern California.

Irene Klepp
Irene Klepp is chief financial officer of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), where she oversees finance and risk management for high-profile events.

Alexander LaBrie
As global chief human resources, learning and talent officer at Entravision Communications Corporation, Alexander LaBrie is a seasoned HR executive with 25 years in the industry, all at Entravision. He has led strategic transformations across HR, operations and talent development, driving growth and enhancing workplace culture.

Robert Lowe
Robert Lowe is the chief people and culture officer at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), where he leads human resources, labor relations, business, jobs and social responsibility and talent development initiatives. In just one year, he has driven a people-first transformation, enhancing employee experience and organizational effectiveness.

Piret Loone
Piret Loone is general counsel at Altruist, a modern fintech custodian for Registered Investment Advisors.

Michael Lucarelli
Michael Lucarelli is the co-founder and CEO of RentSpree, an award-winning rental software company transforming how renters, landlords and agents connect. Founded in 2016 while he was an MBA student at Pepperdine, RentSpree was born from his firsthand experience with outdated rental processes.

Sanjit Mahanti
As co-founder & chief business development officer of Akido Labs, Sanjit Mahanti leads business development, focusing on expanding its AI-powered medical network, Akido Care. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare technology and innovation, he has held executive roles across academic medicine, population health and tech sectors.

Tim Lawlor
Tim Lawlor is the chief financial officer of Kiavi, a leading private lender to residential real estate investors with over $23 billion in funded loans. With 17 years in finance and prior roles at Goldman Sachs, Uber and Opendoor, he brings deep expertise in capital markets and strategic planning.

Josefina Leon
Josefina Leon is the global head of human resources at Universal Studio Group (USG), where she leads culture, innovation and inclusion across its four global television studios. With 20 years of industry experience, she brings a people-first approach to HR strategy, helping shape an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Himanshu Palsule
Himanshu Palsule has served as CEO of Cornerstone since January 2022, bringing over 35 years of global leadership experience. Known for his strategic vision and people-centered approach, he has driven innovation and customer success while positioning Cornerstone as a leader in AI-powered workforce agility.

David Pickard
David Pickard is the global CEO of Phonexa, a performance marketing automation platform serving networks, brands and publishers. With 14 years at the company and over a decade in the industry, he drives Phonexa’s innovation, global expansion and strategic growth.

Laura Michel
Laura Michel is the senior vice president and associate general counsel at Tinder, where she oversees global legal strategy across product, marketing and commercial initiatives.

Holly Perry
Since joining Think Together in 2021, Holly Perry, VP of talent acquisition & organizational development, has led transformative talent strategies that support the organization’s mission of changing the odds for students. She oversees recruitment and organizational growth efforts that support over 200,000 students across California.

Oded Noy
Oded Noy, chief technology officer at Crexi, leads innovation in commercial real estate technology. With over 20 years of experience, he has co-founded and advised multiple SaaS companies and played a key role in taking TrueCar public in 2014 as its CTO.

Steven Jordan Markowitz
Steven Markowitz is general counsel at Flyer Defense, LLC, a leading manufacturer of mission-specialized tactical vehicles for the U.S. government and its allies. A graduate of the University of Michigan and UC Law San Francisco, he has held the role for seven years, guiding the company through significant growth.

Thomas Michael Richards
Thomas Richards is the chief marketing officer at NINJIO, a leading cybersecurity awareness training company. With over 25 years in marketing, he oversees all marketing functions, serves on the senior executive team and is a key spokesperson for the brand.

Marc Roualet
Marc Roualet is general counsel at Neo4j, Inc., a leader in graph database technology, where he provides strategic legal guidance supporting the company’s rapid growth and innovation. In 2024, he helped drive Neo4j past $200 million in annual recurring revenue and secure key funding, reinforcing its leadership in GenAI-driven graph solutions.

Peter Prucnel
As chief people officer at Reveleer, Peter Prucnel is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in communications, human resources and operations across diverse industries. A value-based care enablement platform, he drives scalable processes that preserve culture while supporting rapid growth.

Shivani Siroya
Shivani Siroya is the founder and CEO of Tala, the first financial platform serving the global majority – individuals overlooked by traditional systems. Since its founding, Tala has provided over 10 million customers across Kenya, the Philippines, Mexico and India with access to credit, savings and payment tools.

Prashant Samant
Prashant Samant is the CEO and co-founder of Akido Labs, a pioneering health tech company using AI to reimagine healthcare with empathy and accessibility at its core. In 2023, Akido launched ScopeAI, the world’s first AI doctor, marking a major milestone in its mission to deliver exceptional care for all.

Kathleen Ruiz
Kathleen Ruiz is the chief financial officer at LA Opera, where she leads financial strategy to ensure the organization’s fiscal health while supporting its artistic mission.

Alexander Shing
Alexander Shing is the founder and CEO ofCottonwood Group, aprivate equity real estate investment firm he launched in 2012. With over 21 years of experience in global finance, special situations and real estate, he focuses on risk-adjusted absolute returns across market cycles.

Maria S. Salinas
Maria S. Salinas is president and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in L.A. County, representing over 235,000 businesses. Appointed in 2018, she is the first woman and Latina to lead the Chamber in its 132-year history.

Divyansh Sharma
Divyansh Sharma is the co-founder and CTO of CoverTree, an insurtech company transforming insurance for the 22 million Americans living in manufactured homes. Founded in 2020 with University of Michigan classmate Adarsh Rachmale, CoverTree uses AI and automation to deliver affordable, streamlined coverage to a traditionally underserved market.

Steven A. Sugarman
Steven A. Sugarman is the founder and board chair of The Change Company, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) focused on expanding economic opportunity for underserved communities. Since 2017, he has led the organization in providing over $4.

Jo Taylor
Jo Taylor is the chief legal officer at Belkin International, where she oversees all legal functions, including global contracts, IP, antitrust, data protection, employment law and litigation. With over 16 years of legal experience and 12 at Belkin, she is known for delivering practical, forward-thinking advice across jurisdictions.

Candace Thiele
Candace Thiele is chief administrative officer at Axos Bank, bringing over 30 years of experience to lead strategic growth and operational excellence.

Jeffrey Sullivan
Jeffrey Sullivan is the chief technology officer at Consensus Cloud Solutions, where he leads product strategy and technology innovation to advance digital cloud fax and interoperability solutions.

Leo Stein
Leo Stein is the senior vice president of human resources at UNIS, a leading 3PL fulfillment and transportation provider. With two years in the industry, he oversees global HR operations across 52 U.S. locations and international teams, managing a combined $46-million HR and payroll budget.

Jeannine Taylor
Jeannine Taylor is deputy general counsel at Keck Medicine of USC, where she leads a team of attorneys and advises executive leadership on legal strategy, compliance and risk mitigation for a $3.2-billion health system.

Jesse Jacob Timmermans
Jesse Jacob Timmermans is the chief financial officer of REVOLVE (NYSE: RVLV), where he oversees finance, accounting, treasury and administration.

Walter Wang
Walter Wang, chairman & CEO of JM Eagle, brings 37 years of industry experience and a legacy of leadership rooted in business excellence and philanthropy. Starting as a machinery operator at Formosa Plastics, he transformed J-M Manufacturing after joining in 1990, growing sales from $200 million to over $1 billion by 2005.

Ben Webley
Ben Webley is the chief marketing officer at Scopely, the leading U.S. games company behind hits like MONOPOLY GO! and Stumble Guys. He spearheaded the marketing strategies for MONOPOLY GO!, contributing to its record-breaking launch and $5-billion revenue milestone in just two years, notably through the star-studded “Friendship Pays” global campaign.

Seungjun Yeo
Seungjun Yeo is the co-founder and CEO of Dalton Bioanalytics Inc., a pioneering biotech company transforming diagnostics with its Omni-MS® platform.

Mike Whitmire
Mike Whitmire, CPA, is the CEO and co-founder of FloQast, an accounting transformation platform built by accountants, for accountants. After experiencing inefficiencies in traditional accounting workflows early in his career, he launched FloQast in 2013 to streamline and automate processes like the month-end close.

Corey White
Corey White is a pioneering cybersecurity executive with 30 years of experience, currently serving as founder and CEO of Cyvatar, the first cybersecurity-as-a-service (CSaaS) provider. He is transforming the industry by offering fully managed, measurable and outcome-based security solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes.

NOMINEES
Business by LA Times Studios is proud to celebrate the nominees of the 2025 Los Angeles Executive Leadership Awards, exceptional leaders whose vision, dedication and impact have set them apart.

Leylie Aghili
Leylie Aghili is the chief executive officer of COLOURS, a mission-driven company redefining the school uniform industry through innovation. With 20 years of experience in wthe fashion industry, she previously owned and operated a multi-million-dollar women’s clothing boutique in Los Angeles, where she excelled in buying, merchandising and sales.

Ninel Anderson
Ninel Anderson is the chief executive officer of Devoted Studios, a Los Angeles-based game development company pioneering remote collaboration in the gaming industry. With over a decade of experience, she founded Devoted Studios in 2018 with a vision to decentralize game development and empower creative professionals worldwide.

Feras Alfuqaha
Feras Alfuqaha is the co-founder and CEO of Shamel, a cutting-edge software platform transforming film and TV production management through automation and intuitive design. With over a decade of experience in development, production management and film accounting, he blends creative expertise with operational precision.

Fabio Albano
Fabio Albano is the chief technology officer of NantG Power, LLC, bringing over 20 years of expertise in advanced battery technologies and lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

Mona Andrews
Mona Andrews is the founder and CEO of Stay In The Game, a mission-driven company empowering professional women and caregivers through flexible, remote work opportunities. With over 30 years of experience as a business leader, she also leads Executive Financial Enterprises, Inc.

Gunjan Bagla
As chief executive officer of Amritt, Inc., Gunjan Bagla has spent over two decades helping U.S. companies successfully engage with India’s complex and rapidly growing economy.

Adam Ayers
Adam Ayers is the founder of DOOMSCROLLR, a cutting-edge platform redefining brand growth through automated microsites that drive customer acquisition and engagement with dynamic content. With over 20 years of experience in internet software and digital strategy, he has built a reputation as a visionary in technology and growth innovation.

Rosemarie Chiusano Aubert
Rosemarie Chiusano Aubert is the co-founder and executive vice president of business development at Judicate West, one of the nation’s leading private dispute resolution firms.

Karissa Bodnar
Karissa Bodnar is the founder and CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare, a mission-driven beauty company that has redefined the intersection of highperformance cosmetics and social impact.

Nicole Blaine
Nicole Blaine is the owner, artistic and executive director of Crow Comedy Inc., a Santa Monica-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing social equity through humor and storytelling.

Barbara Bickham
As chief technology officer of Trailyn Ventures, Barbara Bickham brings over 40 years of experience at the intersection of deep tech innovation and venture capital.

Eric Chin
Eric Chin is chief financial officer at Akido Labs, where he leads the company’s accounting and finance teams while supporting its accelerated national growth strategy. With 20 years of experience in corporate finance and healthcare, he brings deep financial expertise to one of the most innovative companies in digital health.

Adam Bass
Adam Bass is the president and chief executive officer of Buchalter, a nationally recognized full-service business law firm with more than 550 attorneys across 14 offices. Since becoming CEO in 2013, he has led the firm through a period of significant expansion into key markets including Seattle, San Diego, Nashville and Chicago.

Julee Brooks
Julee Brooks is the chief executive officer of Woodcraft Rangers, a century-old youth-serving nonprofit that has rapidly expanded under her leadership to serve over 25,000 TK–12 students annually across more than 100 schools in Los Angeles County.

Yvonne Choi
Yvonne Choi serves as chief marketing officer of Savant Senior Living, where she brings over two decades of hospitality and real estate marketing expertise to the senior living sector.

Raluca Cadar
As chief executive officer of The Protein Society, Raluca Cadar leads a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing the science of proteins and supporting the researchers behind groundbreaking discoveries.

Julie Cordua
Julie Cordua is the chief executive officer of Thorn, a nonprofit she helped create in 2012 to revolutionize how children are protected from sexual abuse in the digital age.

Aarash Darroodi
As executive vice president and general counsel of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Aarash Darroodi brings a unique blend of legal expertise and business strategy to one of the most iconic brands in the music industry.

Jade Dhatchayangkul
Jade Dhatchayangkul is the chief financial officer of Carbon Mapper, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s financial strategy and operations to support its mission of combating climate change through advanced satellite-based monitoring of methane and CO₂ emissions.

Samantha N. Dang-Tran
Samantha N. Dang-Tran is the CEO and founder of Boss Babes, a women-led organization dedicated to empowering minority and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding and business development resources.

Danijella Dragas
Danijella Dragas serves as chief executive officer of The Lending Corporation LLC, bringing over three decades of global experience in investment banking, structured finance and commercial lending. Born and raised in England, she earned her B.S.

Dina Doll
Dina Doll is the co-founder of Doll Amir & Eley LLP, a boutique litigation firm where she has helped lead the practice through two decades of steady growth. With 26 years in the legal field, she is a seasoned civil litigator and certified mediator who has resolved over 100 complex cases for the Los Angeles Superior Court and in private practice.

Jennet Chow
Jennet Chow is the founder and co-CEO of Evolution Design Lab (EDL), where she has reimagined the intersection of technology, fashion and purpose. Through EDL and its in-house brand Jellypop Shoes, she has led the company to manufacture and distribute over 6 million pairs of shoes annually to top U.

Mariana D’Andrea
Mariana D’Andrea serves as associate general counsel at Roku, where she brings 20 years of experience in commercial contracts, negotiation and corporate strategy across the entertainment and media industries.

Katie Dubon
Katie Dubon is the chief financial officer of Bravo Foods USA, a company founded by her father, David Dubon. Despite her youth, she has established herself as a strong executive leader, committed to advancing her family’s legacy and shaping the future of the organization for generations to come.

Lisa Elkan
Lisa Elkan is the CEO and founder of Lisa PR, a boutique marketing and public relations firm launched in 2012 with a niche in legal marketing and a mission to help professionals and small businesses grow their visibility and impact.

Alicia Fan
Alicia Fan is the co-founder and chief financial officer of Little Skewer Restaurants, a rapidly growing Chinese restaurant chain known for its flavorful skewers, hot pots and immersive dining experiences.

Samantha Famous
Samantha Famous serves as vice president of people at Modern Animal, where she has been instrumental in driving organizational growth, cultural transformation and strategic talent development.

Ashraf Farassati
Ashraf Farassati is the founder & CEO of Travel Through Trauma, a nonprofit that provides free therapy, financial coaching, wellness training, life coaching and solo international travel to underprivileged young adults who have experienced trauma.

Jacob Emrani
Jacob Emrani is the founder and lead attorney of The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani, a prominent Los Angeles personal injury law firm established in 1996. A respected figure in the Southern California legal community for nearly 30 years, he is dedicated to advocating for accident victims and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients.

Dr. Apollo Emeka
Dr. Apollo Emeka is the founder and CEO of Apollo Strategy Group, a Pasadena-based consulting and executive coaching firm helping leaders and organizations drive high-performance results through courageous strategy, cultural transformation and inclusion.

Ariel Fan
Ariel Fan is the CEO and founder of Green-Wealth Energy, California’s first woman- and minority-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure company certified by the California Public Utilities Commission.

David Faye
David Faye is the CEO and founder of Faye Business Systems Group, a global leader in software strategy, deployment, integrations and ongoing management. With over 40 years of experience in the IT industry, he specializes in CRM, ERP and CX solutions, helping businesses grow through the effective use of technology.

Carrie Fogliani
Carrie Fogliani is the president of GeneralCounselWest, PC, with 22 years of legal experience in healthcare law. She advises hospitals and pharmaceutical companies on regulatory compliance, managed care contracting and mergers and acquisitions. Her expertise includes HIPAA, Medicare and Medicaid billing, as well as healthcare operations.

Robert Feldman
Robert Feldman, with 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, serves as the CEO, president and co-founder of WOWS Insurance Services. Specializing in fire zones and hard-to-place risks, he has become a sought-after speaker at the California Association of Realtors, educating realtors on securing insurance for homes deemed uninsurable.

Chloe Ghoogassian
As assistant general counsel, privacy and innovation at Doximity, Chloe Ghoogassian leads transformative legal initiatives that drive responsible healthcare innovation while safeguarding privacy.

Eric Garner
Eric Garner is the managing partner of Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) and a leading authority in water rights law with 37 years of experience.

Lital Gilad-Shaoulian
Lital Gilad-Shaoulian is the CEO and founder of Purpose Bio, Inc., a synthetic biology biotech platform developing novel oral drugs for obesity, fatty liver disease and metabolic conditions affecting over one billion patients worldwide.

Jonathan R. Fitzgarrald
As founder and managing partner of Equinox Strategy Partners, Jonathan R. Fitzgarrald is a respected business strategist with 30 years of experience helping professionals drive revenue, enhance visibility and build sustainable practices. He advises law, accounting and financial firms nationwide.

Gavin Galimi
Gavin Galimi, general counsel of eHealth (NASDAQ: EHTH), has played a key role in the company’s transformation over the past 24 months, guiding legal strategy amid rapid growth and innovation.

Channing Hamlet
Channing Hamlet is the managing director and co-founder of Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation, where he leads the business services and life sciences investment banking practices and heads the valuation advisory services group. With 29 years of experience, he advises business owners on transactions, valuations and strategic growth.

Ikram Guerd
Ikram Guerd is the CMO and U.S. general manager at Aspivix, a FemTech company revolutionizing gynecological care. With over 20 years of global healthcare experience, she has led marketing efforts at Procter & Gamble, Danaher and startups across Europe and the U.

Deborah Groening-Rother
In 2007, Deborah Groening-Rother, MFT, PsyD, founded Well Baby Center – now Well Family Marian Place – to provide affordable, community-based mental health services for families. Rather than enter private practice, she launched the nonprofit during the 2008 recession to destigmatize preventive care and support parents transitioning into family life.

Joshua Green
Joshua Green is chief financial officer and EVP of corporate development at Survios, bringing over 18 years of experience in private equity, investment banking and operational leadership. He specializes in capital raising, business development and scaling investor-backed businesses.

Sammy Hajomar
Sammy Hajomar is the chief technology officer and co-founder of Shamel Studio, where he leads the development of AI-powered tools for film and TV production. With expertise in software development, machine learning and AI architecture, he drives innovation in automated scheduling, budgeting and collaboration.

Jared Goodner
Jared Goodner is the co-founder of Akido Labs and leads its AI, product and engineering teams. With a background in biomedical engineering and neural networks, he co-founded the USC Digital Health Lab, which laid the foundation for Akido and its groundbreaking ScopeAI – the world’s first AI system designed to think like a doctor.

Dr. Thyonne Gordon
Dr. Thyonne Gordon, CEO of the She Ready Foundation, leads impactful programs supporting youth in foster care through internships, leadership training and dignity-restoring resources.

Marissa Goldberg
Marissa Goldberg, CEO of Doheny Eye Institute, has dedicated over 30 years to advancing vision research and healthcare leadership. Rising through the ranks from HR director to CEO, she has been instrumental in Doheny’s growth, guiding its strategic partnership with UCLA and overseeing the institute’s 2021 move to a unified Pasadena campus.

Sarah Harris
In 2022, Sarah R. Harris became the first female president and CEO of the Black Business Association (BBA), California’s oldest ethnic business organization. A member for over 25 years, she brings deep experience and a visionary approach to leading the BBA into a new era while honoring its 55-year legacy.

Brian Kim
Brian Kim, chief financial officer of Standard Communities, is a respected financial leader known for his precision, strategic insight and steady leadership. With 20 years in the industry and 13 at Standard, he oversees accounting, treasury, FP&A, tax and corporate finance for a portfolio of nearly 200 properties nationwide.

Robert Khachatryan
Robert Khachatryan, founder and CEO of Freight Right Global Logistics, embodies resilience and innovation in global trade. Born in Armenia, he began his entrepreneurial journey at age nine selling newspapers.

Ben Katz
Ben Katz, chief executive officer of Happy Head, holds three degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, including an M.B.A. from The Wharton School. He began his career on Wall Street before pivoting to Hollywood, where he produced the film Johnny Was, and developed strong entrepreneurial instincts.

Lynn Hogue
Lynn Hogue is the chief executive officer of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Joaquin, Calaveras and Amador Counties, a role she has held since 2015.

Emily Keith
Emily Keith is the executive director of the Pablove Foundation, bringing eight years of nonprofit leadership experience to the fight against pediatric cancer. She leads the organization’s mission to fund innovative cancer research, support families and improve the lives of children through the arts.

Sandra Iskandar
Sandra Iskandar, designer, founder & CEO of Sandra Iskandar’s Collection, is a distinguished businesswoman and community leader with a decade of experience in the bridal and fashion industry. She is the CEO of the Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce, where she champions local economic growth and business development.

Megan Hayward
Since joining the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) as its first development director and now serving as national director of development, Megan Hayward led efforts to expand its impact across Los Angeles and Houston.

Eugene Kovshilovsky
Eugene Kovshilovsky is a seasoned technology executive with 25 years of experience in software engineering, e-commerce and tech leadership. He currently serves as chief technology officer at ID Auto, LLC, parent company of CARiD.com.

Phillip Kim
As head of legal at Crexi, Phillip Kim is a seasoned legal executive with 12 years of experience and a strong record in M&A, securities and corporate law. He has led legal strategy through rapid growth, managing over $20 billion in transactions and overseeing key areas including contract management, regulatory compliance, litigation and financing.

Pamela Kohanchi
Pamela Kohanchi is general counsel at the Skirball Cultural Center, where she leads legal affairs, government relations and community engagement. Since joining in 2020, she has implemented key policies to improve contracting and corporate governance, while strengthening Skirball’s visibility with elected officials and community leaders.

Aaron Kirman
As CEO & founder of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, Aaron Kirman is one of the world’s top luxury real estate agents, with over $21 billion in career sales and $1.4 billion closed in 2024 alone.

Nathan Kowarsky
Nathan Kowarsky, chief executive officer of Clear Mortgage Capital, is a transformative leader with 19 years in the mortgage industry, including nine at Clear Mortgage Capital, where he has driven innovation and growth.

Vivian Kim
Vivian Kim serves as general counsel, corporate secretary and chief people officer at Hanmi Bank, a $7.7-billion asset institution. With 14 years of legal experience, including nine at Hanmi, she leads legal, governance, HR and communications efforts. She began her career at Dykema Gossett LLP, handling complex litigation before joining Hanmi in 2015.

Paul Kim
Paul Kim, chief marketing officer of TicketManager, has been instrumental in its growth from startup to industry leader in event and guest management. A 14-year veteran, including 10 years as head of marketing, he has driven key initiatives that shaped the brand’s innovation and market leadership.

Rachael King
Rachael King is the founder and CEO of Pod People, the leading branded podcast studio in the U.S. With 18 years of media and communications experience, she has helped brands – from startups to Fortune 500s – tell compelling stories across platforms.

Lori Laybourne
As chief marketing officer at eSalon, Lori Laybourne is a seasoned marketing executive with 20 years of experience driving growth, brand innovation and digital transformation for leading DTC and beauty brands. She leads customer engagement, product expansion and international growth.

Dea Lawrence
As chief operations and marketing officer of Variety, Dea Lawrence has played a pivotal role in transforming the 120-year-old brand into the leading global source of entertainment business news. With 25 years in the industry and 16 at Variety, she has driven record growth across digital, live events and branded content.

Dr. Casey Lau
Dr. Casey Lau, founder & chief dental officer of ELIMS, is a respected dentist, entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable oral care with 23 years in the industry. He is the founder of ELIMS, a science-backed oral care brand known for clean ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.

Rob Krumwiede
Rob Krumwiede, chief information officer at Norm Reeves–The CAR Group, is a dynamic leader with 30 years of industry experience and five years at Norm Reeves–The CAR Group. Known for his deep technical expertise and strategic mindset, he leads by example – equally adept in hands-on problem-solving and visionary leadership.

Diana I. Lua
Diana I. Lua is the founder of Tang & Java, a coffee and gelato shop known for its handcrafted, low-sugar treats and Filipino-inspired flavors. A chef, entrepreneur and mother of four – two with autism – she created Tang & Java to foster inclusion, support special needs families and share her culture through food.

Deborah La Franchi
Deborah La Franchi, founder and CEO of SDS Capital Group, is a trailblazer in impact investing and a champion for women in finance. With 24 years in the industry, she has led SDS since 2001, managing $1.5 billion across six funds focused on combating poverty through private-sector capital.

Dr. Etel Leit
Dr. Etel Leit, founder of SignShine™, is a communication expert with 20 years of experience at the intersection of psychology, leadership and education. With a master’s in leadership from Pepperdine University, she established SignShine™ in Beverly Hills to help parents and children connect through nonverbal language.

Laura Leventhal
Laura Leventhal, VP of business partnerships &brand at The American Australian Association, is a Los Angeles-based strategist with 15 years of experience in marketing, partnerships and event programming across entertainment, nonprofit and government sectors.

Katlain Anne Meyer
Katlain Anne Meyer is the CEO of MoonLab Productions, a creative agency specializing in experiential marketing and event production. With over a decade in the industry, she has led MoonLab’s expansion and secured major partnerships with brands like Amazon, Instacart, TikTok and Tinder.

Perkins Miller
Perkins Miller is the CEO of Fandom, the world’s largest fan platform, where he leads innovation across entertainment, gaming and pop culture. Since joining in 2018, he has transformed Fandom into a data-driven, multimedia destination for over 350 million monthly users.

Christina McGonagle
Christina McGonagle is chief marketing officer at Outcast, bringing 12 years of fashion marketing experience to the role. She previously held senior positions at True Religion, Boohoo and I.AM.GIA, working with global celebrities and driving brand growth.

Dr. Edward Alfonso Mena
Dr. Edward Alfonso Mena is a liver disease expert and founder, president & CEO of the California Liver Research Institute (CLRI), with over 20 years in the field. He is dedicated to improving liver health outcomes through research, patient care and community outreach, particularly within Latino, Armenian, Asian and Egyptian populations.

Henry Manoucheri
Henry Manoucheri is the founder and CEO of Universe Holdings, a privately held multifamily investment and management firm established in 1994. With over 40 years in the industry, he has led Universe to become a major force in Southern California’s multifamily market, growing its portfolio to $2.

Chris Miller
Chris Miller is the general counsel of NBCUniversal Studio Group, overseeing all legal matters related to the development, production, marketing, and distribution of content across various platforms. He collaborates closely with NBCUniversal’s legal divisions, including litigation, intellectual property and compliance.

Michelle Mendoza
As chief executive officer of Hydration Room, Michelle Mendoza is an experienced business leader with 17 years in purpose-driven organizations.

Lana Jaqueline Manganiello
Lana Manganiello is president of Counsel for Justice (CFJ), the charitable arm of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the first non-lawyer to hold the role. With over six years at CFJ, she has led key strategic initiatives to expand access to justice and strengthen the organization’s infrastructure and impact.

Charlotte May Mostaed
Charlotte Mostaed, chief marketing officer at Health-Ade Kombucha, has driven remarkable growth amid a slowing kombucha market. Since joining in 2020, she has led the brand to the No. 2 market position, outpacing category growth by 14x and growing revenue by 18% year-over-year.

Joel Montminy
Joel Montminy is the founder and CEO of Montminy & Co., a boutique investment bank in Los Angeles specializing in middle-market mergers and acquisitions. With 28 years in the industry, he has completed over $6 billion in transactions, including $2.8 billion in cross-border deals across 30 countries.

Edward Mirzabegian
Edward Mirzabegian is the CEO of Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC), a 420-bed acute care hospital serving more than 220,000 patients annually across 1,500 square miles in Northern Los Angeles County.

Dorna Moini
Dorna Moini is the founder and CEO of Gavel, a legal technology platform transforming how legal services are delivered. With six years in the industry, she launched Gavel after seeing firsthand, as a pro bono attorney at Sidley Austin, how repetitive legal processes could be streamlined through automation.

Candace Newman
Candace Newman is the founder and CEO of Live Out L!ve, a pioneering agency and nonprofit focused on increasing diversity in the live entertainment industry. With over 20 years of experience, she has produced major events for GRAMMY® winner Matt B and comedians Ron G and Barry Brewer, while leading large-scale festivals like Cousinz Festival.

Alex Oleh Mulyar
Alex Oleh Mulyar is the founder and chief executive officer of CRI Genetics LLC, a direct-to-consumer DNA testing company he launched with $35,000 and no outside funding. Over the past eight years, he has grown the company from two employees to a peak of 120, achieving over $100 million in sales.

Asal Nazi
Asal Nazi is Chief Financial Officer of Cult Gaia, a luxury fashion and lifestyle brand based in Los Angeles, known for its artistic design sensibility. Born in Tehran, Asal moved to California at 15, bringing with her a deep sense of resilience and a strong desire to build something meaningful.

Rebecca Núñez
Rebecca Núñez is the founder and CEO of The MRN Agency, an award-winning, woman- and minority-owned marketing firm recognized for its cultural intelligence-driven approach. Under her leadership, MRN has been named Adweek’s #4 Fastest Growing Agency in the U.

Jon Neeter
Jon Neeter, founder of the Santa Monica Pickleball Center, is a nationally recognized tennis and pickleball coach with over 25 years in the industry. A Bergen County, New Jersey native, he began playing racket sports at age 11 and went on to earn a tennis scholarship at the University of Maryland, where he played No.

Navneeth Naidu
Navneeth Naidu is the executive vice president and chief technology officer at Hanmi Bank, where he has led transformative IT initiatives since 2018. With over 23 years of experience in banking technology, he is known for aligning IT with business strategy to enhance agility, security and customer satisfaction.

Steve O’Connell
Steve O’Connell is the president and CEO of California Credit Union, a $5-billion institution named a 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved record financial performance and membership growth, now serving over 200,000 members.

Adam Moysey
Adam Moysey is the chief financial officer for NBCUniversal Studio Group, overseeing all financial processes related to the Feature Film lifecycle, including development, production, marketing, distribution and talent payments.

Marni Pedorella
Marni Pedorella has served for the past four and a half years as general counsel for Universal Studio Group (USG), overseeing legal affairs for Universal Television, UCP, Universal Television Alternative Studio and Universal International Studios.

Maryella Pegnato
Maryella Pegnato, co-founder of the Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network (PRIN), is a trailblazer in the roofing industry with 33 years of leadership. She has been instrumental in developing PRIN into a national platform that connects major brands with top local contractors, managing roof assets valued at $1 billion across more than 9,000 buildings.

Tommy Oliver
Tommy Oliver is the founder and CEO of Confluential Films, a Black-owned production company dedicated to championing culturally specific stories. Under his leadership, Confluential has raised up to $150 million – supported by Goldman Sachs – to finance projects by creators of color.

Codie Elaine Oliver
Codie Elaine Oliver is the founder and chief creative officer of Black Love, a trailblazing media company dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Black relationships and family life. She created the acclaimed docuseries Black Love, OWN’s most-viewed unscripted series, earning five NAACP Image Award nominations.

Bill Pegnato
Bill Pegnato, co-founder of the Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network (PRIN), is a respected innovator in the roofing industry and has spent 33 years transforming national roofing services. He pioneered a platform that connects major brands with top local contractors, managing roof assets valued at $1 billion across more than 9,000 buildings.

Anna Kristin Peterson
Anna Peterson, founder of Zenimal, is a wellness innovator and mindfulness advocate with five years in the industry. Inspired by her own childhood experience with mindfulness, she created Zenimal to offer screen-free meditation tools for all ages.

Andy Park
Andy Park, Ernst & Young LLP (EY) Los Angeles office managing partner and Pacific South growth markets leader, leads 2,500 professionals across key U.S. regions. A first-generation college graduate and son of Korean immigrants, his rise to partner before age 40 reflects his drive, leadership and commitment to excellence.

Alexandria Pegnato
As director of operations at the Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network (PRIN), Alexandria Pegnato is driving innovation in the roofing industry while continuing the legacy of her parents, PRIN founders Bill and Maryella Pegnato. With 13 years in the business and an M.

Vera Quinn
Vera Quinn is the CEO and president of Cydcor, a leader in outsourced sales and customer acquisition. With 25 years at Cydcor, she has driven record-breaking growth, expanded into new industries and fostered a people-first culture.

Michael Jon Plaksin
Michael Plaksin is the president and CEO of Alchera X (AX), a global AI SaaS company specializing in visual and facial recognition. With 35 years in the tech industry and a career rooted in retail, consumer electronics and memory technology, he has led billion-dollar product launches and pioneered innovations in home computing and digital storage.

Daniel Razmjou
Daniel Razmjou is director of IT assurance at Hutchinson & Bloodgood LLP, bringing over 16 years of experience in cybersecurity, governance, risk management and audit. He leads compliance assessments, develops security frameworks and mentors teams to strengthen organizational resilience.

Shaffiq Rahim
Shaffiq Rahim is CEO and president of Lifetech Resources LLC, a full-service contract manufacturer specializing in premium cosmetic and personal care products, headquartered in Moorpark, California. Bringing 22 years of industry expertise to the role, he joined Lifetech one year ago.

Dr. Hema L. Ramkumar
Dr. Hema L. Ramkumar, a board-certified ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon, is the founder and CEO of Oculogenex, a biotech company pioneering gene therapy for macular degeneration. With over eight years in the industry, she is dedicated to transforming treatment from disease management to blindness prevention.

John B. Petrick
John Petrick is the co-founder & senior managing director of Perennial Financial, where he blends leadership with client-focused financial planning. Over the past seven years, he has led Perennial’s expansion from two to seven states, growing advisor headcount nearly sixfold and assets under management nearly 15x.

Natalie Prescott
Natalie Prescott is general counsel and chief privacy officer at Fulgent Genetics, a publicly traded biotechnology company advancing patient care in oncology, pathology, infectious and rare diseases and reproductive health.

Sirous Razipour
Sirous Razipour is the founder and president of Global Liquidation Company, with 36 years of experience in the art and luxury goods liquidation industry. Since 1988, he has operated across 22 U.S.

Jamison Roy
Jamison Roy, founder of Morale Matters, brings 24 years of experience in operations, brand development, financial analysis and leadership.

Ryan Schonfeld
Ryan Schonfeld is a security industry leader and founder of HiveWatch, a physical security technology company launched in 2020. With 21 years in the field, his career began in law enforcement and counterterrorism, followed by roles in corporate security at a Fortune 500 firm.

Meredith Rodriguez
With 21 years of experience in advertising, brand strategy and production, Meredith Rodriguez, chief growth officer at Stept Studios, has built a career across global brands and startups. She has held key roles at Microsoft, Pinterest and Demand Media, and has spent the past six years driving growth at Stept Studios.

Carlos P. Salas
Carlos P. Salas is president of The Change Company CDFI, LLC and CEO of its mortgage subsidiary, Change Lending, LLC. He also leads xChange, an online platform connecting banks and investors with prime mortgage loans.

Lara Schmoisman
Lara Schmoisman is a visionary marketing strategist, entrepreneur, founder and CEO of The Darl, a full-service agency specializing in brand strategy for beauty, lifestyle and consumer brands. Born in Buenos Aires, she began her career in media before pivoting to digital marketing after moving to the U.

Carol Kimmel Schary
Under the leadership of owner and president Carol Kimmel Schary, Nathan Kimmel Company, LLC (NKC) provides U.S.-made fireproofing spray equipment, construction tarps and custom manufacturing solutions to clients locally and globally. For nearly 70 years, NKC has been a leader in industrial and construction supplies.

Shlomi Ronen
Shlomi Ronen, founder and principal of Dekel Capital, has spent 25 years in commercial real estate, including 18 in capital advisory. Under his leadership, the Los Angeles-based real estate merchant bank has structured over $10 billion in equity, mezzanine and debt financing.

Michael Berj Saryan
Michael Saryan is the founder of Concord Legal Group, PC, a boutique business law firm delivering BigLaw-caliber service in an intimate setting. After 16 years in the legal industry – including roles at Gibson Dunn, Sheppard Mullin and leadership at boutique firms – he launched Concord in 2024.

Steve Schwartz
Steve Schwartz, CEO, founder and master tea blender of Art of Tea, LLC, has spent 20 years sourcing rare, organic teas directly from global growers. His journey began in 1996 while studying preventative medicine at the Ayurvedic Institute, leading to the launch of Art of Tea in 2004.

Guita Sharifi
Guita Sharifi is a seasoned financial executive with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as CFO at Lifelong Learning, which supports a national network of personalized education charter schools. Prior to this, she held CFO roles in major healthcare organizations serving vulnerable populations.

Ritesh Srivastava
Ritesh Srivastava is general counsel at BPGbio, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharma company leading in AI-powered drug discovery. With 19 years of legal experience across military, government and corporate sectors, he brings strategic expertise to high-stakes legal, compliance and business matters.

Jeffrey A. Sklar
Jeffrey Sklar is a founding partner and comanaging partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP, a leading boutique law firm in Los Angeles. With over 22 years of legal experience, he also serves as co-chair of the firm’s corporate practice, advising clients across industries on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, partner disputes and executive compensation.

Maryam A. Sohraby
As chief marketing officer of InStride, Maryam Sohraby is a seasoned marketing executive with 20 years of experience across agency, corporate and startup environments.

Emily Lou Steenwyk
Emily Steenwyk is the marketing manager at ForensisGroup, where she has led a transformative digital strategy since 2020. With over a decade of experience, she spearheaded a digital overhaul that increased website traffic by 300%, doubled leads and grew revenue by 30% from 2022 to the present.

Michael Speaker
Michael Speaker is the executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of City National Bank. He leads the legal and corporate administrative group and is a member of the executive leadership and senior management teams. Speaker also serves as general counsel for Royal Bank of Canada’s U.

Alexander Nelson Shapiro
Alexander Shapiro, chief marketing officer of WTD, is a seasoned marketing and partnerships executive with over 12 years of experience working alongside top athletes, entertainers and global brands. His agency connects talent with curated brands and philanthropy, blending creativity, strategy and purpose-driven impact.

Alex Taylor
Alex Taylor is the co-founder and co-CEO of Perelel, the first OB/GYN-founded prenatal vitamin brand offering targeted, clinically backed nutrition for every stage of a woman’s hormonal journey.

Ben Strauss
Benjamin Strauss is a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) professional with over seven years of experience and currently serves as chief technology officer at Perch Technology, where he has spent the past three years advancing public safety through cutting-edge intelligence solutions.

Brett Thomas
As vice president of human resources at Gothic Landscape, Brett Thomas brings over 20 years of HR experience and a passion for employee development and organizational growth.

David Stelzer
David Stelzer is the president of Xsolla, a global video game commerce company. With over 20 years in the digital entertainment industry, he brings deep expertise in gaming, business development, marketing, product strategy and leadership.

Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk
Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk is the founder and CEO of ForensisGroup, a leading expert witness services firm she launched in 1991 after immigrating from the Philippines and overcoming job loss. With 39 years in the industry, she has redefined expert witness sourcing by connecting attorneys with specialized, conflict-free consultants across disciplines.

Aram Ter-Martirosyan
Aram Ter-Martirosyan is the chief information officer of ConnectTo Communications, a leading provider of AI-driven software and telecommunications solutions. With over 30 years in the industry and 26 at ConnectTo, he drives innovation in enterprise software, IoT and cloud-based technologies.

Victoria Thain Gioia
Victoria Thain Gioia is the co-founder and co-CEO of Perelel, the first OB/GYN-founded prenatal vitamin company redefining women’s health through science-backed, stage-specific supplements. A former investment banker and private equity investor, she earned her M.

Julie D. Taylor
Julie D. Taylor, Hon. AIA, is principal and founder of Taylor & Company, a communications firm specializing in architecture and design. With over 30 years of experience, she leads strategic media relations, image management and marketing for creative industry clients.

Abhisek Tibrewal
Abhisek Tibrewal is chief financial officer at Convoso, bringing over 17 years of financial leadership experience across the SaaS and technology sectors. From managing his family’s businesses in Nepal at age 14 to leading high-growth finance teams in the U.

Dr. Yalda T. Uhls
Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, founder of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) at UCLA, merges over 35 years of experience in entertainment and psychology to improve youth media. A former senior executive in Hollywood, she returned to school to earn a Ph.D.

Bryan Thompson
Bryan Thompson is the chief financial officer at Arixa Capital, a leading private real estate lender with over $5 billion in cumulative originations. Since joining in 2023, he has played a key role in Arixa’s growth, including a record $1.

Robert Thornburgh
Robert Thornburgh, SIOR, CCIM, FRICS, is regional president of the Southwest at Cushman & Wakefield, overseeing operations across Southern California, Nevada, Phoenix, Colorado, Utah and Idaho. Based in Los Angeles, he leads strategic growth, client service and talent development across the region.

Vincent Vuong
Vincent Vuong is the founder and CEO of Dynascale Technologies, Inc., a leading private cloud infrastructure company serving banks, healthcare institutions and nonprofits across Los Angeles. With 25 years in the IT industry, he combines technical expertise with a passion for helping others.

Kenneth Dean Tran
As chief executive officer of Final Bow, Kenneth Dean Tran is a media and entertainment entrepreneur, producer and philanthropist with a decade of industry experience. A U.S.

Kehvon Thomas
Kehvon Thomas is the chief financial officer of iBorrow, a private commercial real estate debt fund that has originated over $2 billion in transactions. With 10 years in the industry and nine at iBorrow, he plays a key role in the firm’s financial strategy and stability.

Kendal Turner
Kendal Turner, CPA, CGMA, is the executive vice president and CFO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), bringing over 20 years of financial leadership experience in the nonprofit and education sectors.

Marion Lucas Wallace
Marion Lucas Wallace, vice president of production & talent relations, is a key executive at Sweety High, where she bridges marketing and production with creative vision and strategic insight.

Albert Calvin Wan
Albert Calvin Wan is the chief technology officer at Master System, Inc., joining the second generation of the family business after a tenure as a software engineer at a major technology company. During his time in that role, he contributed to the company’s first smartwatch, CarPlay and the expansion of international efforts.

Nychol Lyna Woods
Nychol Lyna Woods, founder & CEO of Dream North LLC, is an accomplished leader with over a decade of experience in education, finance, nonprofit management and community development. She holds a B.S. in accounting and an M.B.A. from CSU Dominguez Hills, and an M.

Donna L. Wilson
Donna L. Wilson, CEO and managing partner of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is a leader and one of the few LGBTQIA+ women heading an Am Law 200 firm.

Phoebe Yu
Phoebe Yu is the founder and CEO of ettitude, a next-gen material science company pioneering sustainable textile innovation.

Aaron Wilkins
Aaron Wilkins is the senior vice president and chief financial officer of Human-I-T, where he has helped scale the organization from a grassroots nonprofit to a $26-million national leader in digital inclusion. He brings 13 years of finance and operations experience, combining strategic leadership with a passion for social impact.

Michael Wise
Michael Wise is the senior vice president and chief technology officer at Universal Pictures, a role he has held since 2014. With 27 years in the industry, he leads the studio’s global technology strategy, overseeing innovation and operations across production, marketing and distribution.

John Yoo
John Yoo is the chief financial officer of Evite, where he has played a key role in doubling revenue and growing EBITDA fivefold in just 2.5 years. At Evite, he rebuilt the finance and analytics functions, enabling data-driven decision-making and modernizing financial infrastructure.