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sfvbj.com SAN FERNANDOVALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL LOS ANGELES • GLENDALE • SANTA CLARITA VALLEY • BURBANK • CONEJO VALLEY • SIMI VALLEY • SAN FERNANDO • CALABASAS • AGOURA HILLS • ANTELOPE VALLEY

THE COMMUNITY OF BUSINESSTM

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BUSINESS AN ERNANDO ALLEY JOURNAL SLOS ANGELES • GLENDALEF • SANTA CLARITA VALLEY • BURBANK • CONEJO VALLEY • SIMI VALLEY V• SAN FERNANDO • CALABASAS • AGOURA HILLS • ANTELOPE VALLEY

THE COMMUNITY OF BUSINESSTM

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sdbj.com SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL THE COMMUNITY OF BUSINESSTM WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS AWARDS

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

Lifetime Spirit of Darlene Marcos Exemplary Community Achievement San Diego Shiley Education Leadership Service Service Award Award Award Award Award

Anne Evans Lucy Killea Constance Carroll, Ph.D. Thella Bowens Rana Sampson Evans Hotels Retired San Diego Community San Diego County Union Bank Calfornia Senate College District Regional Airport Authority AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL

Title Sponsor Gold Sponsors In Association With Page A34 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

Letter From The San Diego Business Journal or more than two decades, the San Diego 830 guests. Special Awards of Distinction also supporters including title sponsor Union Bank; Business Journal has highlighted the ex- were presented to Anne Evans for the Lifetime gold sponsors Abacus Data Systems, ESET North traordinary lives of our region’s profes- Achievement Award; Lucy Killea for the Spirit America and Kaiser Permanente; and in association sional women in a special way. In this, our of San Diego Award; Dr. Constance Carroll for with ACTIVE Network and The Best to You. F21st year, we continue the tradition of acknowledg- the Darlene Marcos Shiley Education Leadership Congratulations to all our honorees, present and ing our annual Women Who Mean Business with Award; Thella Bowens for the Exemplary Service past, who have helped to weave the fabric of San our signature awards program and supplement. Award; and Rana Sampson for the Community Diego’s flourishing economy and culture. Throughout the years we have had the privilege Service Award. Popular local personalities Carol of honoring San Diego’s female leaders and we have LeBeau and Susan Taylor emceed the ceremonies. seen the ranks swell to include company leadership Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego was the positions, internationally renowned researchers, event’s nonprofit charity. cutting-edge high tech innovators, health care Our gratitude goes to the judges — Ronne pioneers, award-winning authors and artists, and Froman, Georgia Griffiths, Juanita Hayes, dedicated philanthropists. Kimberley Layton, Teresa Ramos, Lisa Richards, In addition to this signature issue, these amazing Melissa Rosness, and Lee Wills-Irvine — who women were honored at a special luncheon on deliberated and chose our winners from a field of Armon Mills Wednesday, November 5, at the Town and Country 169 qualified candidates. President & Publisher Hotel in Mission Valley attended by more than We also want to thank the program’s valued

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS Women Who Mean Business Celebrity Emcees The Women Who Mean Business Awards ceremony has been a “must attend” event since its inception. Adding to its glamour and credibility are two of San Diego’s most respected news personalities — Carol LaBeau and Susan Taylor. They graciously give their time and talent to host this event, bringing their poise and professional grace to guide the proceedings.

CAROL LEBEAU SUSAN TAYLOR Health Advocate for Palomar Health Executive Director, External Affairs and Freelance Journalist Scripps Health As a #1 TV news anchor in southern California for Susan Taylor has taken a path that has led her away nearly 30 years, Carol LeBeau covered some of the from the adrenaline rush of breaking news and high nation’s most important stories. She’s won numerous speed electronic journalism. Stepping back from the awards for her work and is a popular speaker and emcee spotlight with her ratings soaring was a significant choice at women’s events and health symposia/conferences. for Taylor. Today she represents Scripps Health to the For most of her television career, LeBeau covered health community, patient groups and leaders throughout the news for San Diego’s ABC 10. She reported nightly on the region. Taylor joined Scripps in 2011 after more than 15 years as an award- latest medical breakthroughs, new technologies, exercise and nutrition tips. winning San Diego news anchor for NBC. In her new role she plays a critical But “Staying Healthy” was more than a TV news assignment for LeBeau — it’s role in raising awareness and understanding of Scripps’ programs, facilities a way of life. She runs, bikes and is a ranked Master’s rough water swimmer. and services. She also helps educate a broad range of audiences about the During her tenure at KGTV, she accumulated an impressive collection of significant changes underway in health care locally and nationally. In addition, awards including a Golden Mike, San Diego Press Club awards and C. Everett she serves as a member of the Scripps Medical Response Team. During her Koop award for health reporting. But one that speaks to her heart was from career, she covered the O.J. Simpson trial, the downfall of Panamanian leader the Society of Professional Journalists for a series called “Mission to Heal.” Manuel Noriega, the Super Bowl riots in Miami, the Northridge earthquake LeBeau accompanied a local relief team of medical professionals who set and the San Diego wildfires of 2003 and 2007. She also returned with troops up clinics in two tsunami-devastated fishing villages in southeastern India. from Iraq on the final voyage of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation before LeBeau has toured with the Pope, jogged with the president and interviewed it was decommissioned. Taylor has interviewed prime ministers and Nobel Oprah. She also has the distinction (with TV colleague Kimberly Hunt) to Peace Prize winners and has been honored repeatedly for her work, including be part of the longest-running female news anchor team in the country. receiving Emmys and other broadcasting accolades. Continuing her lifelong LeBeau now is a motivational speaker and freelance journalist. She is also working community commitments, she currently is a spokesperson for the San Diego as a health advocate for Palomar Health in San Diego. Police Foundation’s Internet campaign against cyberbullying and she is on the board of LEAD San Diego. November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A35

W H E N W O M E N S U C C E E D, E V E R Y O N E WINS.

A great business opens opportunities for everyone. At Union Bank®, we not only foster the development of women in management at, every level of our organization, but we also support the recognition and success of women in the business community.

Union Bank was honored to be named among DiversityInc’s 2014 Top 10 Regional Companies for Diversity.* Internally, we also celebrate women at Union Bank who have earned local and national recognition for their leadership. Our commitment to helping women is a core value, and our Foundation supports over 100 women’s organizations. Join us in supporting women’s success everywhere.

Union Bank is proud to sponsor the San Diego Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Awards.

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Commercial Banking Treasury Services The Private Bank Retail Banking Susan Beat, CTP, Managing Director Carlee Harmonson, Managing Director Marla Black, Managing Director 8588123658 8585515366 6192304670 Gail Ives, Managing Director Shaun Henry, Managing Director 6192303750 7609297047

©2014 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Union Bank is a registered trademark and brand name of MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. *DiversityInc Magazine, June 2014. Page A36 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS 2014 Awards of Distinction Anne Evans - Evans Hotels LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Take yourself back to San Diego in the 1950s. San Diego was ny and guided Evans Hotels through a period of remarkable growth that included feeling the effects of the shrinking of its massive World War II the meticulous Craftsman-era construction of The Lodge at Torrey Pines, adja- military and defense industries that had been an economic jug- cent to the famous golf course and nearby state reserve. The Lodge has garnered gernaut for the region. But a few pioneering visionaries had an an abundance of kudos over the years, with major travel, convention, recreation, idea to jumpstart a new economic direction based on tourism. architectural and landscape awards including the AAA Five Diamond rating for The development of Mission Bay would be the cornerstone 12 consecutive years and inclusion in Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels and of this emerging industry; but dredging the area, diverting the Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Golf Resorts. water flow and establishing parks and boating docks was just a Evans, along with two of her children, became an unstoppable force behind San first step. The city was offering several parcels up to bid, in hopes that various hotel, Diego’s tourism expansion. Through economic downturns and upswings, Evans marina, theme park, and concession operators would jump at the opportunity to be has been a highly visible champion for San Diego’s third largest industry and has the first to build on a new bay — but not everyone was jumping. helped the city to become a top 10 visitor and meeting destination. It was then the recently married Anne and William Evans entered the scene and Her business and community involvement is widespread. She is a member of acquired one of the first parcels. By 1953, they had built and opened the Bahia Mo- the California Tourism Hall of Fame and serves on the board of advisors of the tor Hotel and began attracting a steady stream of visitors. As the Bahia expanded, University of California – San Diego Rady School of Management. She also is a the couple built the Polynesian-themed Catamaran hotel on another corner of the member of the Founders Circle of UCSD’s Preuss Charter School. bay. They also became the operators of historic Belmont Park for several years. In March of this year, Evans was named Chairman Emeritus of Evans Hotels After her husband’s passing in 1984, Anne Evans became chairman of the compa- after presiding over the company as chairman of the board for 30 years.

Lucy Killea - California Senate (Retired) SPIRIT OF SAN DIEGO AWARD Lucy Killea has blazed so many high profile career paths Killea then set her sights on a statewide stage, successfully serving terms in you’d think it could only be done by a fictional heroine. A Tex- the California State Assembly from 1982 to 1989 and the California State Senate as-born powerhouse, Killea spent time in military intelligence from 1989 to 1996 representing the 39th Senate District. A Chamber of Commerce and the CIA after World War II. She attended the first meet- member noted, “she’d brought to Sacramento a blend of strategic vision and tacti- ing of the United Nations General Assembly as a member of cal common sense.” In her last seven years as a state legislator she authorized 114 the U.S. delegation staff, drafting correspondence for Eleanor bills that were signed into law. Roosevelt, to be sent out over the former first lady’s name. It is Killea’s career resonates with her commitment to women’s issues and improv- reported that she was the highest-paid woman working for the ing women’s lives. While serving in the State Assembly, Killea helped to create the CIA in the 1950s. bipartisan Women’s Caucus. She fought for years to implement a licensed midwife She then turned her immense dedication and energy to public service, becoming program which passed in 1993. She is an outspoken environmentalist, introducing a member of the San Diego City Council in the late 1970s, spending one year as San a progressive bill while in the legislature to have government use recycled paper Diego’s vice-mayor. for their publications.

Constance Carroll, Ph.D. - San Diego Community College District DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD Dr. Constance Carroll has been described as “the people’s ly enacted legislation that makes it possible for select community colleges in California chancellor.” As the longest serving CEO of a higher education in- to offer bachelor’s degrees. stitution in San Diego, she has dedicated her career to improving Dr. Carroll has served with distinction on a number of high profile national and local educational opportunities for women, minorities, and disadvan- boards. In 2011, she was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the taged students. She has served as the first woman chancellor of the United States Senate to serve a six-year term on the National Council on the Humanities. San Diego Community College District since 2004. She oversees She also has served on the boards of the American Council on Education, the American the sprawling district with a total enrollment of 130,000 students Association of Community Colleges, the California Council for the Humanities (as chair), at City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges, as well as a seven-campus Continuing Education the WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (as chair) and the division. An additional 42,000 service personnel are enrolled in educational programs Advisory Board of Ms. Magazine. Dr. Carroll’s current local board service includes the provided by the district at military bases in 16 states. University of San Diego, the San Diego Foundation, and the San Diego Museum of Man. She has guided the community college district (California’s second-largest) through And, in a complete departure from her higher education duties, Dr. Carroll has just an amazing transformation including unprecedented student success and more than $1 become an entrepreneur, recently forming a partnership to produce T-shirts and other billion in new construction activity. She led the successful statewide effort to provide products that feature a panda in place of the California flag’s famous stalking grizzly to equitable funding for community colleges and was instrumental in supporting the new- showcase San Diego.

Thella Bowens - San Diego County Regional Airport Authority EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD Thella Bowens wanted to be a nurse when she grew up, but she million annual operating budget, approximately $335 million capital budget and ap- eventually turned her ambitions away from health care and into proximately 360 employees. She also oversees the Authority’s $1.2 billion Terminal another line of work with service at its core. Aviation adminis- Development Program that includes one of the most successful airport expansions in tration became her area of expertise; however, she entered a field U.S. aviation — The Green Build at Terminal 2. Bowens shepherded the cutting-edge where there were few women and few minorities. Bowens took the project through the uncertainty of the recent recession to finish on schedule and on challenge, advancing in positions at major airports including Kan- budget. Bowens is considered a thought leader in the airport management industry. In sas City and Dallas/Ft. Worth before accepting a position in San 2010 she served as a member of the Department of Transportation Secretary Ray La- Diego. In March 2003, Bowens was appointed president/CEO of Hood’s Future of Aviation Advisory Committee. In 2012 she was the chair of Airports the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the new owner and operator of San Council International – North America. Additionally, Bowens is president of the Cali- Diego International Airport. She performed the monumental task of planning and im- fornia Airports Council board of directors, a member of the World Governing Board plementing the transfer of the airport to its role as an independent entity. of Airports Council International, and a board member of the American Association of Bowens now is responsible for management oversight of the Authority, its $145 Airport Executives Policy Review Committee.

Rana Sampson - Union Bank COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Rana Sampson has taken the long and winding road to her pres- in San Diego with a focus on community as the director of public safety for the Univer- ent job as Union Bank’s new vice president, promotions manager sity of San Diego. Sampson’s passion for nonprofit issues led her to a position as vice for the San Diego, Coachella Valley and Riverside Division. A na- president of development and marketing at the San Diego Center for Children where tive New Yorker, she stepped into her first service role as an NYPD she had been a volunteer. patrol officer, undercover narcotics officer and patrol sergeant, Her support for many of San Diego’s community organizations is spread through- where she was awarded several commendations of merit and won out arts, culture, education and economic arenas. She has served as a board trustee, the National Improvement of Justice Award. She then earned a J.D. advisory board member or as a volunteer and donor to numerous nonprofits. She is an with honors from Harvard Law School. Sampson spent time as a established author of publications on crime reduction and has won a number of awards. White House Fellow, a National Institute of Justice Fellow, and senior researcher and According to Sampson, “Everyone I know just tries to keep as many balls in the air as trainer at the Police Executive Research Forum. She established herself as a national they can because it’s our extra efforts that make the most difference.” problem-oriented policing consultant with a global client base and continued her career November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A37

WE’RE ALL FOR GOING THE EXTRA MILE.

WE’RE KAISER PERMANENTE OF SAN DIEGO, and we’re committed to helping you achieve total health. We have over 20 facilities throughout San Diego, including North County, and we’re continuing to grow – adding a new state of the art hospital and new medical offices – to provide San Diegans the best care possible, close to home. We’re also staffing those facilities with some of the brightest medical minds in their fields. In fact, you can choose from over 1100 amazing physicians across 90 specialties. Plus, we provide online tools that make it easy and convenient for you to manage your health. When it comes to helping you live well and be well, we’re going the extra mile and then some. To learn more, visit us at kp.org/sandiego. continued from page A37

Page A38 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS Judges RONNE FROMAN serving on the San Diego Humane So- semblywoman Lucy Killea, director of and the Rescue Mission. REBOOT ciety board and the Wild Animal Park department of inter-governmental re- MELISSA M. ROSNESS Admiral Ronne Conservation Innovation Council and as lations for the City of San Diego and scholarship advisor for Women in De- chief of staff to Mayor Susan Golding. AJINOMOTO ALTHEA, Froman is an efficien- INC. cy expert who has suc- fense. Griffiths also flies public benefits ceeded in traditionally missions as an Angel Flight Command Melissa Rosness is TERESA C. RAMOS male environments. Pilot. the senior director of NAVY REGION operational excellence As a change agent, her careers have SOUTHWEST spanned military, public, private and at Ajinomoto Althea, JUANITA C. HAYES Teresa C. Ramos, a Inc., a contract manufacturing organiza- nonprofit businesses. Froman served in SDG&E the United States Navy for 31 years, and native San Diegan, be- tion specializing in the development and retired a two-star Admiral. She then em- You won’t find gan her federal career manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals barked on several high profile positions Juanita Hayes sitting in 1974 as a correc- for clinical and commercial use. Me- serving the citizens of San Diego that behind a desk. For her tions officer with the Federal Bureau of lissa joined Althea in 1999 as a found- included CEO of the San Diego Impe- entire career she has Prisons. In 1980, she began her service ing member of the organization. Hav- rial Counties Chapter of the American been the “boots on with the Department of the Navy as a ing been at Althea for nearly 16 years, Red Cross where she was instrumental the ground” for organizations, events Human Resources Specialist providing she has played an integral role in the in restoring the confidence in the floun- and individuals ranging from political human resource services to Air, Medical development of Althea’s growth and dering chapter during and after the hor- campaigns to community outreach to and Logistics Commands. Ramos has expansion of service offerings. She is rendous Southern California wildfires. nonprofit fundraising. Today she serves held her current position as the execu- currently responsible for overseeing Al- She also served as the CEO of Monarch as public affairs manager for SDG&E, tive director of Navy Region Southwest thea’s operational excellence program, School Project, a unique public private representing the utility to its North since 2010. She provides oversight for focused on driving sustainable business partnership with San Diego County County customers stretching to Bor- a $700 million budget supporting ten improvements throughout the company. School District, a K-12 school for the rego Springs. Her experience spans Navy Installations and eighteen Reserve She’s previously held management roles homeless in downtown San Diego. Since both coasts with work on high profile Centers in six southwest states. Ramos in manufacturing operations, quality 2010, Froman has been the CEO/Chair projects that have included presidential served on the Department of the Navy’s control, supply chain, contract manage- of REBOOT, a Veterans program that and vice presidential inaugural galas, Advisory Council on Hispanic Employ- ment, and project management. Ros- provides behavioral training for a suc- Kennedy Center Honors, two Republi- ment and as Vice Chairman of the San ness holds a California State Board of cessful transition from military to civil- can National Conventions (San Diego Diego Federal Executive Association. Pharmacy Exemption Certification. She ian life. Recently she was appointed by and New Orleans), and the 1996 Atlanta She has completed appointments on the volunteers with a number of San Diego the President to the Board of Visitors Olympics. Hayes has served as CEO at board of directors for several nonprofit organizations, including the San Diego of the Naval Academy. She has received the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce organizations and is an active mentor Public Library, and is committed to the numerous awards, including the Defense and director of outreach and develop- to those seeking advancement in public San Diego community. Distinguished Service Medal, Distin- ment for Cal State San Marcos’ Col- service careers. She is a recipient of the guished Daughters of Pennsylvania, lege of Business. Her nonprofit efforts Department of the Navy’s Superior Ci- include service on a number of boards vilian Service Award, a four time recip- LEE WILLS-IRVINE LEAD San Diego Visionary Award, San QUALCOMM INC. Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce including the California Center for the ient of the Department of the Navy’s Spirit of San Diego, and Girls Scouts Arts, The San Diego North Convention Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Lee Wills-Irvine’s Cool Woman. & Visitors Bureau and the Boys and work assisted Qual- Girls Club of San Marcos where she has comm in receiving helped launch a pilot program that will LISA RICHARDS many diversity related GEORGIA GRIFFITHS be introduced to other clubs around the PICNIC PEOPLE/ awards, including rec- G2 SOFTWARE country — Military Youth of the Year. FESTIVITIES ognition by the Human Rights Council; SYSTEMS INC. Lisa Richards has Athena San Diego Pinnacle Award; Earl Before forming her been a leader in the ca- B. Gilliam Bar Association Corporate KIMBERLEY LAYTON own company in tering and hospitality Leadership Award for Diversity; San Di- SAN DIEGO field for more than 30 ego County Corporation of the Year for 1989, Georgia Grif- CHARGERS fiths worked for both years. Starting a family owned business Meritorious Support of Veterans; and private industry and for government Kimberley Layton in 1984, she and her husband grew var- G.I. Job 2014 Top 100 Military Friendly support contractors through TRW, Ben- joined the San Di- ious related businesses, most of which Employer. She currently serves on the dix, SolarTurbines, and Compusec in ego Chargers in 2000 were successful. Failures were learning governance board of Walden Family areas including technical, management, and has expanded the experiences which honed her skill on the Services and is a member of the Na- product management, and marketing. Chargers’ outreach and impact in the next endeavor. As founder and CEO, her tional Center for Women in Informa- Her revolutionary “Tea Leaf Algo- community ever since. As director of responsibilities really encompass “do tion Technology (NCWIT). Previously, rithm,” published in Communication of public affairs and corporate/commu- whatever it takes to get the job done.” Wills-Irvine was the board chair of the ACM, July 1987, afforded algorithms nity relations, she has been the driving Richards is an entrepreneur who enjoys Urban League of San Diego and served with error-detection and increased force behind creating programs and focusing on marketing and sales. Over on the board of directors for LEAD San speed. After 16 years in the computer initiatives to enhance the Chargers’ cor- the years she received numerous awards Diego. She is a recipient of the Women engineering industry, Griffiths launched porate, business, educational and char- including Ernst and Young Entrepre- Who Mean Business Award by the San G2 Software Systems Inc providing itable relationships. She also oversees neur of the Year; Best Catered Event Diego Business Journal. Wills-Irvine support services to the Department of the Chargers Community Foundation, by Special Event Magazine; Emerg- has a bachelor’s of science degree in Defense and commercial companies. which has provided more than $4 mil- ing Business of the Year by San Diego business administration and executive Griffiths has endowed two science, tech- lion in benefits to San Diego’s youth Chamber of Commerce; and Business education in leadership from UCLA An- nology, engineering and mathematics and educational communities. Hun- of the Year, San Diego Small Business derson School of Business and a Certif- (STEM) scholarships at her undergrad- dreds of community groups receive Administration. Richard’s commitment icate in Human Resources from Chap- uate alumni, CSULB, where she funded support from Layton’s outreach efforts. to the community is far reaching. Her man University. a lecture hall and computer lab in the Prior to her work with the Chargers, support has included Mama’s Kitch- university’s new STEM facility. Her Layton served in local government for en, San Diego Bowl Game Association, community activities have included many years as chief of staff for As- LEAD San Diego, Junior Achievement SUPPLEMENT FACTS ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & VICE PRESIDENT...... AMY WIMER SALES MANAGER...... DALE GANZOW ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE...... APRIL GINGRAS SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR ...... PATTI ANDERSON ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE...... RICK BUSHREE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE...... KENDAHL STEIN PRODUCTION...... SUZAN PETERSON ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE...... KOREY CASTILLO

SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL l 4909 MURPHY CANYON ROAD, SUITE 200 l SAN DIEGO, CA 92123 l 858.277.6359 l FAX 858.277.2149 l E-MAIL: [email protected] l WEB SITE: WWW.SDBJ.COM November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A39

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS Winners HELEN ADAMS and universities, including the “In the NATALIE AFSHARI, M.D. the few surgeons nationally to implant Managing Partner Executive’s Chair” series at California Professor of Ophthalmology; a device known as a keratoprosthesis — HASKELL & WHITE LLP State University San Marcos (CSUSM). Chief/Cornea and Refractive considered a last resort for patients with Helen Adams can kick She teaches courses in marketing pro- Surgery multiple failed corneal transplants. UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH up her heels in more ways fessional services, personal branding Dr. Afshari has been recognized with SCIENCES than one. She is a well-re- and ethics in business. She is an active numerous awards and was recently hon- spected and long-time participant in member of the American Institute of Dr. Natalie Afshari is an interna- ored with an endowed chair, as Stuart both the accounting profession and the CPAs and the California CPA Society tionally renowned clinician, surgeon, I. Brown, MD, Chair in Ophthalmolo- San Diego community. She has more and also is active in the leadership of author and research scientist. She holds gy In Memory of Donald P. Shiley. She than 25 years of real estate and part- many local organizations - including concurrent positions at UC San Diego was named on the U.S. News and World nership financing expertise specializing a member of the CSUSM Foundation Health Sciences as Chief of Cornea Report Top Doctors List 2013 in the in LLC structures and alternative ener- Board, the membership committee and Refractive Surgery and Professor special top one percent category which gy industry financing. From consulting of the Corporate Directors’ Forum, of Ophthalmology; one of the key sur- recognizes the best-of-the-best doctors with U.S. and international companies Women Corporate Directors and geons at Shiley Eye Center and the new nationally. The American Academy of preparing for IPOs to providing M&A Women of Wind Energy. She has been director of education overseeing the Ophthalmology has awarded her with expert testimony, proficiency in tech- actively involved with organizations residents, fellows and training of the a Senior Achievement Award this year. nology, life science, clean-technology, such as Junior Achievement, Make- next generation of ophthalmologists. Reflecting the diversity of her in- alternative energy and real estate ad- A-Wish, Senior Community Cen- An international leader and trend set- terests and talents, Dr. Afshari also has vice she provides the clients at Haskell ters, the American Cancer Society, ter in the field of corneal diseases and developed an iPhone/Web application & White a wealth of specialized exper- Chairmen’s Roundtable, Software San surgical procedures to restore sight, called DSEK (Descemet stripping en- tise. Diego, LEAD Class of 1995, the she held two major National Institutes dothelial keratoplasty) Calculator that Adams also is an accomplished com- YWCA, Planned Parenthood and St. of Health grants in 2013 to solve the predicts the refractive shift in a patient’s petitive country dancer which she refers William of York Catholic church. She genomics mystery of Fuchs’ Corneal eyes after cataract and corneal trans- to as “Ballroom in Boots.” She has been walked in the Susan G. Komen breast Dystrophy, a common ocular disease plantation, based on mathematical for- a UCWDC member, teacher, judge and cancer three day walk in both 2007 and that causes blindness. Since arriving at mulas that she developed and published. competitive dancer earning 10 World 2008. She has also served as chairper- UC San Diego, Dr. Afshari has worked She also developed a language bank that Championship titles in country western son of the board of Athena San Diego. on 27 manuscripts for publication. She is translates the basic eye exam into nine dancing. Although she stopped compet- frequently invited to give talks nation- different languages. She herself knows ing in 2012, she continues to teach stu- ally and internationally for resident and four languages. dents who compete in the sport. fellow graduations and scientific confer- Dr. Afshari is on the board of direc- Adams has received honors through- ences. tors of the San Diego Eye Bank, the out her career and is both a YWCA The U.S. Food and Drug Administra- largest eye bank in California. In addi- TWIN honoree and past chairperson tion has consulted with Dr. Afshari on tion, she has traveled to West Africa, of the TWIN award program and is a the safety and efficacy of various oph- continued on page A40 frequent guest lecturer at local colleges thalmologic treatments. She is one of

Abacus congratulates all the winners of the San Diego Business Journal’s 2014 Women Who Mean Business Awards.

A special congratulations to Alessandra Lezama CEO, ABACUS DATA SYSTEMS Page A40 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS WINNERS continued from page A39

Central America and Mexico to offer USD, but stayed at home to continue agement system that provides a seam- JAN CALDWELL eye care and surgeries to the needy. The helping her parents and brothers, grad- less educational experience between Director of Public Affairs Christian Eye Ministry has recognized uating with honors. Arabo came to RJS online and onsite environments. Bean SAN DIEGO COUNTY her exceptional service in helping to LAW directly from Neighborhood Na- played a key role as Associate Provost SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT restore sight to more than 14,000 blind tional Bank where she assisted in com- during the regional accreditation recer- As Director of Public patients in West Africa. munity outreach and public relations. tification that resulted in a successful Affairs for the San Diego She has a diverse background and for nine-year renewal from the Western County Sheriff ’s Department, Jan Cald- the last 10 years she was a property Association of Schools and Colleges well is one of the most visible public KAREMI ALVAREZ manager for Shamoun Investments Co. (WASC) Senior College and University affairs officers in the San Diego region. UC San Diego Wellness where she marketed and operated an Commission. She currently serves as a member of the Programs Supervisor impressive portfolio of commercial and Before her role as Provost, Bean UC SAN DIEGO SCHOOL Sheriff ’s Executive Team, overseeing all real estate properties throughout San was the first Dean of National Univer- media operations, including internal and OF MEDICINE Diego County. This experience, along- sity’s School of Media and Communi- Karemi Alvarez is a external communications, marketing side the four years she spent owning cation, where she developed numerous and public information. She completely committed community champion fo- and operating the Fashion Flooring and degree programs and launched several cused on improving the health of un- restructured media operations creating Design Center, led to Arabo serving key projects, such as “San Diego 6,” a public safety outreach via mainstream derserved communities. As UC San as project manager and chief designer multimedia program designed to pro- Diego Wellness Programs supervisor media and social media. This greatly on a number of large scale residential mote health, exercise, and nutrition to enhanced the Sheriff ’s Department’s from 2007-2009, she coordinated the and commercial remodeling projects. As children. She also partnered with San California Department of Public Health ability to communicate with the public. chief marketing officer for RJS LAW, Ysidro elementary school to introduce Her recent accomplishments include the Latino 5-a-Day Campaign, which used Arabo has assisted in streamlining the technological innovations. culturally and linguistically-appropri- direction of the media response in the firm’s marketing efforts and has helped high-profile criminal investigation of ate mass media and community-based stimulate a significant increase in both approaches to encourage Latinos to the Hannah Anderson kidnapping case. revenue and brand awareness. WENDI BRICK She also led the public information ef- eat healthy and be active. The program President and CEO Arabo sits on the board of numerous forts during the fires that ravaged San reached more than 100,000 Latino charities and organizations and is partic- CUSTOMER SERVICE adults. She became assistant director ADVANTAGE, INC. Diego County in the spring of 2014. ularly passionate about promoting busi- Formerly a special agent with the of San Diego NAPAC — Nutrition and ness development in the East County Wendi Brick is a tes- Physical Activity Collaborative — a tament to the American FBI, Caldwell investigated criminal community where she has lived for more cases and was involved in undercover dynamic partnership of more than 150 than 40 years. She is currently in her dream. She committed her time and organizations that strive to promote talents to start a small business, grow assignments including locations in FBI eighth year serving on the San Diego foreign offices in Bern, Switzerland and healthy eating, physical activity and East County Chamber of Commerce’s that business into a successful enter- positive lifestyles in underserved com- prise and as she expanded, provided Ottawa, Canada. Her investigations in- board of directors, beginning her term cluded deployment to many high-pro- munities. Her efforts working with Lati- as chairwoman of the board in 2014. She meaningful jobs that allowed her em- no youth and organizations in the City ployees to thrive. Brick heads Custom- file incidents such as Washington, D.C. also is currently a board member for the following the 9/11 attacks and Okla- of Chula Vista led to the revitalization Chamber’s Foundation Board. In 2009, er Service Advantage, Inc. and targets of Lauderbach Park. communications training for those in homa City with the Murrah Federal Arabo was awarded the “Outstand- Building bombing. While at the agen- Alvarez has established and lever- ing Chamber Service Award” from the the public sector. She is directly respon- aged important partnerships with nu- sible for business development and has cy, she volunteered to coordinate the chamber, and was also nominated as a Employee Assistance Program, both in merous community organizations that Woman in Leadership in 2013 and 2014. grown the business organically without have created innovative initiatives to taking out a single outside investment. San Francisco and San Diego. This was Arabo has also been appointed to the a new program and her impact in this address obesity and chronic disease San Diego Gas and Electric Community In 2014, the company experienced a prevention. In 2013 she was the central 40 percent growth and grew the team “ancillary” responsibility is significant. Advisory Council for 2014, and is an ac- The Employee Assistance Program ul- organizer for the implementation of tive member of the Downtown San Di- from two to five in just a year. To ensure the National City Mobilizing Change the quality of services provided to the timately grew into a Critical Incident ego Partnership. She completed a two- Response Team, and she was designat- Initiative which helped students suc- year term on the Grossmont-Cuyamaca community is the best, Brick has helped cessfully engaged the National City train more than 10,000 public sector ed the Western Regional Team Leader. Community College District Citizen’s 1993, with Hurricane Andrew, Jan trav- Chamber of Commerce, their school Bond Oversight Committee and has employees during her career. She also principal, school district personnel, and has authored the book “The Science of eled to Miami and helped conduct de- been a reserve board member for the briefings to assist victims coping with the city’s mayor in securing funding for Ladies of Hope since 2010. She is help- Service: Six Essential Elements for Cre- sustainable sources of free, clean drink- ating a Culture of Service in the Pub- the aftermath of this devastating storm. ing spearhead a new program in San Di- Many victims were provided the neces- ing water through hydration stations ego’s East County where she is building lic Sector.” The methodology outlined placed throughout Sweetwater High has been proven effective in enhancing sary tools to deal with their loss. bridges between nonprofit organizations Caldwell serves on the board of di- School, reducing their consumption of and new refugees. service delivery across many indus- sugary drinks. tries. Brick has won many awards for rectors of the San Diego County Crime Alvarez has volunteered with Poli- her company’s work including the 2014 Stoppers and the board of trustees cyLink — a national research and action Outstanding Emerging Micro Business, at Scripps Health. She is active in her DEBRA BEAN church and PEO, an international phil- institute advancing economic and social Provost San Diego Regional Chamber of Com- anthropic and educational organization. equity — where she developed toolkits NATIONAL UNIVERSITY merce Winner and 2012 Annual Stew- that provide community-based organi- ardship Award, Municipal Management Debra Bean was zations and community members with Association of Southern California. named National Univer- MARY CASE guides, best practices and promising Brick continues to be committed to sity Interim Provost in Executive Director solutions to address challenges in cre- providing financial support to a variety 2013 and in 2014 became Provost. She CRISIS HOUSE ating healthy environments and oppor- of local, nonprofit organizations that oversees the academic direction for Cal- tunities for physical activity and healthy help women survivors of domestic vi- In her short tenure at ifornia’s 2nd largest private, nonprofit eating. olence, children, animals, and the envi- Crisis House, Executive university, which offers more than 100 ronment. Among these are Leap to Suc- Director Mary Case has academic degrees through classes at 28 cess, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San overseen a remarkable growth in the campuses, as well as online. She brings RENAE ARABO Diego County, Promises2Kids, Boys & nonprofit that supports San Diego’s more than a decade of experience in Chief Marketing Officer Girls Club of San Marcos, Rady Chil- homeless population. She has devel- higher education administration. Her RJS LAW dren’s Hospital, and the Escondido Hu- oped a three year strategic plan with collaborative leadership style and con- As the oldest child mane Society. key stakeholders, reduced expenses by tributions as National University’s Ac- $20,000, renegotiated HUD contracts born to immigrant par- ademic CEO has fostered a culture of ents from Iraq who spoke adding $26,000 in revenue and raised innovation and high quality academics $60,000 in unrestricted revenue in the little English, early on Renae Arabo that puts students first. She has pro- was given a level of responsibility most first 18 months. Under Case’s direction, vided leadership and forged universi- Crisis House was awarded a clean audit kids never see. She began kindergarten ty-wide collaboration to ensure contin- speaking no English at all and quickly from Housing and Urban Development ued evaluation and enhancements of in 2014 and external financial audits in had to learn the language so she could the university’s learning management translate important documents and 2012 and 2013. She also has implement- system, making it a priority for National ed an intern training program with doctor’s appointments, and fill out pa- University students and faculty to have perwork for her parents. She attended access to a “Best in Class” learning man- continued on page A41 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A41

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS WINNERS continued from page A40 four local colleges. Case actively advo- 2012, after nearly a decade of putting AIMEE FAUCETT includes serving on the board of di- cates for the underserved as a founding MaintenanceNet on the map, Crothers Executive Vice President and rectors for the Jacobs Cushman San member on the Mayor’s Task Force on was named vice president of market- Chief Operating Officer Diego Food Bank, the American Red the Homeless, president and longtime ing. Less than two years later in 2014, SAN DIEGO REGIONAL Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties board member of the Regional Task she was appointed vice president of CHAMBER OF Chapter, and I Love A Clean San Di- Force on the Homeless and a steering global marketing and also placed in COMMERCE ego. In 2004, she was selected by San committee member of the Regional charge of global product management Aimee Faucett has served the com- Diego Metropolitan for the “Forty Continuum of Care Council that dis- and internal communications. Crothers munities of San Diego for 18 years Under Forty Honor Role.” tributes $15 million of federal funding was central to the doubling of Mainte- while working in the legislative and annually to the region. Case prefers to nanceNet’s European business and op- executive branches of the City of San work in the background when others erations and its delivery of more than Diego and voluntarily serves on sev- MINDY FLETCHER receive the attention. Her satisfaction 2.5 billion service quotes and hundreds eral nonprofit boards. Today, Faucett Partner CRUX PARTNERS lies in a job well done and her accolades of millions of dollars in new revenue holds the position of executive vice come from those whose lives she has streams for customers in 2013 and president/chief operating officer for Helping other women saved. MaintenanceNet’s year-over-year rev- the San Diego Regional Chamber of succeed has always been a For 30 years prior to coming to Cri- enue growth of 42 percent that same Commerce. She has helped to re-brand passion for Mindy Fletch- sis House, Case served as vice president year, along with 33 percent increase in and re-energize the chamber which er. She used her position as the first fe- of programs of Father Joe’s Villages. staff. Crothers also was successful in has been a truly remarkable turn- male spokesperson for the U.S. Justice Under her leadership, St. Vincent de helping MaintenanceNet secure more around that has positioned the advo- Department to assemble a team of tal- Paul Village (a partner agency of Fa- than $12 million in funding. An avid cacy association as the respected voice ented women whom she then helped ther Joe’s Villages), grew from a 100- writer, Crothers finds time to contrib- for business and a strong economy in move on to senior positions such as bed shelter to a 900-bed rehabilitation ute “how to” articles on marketing and San Diego. White House Press Secretary and Press center for the homeless. technology to industry trade journals Prior to joining the San Diego Re- Secretary for the First Lady. Today, with a goal of helping other profes- gional Chamber of Commerce she was Fletcher and her partner own the all-fe- sionals understand best practices to the Deputy Chief of Staff to former male Crux Partners with start-up clients KELLY CROTHERS move their businesses forward. Mayor Jerry Sanders and also served such as Zeeto Media and TrustEgg and Vice President, Global Crothers has helped spearhead a as Chief of Staff to former San Di- will be leading the PR effort for the fe- Marketing number of programs for Maintenan- ego City Councilmembers Kevin L. male-run, Southern California company MAINTENANCENET, INC. ceNet employees to contribute to the Faulconer and Jim Madaffer where she that will be training citizen astronauts In 2004, while still community and has initiated company oversaw the day-to-day operations and for the first private space flights. under the age of 30, Kel- involvement in blood drives, backpack was responsible for community rep- Fletcher has left a quiet legacy of ly Crothers took a gamble and joined donations for underprivileged school resentation, policy, communications, female accomplishments. During her MaintenanceNet, an up-and-coming children, participation in charitable office management and legislative re- husband’s two bids for mayor of San San Diego area high-tech startup com- events and more. She also is dedicat- lations. Her first position with the City Diego, she led a 1,000 person women’s pany. As marketing manager she soon ed to the success of female executives of San Diego was a community liaison coalition that included a roundtable for became a key player in the company’s within the company, and actively serves for former Councilmember Judy Mc- businesswomen and plans to incorporate global expansion and its rapid rise to as an advocate for their career advance- Carty. more women into city government. In a position of leadership. In October ment and day-to-day challenges. Faucett’s community involvement continued on page A44

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2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS WINNERS continued from page A41 1999, she became Press Secretary for the help them become first generation col- of Surgeons has granted a Three-Year tist and clinician. Dr. Donna Hansel has Bush-Cheney 2000 campaign, where she lege students. Accreditation with Commendation to strived for excellence in both realms, worked closely with national and region- Alvarado Hospital’s Community Can- despite time limitations and many who al media and managed the day-to-day op- cer Program. Gomez initiated the first believe success in both arenas is dif- erations of the communications division. INDRA GARDINER partnership with neighbor SDSU as a ficult to achieve. She has done this in In 2001, she became the first woman to BOWERS supporter of the Aztec football and bas- conjunction with being a mother of be appointed Director of Public Affairs Chief Influence Officer ketball teams. Her heart reaches far be- 4-year old twins. Dr. Hansel is among at the United States Department of Jus- I.D.E.A. yond the hospital’s outreach. She serves only a handful of women nationally tice. In 2002, she was named Director of For more than 20 years, on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs who serve as division chief at a top-ti- Communications for the Republican Na- Indra Gardiner Bowers of Greater San Diego, volunteers at er academic medical center, and she was tional Committee for President Bush’s has led clients through creative think- Stand Down San Diego and participates only 41 years of age when selected for first mid-term election. In 2005, Min- ing and strategic execution in the fields in the American Heart Association’s this honor. She was recruited to UC dy served as Deputy Chief of Staff to of public relations and social media, fo- Heart Walk. San Diego School of Medicine in 2013 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and cusing on the integration of those disci- to take the helm as Chief of Division then Deputy Campaign Manager to his plines in the digital space with market- of Anatomic Pathology. In this capaci- 2006 re-election campaign. Both prior ing strategy. As a founder and the chief SHAINA GROSS ty, she is leading the restructuring and to her work with Schwarzenegger and influence officer of i.d.e.a., she oversees Senior Vice President, Chief expansion of the Division of Anatom- after, Mindy served as Senior Vice Pres- not only strategy for clients but the Impact Officer ic Pathology, in advance of its move ident for Ogilvy Public Relations where overall operations and company culture UNITED WAY OF SAN to the Jacobs Medical Center, which she provided strategic communications of the agency. DIEGO COUNTY opens in 2016. Dr. Hansel is playing a counsel to corporate, non-profit, and Gardiner Bowers has been deeply Shaina Gross truly vital role in positioning the university government clients. involved with the Public Relations So- works to “Live United” — United Way as a national referral center for highly Fletcher is a member of sever- ciety of America over many years on a of San Diego County’s motto — ev- specialized complex, multi-disciplinary al business organizations such as the local, regional and national level; cur- ery day. Gross currently is senior vice care. A recognized leader in diagnosing Downtown Partnership and the San Di- rently, she is immediate past chair of the president, chief impact officer for the bladder cancer, Dr. Hansel was recently ego Venture Group. She also has been Counselors Academy, a national PRSA agency, overseeing the development of appointed a contributor for the section active in women-focused organizations section for agency owners and leaders. community goals, strategies and tac- on bladder cancer in World Health Or- like Hera Hub and Athena. She is an ad- She has spoken nationally about public tics, and community collaborations and ganization Classification of Tumors of vocate for charter schools and STEM relations, social media and agency inte- partnerships in the areas of education, the Urinary System and Male Genital education through her work with com- gration. income, health and homelessness. In ad- Organs (4th ed.) and was also appointed munity groups and through her own Gardner Bowers has a long history dition, she is responsible for the alloca- to the urinary tract and kidney staging personal experience as a parent at Ex- of giving back to the community and, tion of resources to the community, and chapters for the upcoming eight edition plorer Elementary Charter School. in 2009, she won the PRSA’s Eva Irving overall mobilization and engagement of American Joint Committee on Can- Award for Community Service. She has efforts. She has played an integral role cer Staging Handbook. These reference served on the board at the executive in launching various impact projects, materials are used by doctors around DELINDA FORSYTHE committee level for the National Con- bringing the national program “Ways the world to classify a patient’s tumor President/CEO flict Resolution Center for 10 years, and to Work” to San Diego, providing and diagnose its severity Innovative Commercial she currently sits on the Art Advisory transportation solutions for working Widely recognized by the medical Environments Committee of the San Diego Interna- families; developing the City Heights community as a national authority on DeLinda Forsythe tional Airport. She actually met partner Partnership for Children, providing a diagnosing bladder cancers, Dr. Han- discovered the furniture Jonathan Bailey at a fundraiser for Ma- network of support for underprivileged sel has published more than 70 papers, industry when her son Alex was a few ma’s Kitchen more than 20 years ago, youth; and stewarding data collection numerous book chapters and three months old and immediately recognized and now she and Jon are co-chairs for through the “Voices for Common Good text books on the topic she also main- that income potential and creative possi- the 2015 Silver Anniversary Celebra- Opportunity Report” — a new report tains an active research laboratory that, bilities seamlessly merged with her abil- tion for the organization. based on more than 120 community with support from National Cancer In- ities. She juggled the demands of a 50 to conversations. Findings from this re- stitute and American Cancer Society, 60 hour work week, typically long after port include valuable information about seeks to improve the lives of patients the baby was asleep, and was ultimate- ROBIN GOMEZ poverty levels, limited access to resourc- with bladder cancer. A major focus of ly able to become successful. Forsythe Administrator es and job acquisition difficulties. Gross her research currently is to identify started Innovative Commercial Envi- ALVARADO HOSPITAL also oversees the growth and establish- molecular alterations in bladder cancer ronments (ICE) to help her son realize Robin Gomez is one ment of United Way’s Women’s Lead- that worsen patient outcomes and to his educational goals. She had no prior of a small, but growing ership Council, consisting of key female use these profiles to develop new ther- management, accounting or leadership number of female hos- community leaders and major donors. apies. She also has been active with the experience, but found a natural abili- pital administrators. Gomez has risen Additionally she established the first American Cancer Society to present pa- ty to grow the business. In 2012, ICE through ranks, from a background as statewide Planned Parenthood hotline tient-based forums as related to bladder added a Hospitality Furniture Division, a labor and delivery nurse to an expert serving 100 counties. cancer. This work is critical in helping realizing that the divisions of work and in transitioning hospitals. Gomez is re- The 35-year-old Gross has made a to raise awareness about bladder can- play have become extremely blurred. sponsible for all aspects of managing significant impact. She is a LEAD San cer. In addition, she has been a course This revolutionary addition put ICE in the 300-bed Alvarado Hospital, almost Diego graduate, a nominee for the Herb director of United States and Canadian a unique position with several clients, 800 employees and 400 physicians, es- Klein Visionary Award and was named Academy of Pathology Short Course architects and interior designers as they tablishing operational efficiencies, im- as a “35 under 35 Future Leaders of San for 10 years, helping to train the next offered a distinctive perception of what plementing new service lines, establish- Diego.” She also is certified in nonprof- generation of physicians. In 2013, she a “new” commercial space should en- ing cooperative teams and spearheading it management through the Harvard also completed a five-year, $5.7 million compass. This has led to ICE being se- physician relations and ensuring high Business School. Gross continues to contract to lead the prospective bladder lected to provide all the amenity furni- quality care. In less than three years, she impact those surrounding her through cancer collection for the National Insti- ture, fixtures and equipment for Biomed has achieved tremendous accomplish- her past volunteer efforts with the San tutes of Health-funded Cancer Genome Realty’s i3 campus in 2016 and to be ments. The hospital was ranked among Diego HIV/AIDS Funding Collabora- Atlas Project. short listed for Petco’s new corporate the top five percent in the nation for tive, Ocean Beach Town Council, Cock- headquarters in 2015. clinical care out of almost 4,500 hospi- tails for a Cause and the Orange County Forsythe is a strong advocate for tals by Healthgrade and among Amer- Rape Crisis Center. SHAUN HENRY supporting and sponsoring organiza- ica’s 100 Best Hospitals for orthopedic Managing Director tions such as Biocom, NAIOP and ULI surgery, spine surgery and critical care. UNION BANK which support the business and legisla- Consumer Reports ranked Alvarado DONNA HANSEL, M.D., Over a 39-year career tive advocacy of the San Diego commu- one of only three hospitals in San Di- PH.D. in banking, Henry has nity. She is an active member of Vistage ego to be recognized nationally for pa- Professor of Pathology; achieved success at each Chief, Division of Anatomic and the nonprofit organization TERi, tient safety related to surgery. Under level starting as a teller to rise to some of Pathology helping to raise funds for a research and her direction, the hospital will open UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH the highest levels in the banking indus- training campus for individuals with au- the Advanced Spine & Joint Institute SCIENCES try. As the managing director of Union tism and learning disabilities. Forsythe in November, the first Marshall Steele Bank’s expansive San Diego North also plays a role in Reality Changers, a joint replacement program in San Di- One of the challenges of a physi- Region, Henry has guided her area to San Diego nonprofit that provides sup- ego County. Additionally, the Commis- cian-scientist career is to balance in achieve status as one of Union Bank’s port to disadvantaged youth in order to sion on Cancer of the American College many ways a “double” career as a scien- continued on page A45 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A45

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS WINNERS continued from page A44 top 10 regions based on a wide variety of her practice involves assisting indi- International Committee. She contrib- community resources for veterans and of metrics. Henry was recognized as a viduals within vulnerable populations, utes pro bono work with “Alliance San connecting those resources to service bank leader for the first quarter of 2014 including asylum-seekers, survivors Diego”, a local human and civil rights members before they transition out of when she led her region to become a top of domestic violence, and traditional- organization. Jacobs also is heavily in- the military. In 2013 she oversaw the three region in the bank for sales and ly disadvantaged communities. Among volved with the San Diego Table on San Diego Grantmakers Annual Con- service. She excels in working in diverse her recent victories, Jacobs successfully Immigration Politics, where she partici- ference which was attended by more markets. Because of her skills, talent and secured a two-year stay for a gay man pates in advocacy efforts and she serves than 160 people. It is the only event of implementation abilities she is frequently from Uganda who had lost all appeals as the chairman of the Advisory Board its kind in the region. Under Jamison’s called upon within the bank to work on and won asylum relief for an ethnic of the “Immigration Justice Project” of leadership Grantmakers’ Homeless- new initiatives. Henry spearheaded an Korean woman from Russia who was the American Bar Association. And, she ness Working Group helped secure $13 employee development program in her facing persecution. Jacobs has helped balances this dedication with raising a million in public funds, and organized region to mentor and coach people to be hundreds of undocumented youth to six-year old daughter. cross-sector stakeholders for projects rising stars in the Bank and she is con- obtain their work permits through the aimed at alleviating homelessness; it’s sidered one of the best leader-coaches in Deferred Action for Childhood Arriv- Transition Age Youth Funders lev- Union Bank. als program. In 2013 she successfully NANCY JAMISON eraged $5 million in public funding to Henry is a 2013 LEAD Impact Class launched Immigration Lawyers Acting President and CEO build five TAY Academy sites that serve graduate and is an active board mem- in the Community (ILAC) — a free, pro- SAN DIEGO San Diego’s former foster youth; and ber on the San Diego Botanical Gar- fessional association that provides men- GRANTMAKERS Coming Home to Stay pooled local phil- den board. Over the years, she has been torship, training, and affinity between Since Nancy Jamison’s anthropic resources with an additional the Union Bank Walk Chairwoman for local immigration practitioners. Jacobs leadership of San Diego $500,000 grant from the Robert Wood American Heart Association and helped is extensively published and often fea- Grantmakers (SDG) began in 2005, the Johnson Foundation to help more than with Junior Achievement financial lit- tured on both television and web broad- organization has grown and evolved 200 former prisoners get the services eracy efforts. Henry raised four sons as casts on various immigration topics. She into one of San Diego’s most influential they need to stay out of jail, single mom, giving up her own college has been acknowledged for her work in associations supporting philanthropy. Beyond this work, Jamison has dreams so that each of her sons could this field on a national and local level. SDG’s membership has more than dou- served as a board member for the Chil- graduate from college. In 2007, she received the prestigious bled, maintaining a 95 percent retention dren’s Hospital Auxiliary, National President’s Commendation from the na- rate, and Jamison has greatly expanded Charity League, San Dieguito Acade- tional AILA organization for Outstand- the organization’s role as a facilitator of my Foundation and the Canyon Crest GINGER JACOBS ing Achievement in Coalition Building collaborative efforts among funders and Academy Foundation, as well as on the Partner/Attorney at Law in her Community. In 2013, Jacobs re- other stakeholders to collectively tack- Community Council for Young Non- JACOBS & SCHLESINGER ceived the San Diego Daily Transcript le community issues. Jamison recently profit Professionals San Diego. She is LLP Award as 2013 Top Attorney in the facilitated the Military Transition Sup- currently a board member for the na- For the past decade area of Immigration. This peer voting port Project, an unprecedented year- tional Forum of Regional Associations Ginger Jacobs has pas- process identified her as a leader in the long collaboration among San Diego’s of Grantmakers and is a member of the sionately grown her small business immigration practice area. military, government agencies, elect- 2014 Association of Fundraising Pro- law practice of Jacobs & Schlesinger Jacobs is an active member of the ed officials, nonprofits, businesses, and fessionals National Philanthropy Day LLP, dedicating herself to immigra- San Diego Regional Chamber of Com- philanthropic institutions to develop a Honorary Committee. tion rights and reforms. A key aspect merce where she is involved with the comprehensive plan for coordinating continued on page A46

ACHIEVE A HIGHER LEVEL OF FINANCIAL SECURITY. Security isn’t something you just hope for. You build it with a solid financial plan. Addressing the costs of long- term care as part of your plan can help you achieve financial security. Who’s helping you build your financial future?

Candace Berkman CLTC Financial Representative CA# 0C49250 (619) 230-8095 candaceberkman.com

05-3066 © 2014 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities) and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and member of FINRA and SIPC. Candace H Berkman, Insurance Agent(s) of NM. Candace H Berkman, Registered Representative(s) of NMIS. Page A46 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS WINNERS continued from page A45

JESSICA KALLOCH also serves on the San Diego Building 30 states and more than 80 cities nation- community. Korn’s Sonic Boom, a soft- Business Development Engineers Association (SDBEA) as ex- wide and includes well respected PET- ware-based wellness company, is thriv- Director ecutive secretary. Her latest endeavor is CO/Pooch Hotels, Camp Bow Wow, ing with a 206 percent revenue growth BILL HOWE FAMILY OF the Mentorship Program through the Dogtopia and some of the best “mom over the past three years. She has led COMPANIES SDBEA. She demonstrates an unwaver- and pop” boarding facilities in the coun- this debt-free, fast-growing, 100 per- In her role as business ing dedication to her profession, person- try. Businesses do not pay to be listed cent privately held company to more development director for the Bill Howe al growth and devotion to her husband with Furlocity. Instead, each facility un- than $5 million in revenues, with 64 Family of Companies, Jessica Kalloch and rescue animals. dergoes a rigorous screening process. percent gross margins. She is at the cen- is integral to the company’s customer This September, Kirsten-Smit oversaw ter of all product-design discussions at the launch of Furlocity’s version 2.0 Sonic Boom and recently played an in- acquisition and positive customer rela- AMBER KIRSTEN-SMIT tions. Kalloch actually created her cur- of its new website highlighting a char- tegral role in the design and develop- President/Co-Founder ity-driven program call “Book a Stay, ment of an innovative activity-tracking rent role from the ground up. There FURLOCITY, INC. Change a Life!” A portion of the site’s device called the Boomerang™. Thanks was no such position at Bill Howe, or Pointing to Jane proceeds will be donated to organiza- to this brand-new device, mail and com- any other like it in the local industry Goodall as her hero, tions including Labrador Harbor, Dogs puter access are no longer necessary for at the time. She has enhanced the com- Kirsten-Smit feels for- On Deployment, K9s For Warriors and employee populations to participate in munication structure across divisions tunate she was able to spend several the Morris Animal Foundation. high-tech wellness programming. The for the Bill Howe Family of Companies months studying ex-captive and indig- Kirsten-Smit recently was named device is a finalist for CONNECT’s and her role as liaison has bridged a gap enous orangutans at Camp Leakey’s the winner of the coveted “2014 Rising Most Innovative New Product Award that previously existed between service Tanjung Puting Reserve in the cen- Star Pet Industry Woman of the Year” in 2014. and end-product. Kalloch brings in an tral jungles of Borneo. However, her award given by the Women in the Pet In addition to her guidance of Sonic average of $700,000 in quarterly sales passion for animals refocused on more Industry organization. And, Pet Age Boom, Korn has led the support group and in her tenure with the company, domesticated species in recent years Magazine selected Furlocity as one of she founded 23 years ago, R.O.C.K. has consistently grown the commercial with her co-founding the first online the top three winners for the prestigious (Raising Our Celiac Kids) that today has accounts. Her implementation of elec- pet care service resource — Furlocity. 2014 Pet Age Business of the Year more than 150 chapters in three coun- tronic work orders has been incorporat- com. As anyone who has traveled and Award for Best Website. tries. R.O.C.K. is the largest support ed by other vendors as common practice needed a reliable option for their four- group in the world for kids on a glu- and ensures a “paper trail” for all service legged family member can attest, find- ten-free diet. In 1991, her 18 month-old records increasing accountability and ing the right temporary home can be DANNA KORN toddler was diagnosed with celiac dis- efficiency. challenging. The pet boarding and care CEO ease. As the gluten-free movement was Kalloch is continually focused on industry had no reliable, efficient online SONIC BOOM WELLNESS in its infancy, everyone discouraged her the future of the industry and its pro- avenues to search for reputable service. Danna Korn juggles for undertaking the daunting task of as- motion and is active in a number of as- In April 2013, Kirsten-Smit, along with two more-than-full-time sembling research and advice on the sub- sociations. She was chosen to chair the her co-founder, successfully launched careers. She is the co- ject, saying no one would publish a book Programs and Seminars Committee for Furlocity.com with just eight pet board- founder and CEO of Sonic Boom Well- about something that was so foreign at the Building Owners Management As- ing facilities listed on the site in one city ness. She also is a best-selling author, in- the time. Ignoring the nay-sayers, she sociation (BOMA) where she success- — San Diego. Since then, Furlocity has ternationally acclaimed nutritional ex- wrote four proposals and subsequent- fully coordinates and organizes events ferociously grown with top-rated pet pert and leads the largest philanthropic ly received four acceptances. Her first and luncheon seminars to members. She boarding facilities listed in more than organization within the gluten-free continued on page A47

A Need-to-Know Checklist on Long-Term Care Provided By: Candace Berkman, Northwestern Mutual

ong-term care planning is a particularly relevant issue in this economic won’t be depleted by possible extended-care costs. environment of market volatility and rising financial concerns. When people • Has the representative earned any of the financial services industry des- experience difficult times, we tend to take stock of our fundamental needs and ignations? These designations demonstrate a financial representative’s commit- L ® ® ® re-focus our attention on the basics. ment to professional development (e.g., CLU , ChFC , CLTC ) and to providing You might consider long-term care planning for many reasons, but essentially the highest level of planning expertise. it helps to protect you and your loved ones from the financial and emotional costs The Company of a chronic illness or injury. This is important because Americans are living The company supporting your financial representative and its reputation longer, which increases the likelihood of someday needing on-going care. and financial ratings are also crucial. The following questions are helpful when Once you have determined the necessity of protecting you and your family considering working with a company: against these potential costs, the next step is to critically evaluate key components • Is the company well-established, with a history of strength and stability? associated with long-term care planning. The following questions can help you get A long-term care event can happen at any time in your life. You want a company started. that is well-positioned to be there for you when you need it most. The Facts • What is the company’s reputation among consumers? Have you, your What are the chances that you will need some form of long-term care either friends, or family members done business with this company? If so, have you been in at an in-patient facility, part-time during the day, or even at home? Most people pleased with the company’s service? During times of stress and difficulty, you have a false perception of the facts around long-term care. According to the want a company that will be responsive to your needs. National Underwriter Company’s 2012 Field Guide: Long-term care planning is a personal and important decision. Evaluating your • Seven in ten Americans age 65 or older will need some form of long-term care specific needs and circumstances, with the assistance of a trusted, knowledgeable at least once in their lifetime. financial representative and the backing of a solid company can help you determine • An additional 43 percent will spend some time in a long-term care facility, with your options and select a plan that makes sense for you. 21 percent staying in that facility three years or longer. The Representative Because funding long-term care can be a challenge, it’s important to work with Article prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of Candace a competent and trustworthy representative who understands your needs and can Berkman. Candace Berkman is a Financial Representative design a strategy to meet those needs. with Northwestern Mutual based in San Diego, CA. Candace • Has the representative conducted a thorough analysis of your situation? Berkman is a licensed insurance agent. Northwestern Mutual Each person has a unique set of circumstances that determine the need for long- is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual term care. A representative with long-term care experience can help you determine Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI, and its how much money you may need to fund long-term care. He or she will also help subsidiaries. To contact Candace Berkman, please call you create a strategy to protect your personal and retirement assets so that they (619) 230-8095 or email at [email protected]. November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A47

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS WINNERS continued from page A46 book, “Kids With Celiac Disease,” was the knowledge and training necessary ber of charities in the San Diego area, resentation there in all districts. Mar- such a success that a second publisher to be successful in San Diego’s nonprof- as well as other environmental, health tinson was instrumental in bringing asked her to write a follow-up for adults. it community. In addition, she serves on care, and educational institutions the first Zero Waste Symposium to San Korn became a consultant to General the executive committee of the Willow throughout the United States. Her com- Diego. The organization is collecting Mills for its growing gluten-free initia- Grove Educational Foundation and is munity activities include supporting the recognition for its expanding work, active and she oversees everything they do the former chair of the Public Relations UC San Diego Cardiovascular Center, cepting first place from Keep America from product development to marketing Society of America’s public service the YWCA, the U.S. Navy League, the Beautiful at its national conference for for its gluten-free products. Korn, along committee. Patrons of the Prado, the Girl Scouts ILACSD’s award-winning Cigarette with her co-founder, Bryan Van Noy has nominating committee, Puente de Oro Litter Prevention Program. The City been tapped with many acknowledge- (as chair) and the San Diego Symphony. of Chula Vista’s Resource Conservation ments and was named one of the “Top ALESSANDRA LEZAMA Liddy also is an outdoors enthusiast and Commission (RCC) selected Martinson 25 Industry Innovators” by the Institute CEO enjoys fly fishing in Idaho. There she is for a 2013 CLEAN Champion Award for Healthcare Consumerism. In a June ABACUS DATA SYSTEMS a member of the Island Park Daisy’s for Clean Water for her work develop- 2007 issue of People Magazine, she was A 17-year veteran Angels, which encourages women to be ing the Clean Chula Vista program in featured as a “mom on a mission to save of the high tech indus- empowered. 2006, which still flourishes today. millions,” and dubbed the “Gluten-free try, Alessandra Lezama As the spouse of a Marine reservist Martinson donates her time and ex- Guru.” The U.S. Small Business Associ- joined Abacus Data Systems and recog- activated for combat operations during pertise to serve as secretary on a state- ation awarded her and Sonic Boom with nized the true potential of the company Operation Iraqi Freedom, Liddy acted as wide recycling association, California the 2013 “Women-Owned Small Busi- to evolve beyond a software provider. In a coordinator with the Marine Corp Key Resource Recovery Association, where ness of the Year Award” In San Diego less than nine months, she transformed Volunteer Network, a military family she represents the southern district. County. a company that was essentially a soft- support program. For her outstanding She also serves on several environmen- ware vendor to a fully managed tech- support of service members deployed tal and community committees locally. nology solutions provider, going from overseas, she was awarded a Congres- ERIN LEVENTHAL 32 to 78 employees. Under her direction sional Certificate of Appreciation by Chief Marketing Officer the company has launched Abacus Pri- the Congress of the United States. She FANNY MILLER LEVENTHAL LAW FIRM vate Cloud™ (APC), a fully integrated, has been nationally recognized for her President & CEO APC managed and secure virtual office envi- success in the financial services indus- EL LATINO NEWSPAPER For some women, ronment that appeals to many industries try. In 2011 and 2012, she was ranked When Fanny Miller having three children and provides greatly needed solutions among Barron’s “Top 100 Women Ad- was only 13 years old she within three and a half years would be to law firms of all sizes by removing visors.” In 2004, she was named one of came to live in the Unit- reason to step back from either profes- their IT responsibilities. She has per- the “The Nation’s 100 Most Exclusive ed States with an aunt. At the early age sional or community commitments — sonally trained all employees on strate- Wealth Advisors” by Worth magazine. of 21 she started El Latino Newspaper or both. Erin Leventhal, however, has gic selling and has changed the culture with a group of six partners, a number continued as a committed professional at the company. Lezama holds regular that decreased with the years until only and community supporter. As chief “all hands” meetings with all employees PAULINE MARTINSON she was left. She started the business marketing officer for Leventhal Law, she to share the vision of the company and Executive Director having no formal education, no money has been responsible for positioning the inspire the team. I LOVE A CLEAN SAN and no experience. She has been run- DIEGO firm as a highly-acclaimed law firm that A single mother of a 14-year-old ning it now for 26 years. Under her lead- attracts talent from top-tier firms and boy, Lezama is committed to supporting In her nine years as ership, the newspaper has grown and achieves high-profile legal victories, en- education and the re-shaping of early leader of I Love A Clean now serves all of San Diego County. El abling the company to effectively com- education programs. She is deeply en- San Diego (ILACSD), Executive Di- Latino expanded its editorial coverage pete against significantly larger firms. gaged in her community and volunteers rector Pauline Martinson has made the and grew circulation to be the largest Leventhal has been critical in build- hundreds of hours a year to help orga- nonprofit the go-to organization for Spanish-language newspaper owned by ing the law firm from a one-attorney nize, plan and chaperone curricular and programs that enhance and conserve a Latina in California. Miller also is the shop to a full-service law firm receiving extracurricular activities for kids of all San Diego’s environment. She has ex- founder of the event Celebrando Lati- national press and industry accolades ages. She has served as council member panded the organization’s scope, fol- nas which gathers more than 1,000 Lati- — as well as being named the fastest and president of the Site Governance lowing several years of sluggishness, nas in a day to be nourished, empowered growing company in downtown San Di- Committee for the San Diego Unified doubling the organization’s budget and informed. The event focuses on four ego — all in under two years. The firm School District for several years. Most (revenues now exceed $1 million), while main subjects of interest to the women: has landed several high-profile cases, in- recently, she and Abacus sponsored the growing revenues by 200 percent and health, business, beauty and technology, cluding a case the Los Angeles Times Legal Aid Society of Orange County’s assets by over 500 percent. Martinson and features free health screenings, na- referred to as “one of the most closely “Voices for Justice” Program. targeted increasing the organization’s tional and international speakers, local watched patent cases in the technology partnerships with local cities to include and national brands, food and entertain- world,” and has received coverage in the financial support from each jurisdiction ment. Miller and the event were recog- San Diego Daily-Transcript, San Diego COURTNEY LIDDY locally, expanded its staff from six to 12 nized by the California State Senate for Business Journal, Los Angeles Times, Senior Vice President - employees and 30,000 volunteers, along community service. Washington Post, National Law Jour- Wealth Management with growing the organization’s myriad Miller has received many honors for nal, and Law360. Leventhal has secured THE LIDDY GROUP, UBS programs. her pioneering work including a His- considerable recognition for Leventhal WEALTH MANAGEMENT In 2013, under Martinson’s lead- panic Marketing Lifetime Achievement AMERICAS Law and its attorneys, including being ership, ILACSD mobilized more than Award from the San Diego AD Club; named to Forbes Legal Black Book and In 2013 Courtney Liddy became se- 30,000 volunteers to remove 241 tons of Outstanding Patriotism and Meritori- Super Lawyers Rising Stars lists. nior vice president at UBS Wealth Man- debris from local beaches, canyons, and ous Professional Labor from the Min- Leventhal has never been content, agement Americas. While transitioning parks. In addition to smaller, monthly istry of Foreign Affairs and Consulate however, being defined strictly by her a financial advisory business is stressful, cleanups, ILACSD also conducted two General of Colombia in Los Angeles; professional achievements. As presi- Liddy was able to successfully keep all of major annual cleanups — the Creek to Business Women of the Year from the dent of San Diego’s oldest and largest her clients — a rare feat in the industry Bay Cleanup in April and the Coastal National Latina Business Women As- women’s volunteer organization, Ju- that signifies how much she is valued as Cleanup Day in September, which took sociation (NLBWA) in San Diego; and nior League of San Diego, Leventhal a wealth manager. Liddy has more than place at more than 200 sites throughout Outstanding Small Business Award commits extensive time and resources 20 years of experience providing fi- San Diego County. With staff support from the State of California. serving transition-age foster youth in nancial and wealth management advice she garnered more than $217,000 from A living role model for women, she San Diego County, while helping build and services to high-net-worth clients. existing corporate cleanup sponsors also was recently appointed to the new up the next generation of women vol- Prior to UBS she was a vice president and secured 20 new corporations for Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on unteers. She also spearheaded an initia- and senior financial advisor at Merrill cleanup sponsorships. Martinson also the Status of Women. tive at the national level to evolve the Lynch for nearly two decades. During won contracts to conduct education and governance and management models her tenure, she was a national speaker outreach on used oil within the City of of Junior Leagues across the world to for the firm’s Professional Development Vista. She has successfully created rela- operate more effectively and achieve Program. Additionally, she appeared as tionships with new City of San Diego greater impact in their local communi- an “on-air” financial expert for KFMB council members and secured funding ties. She was instrumental in develop- Local 8 News and for ABC Local 10 from all eight districts for countywide ing a year-long new member program News in San Diego for several years. cleanups. A majority of council mem- that provides incoming members with Liddy is passionate about a numbers attended the cleanups or had rep- continued on page A48 Page A48 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS WINNERS continued from page 47

KAITLIN MURPHY structure, helped boost revenue by 26 national level training and one-on-one DEBBIE SOLOMON Executive Vice President and percent, profitability by 33 percent and mentorship programs in areas such as Co-Founder Partner net income by 641 percent over 2012. how to network, how to work a room, KID VENTURES MURPHY DEVELOPMENT Additionally Nguyen has played an in- and how to ask for business. She is an Within the industry, COMPANY strumental role in developing and roll- active executive board member of the Debbie Solomon and Shortly after Kaitlin ing out the company’s ‘Painted Picture’ national CBIZ Women’s Advantage Kid Ventures have trans- Murphy joined Murphy Development, vision —The FMT of 2017. program that focuses on women help- formed the landscape of kid-related the largest real estate developer on Otay Nguyen recently volunteered to help ing women succeed in business. She has activity centers. With a background in Mesa, the president of Murphy Devel- high school students develop personal been an advocate for younger women in child development, Solomon is the driv- opment (her father) took an 18-month financial responsibility under the Junior the business world and launched a life ing force behind creating the next gen- leave of absence. During that time, Achievement of San Diego County pro- coaching business several years ago to eration in boutique-style indoor family Murphy ran the company, interfacing gram, helping to make a positive impact expand her mentoring. play centers in San Diego. The facilities’ with partners, lenders and professional on the lives of local students by instill- For the past four years Piazza has warm and inviting environment offers consultants. She also secured the first ing in them financial literacy. been a leader of the Body Image and the perfect setting for children to ex- Business Park-Residential Permitted Eating Disorders Support Group, a dis- plore and expand their imagination. zoning implemented in the City of San order she struggled with early in life. Solomon helped develop and implement Diego for Brown Field Technology Park SAUNDRA PELLETIER She works with parents in helping them CEO Kid Venture’s children’s “edutainment” and negotiated a CPIOZ (Community understand how they can support their program. She also expanded their prod- WOMANCARE GLOBAL child with a body image or eating disor- Plan Implementation Overlay Zone) AND EVOFEM uct offerings to include a mobile pro- specific to the property. Murphy has be- der issue. She also helps as a volunteer gram which allows the company to take come prominently involved in the Otay Saundra Pelletier is care counselor, helping women move Kid Ventures to the customer. Mesa Community Plan Update, the first dedicated to the pursuit through marital issues, financial burdens Whether it’s a fundraising, charity new community plan to be adopted in of making sure that every woman, no and employment crises. She is an active or other event, Kid Ventures can be rec- the City of San Diego in years. She is a matter where she lives, has access to safe, member of California CPA (CalCPA). reated anywhere in the County. In 2013, member of Otay Mesa Planning Group affordable, quality women’s reproduc- Solomon and her husband, Darren, and subcommittee that negotiated a new tive health care. She has more than 20 opened a second facility in 4S Ranch facilities financing plan with the City of years of experience as an internation- SUE PRELOZNI CEO/Executive Director and will open a third location in Liberty San Diego, and a member of the Mayor al marketing expert in addition to be- Station. She is actively spearheading the ing a published author, keynote speaker SUSTAINABLE SURPLUS of San Diego’s Otay Mesa Southbound EXCHANGE company to grow beyond San Diego. Truck Task Force, lobbying for better and executive coach. She holds a unique Solomon has more than 28 years of infrastructure and transportation for hybrid CEO role, serving simultaneous- As CEO of Sustain- experience in coaching high-level gym- U.S./Mexico trade. ly as CEO of two very different orga- able Surplus Exchange nastics, general fitness and nutrition to Murphy was one of only six young nizations — WomanCare Global and (SSE), Sue Prelozni has created an inno- children of all ages. She is a professional professionals — and the only woman Evofem. Through the partnership with vative, environmentally sound solution member of USAG, where she achieved — to be honored nationally by NAIOP Evofem, WomanCare Global has grown to manage corporate supply surplus USAG Level 1 Certification and has (commercial real estate development into a sustainable nonprofit enterprise and divert it from landfills. In just three extensive training through national association) with a “Developing Lead- working in more than 100 countries years, she has engaged more than 150 congress in preschool fundamentals, ers Award.” She is one of three women and focusing on under-served markets San Diego companies to donate $1.2 safety/risk management and business serving on the 38 person NAIOP San in Africa and Asia. Pelletier left the cor- million of their idle and out of use as- foundation for youth-based organiza- Diego board of directors. In addition porate world for the nonprofit realm sets to be repurposed back to more than tions. She also has certifications in pre- to her professional commitments, Mur- when she started WomanCare Global in 250 local schools, nonprofits and start- school development, kinder accredita- phy is an active volunteer working with 2009. In just 15 months, she executed ups. Through her efforts, SSE has dition for teachers and child safety. the San Diego Youth Services program contracts for seven global product ac- verted 250,000 pounds of solid waste, Solomon and Kid Ventures has been called STARS that serves young women quisitions and secured start-up funding alleviating an already burdened system. honored with a number of awards in- between the ages of 13-22 who are vic- from major foundations and investors. SSE reduced the carbon footprint or cluding Best Coffee Place by San Diego’s tims of commercial sexual exploitation. She also represents WomanCare Glob- greenhouse gas equivalent of keeping Nickelodeon Parents Connect, Best al and Evofem in a special project called 95 cars off the road. Birthday Party Venue and Kid-Friendly Seats at the Table Liberia. This unique Organizations have received every- Coffee Shop by Red Tricycle, Best In- LINH NGUYEN project, based in San Diego, brings to- thing from free office supplies to inex- door Place for Active/Rainy Day Fun, Director of Finance and gether seven women-led organizations pensive furniture, printers, computers Best Place for Kids with Special Needs Operations to develop a set of pilot projects aimed and laboratory equipment. SSE has pos- and Best Kids Party Place by San Diego FMT CONSULTANTS at addressing individual, economic, en- itively affected the lives of over 35,000 Family Magazine. She has been named As director of finance vironmental, and social needs in the students, teachers and nonprofit benefi- to many lists and received awards, in- and operations at FMT lives of Liberian women. ciaries. Prelozni prioritizes hiring peo- cluding San Diego Magazine’s “Women Consultants (FMT), Linh Nguyen pro- Pelletier has been featured on na- ple who are underserved and inspires Who Move the City” for her accom- vides oversight leadership in finance, tional media outlets such as the New them to find their way back into the plishments. In 2011 and 2012, Rady marketing, HR, administration and op- York Times and Vogue Magazine for workplace. Most of the contracted help Children’s Hospital named Solomon a erations. Nguyen joined FMT in April her work; and, her leadership lessons in the warehouse are military veterans. “Miracle Maker” for her active involve- 2013 and has been able to successfully have been profiled in OpEdNews, the Prelozni has been honored for her ment and generous donations. Solomon enhance each and every department that Global Grind, the Huffington Post, the efforts as the recipient of NBC Foun- has guided a significant partnership she is responsible for. She overhauled San Francisco Chronicle, Forbes, Marie dation 21st Century Solutions for Social with Rady bringing Kid Ventures to the the company’s talent acquisition and Claire, and the Daily Beast. Innovation Award. She serves on the hospital’s small patients. The activities onboarding processes to raise the qual- Sustainability and Education Commit- include art classes, fairytale characters ity of new hires and improve employee tees of the Carlsbad Chamber of Com- to surprise the kids and conducting sea- retention rates. She reformed the per- BRENDA PIAZZA merce, the Reuse and Recycle Commit- Director of IT Audit and sonal activities for Halloween and oth- formance management system to iden- tee of the San Diego Environmental er holidays. Kid Ventures has also held Consulting Services, and the steering committee of tify and incorporate key competencies CBIZ MHM, LLC Make-A-Wish Foundation events, An- for all positions along with the company SEEDs organization. Additionally, she gels Foster Family Network workshops core values. Nguyen introduced the 360 Brenda Piazza is di- participates in the following organiza- for prospective foster parents in the degree assessment to help develop, hone rector of IT Audit and tions: CONNECT, Zero Waste, North South Bay and special programs with and nurture leadership and implement- Consulting at CBIZ MHM, and has County Philanthropy Council, San Di- the Rivers of Hope Foundation. ed an employee recognition program to more than 20 years of information ego Social Innovation Trust, and has boost morale and employee motivation technology experience in diversified served on committees at BIOCOM, SD and enrich the work environment by industries. For the past 15 years she Regional Sustainability Partnership, LORI ANN STEVENS initiating monthly happy hours, theme has contributed to the growth of the Mainly Mozart and the San Diego Arts Business Development parties and company outings. These ef- organization and been a leader and in- Foundation. Manager, Project Executive forts resulted in an improvement of 15 structor of the two-year Rainmakers TURNER CONSTRUCTION percent in the employee retention rate program at CBIZ, which has already COMPANY over the preceding year and lead gen- resulted in $600,000 worth of new Lori Ann Stevens got eration improvement of 21 percent. business in the first six months. She has her start in the building industry with The collaborative team efforts, coupled been involved in mentoring the young- with positive changes in organizational er women in the organization through continued on page A49 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A49

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS WINNERS continued from page A48 a great deal of tenacity. She was one er’s Bash event, which raises funds for as well as a study on the development early on and took advantage of every of just three women in her graduating Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. of interventions for children with au- opportunity she was offered. Taylor class from Arizona State University’s In 2014, Stevens was a speaker on the tism based on her real-time facial ex- became the first in her family to earn Construction Management program. panel “”High Heels Through the Glass pression recognition system. Bartlett a college degree and went on to earn During college, she received 10 no’s Ceiling” at San Diego Women’s Week. is presently involved in a collaboration a master’s degree as well as a certifi- and faced gender discrimination before She has been honored as one of Engi- with Rady Children’s Hospital to de- cate in College Admissions Counseling. she found a Phoenix-area construction neering News-Record’s Top 20 Under velop methods to automatically esti- This set the stage for her role at Reality company willing to give her an intern- 40 in 2012. mate pain from facial expression. Pain Changers. The organization was explor- ship. Today she is responsible to meet management has been recognized by ing new ways to produce the necessary or exceed planned revenues of more MARIAN STEWART- the World Health Organization as one resources to serve more young adults. than $1 million for the San Diego of- BARTLETT, PH.D. of the major challenges in pediatric To meet this challenge, they launched fice of Turner Construction Company. Co-Founder, Lead Scientist medicine. Bartlett also has been active- its College Apps Academy to help stu- To attain this level of success, she es- EMOTIENT, INC. ly involved since 2008 in developing dents seeking guidance for the college tablishes and maintains client relation- Dr. Marian Stew- interventions for children with autism application process. Taylor took over ships, oversees the entire request for art-Bartlett successful- to learn to make and recognize facial leadership of the College Apps Acad- proposals/preconstruction submissions ly made the transition from a pioneer expressions. Bartlett’s groundbreaking emy in the school year 2012-2013. She processes and oversees legal and con- in science to a pioneer in business. technology has been highlighted with made an immediate impact. By the sum- tracts. She also has served as construc- Through her company, Emotient, she acknowledgements including the 2013 mer of 2013, she expanded the number tion executive on winning projects. Last has developed software that works with award for the best new product from of partnerships with San Diego County year, Stevens completed a high profile any camera-enabled device to detect CONNECT, San Diego, for the facial high schools by 166 percent, the number construction project — Connections facial expressions that correlate with expression recognition system. The of students served by 91 percent, and Housing San Diego — a $38 million re- seven primary emotions. The impact for company now has more than 40 cus- the number of paying customers and development project in downtown San this technology is far-reaching: cars that tomers worldwide, including Proctor mission driven revenue by 500 percent. Diego which provides temporary and know when you are drowsy or distract- & Gamble, Honda, and Intel. More importantly, under her leadership permanent, year-round shelter for up ed; automatic tutors and courseware in Bartlett has been involved since 2004 in 2013, College Apps Academy guided to 223 homeless, as well as an on-site online education that understand when in the “Reach for Tomorrow” program, 97 percent of students served to a post- “mini-mall” of medical, social and gov- students become bored, disengage and which exposes underprivileged high secondary institution and helped them ernment services. With an ambitious adapt based on this knowledge. school students to science. earn more than $14 million in scholar- project schedule, construction began in Bartlett is considered a pioneer in ships. Taylor is now looking into other the winter, 2011, and the grand open- the field of machine learning and com- ventures, such as phone-based applica- ing was held in March, 2013. puter vision for face recognition and MARY TAYLOR tion reviews that can reach any student Stevens, an active community sup- expression analysis. She has authored Director, College Apps with an internet connection. porter, serves on the board of directors more than 70 articles in scientific jour- Academy Taylor’s community involvement for Junior Achievement, overseeing the nals and peer reviewed conference pro- REALITY CHANGERS is extensive. She serves as member of charity bowl-a-thon. She also serves ceedings. She has published four major Mary Taylor was the North County San Diego Chapter as board member for San Diego’s Re- research papers advancing automatic raised by her grand- of Jack and Jill of America, an organi- gional Economic Development Corp. facial expression recognition technol- mother in South Central Los Angeles. zation that seeks to empower African and as a chair of NAIOP’s Deal Mak- ogy and several books on the subject She recognized the value of education continued on page A50

The San Diego Community College District congratulates Dr. Constance M. Carroll on receiving the San Diego Business Journal’s Darlene Marcos Shiley Education Leadership Award

www.facebook.com/sdccd www.twitter.com/sdccd www.sdccd.edu www.youtube.com/theSDCCD

Photo by: U-T San Diego / K.C. Alfred Page A50 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

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American youth through leadership de- John Kerry and received the U.S. State LINDIA WILLIES- countant (CPA) and a member of the velopment, She also served as member/ Department Award for Corporate Ex- JACOBO, M.D. American Institute of Certified Public treasurer of the University of Califor- cellence in January of this year. Wight Assistant Dean for Diversity Accountants (AICPA) and California nia San Diego Black Alumni Scholar- was a key player in successfully negoti- and Community Partnerships Society of Certified Public Accountants ship Fund from 1994 to 2014 and is the ating terms to expand Taylor’s produc- UC SAN DIEGO SCHOOL (CalCPA). She has a long history of current president of the Francis Parker tion facilities (maquiladora) in Tecate, OF MEDICINE serving the community in various ca- School Parents Association. Mexico, by securing a location which Dr. Willies-Jacobo is the assistant pacities and roles throughout her career allowed the company to bring the entire dean for Diversity and Communi- including CONNECT’s SME Advisory BARBARA WIGHT Tecate operation under one roof. ty Partnerships at the UC San Diego Board, LEAD San Diego’s Audit Com- Chief Financial Officer Wight is a local, homegrown suc- School of Medicine which includes her mittee, Girl Scouts of San Diego Coun- TAYLOR GUITARS cess story. As a native San Diegan, she directorship of the Program in Medical ty, the San Diego Foundation and San Let’s just say Barbara grew up in the East County of San Education (PRIME)-Health Equity, a Diego Regional Disaster Fund. Wight has played an instru- Diego and attended San Diego State University of California-wide initiative mental role in Taylor Gui- University. She is actively engaged in to educate future physicians focused on OLGA WORM tars on a worldwide stage. Through the local community, advocating on is- solving problems in health disparities. CEO BEKKER’S CATERING her leadership, Taylor Guitars has suc- sues ranging from water resources to She is recognized as an outstanding ceeded in establishing a distribution music education. Wight has traveled to teacher to students and residents in Olga Worm is the warehouse and corporate subsidiaries in Washington, D.C. to advocate on behalf training, and has won multiple teach- driving force behind Amsterdam, Netherlands and formed a of funding and keeping music and arts ing awards. Her organizational unit on Bekker’s Catering. She partnership to acquire an ebony mill in education in schools. She serves on the Diversity and Community Partnerships is a “hands on” leader who is comfort- Cameroon, Africa. As Chief Financial board of the directors of the San Di- won a campus wide award in 2014 for able with a range of responsibilities Officer, Wight directs all financial af- ego County Water Authority, serving its contributions. She is a much sought from making large financial decisions, fairs of the company. The Information as vice-chair to the Administrative and after speaker in the areas of diversity in important sales presentations, loading Technology and the Legal divisions also Finance Committee and also is an advi- health professional education, cultur- trucks, building gorgeous fruit displays report her. She oversees various aspects sor on the joint SDCWA/City of San al competency for health professionals, and bussing tables at an event, virtually of operations management, multina- Diego City-10 Committee. Additionally, mentorship, and medical school admis- at the same time! The company has con- tional manufacturing, acquisitions, risk she serves on the board of the San Di- sions. She also has continued her work tinued to grow in a sustained, controlled management, and international compli- ego Regional Economic Development as an exemplary general pediatrician, manner every year since she has been in- ance. With Taylor’s foreign operations, Corporation, is a member of the San providing outpatient care to children in volved. She has established agreements Wight has ensured a smooth transition Diego Chamber of Commerce CEO San Diego County. with many well-known venues such as of instilling Western ideals and a strong Roundtable, and sits on the Legislative Recognized nationally for her work, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, work ethic to the company’s other facil- Committee of the National Association she recently has been asked to serve as the San Diego Automotive Museum, ities. Her extensive financial knowledge of Music Merchants. the Western region representative to the New Children’s Museum, UC San and leadership leads to continuous com- the Committee on Student Diversity Diego, SDGE, Scripps and Grossmont pliance with a myriad of federal, state, Affairs of the American Association of Hospitals. She regularly hires staff from local, and international laws. Due in Medical Colleges. She has overseen the underprivileged environments such as part to her many contributions, Taylor development of the “Healthy Minds, former foster youth, rehabilitation or Guitars was recognized by Secretary Healthy Bodies” health curriculum at sober living homes residents, Second Lincoln High School. This curriculum Chance graduates and others looking to is taught by UC San Diego medical stu- begin a new life with safe and healthy dents under her supervision. She has choices. She has many success stories of forged newer partnerships with e3Civic people turning their lives around and High School, and Monarch School, to becoming stellar employees under her expand the impact of these outreach guidance. efforts. Worm has dedicated herself to supporting community needs as long as she has been involved in business. She is a CARISA WISNIEWSKI life member in the National Council of Office Managing Partner Jewish Women, a community service MOSS ADAMS LLP organization, serving many years as Carisa Wisniewski has president. She received a Woman of the had a long, successful ca- Year Award, for being “the driving force reer based on investing in behind the organization.” She has been individuals and the community. She was on the board of Tifereth Israel Syna- the only woman office managing partner gogue as vice president of education. at Moss Adams LLP from 2009-2014 of Worm also is a longtime member and 22 office locations, across seven states. leader of the Girl Scouts, 4H, Granite She provides external audit services Hills Acting Workshop, Junior Theatre, to a variety of both public and private Alpine Community Center, and Food on companies in the technology, manufac- Wheels (as a volunteer driver). Her spe- turing, and life sciences industries. She cial area of interest is foster children’s is a past member of the firm’s Executive organizations. She regularly contributes Committee, and past chair of the firm’s both personally and with her business Technology and Life Sciences practice. to all of these causes, especially donat- Over her 25 years in public accounting, ing food for many large events for the her results and team-based leadership County of San Diego Foster Homes Li- has helped to deliver significant benefits censing, Just in Time for Foster Youth to the company’s clients. As the Partner among others. in Charge/Office Managing Partner, Wisniewski has increased net growth and net rate per hour, year over year, at 7 percent each year. She identified and relocated senior level people to expand the company’s industry group services in southern California and San Diego to include a thriving Dealer Service Group, and Tribal & Gaming practice. Wisniewski is a graduate of the LEAD San Diego INFLUENCE, Class of 2010. She is an active member of CONNECT and Corporate Directors Forum. 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2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS continued from page A50 Finalists You’ve DANA ABPLANALP-DIGGS AMANDA ALLEN SPARKLE BARNES Principal Founder and Managing Executive Vice President THE GRAUER SCHOOL Attorney COUNCIL CONNECTIONS Dana Abplanalp-Diggs AGUIRRE ALLEN LAW Sparkle Barns has played got HR started at The Grauer School Amanda Allen represents a key role in Council Con- as a field, lab, and expeditions teacher a broad range of clients including de- nections growth. The organization which included teaching biology, chem- velopers, individual property owners, supports the financial strength of its istry, advanced biology, math, P.E., and brokers, landlords, tenants, nonprofit members by offering deep discounts on planning all expeditions. She became organizations and entrepreneurs with goods and services purchased. Barnes issues the Upper School director in 2002 and big dreams. She also counsels craft has succeeded in growing nd added 250 was named principal in 2007. She has brewery professionals on business and aggregated contracts to the company’s contributed to The Grauer School’s real estate matters. Allen also is in- portfolio; much of this accomplished by CFRA CAL/OSHA growth from 35 students to approxi- volved with urban renewal and serves forming a strategic alliance with anoth- PDL mately 150 students. as counsel for the developer of the inno- er business partner. vative temporary urban development in FEHA Cal-COBRA downtown San Diego — the Quartyard JANET ACHEATEL — the first of its kind built entirely out ERIKA BARNES HSA limits Senior Wealth Advisor of artistically retrofitted shipping con- Online Marketing Manager HOYLECOHEN, LLC tainers. The project takes an empty city ROAD RUNNER SPORTS 401K limits Janet Acheatel is the block and turns it into a thriving com- Erika Barnes is in charge co-founder of HoyleCohen’s munity space providing concerts, food of creating, leading and women’s practice. She actually came out trucks, a coffee house, craft beer, an eat- managing marketing campaigns that of retirement in 2010 to continue her ery and a dog park. increase brand awareness, user engage- work as a senior wealth advisor for the ment, and customer conversion for Road organization. Within her industry and Runner Sports. She has helped establish SHRM profession, she is a respected voice to DENA AYALA one of San Diego’s most recognizable affluent women who have suffered loss. Regional Director sports brands as a leader in combin- She is a frequent guest speaker and ad- SUNA SOLUTIONS ing the best of retail and e-commerce. has the vocate for widows in San Diego. She is Dena Ayala has helped to In the community, Barnes is an active a contributing member of the board of drive Suna Solutions to im- member of several Normal Heights directors and investment committee for pressive growth and listing as one of community building organizations and solutions. the Jewish Community Foundation of the 10 fastest growing companies in San volunteers with youth tennis organiza- San Diego and is a board member of Diego and one of the largest privately tions throughout San Diego. Hillel San Diego. held companies in San Diego — all this Even for accomplished in a relatively short period of time. She has increased sales and JENNIFER BARNS ASHLEY ADAM margin, while at the same time driving President California. Founder & Owner a shift in business to include growth PRO BACK OFFICE LLC THE DAILEY METHOD SAN in the company’s direct hire business Under Jennifer Barnes’ DIEGO as well as launching an HR consulting leadership, Pro Back Office Ashley Adam opened was recently nominated as one of the • Notification of California service line and a veteran specific place- compliance changes The Dailey Method San Diego in May ment service. top four for the San Diego Chamber of 2012; and by 2013 there was a sub- of Commerce’s Outstanding Emerg- • CA-specific toolkits & stantial growth in revenue and class ing Business honors. The company also attendance. Adam is the only full time DEANNA BAGDASAR has earned prestige as a preferred ven- how-to guides employee and has a staff of 10. She is Chief Operations Officer dor for Vistage San Diego as well as a • Sample policies the power behind the studio. Being an RJS LAW number of local CPA firms and banks avid runner for years, she was devastat- As the first in her family due to Barns and her team’s emphasis (including California ed when back problems curtailed her to graduate college, Dean- on building relationships with quality Specific) & job active life. Doctors were ready to oper- na Bagdasar has a history of being a businesses. Barnes has served many descriptions ate when she found a new element of tenacious trailblazer. Today Bagdasar nonprofits in San Diego as a board healing by rehabilitation at The Dailey is the chief operating officer for RJS member, volunteer, or in a paid position, • California State and Method. Her determination to succeed LAW, managing the company’s day-to- including Balboa Park’s Natural History federal compliance and help others who have been faced day operations. She is an integral mem- Museum, World Trade Center San alerts and guidance with tragic situations motivated her to ber of the senior management team, Diego, Second Harvest Food Bank, begin her own studio. overseeing human resource matters, Nano Tech Nexus and the Arizona • Free Member Webcasts implementing policies, and managing Alumni Association local chapter. on HR Trends accounting standards and business pro- DAISY ADATO cedures. • California Employment Founder TRISTAN BARNUM Law e-newsletter BAFI AGENCY I THE PROJECT Chief Marketing Officer BAR MARCI BAIR VOXOX • Ask a California Daisy Adato thought she President & CEO Being a woman in tech- Certified Advisor was going to continue owning a per- BAIR FINANCIAL GROUP nology, in particular being a forming arts center, but she also had As president and CEO of young woman, can be a chal- Service (5:30am – dreams of graduating college and get- Bair Financial Group, Marci lenge in a field dominated 5:00pm PT) ting a bachelor’s degree. She then shift- Bair works with female clients on a dai- by men. Tristan Barnum has overcome • Discounts and more! ed from dance studio owner to student, ly basis to enable them to become more that challenge and taken an active role and now has established a full service financially secure and empower them in a number of tech organizations. She brand management agency. Bafi collab- to be self-sufficient. She regularly do- is an advisor with several startups within orates with freelancers, agencies and nates free financial planning advice to EvoNexus, a nonprofit San Diego tech- Visit shrm.org/California. design studios to come together and nonprofit organizations and conducts nology incubator. In her role, she advises create. She guides the agency to help numerous public financial educational startups on marketing initiatives includ- businesses grow by increasing their workshops. She is a frequent speaker on ing business development and go-to-mar- audience engagement and building re- ESPN radio, speaking on financial plan- ket strategies. The companies have earned lationships with their brand and orga- ning and insurance topics. Bair also is prestigious awards this year, including nization. the founder of South Bay Pride Art & San Diego Venture Group Cool Company Music Festival. 2014 and the Tech Coast Angels Quick Pitch Competition.

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PAOLA BATIZ opmental Services and the Department to secure $211 million in private, phil- ican Lung Association. She does this Creative Director, Operations of Rehabilitation and is focused exten- anthropic support — the largest result by giving clear, direct and honest feed- Manager sively in the areas of rates and consum- in the history of UC San Diego Health back to her team members and letting FYC LABS er rights legislation. Sciences. She has devoted countless her leadership team know what they Paola Batiz is an accom- hours, both personally and professional- need to achieve their goals. Bustamante plished woman in her 20’s who influenc- ly, to empowering others, especially the has introduced many positive changes es and inspires her company, colleagues JENNIFER BERG SOBOTKA San Diego community. As a volunteer, and also resurrected a local leadership and new clients in San Diego and Mex- Vice President, Corporate and she serves actively on committees for board with new community members. ico. As creative director and operations Distinguished Partners both La Jolla Presbyterian Church and The board raised $80,000 as a collective manager for FYC Labs, Batiz has iden- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY La Jolla United Methodist Preschool unit last year and this year the goal is tified and reached out to a Mexican in- Jennifer Berg Sobotka to raise private support for critical pro- $100,000. vestment firm for partnering. She has is vice president, corporate and distin- grams for the community’s underserved translated marketing and sales material guished partners for the California Di- children. She has been named the 2014 into Spanish to enhance the company’s vision of the American Cancer Society. Outstanding Fundraising Professional TAYLOR BUTLER relevance in that growing market. Batiz She is accountable for revenue gained by the Association of Fundraising Pro- Director of Human Resources has demonstrated the value of having through galas, golf tournaments and fessionals San Diego Chapter. WESTAIR GASES & a bilingual woman on the staff who other distinguished events, as well as EQUIPMENT, INC. knows how to present to an internation- corporate engagement focusing on For- Taylor Butler has worked al market. tune 1000 companies. Over the past KATHLEEN BOESCH hard over the past several years to posi- decade, she has developed strong part- Chief Operating Officer tion herself in a mostly male dominated nerships with some of San Diego’s and PRECISION REPAIR industry — gases and welding. There NANCY BATTERMAN California’s largest corporations, pro- NETWORK are very few women who succeed in CEO viding a multitude of employee volun- Since her start at Preci- this arena. She is the only female exec- EMPLOYMENT & teerism and corporate support opportu- sion Repair Network, Kathleen Boesch utive team member on the C-Suite team COMMUNITY OPTIONS nities. These relationships have helped has managed and continues to success- at WestAir Gases & Equipment, Inc. Working for almost 30 position the American Cancer Society as fully manage day-to-day operations of and has used her influence to develop a years to create opportunities for indi- one of the premier nonprofit partners in the company. She has successfully as- number of employee programs. Butler viduals with developmental disabilities, San Diego. sisted with the growth of Precision Re- started a workplace wellness program Nancy Batterman has gained expertise pair, helping the company expand from that challenged each employee to walk in developing day programs, supporting 17 locations to 50 locations nationwide. 10,000 steps per day. Her community employment, mobility training, and in- KRISTIN BERTELL Boesch also devotes volunteer time and commitments include supporting the dependent living services for that com- Associate Vice Chancellor has been part of numerous communi- Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Walk for munity. As executive director of the UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH ty groups that help women who suffer Wishes, participation in the San Diego Community Options Division of the SCIENCES DEVELOPMENT from domestic violence and spousal Humane Society’s Walk for Animals and Foundation for Educational Achieve- Empowerment and in- abuse. contributing her time to the San Diego ment, she is well known throughout spiration are at the heart of Kristin Police Foundation. California for her extensive work in sev- Bertell’s passion for philanthropy. In STEPHANIE BROWN eral professional associations. She also her role as head of Health Sciences CEO and Founder works with the Department of Devel- Development, Bertell led a team of 40 THE ROSIE NETWORK ALESSANDRA CERESA With a small budget and Marketing Director two volunteers, Stephanie GREENROPE Brown brought her vision to life by Alessandra Ceresa was traveling nationwide to military instal- promoted to director of mar- lations to interview families and com- keting after two years at GreenRope. mands to find out the true needs and Since that time she has proved to be challenges faced regarding employment. an invaluable asset to GreenRope’s on- congratulates all of San Diego Business Journal’s She responded by developing a power- going successes. With her extensive 2014 Women Who Mean Business winners! ful technology platform, “Rosie’s List” background in technology marketing, that provides the only verified military Ceresa knows how to transcribe infor- spouse and veteran-owned businesses in mation so it makes sense for the con- communities. Brown is a national leader sumer. GreenRope has received recog- and spokesperson for military spouses, nition and gained traction in the CRM serving on military initiatives aimed at industry with a very small marketing increasing entrepreneurship as a viable budget, but Ceresa’s interpersonal skills career option. and strategic thinking has enabled the company to develop and grow.

STEPHANIE BURNS Founder MELISSA CHAPMAN CHIC CEO, INC. Co-Founder and Vice President Stephanie Burns con- VERAVIA ceived and launched the pop- Melissa Chapman is ular network Chic CEO. Today it boasts co-founder and vice president 65,000 female entrepreneurs who re- of VeraVia, a new destination wellness ceive free business information on how retreat based in Carlsbad that opened in to get started. Women from San Diego September 2013. In addition to launch- to Costa Rica to Dubai use Chic CEO to ing and managing VeraVia, Chapman help them start their business. Burns is also owns and operates The Chapman a frequent speaker at events to inspire Collection, an antique furniture gallery women to start businesses including in downtown San Diego, as well as sev- keynoting the Women’s Speaker Series eral real estate holding companies, both for Girls, Inc., and speaking at SXSW locally and abroad. As leader of the Ve- “ WIB is a special place Interactive, the Crowdfunding Global raVia team, she has led revenue growth between work and life... Summit and others. to $250,000 in the first year; expanded A non-networking, guilt-free the VeraVia brand to include apparel JESSIE BUSTAMANTE and a vitamin and supplement line for group to meet, socialize, Executive Director guests; and invested in employee well- share & be.” AMERICAN LUNG ness, including regular employee fitness ASSOCIATION IN wibsd.org outings and nutrition counseling from CALIFORNIA the experts within the company. Enjoy a WIB program as our guest. Simply use promo code GUEST20 when Jessie Bustamante has been credited registering through our website. Valid for a limited time. Not valid on members only with running one the most successful programs such as December and August programs or February Wine Retreat. of the California charters of the Amer- continued on page A53 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A53

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CLAUDIA CINCO donate computers for the County of San moted to the position of business direc- DANIELLE DIETZ-LIVOLSI Director of Human Resources Diego and refugee families. tor for gap intelligence this year. That CEO MRC—A XEROX COMPANY promotion solidified her role as the Nuttzo Claudia Cinco has been highest-ranking woman at the agency. Danielle Dietz-LiVolsi and leading the HR team for ANNA CROTTY This summer Dahukey spearheaded the her husband Kevin adopted a MRC-A Xerox Company for the past Chief Information Officer acquisition of Quixel Research, a mar- 3-year-old from the Ukraine who was in four years. She has been in the HR field MISSION EDGE ket forecasting firm, that will upgrade the 5th percentile for height and weight for more than 11 years, as well as four Anna Crotty’s work lies the overall reporting services provided for his age. She developed a healthy, years of sales and marketing working in in collecting, managing and by gap intelligence and further expand protein-rich nut butter with seeds and several U.S. markets and internationally. using information wisely for the social its analysts’ expertise across nearly 25 grains that improved her son’s health Even while Cinco helped lead the com- sector. As Mission Edge’s chief infor- industry segments. Her leadership style and Nuttzo was born. It has emerged pany to double digit growth year after mation officer, she is currently working fits perfectly with the broad strategy as a nationwide leader in the product year and more than double the size, she on donor/program management/out- behind gap intelligence’s mission. She category for organic nut butter. Di- also helped to create an organization come systems for multiple clients and a also is the founder of gap intelligence’s etz-LiVolsi has overseen expanded dis- that specializes in senior in-home care comprehensive dashboard for nonprof- wellness program. tribution into Whole Foods, Sprouts solutions for the aging population in it leaders to have better visibility into and other major retailers nationwide San Diego. their organizations. In the nonprofit and in 2014, into Costco. Additionally, sector, technology often is feared and MONICA DENOSTA Dietz-LiVolsi founded Project Left Be- misunderstood. She is able to get people Chief Operating Officer hind to support international orphanag- CARMEN COOLEY-GRAHAM who are intimidated by technology to PICTURE IT ON CANVAS, INC. es. Nuttzo donates a portion of sales to Owner and Sales Director use it to do more good. Current client As chief operating offi- orphanages through the charity. SAN DIEGO REAL ESTATE work includes the Balboa Park Conser- cer of Picture It On Canvas, CONNECTION vancy, Jenna Druck Center, Voice of San Inc., Monica Denosta is directly respon- Some of Carmen Cool- Diego, Nature and Culture Internation- sible for all facets of the company, from LISA DRUXMAN ey-Graham’s clients have been with al, and National Veterans Transition marketing and sales, to production and CEO her for her entire 14-year real estate Services. shipping. When she joined Picture It On FIT4MOM career. She has handled home purchases Canvas, she was the second employee and In 2013, Lisa Druxman for some of her longest tenured clients managed annual revenues of $100,000. rebranded her company and has also helped new clients with a ELISABETH CULLINGTON Today, she has led the company to more Stroller Strides as FIT4MOM to cover relocation to San Diego. Her successful Managing Director than $11 million in annual revenue and a all stages of motherhood. FIT4MOM residential real estate career has gained HOYLECOHEN, LLC staff of more than 80. She also supports released a new website, new imagery her recognition from San Diego Mag- When Elisabeth Culling- community programs and was VP of and new programs that continue to azine from 2009 to present as a FIVE ton started in the business in fundraising for Ellen Browning Scripps build an audience; but more important- STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Real 1992, it was truly an all-boys club; but Elementary, helping to raise more than ly, has an impact on the community of Estate Agent. For her entire career, she she managed to overcome prevailing $120,000 in one year. Also, Scripps moms that it serves. She created a Team has been a member of the National His- stereotypes to become one of the most Ranch Softball Association has seen their FIT4MOM on Charity Miles and raised panic Real Estate Professionals. Cool- successful business women in the regis- best year in fundraising this past season, over 40,000 miles nationwide which ey-Graham consistently gives back to tered investment advisory space in San as Denosta raised more than $25,000 for went to a variety of charities. Through the community. She is currently a Vol- Diego. She eventually merged her por- this group of 300 girls. continued on page A54 unteer Court Appointed Child Advocate tion of another company with Hoyle- (CASA) for Voices for Children. She also Cohen, LLC. Today, she is one of the serves as a prominent fundraiser for managing directors of a firm that man- Pug Rescue of San Diego. ages over half a billion in assets. Cull- ington now shares her experience and insights with all the other partner firms Fedcom enabled us to cut our PAMELA COREY around the nation (29 in total) through Retail Manager & Buyer collaboration calls and as a panelist at IT costs drastically and made LUV SURF SHOP their annual partner meetings. She has In the past year, Pamela helped set the example for other firms us much more efficient. Corey has led the remod- looking to better address the needs of el and new merchandising strategy of their women clients. “Fedcom has filled all of our Luv Surf Shop. By maximizing the shop space, she has made Luv Surf Shop more IT needs and enabled profitable. Since Corey came on board, NATALIE DAHL us to cut our IT costs the retailer has more than doubled its Vice President, Capital Markets drastically, making us much gross sales and increased overall net CBRE profit. Corey not only heads up business Natalie Dahl started in more effeicient. Fedcom initiatives; but also serves as a creative the commercial real estate Technology has been very industry at a brokerage firm, when at voice for the shop as its buyer. One of supportive and show a level her top causes is breast cancer research the time majority of leadership were and she headed up an event at Luv Surf former brokerage sales professionals. of competence we have never Shop in October to raise awareness and Now a vice president reporting directly experienced before. They are funding for the effort. to the global president of capital markets, she is considered a valued co-lead- very responsive, reliable, and er of the practice. Dahl is a member of are very friendly.” TANYA CORRIVEAU the CBRE Women’s Networking group Brian Blackburn Operations Manager and provides strategy advice to the lo- THE CHIP MERCHANT cal Women’s Network chapter in San Director of Operations Tanya Corriveau joined Diego. She has participated in the an- Student Loan Service The Chip Merchant as a nual national Forum and served on the business development consultant and strategy committee. Dahl takes time to successfully launched the company’s mentor young professionals looking to website division in October 2013. Cor- start a career in commercial real estate riveau has been in the technology field and speaks at local universities to share since her high school years, from local experiences and provide guidance on ca- governments to school systems and pri- reer planning. vate companies. She has been on all sides of the field, from repair to project and operations manager. She has a passion SARINA DAHUKEY for helping small businesses succeed Business Director with technology. She donates her time GAP INTELLIGENCE (858) 634-8204 in Jesus Geeks, a ministry of The Rock Sarina Dahukey was one www.fedcomtechnology.com • [email protected] Church San Diego, that helps repair and of only two managers pro- Page A54 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A53 this and other fundraisers, FIT4MOM the helm. Since then, her successes have Companies, in 1990. Under her direction MARA FORTIN has raised more than $100,000 for included acquiring a dental practice the organization has grown, expanding Owner/Franchisee charities. with more than $200,000 in patient debt staff in Orange County and opening NOTHING BUNDT CAKES and reducing it by 80 percent; along operations in Los Angeles. She orga- with taking a 20-year-old mismanaged nized and presented at the first annual Mara Fortin’s Nothing SHAWN DUFFY practice that was near bankruptcy and Eastridge national company conference. Bundt Cakes has been recognized as one CFO turning it into a $1 million sale in two Enns is committed to community ser- of the premier dessert companies in San VIASAT INC. years. vice and serves on the board of direc- Diego. Her Mission Valley bakery is one Shawn Duffy is CFO of tors of the San Diego Rescue Mission of the top grossing bakeries in the na- one of the few billion dollar and also is involved in the leadership of tional franchise and Fortin remains the companies in San Diego County. As she TIFFANY ENGLISH San Diego Human Resources Forum. only single franchisee group to own six leads finance, Duffy does her part to Principal bakeries, as well as the first and only to maintain the unique ViaSat culture. Her WARE MALCOMB open up two bakeries within eleven days team of nearly 100 finance professionals In 2013 Tiffany English LAURA FARMER SHERMAN of one another, at the peak Christmas supports the three major segments and contributed to the success Executive Director season. She is recognized as a leader more than 10 business units comprising of Ware Malcomb in many significant SUSAN G. KOMEN SAN DIEGO in the brand, having opened the first ViaSat. She has taken on progressively ways and recognition came within the Susan G. Komen San Di- franchise location eight years ago. She more responsibility in a very short time, year when she was promoted to prin- ego only has five people on partners with Susan G. Komen San Di- until she now has been entrusted with cipal. English is extremely influential staff. The team is led by Laura Farmer ego and Rady Children’s Hospital with overseeing all of ViaSat’s finances. In in local industry associations and was Sherman and she is the heart and soul regular cake and cash donations and re- addition she adheres to the balanced the 2012 president of the Commercial behind the organization. In 2013, she ceived a community service award at the work/life philosophy at ViaSat, holding Real Estate Women (CREW) San Diego led her small team and volunteers to annual Nothing Bundt Cakes conven- tremendous professional responsibility Chapter, working collaboratively with raise $1 million that went into the com- tion for donations and assistance during while raising two young children. the board to uphold the organization’s munity to fund breast health programs the 2014 wildfires. mission of elevating the professional to provide women in San Diego coun- and personal development of women ty free services such as mammograms, DEBRA EATROS in the commercial real estate industry. screenings, financial assistance for liv- NATALIE FREITAS Director Today, she serves on the organization’s ing expenses and more. Farmer Sher- Office Manager/Paralegal and BLACKSLATE MANAGEMENT Network’s National Leadership Plan- man was diagnosed with breast cancer Notary Public CONSULTING ning Committee. in 2003 and is now an 11-year breast OLINS RIVIERE COATES AND Making a difference in the cancer survivor. She uses her story of BAGULA, LLP dental field is always a passion for Deb- survival to educate the community Natalie Freitas is an office manager ra Eatros. She founded her own dental JUDY ENNS about the importance of breast health and paralegal, working directly with five consulting firm three years ago and Executive Vice President and early detection. partners, three associates and five para- then was recruited by Blackslate Man- THE EASTRIDGE GROUP OF legals. She runs the day-to-day admin- agement to help reorganize an office in STAFFING COMPANIES istrative operations of Olins, Riviere, La Jolla. The concept was so successful Judy Enns founded HR DARA FELDMAN Coates and Bagula, LLP and directly that Blackslate Management created an Solutions, the human resources division Public Relations and Marketing supervises the firm’s technical and le- entire division around it with Eatros at of The Eastridge Group of Staffing Manager gal support teams. She is responsible for MISSION PARTNERS coordinating new case assignments and Dara Feldman began 2013 legal support staff resources. She ded- as the promotions manager for a nation- icates her life to the legal community al beverage company. She then had an inside and outside of work, volunteer- opportunity to follow her dream of en- ing for the San Diego Legal Secretaries trepreneurship and co-founded Little Association as career chair. Penguin Productions, a boutique public relations and branding consulting company, then moving into a position with EMILIA GABRIELE Mission Partners. Feldman has been ac- Chief Financial Officer and tive in the community and helped raise Vice President more than $14,000 for the families of SAN DIEGO WORKFORCE fallen service men by volunteering to PARTNERSHIP coordinate an event at the University Emilia Gabriele leads a large and di- Club called Martinis & Makeovers. She verse department of staff in accounting, also volunteered with YPC (Young Pro- finance, human resources, facilities, professionals Committee) which supports curement, and compliance for San Diego Big Brothers Big Sisters. Workforce Partnership. She balances the large work load by ensuring that staff resolve conflicts, receive praise for a job LESLIE FISHLOCK well done, and most importantly, work Founder & CEO well as a team. In its last annual inde- GEEK GIRL pendent audit, the San Diego Workforce Women in tech only ac- Partnership received the best audit re- FOR THE HONOR OF BEING count for 13 percent of sult in over a decade — an impressive NAMED ONE OF THE SAN DIEGO programmers and engineers. Leslie outcome that was directly related to Fishlock has taken the challenge of Gabriele’s leadership and focus. BUSINESS JOURNAL’S “WOMEN WHO changing that. She founded Geek Girl and has taken it to national prominence POLLIE GAUTSCH MEAN BUSINESS,” THE CHAMBER in eight years, growing from just vol- Owner CONGRATULATES unteering her time at small meetups G&A LEGAL, APC ... at coffee shops while running her own As the owner of G&A Le- global development company, to help- gal, Pollie Gautsch’s special- AIMEE FAUCETT ing people that technology passed by, ty is assisting “mompreneurs” with pro- to helming tech conferences all around tecting their trademarks, starting their Executive Vice President & the country. She has grown this social companies and navigating the start-up Chief Operating Officer cause company into a highly recogniz- process. She mentors women just start- able brand and is constantly being asked ing in the legal business and has started to speak at other conferences on women a “co-working space” in Solana Beach SDChamber.org in tech. Geek Girl TechCon will be in for small businesses that want to transition out of working from home, but Driving San Diego Business more than eight cities as of 2015. cannot afford large office space. Addi- tionally, Gautsch provides pro-bono continued on page A55 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A55

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A54 work for many charities. She supports ital’s portfolio valued at approximately promotion to her current role as direc- ELIZABETH HANSEN the San Elijo Lagoon Society and is on $700 million in real estate nationwide. tor of business development at Hoyle- Vice President the board for the Solana Beach Founda- In addition to running the large portfo- Cohen, LLC. Prior to this position, she SOUTHWEST STRATEGIES tion for Learning. lio of real estate, she handles financing was a financial advisor. She excels in Elizabeth Hansen manag- activities and asset manages numerous helping to form strategic partnerships es entitlement and outreach properties. Gladden moved to the U.S. for the firm and has used that to create processing, overseeing strategic com- DENISE GITSHAM as a young teen to go to school and more awareness for the firm’s growing munications related to land use, trans- Principal learned English as a second language. Women’s Practice. She hosts the Ex- portation and infrastructure as vice 7 SECOND STRATEGIES Today she is fluent in several languages. ecutive Women’s Forums for Women president of Southwest Strategies. Han- Prior to founding 7 Sec- in STEM to focus specifically on issues sen led the SANDAG/Caltrans public ond Strategies, Denise Git- that affect women in these professions in outreach team, which handled much of sham worked in both Washington D.C. HANNA GREGOR order to help foster career and financial the preparatory work leading up to the and San Diego as director of corporate CEO, Owner and Nutritionist advancement. Grimes was a finalist for release of the I-5 Final Environmental affairs and legislative counsel at Sapphire OH! JUICE Athena San Diego’s Pinnacle Awards. Document, a pivotal milestone for the Energy, the world’s leading algae-based Since launching OH! Juice project, leading to the eventual approval biofuel company. During her tenure at in September of 2013, Hanna of the project by the California Coastal Sapphire, she helped lead industry ef- Gregor has grown the business, brand CHRISTINA GUSTIN Commission in 2014. She also worked to forts to establish a national interest in and sales significantly with a recent Chief Operating Officer keep the Carlsbad Desalination Project, algae. She also led a multi-industry pub- major achievement — creating a “store RK2 WEALTH MANAGEMENT the first large scale desalination plant lic-private association focused on estab- front” or place where clients can pick up GROUP, UBS WEALTH on the West Coast and the largest of lishing a domestic renewable crude in- a juice on a daily basis. Gregor has part- MANAGEMENT AMERICAS its kind in the Western Hemisphere, on dustry, called the 2020 Inflection Point nered with The Dailey Method and now As Chief Operating Officer, Christina schedule for its projected finish by the Coalition. In both capacities, Gitsham runs her day-to-day business out of the Gustin oversees daily activities including end of 2015. developed strategic communications fitness studio. She has expanded her practice management, relationship man- plans that facilitated a steady stream of company from one to 20 employees in agement, financial planning, investment media coverage for algae at the nation- the first year to keep up with the grow- implementation and portfolio surveil- SANDI HARRISON al, state and local level. She also served ing trend and sales in the area. OH! Juice lance. Since becoming COO Gustin has Co-owner as an algae industry spokesperson on products are HPP Free, 100 percent or- marshalled her team to achieve a robust DOMINIONRED Capitol Hill. ganic, cold pressed, locally sourced, and growth rate, standardize processes, in- Sandi Harrison helps sustainably produced. crease efficiencies and she has established people connect through her organizational infrastructure to bolster company, dominionRED. By going be- VICTORIA GLADDEN expansion. She also is participating in yond providing traditional and digital VP of Operations BRIDGET GRIMES the UBS New Financial Advisor pro- marketing services to her telecommu- INTERWEST CAPITAL CORP. Director of Business gram for the education and mentoring of nications industry clients, she helps Though Victoria Glad- Development professionals new to the role. Her outside them form lasting connections and is den’s title is VP of Opera- HOYLECOHEN, LLC interests are education and art and she constantly promoting their interests tions, her responsibilities are much more In 2013, Bridget Grimes personally brokered the partnership of expansive. Gladden runs Interwest Cap- advanced her professional career with a ART San Diego and UBS. continued on page A56 Congratulations to all 2014

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2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A55 through her wide professional network KATIE HESS TARA HOFFMAN time serving the community and raising of industry leaders. Harrison is very ac- Senior Product Manager Co-Owner awareness for various causes. She is an tive in her local community and contrib- GAP INTELLIGENCE BOB HOFFMAN avid supporter of nonprofit organiza- utes to improving environmental, ani- Senior Product Manag- PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO tions including Jewish Family Service mal and human causes of all kinds. She er Katie Hess manages the In the special events of San Diego and the San Diego Sym- is a member or various social groups most robust client-facing product at gap world, Tara Hoffman is a well-known phony. where she dedicates her time coaching intelligence — the gapTCO online in- participant. She is an active member of young professionals, empowering them terface. This tool provides user-friendly NACE (National Association of Cater- with valuable knowledge, guidance and and highly accurate analysis of the to- ing Executives), ABC (Association of KAREN HYNES encouragement. tal cost of ownership (TCO) of printer Bridal Consultants), BESA (Bar/Bat Director of Marketing and MFP (multifunction printer) devic- Mitzvah Event Services Association) UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH es. Hess recently spearheaded a massive and ISES (International Special Events SYSTEM PAM HENDRICKSON overhaul of gapTCO, enhancing fea- Society). She is a founding member of In her role as director of Owner tures such as mixed-fleet comparisons BESA and a past board member of the marketing for UC San Diego Health PAM HENDRICKSON and environmental impact analysis. The ABC. Under her support and guidance, System, Karen Hynes is responsible for CONSULTING GROUP move attracted seven new international Bob Hoffman Photography and Video is leading a team of marketing profession- Pam Hendrickson thrives clients. a strategic partner with the ISES orga- als, as well as overseeing the marketing, in an industry dominated by men — nization. Hoffman also remains a prom- branding and advertising for all clinical Internet marketing. With her business inent figure in the event community, services within the Health System. In partner, Mike Koenigs, she has created KELLY HINCHMAN often requested for sub-committees and 2013, she negotiated a multi-year spon- an international community of prod- Owner, Design Principal speaking panels for her industry. sorship contract between the San Diego uct creators with their Make Market STUDIO H DESIGN GROUP, Chargers NFL team and the Health Launch It program. Her clients have INC. System that allowed the Health System created products on everything from Kelly Hinchman owns the JANICE HOWARD to market its services to a broad audi- “how to train dogs with love and re- thriving firm, Studio H Design Group. Founder/President ence of sports enthusiasts. Additionally, spect” to “how to create a healthy eat- She has guided the agency through rap- HORACEHUGH Hynes helped to lead the development ing plan for a cancer-free lifestyle.” id growth during its first year of busi- In 2013 Janice Howard of a marketing program focused on the Hendrickson is known for the quality ness. The firm outgrew its 600 square expanded her brand, Horace- opening of the Jacobs Medical Center in products she creates, which feature vid- foot office space in Old Town and moved Hugh, from men’s luxury shirts and cre- 2016, a state-of-the-art, 245-bed hospi- eo training modules; audio downloads into a larger 1050 square foot space in ated a new invention for men’s bow ties. tal tower in La Jolla that will house San for on-the-go listening; worksheets to downtown San Diego and grew its full- On the heels of the success of the shirt Diego’s only cancer hospital, as well as help you apply your insights and fill- time workforce by 150 percent in one business she identified a better way to a brand new women and infants hospital in-the-blank templates for immediate year. make a bow tie and began design on her and a hospital for advanced surgery. implementation. She has established Hinchman also is active in her com- Better Bow. Howard has since received herself as one of the go-to experts in munity through charity work. Her com- a design and utility patent for her inno- information products, content develop- pany does hands-on volunteer work on vative product. Howard built her luxu- RACHEL INMON ment, training and development as well a quarterly basis for Home of Guiding ry men’s shirt line from scratch. After Project Director - Business as Internet marketing. Hands. making a transition from commercial Development architecture she built the business from LPA the ground up with high quality shirts Rachel Inmon has helped produced in the U.S., at that time being grow LPA’s business model 100 percent made in a small town in rural PA. With over the past two years. She has assisted THE ORIGINAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC! painstaking attention to detail Howard and advanced LPA into new corporate worked with everyone from the facto- arenas such as life sciences. Inmon has ry manager to sewers to get a level of been active in Downtown San Diego quality that the factory had never pro- Partnership, using her extensive net- duced before. work as part of the membership committee. She also is active in San Diego Rotary as a member of the speakers SHAY HUGHES committee. Working recently with her Chief Operating Officer husband, Inmon spent several weeks HUGHES MARINO performing a survey of the homeless Shay Hughes has helped occupying the downtown to provide grow Hughes Marino from specific detailed information to the or- 14 to 46 people in three years. She man- ganizations who are trying to find solu- PLAN ages the growth and day-to-day activ- tions for the issue. YOUR ities of the expanding firm and is the HOLIDAY driving force behind its culture, team structure, and marketing strategies. MICHELLE JACKO PARTY She also designed the company’s mul- Managing Partner & CEO Discounts available for JACKO LAW GROUP, PC AND groups of 6 or more. tiple award winning headquarters office building. In 2013 she oversaw the CORE COMPLIANCE & LEGAL Pre-show reception SERVICES, INC. packages available! execution of Hughes Marino’s long imagined expansion into Orange Coun- Michelle Jacko founded the South- ty. Hughes is a dedicated philanthropist ern California Compliance Group in and contributes to dozens of nonprofit 1999 and has held numerous positions organizations throughout the county. there, including president, regulatory affairs committee chair, and speaker’s bureau chair. Jacko is directly involved STAR HUGHES in promoting the importance of compli- Director ance to local businesses. The intent of HUGHES MARINO this group is to provide a forum for lo- A San Diego native, Star cal compliance professionals to discuss Hughes specializes in down- their concerns in the industry. In 2014 town San Diego real estate. She has she has been invited to present at seven made a name for herself representing nationally recognized compliance con- PERFECTPERFECT FORFOR THETHE WHOLEWHOLE FAMILY!FAMILY! young startups that are turning down- ferences speaking on a wide variety of town San Diego into a fledgling tech industry topics. Jacko also is an advisory hub. Within just the first six months of board member and co-chair of the San ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY SEAN MURRAY 2014, Hughes has been involved in clos- Diego County Bar’s Business and Cor- MUSIC COMPOSED BY BILLY THOMPSON ing more than 40 commercial real estate porate Law Section. transactions in downtown San Diego OLD TOWN | SAN DIEGO 619.337.1525 • CYGNETTHEATRE.COM alone. She spends a generous amount of continued on page A58 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A57

Global Leadership: Lead Locally for Global Impact By Gail Ives, Managing Director, Union Bank®

Congratulations to the San customers and investors, while relationship managers work The global mindset is not only Diego Business Journal’s 2014 developments in technology closely with counterparts at our essential for women business Women Who Mean Business continue to drive a more global parent company who have local leaders, but also enhances your honorees. We thank you for workforce. Even if you do not have relationships worldwide. Likewise, interactions and creativity with your contributions to your direct international customers your attorney may have significant broader thinking. This perspective organizations, employees, and or source labor or materials relationships in South America or supports your organization’s communities. As business outside the U.S., you are most maybe your CPA has relationships growth potential and your growth leaders, you exhibit the broad likely working with customers in Germany that you can leverage as a leader within our global thinking required for success in or partners who are operating for your business ventures. marketplace. the global business marketplace globally in some form. of today. As you continue your How You Can Increase leadership growth journey, CASE STUDY: Your Global Equity Doing Business in China and Renminbi consider how global perspective Look at ways to increase your Companies doing business in other countries face a complex and planning can help advance viability and leadership as part of landscape of cultural differences and varying laws and regulations your career and business. the global economy. regarding ownership, investments, labor, and permits. We Increase Global Awareness “Global awareness suggest that our clients not go at it alone and work with us and World news is abundantly other partners to leverage experience working in these countries. and planning have available in the U.S. Seek it out Our foreign exchange specialists can also help clients mitigate significantly contributed and then go out of your way to foreign currency fluctuations that can dramatically affect their to our continued growth think about and engage bottom lines with potentially significant swings of up to 25 throughout our more than discussions about international percent within a given year. business, economic policies, 50 years in business.” For companies doing business in China, paying Chinese trade, and currencies. manufacturers in the local renminbi (RMB) currency has been —Cindy Ayloush, Establish a Global Strategy President and CFO of Hydraflow a win-win for both our clients and their suppliers. Buying RMB Consider how you can expand for future delivery with a forward contract may result in a more Hydraflow is a Union Bank client that your business through global specializes in creating engineered advantageous exchange rate than the current spot rate, enabling solutions for the fluid transfer industry. planning and sales strategies. them to lock in a meaningful cost reduction by hedging future Even if there doesn’t seem to be payments. an opportunity now, include a In addition, our clients have been able to negotiate better Today’s Business Is Global global strategy to position your pricing from their suppliers because Chinese manufacturers gain Nearly every business today is business to take advantage of the faster access to funds when paid in RMB. Suppliers don’t have global in some way. In February technology and infrastructure to worry about currency movements affecting the value of their 2014, the U.S. Chamber of changes that rapidly open new receivables and wait up to a few weeks to convert currency from Commerce reported that U.S. markets. USD to RMB. exports supported more than Access International For example, one of our clients was able to take significant 11.3 million jobs in 2013, up Business Support advantage of the continued RMB appreciation last year. By 1.6 million jobs since 2009. One way to get started buying forwards in the spring, the client was able to pay goods in “The fact is, 95 percent of taking advantage of global RMB at a set price despite RMB appreciation. As a result, this cost worldwide consumers live opportunities is by asking for saving contributed to significant year-end gains for the client. outside U.S. borders, and for our guidance from experienced businesses to grow and create This and any other information or communication provided by MUFG Union international colleagues, bankers, jobs, we have to make it possible Bank, N.A. (“MUB”) relating to foreign currency, foreign exchange and related and attorneys. Those who are products and services, whether written or oral, is not intended as (and shall not for them to reach new markets...” experienced in international be deemed) investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any currency —Penny Pritzker, trade and sales can help guide or other investment or instrument, nor shall it be deemed an assurance or U.S. Secretary of Commerce guarantee as to the results or expected results of any transaction. “Case Study” you through important local represents a hypothetical scenario which may not necessarily reflect your specific The U.S. economy is part custom, language, and currency financial situation and objectives and assumes certain market conditions. Before of an intensely competitive considerations. entering into any foreign exchange transaction with MUB, you must make your global marketplace where For instance, Union Bank has own independent decision to enter into that transaction, understand the terms, conditions and risks (financial and non-financial) of that transaction, and be willing emerging markets are making a strong advantage supporting to accept those terms and conditions and to assume those risks. Transacting in strides in competing for global clients in Asia because our foreign currency such as offshore Chinese renminbi is subject to certain restrictions set by the foreign jurisdiction of the relevant currency. Please be sure to understand those restrictions prior to entering into any foreign currency transaction. Gail Ives is Managing Director for Transaction Banking Product Sales at Union Bank. With more than 20 years About Union Bank International Services of banking experience, she has worked with businesses From businesses just starting out to those fostering thriving international trade, in a broad range of industries. She also supports the Union Bank is uniquely positioned to help support your international strategy. As community, including serving on the board of directors a member of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of the world’s leading financial organizations, we can help you with broad capabilities ranging from for the bank’s foundation and board of trustees for Meals export and import trade finance to foreign exchange and foreign currency loans. on Wheels Greater San Diego, Inc. Gail can be reached at [email protected] or 1-619-230-3750.

The foregoing article is intended to provide general information about global strategies and is not considered advice from Union Bank. About MUFG Union Bank, N.A. MUFG Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service bank with offices across the United States. We provide a wide spectrum of corporate, commercial, retail banking and wealth management solutions to meet the needs of customers. The bank also offers an extensive portfolio of value-added solutions for customers, including investment banking, personal trust, capital markets, global treasury management, transaction banking and other services. With assets of $110.9 billion (USD), as of September 30, 2014, the bank has strong capital reserves, credit ratings and capital ratios relative to peer banks. MUFG Union Bank, N.A., is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE: MTU), one of the world’s largest financial organizations with total assets of approximately ¥259 trillion (JPY) or $2.5 trillion (USD)1, as of June 30, 2014. MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation, the financial holding company and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., have corporate headquarters in New York City. 1 Exchange rate of 1 USD = ¥101.36 (J-GAAP) as of June 30, 2014.

©2014 Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Union Bank is a registered trademark and brand name of MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Page A58 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A56

JANET JACOBS ERIN KREHBIEL izing in media relations, social media, SHAVON LINDLEY President Chief Integrated Marketing creative services and strategic campaign CEO ANCHOR AUDIO, INC. Officer creation. She has grown the agency’s WOMEN EVOLUTION Janet Jacobs, president of ACI SPECIALTY BENEFITS client base from zero to more than 10 Shavon Lindley created Anchor Audio, has led the Erin Krehbiel spearheads within one year’s time. For her largest the first skill-based training company in releasing a new product ACI’s foray into the world of social me- client, Atlas General Insurance Ser- program specifically for women that is specifically designed for the education dia, SEO, and content marketing — a vices, she assisted with all content and scalable and cost-effective for use with- market, both in terms of utility and novel move in an industry not often per- development of the company website in companies of all sizes. She secured price sensitivity. By reviewing Anchor’s ceived as being cutting-edge. Due to her and blog and completed several educa- Fortune 1000 company sponsorship to manufacturing process, Jacobs has im- passion to fight for the flexibility to say tional development courses, webinars help fund the documentary, The Women proved the build procedures, sped up “yes” to clients, ACI developed a social and conferences to further career aspi- Evolution film, which tells the real life build time, retired out dated procedures, media presence as the “life of the party rations for the client. Lacsa also started mentorship of a Fortune 1000 female and improved the work flow for each in your benefits package.” With regular the “VPR Early Bird Fitness Group,” a executive and a struggling up-and-com- employee. As a local San Diego resident, blogs, a dedicated YouTube channel, company-sponsored program that en- ing woman. On completion she refash- Jacobs is closely involved in the HOA over 1,600 Twitter followers, and pro- courages employee fitness. ioned it into a 6-week online mentoring for her community and is currently gram access through every major social program that companies use to teach leading the effort for the creation a dog media outlet, Krehbiel has helped make their aspiring female employees the park in the neighborhood to serve the ACI more relevant in high tech com- TARA LAKE skills needed to take ownership of their many dog-owning residents. munications. She brings leadership and Senior Project Manager career. She also established The Women contributes to ACI’s charitable efforts LATITUDE 33 Evolution Scholarship Program to help including Sharon’s Ride.Run.Walk for women in business that are unable to se- NYDA JONES-CHURCH epilepsy, DonorsChoose.org, and the Tara Lake has achieved cure company sponsorship gain access Chief Operation Officer Employee Assistance Research Founda- professional success on both the East to the program for free. PACIFIC SOTHEBY’S tion. She personally is invested in sup- (Washington, D.C.) and West (San Di- INTERNATIONAL REALTY porting Father Joe’s Villages, Goodwill ego) coasts. With 15 years of experi- Nydia Jones-Church co- of San Diego, and has a particular con- ence, she has successfully built rela- AMY LISWESKI founded Prudential California Realty, nection with the March of Dimes. tionships in every setting and on each Artistic Director one of the largest real estate brokerages project that she has been involved FINEST CITY IMPROV in the United States. Today the firm is with. Lake has made impactful contri- In December 2013, Finest affiliated with Pacific Sotheby’s Inter- CHRISTINE KURDZIEL butions within the San Diego commu- City Improv broke ground national Realty and Jones-Church leads Assistant Complex Director nity through a lengthy list of projects on their very first theater, located in efforts in the local market and has devel- UBS WEALTH MANAGEMENT including: entitlement review for the trendy North Park. With Amy Lisweski oped major residential projects in Baja AMERICAS City of San Diego; long range and com- at the head as artistic director, this the- California. She is active in raising funds In 2013 Chris Kurdziel munity planning for the former Centre ater has its own lobby, a 65 seat auditori- and promoting awareness for several was promoted to assistant complex di- City Development Corporation; Lit- um, lighting and sound board, projector community organizations throughout rector, overseeing the business growth tle Italy streetscape improvement, I-5 screen, and a raised stage. Among the San Diego including the Sonoran Insti- and best practices of four UBS offices in downtown study; and a comprehensive artistic endeavors Finest City offers are tute (a conservation group working in San Diego County. She has coached high parking plan for downtown San Diego. classes which are now at capacity with the western United States and Mexico), performing advisory and leadership more than 80 students enrolled. Along San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Ecke teams in 10 Western states in team dy- with providing shows and classes, Le- Family YMCA, Scripps Foundation namics, communications, performance, BROOK LARIOS sweski launched Finest City Improv’s Heritage Plan and Junior League. and achievement specific to wealth man- Co-Founder/CEO corporate training workshops which agement and wealth management lead- PLAINCLARITY brings the fundamentals of improvisa- ership. Kurdziel has a focus on educa- COMMUNICATION tion into the workplace. JESSICA KATINSZKY tion and the arts in schools, supporting A former journalist, Human Resources Director efforts in San Diego and in Las Vegas Brook Larios advances the public re- SHAKE SMART, INC. including contributions to the UNLV lations industry through non-pitchy, JENNIFER LIVITS Shortly after Jessica Foundation; sponsorships of grammar smart communications. In 2013, Larios CEO Katinszky graduated from school teachers by funding their class- and her husband hired their first em- PINK LAGOON SDSU she became Shake Smart’s first rooms; and supporting the arts though ployee for PlainClarity as the small firm Jennifer Livits built a suc- hire for its first store at the university. the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra. In San with the big network of influence began cessful roster of styling cli- She continued to prove her talent for Diego, she also participates in the Art growing. As a long-time board member ents in San Diego and Los Angeles, as management and team building which San Diego event sponsored by UBS and (now advisory board member) for Girls a full-service style editor, wardrobe ad- quickly led to her placement as the hu- donates to the Monarch School. Think Tank, she has secured the adver- visor and buyer. Well-versed in vintage man resources director where she devel- tising equivalent of hundreds of thou- pieces, current trends and the hallmarks oped all the HR systems for the growing sands of dollars of press for the small, of timeless style, she brings her wealth company. She has developed and facili- ANGELA LACHICA local nonprofit. of knowledge and fun to all of her cli- tate hiring and training procedures for President/CEO ents to make sure they look flawless, company’s first major expansion, add- LACHICA SPORTS, INC. without ever trying too hard. She serves ing five stores and 60 employees in just As CEO of LaChica CIARA LAYNE-TRUJILLO as the CEO of Pink Lagoon, a wardrobe six months. She remains involved with Sports, Angela LaChica has Vice President design and styling boutique located in SDSU as a guest speaker for incoming made many professional strides this COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL Solana Beach. In 2013, Livits oversaw freshman classes on the importance of past year for her company. Her largest Ciara Layne-Trujillo has her two Pink Lagoon retail locations, nutrition and balance in college life. professional achievements included cre- been a Colliers International continued to wardrobe women through ating one of the largest youth devel- San Diego Region Top Ten Performer her personal styling agency and also en- opment clinics in San Diego. With the for the last two years and was the firm’s tered into yet another fashion endeavor KACHINA KRAFCHOW help of scouts from seven major league #5 Top Broker for 2013. This past year called The Studio by Pink Lagoon, a cu- Senior Account Manager baseball teams, she works to inspire the marked her career best as she closed es- rated luxury consignment boutique. CORINTHIAN TITLE younger generation of athletes in San crow on 41 deals totaling $166 million Kachina Krafchow be- Diego. Her client, Vicki Golden, one in value. She specializes in advising sell- lieves in empowering others of the few female freestyle Motocross ers on the value of their land, under- LYNELLE LYNCH and lifting them up. This is how she has riders, was nominated last year for the writing, and maneuvering through the President run her business for the past 11 years. ESPY awards for 2014 Best Female Ac- process of selling land to homebuilders. BELLUS ACADEMY She is the top producing female title tion Sports Athlete. A major highlight for Layne-Trujillo Lynelle Lynch has representative at Corinthian Title and in 2013 was the sale of 41 home sites redefined academia for the one of the top female representatives in Rancho Santa Fe’s Cielo communi- modern beauty student. As president throughout the title industry since 2005. STEPHANIE LACSA ty, which was valued at $10.25 million. of Bellus Academy since 2005, she Krafchow attends and donates to numer- Account Executive and Co- She also is an active member of the San oversees the school’s four campuses and ous charities and functions including: Founder Diego County Building Industry Asso- advisory board, and has spearheaded Shakti Rising, Live Naturally High, One VERTICAL PR, LLC ciation. more than 15 advanced training and Love and Wine and Roses. She also is an Stephanie Lacsa is license programs. From her leadership active Sierra Club Member, supporting co-founder of Vertical PR, LLC, a pub- skills, Bellus Academy has received fitness in the community. lic relations and marketing firm special- continued on page A59 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A59

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A58 numerous awards including being CATHERINE MAGAÑA marked the first time an Asian Pacific gal profession. Mangan created, found- named the “Harvard of Beauty Schools” Managing Partner, CFP® American held the office in its 115-year ed, and taught the Appellate Litigation by San Diego Magazine (2008);”Best WWM FINANCIAL / history. Her professional achievements Clinic at the University of San Diego School in the Nation” by First Chair SAVVY WOMEN WEALTH and unwavering commitment to the School of Law, which provides law stu- Magazine (2008); as well as ranked top MANAGEMENT community have been recognized by dents the opportunity to litigate pro three internationally for Intercoiffure’s Catherine Magaña began her finan- multiple organizations, including The bono appeals on behalf of indigent cli- “Best School” Award. San Diego is cial management career in 1999. She Best Lawyers in America, Super Law- ents. The clinic provides students with home to three of the school’s four now serves as a Certified Financial yers, and San Diego Daily Transcript. critical real-world experience while si- campuses, giving Southern California a Planner for WWM Financial and Savvy She was the recipient of the Trailblaz- multaneously providing free representa- competitive edge in the beauty industry. Women Wealth Management which she er Award by the National Asian Pacific tion to those who need it most. As chair helped found in 2011. In 2014 she was American Bar Association. of the SDCBA Appellate Court Com- honored as a “Five Star Wealth Man- mittee, Mangan was instrumental in the ERICA MACHIN ager” and serves as a multi-year win- NANCY MANCILLA development of the Civil Appellate Self- Director of Social Media ner. She is active in the community and CEO and Co-Founder Help Workshop program, which helps TITAN SEO, INC. serves as the secretary of the Carlsbad ISOS GROUP unrepresented litigants navigate the ap- Erica Machin is the direc- Chamber Government Affairs Com- Nancy Mancilla conceived peals process. The program launched in tor of social media for Titan mittee. Her company was selected as and founded ISOS Group the summer of 2014. SEO, a digital agency specializing in a finalist for the Carlsbad Chamber of based on her commitment to a more SEO, PPC and social media strategies. Commerce Small Business Professional sustainable world. The company cer- Utilizing content marketing strategies Services Award. Magaña is a co-host of tifies and teaches individuals in Global M. LOU MARSH, M.D. and blogging initiatives, Machin has in- a weekly Savvy Women Radio Show on Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting, CEO and Inventor creased web traffic for Titan SEO’s site. AM1450. The show is dedicated to the the highest standard of Corporate So- BEVMD, LLC She also has helped clients carve a niche unique relationship women have with cial Responsibility (CSR) reporting that Dr. M. Lou Marsh is the on social media by growing their fan money, wealth, and investing. helps organizations, primarily corpora- CEO and CMO of BevMD. bases and creating relevant content for tions, to become more environmentally She formulates all of the company’s bev- their specific target markets. A strong and socially responsible in manageable erages, doing the necessary research to advocate for social media, Machin was JERRILYN MALANA annual incremental phases. ISOS has ensure that they are appropriate for their only 24 when she gained this position, Shareholder now trained more than 2,000 people in purpose. She also writes and submits the tasked with building the department LITTLER MENDELSON, PC the U.S. patents for all products that the company from the ground up. Machin also is a Over the course of her produces. Her first formulated bever- Certified Google AdWords & Analytics career, Jerrilyn Malana has age, Clearfast® is the first U.S. patented, professional. Combining a love for run- served in multiple leadership positions KATHERINE MANGAN and American Society of Anesthesi- ning with giving back, she participates with numerous legal and professional Partner ologist approved, pre-operative bev- regularly in local charity 5Ks. She has organizations including the American HAHN LOESER & PARKS erage. Clearfast is intended to become run in the Del Mar Mud Run every year Bar Association, National Family Jus- Katherine Mangan is a an alternative to traditional fasting for for the past four years and most recently tice Center Alliance, and National Asian partner at Hahn Loeser & surgical patients. In addition to her ran in the San Diego Electric Run. Her Pacific American Bar Association. In Parks, where she co-chairs the firm’s ap- BevMD responsibilities, Dr. Marsh is goal this year is to run in a charity 10K. 2009, she served as president of the San pellate group. She is a frequent writer still a practicing anesthesiologist and Diego County Bar Association, which and speaker on ways to improve the le- continued on page A60 Page A60 www.sdbj.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL November 17, 2014

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A59

works with a private outpatient surgery ty and Orange County; Massas took on AMY MYERS STEPHANIE NISAN center. While maintaining a full clinical the role of managing all sales and mar- Development Director - Co-Founder/President caseload, Dr. Marsh has sustained her keting procedures for San Diego Coun- Corporate Giving THE ANIMAL PAD interest in clinical research, publishing ty in 2013. Last year, she successfully BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Stephanie Nisan is a real es- her findings. launched 10 new home communities, OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY tate agent in San Diego Coun- four in San Diego County; in addition After 10 years of launching and ty and has excelled in her professional to actively selling and marketing 24 ex- leading Big Brothers Big Sisters’ inno- career. At the same time she runs The DEBORAH MARTIN isting communities. As San Diego’s VP vative programs, Amy Myers became Animal Pad and has played a major role Executive Director of sales and marketing, she is the driv- the agency’s key person in reaching in the rescue of hundreds of dogs. She ELDERHELP ing force behind new-home marketing, out to corporations and businesses for is the co-founder of The Animal Pad In August 2012, Deborah ensuring that all marketing materials financial support. She has led the agen- and also is a voice for abandoned and Martin was brought on as an capture the theme and architectural in- cy’s growth from serving 200 children neglected animals, advocating in the independent contractor to assist with spiration of each and every home. in 2002 to now serving 1750 children. community about major issues such as increasing efficiencies and improving She launched and led Operation Bigs, spay/neuter, shelter overflow, and ani- systems at ElderHelp. In May of 2013 the first program of its kind in the U.S. mal abuse. she became the organization’s fulltime JESSICA MOSIER that provides mentors for children of CEO/executive director. She has cre- Director of Youth Programs deployed Marine and Navy personnel. ated strong relationships for the orga- SAN DIEGO WORKFORCE She also created the BBBS program for BRIDY ORESHACK nization including relationships with PARTNERSHIP children with a parent incarcerated, and Financial Planner other senior service providers, funders, As Director of Youth Pro- launched Sports Bigs to recruit more CUSTOMATRIX and other key stakeholders. Under her grams for San Diego Workforce Part- young men as adult role models. She Bridy Oreshack is a finan- leadership, during the past fiscal year, nership, Jessica Mosier is responsible also supports community efforts and has cial planner for CUSTOMa- ElderHelp experienced a 12.25 percent for $10 million in funding and programs raised significant funds as a team cap- trix. She has been acknowledged for the increase in revenue. Martin is focused to support workforce opportunities and tain for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. excellence of her work with industry on partnerships and collaborations to positive career pathways for youths awards, company awards and was hon- ensure ElderHelp and the community is throughout the San Diego County re- ored in Newsweek magazine for her ready for the needs of the aging popu- gion. Mosier guided the organization’s NANETTE NEWBRY client service. She has been a speaker at lation. summer youth employment program Principal, Creative Director the national convention for her indus- (Connect2Careers) to the most success- STUDIO 2055 try in Washington D.C. Oreshack also ful outcome to date, exceeding goals and STUDIO 2055’s identity uses her time for philanthropy, working LAURIE MASSAS resulting in hundreds of at-risk youth signifies more than a series of with many charities specifically relating Vice President of Sales and gaining a positive work experience in numbers. Behind the numbers is a ded- to children including Bikes for Kids, an Marketing the summer. Mosier has served on sev- icated group of creative designers and organization that bringing bikes to the STANDARD PACIFIC HOMES eral boards including Second Chance writers, led by its owners and principals, lives of disadvantaged children. She SAN DIEGO and the Pacific Center for Workforce Nanette Newbry and Richard Dowdy. also works with Lifebridge, bringing Laurie Massas is responsible for the Innovation. The agency was founded in 1985 by free life insurance to those who cannot strategic pricing, marketing and selling Newbry, fresh out of UCSD’s visual afford it. of new homes. In addition to support- and theatre art departments. Working ing Standard Pacific Homes’ sales and solo, Newbry landed Taylor Made Golf marketing efforts in Los Angeles Coun- as a client — quite a coup for a young MELANIE PETERS designer — which led to a twelve-year CEO relationship. The firm grew and gener- MELANIE PETERS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! ated work with many other high-profile PRODUCTIONS clients including 20th Century Fox, The Melanie Peters uses her Four Seasons, Stolichnaya Gold Vodka, skills as a producer to assist in bring- the Gemological Institute of America ing awareness to numerous city events and Reebok. With the explosion of the and festivals. She successfully launched a Internet and expanding global econo- campaign promoting South Bay Pride’s my, the Studio emerged as a comprehen- Gay Marriage Contest that resulted in sive rebranding company. two wedding ceremonies. She helped raise awareness through a video campaign and assisted in the development CELENE NIGRO, R.N. of a sponsorship packet to bring on new Medical Director sponsors in 2014. Peters also assisted FRESH START SURGICAL the Adams Avenue Business Association GIFTS with a major PR campaign that resulted Celene Nigro has guid- in increased visibility in the community, CFO of the Year Awards ed Fresh Start Surgical Gifts to one of geared toward attracting new members Thursday, March 5, 2015 the most prominent charities focused on and engaging the communities sur- 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. health care in the region. She has ex- rounding Adams Avenue. The campaign Special Awards Reception panded the organization’s reach, build- garnered better SEO for the AABA web- with hosted hors d’oeuvres and cash bar ing a partnership with Children’s Hospi- site. Peters is on the board of directors The 9th annual event recognizing San Diego Chief Financial Officers for the tal in Chicago and is currently working at GSDBA. roles they play in the success of their businesses and their positive impact on further expansion in New York on the company. The CFOs are key professionals who exemplify hard City and Dallas. This has been a huge work, dedication, ethics and the ability to inspire others to work together growth not only for Fresh Start but in JAN PHILLIPS-CLAR to find solutions to business challenges. The San Diego Business Journal health care generally, and she continues Directory, Department of honors these CFOs by hosting a reception and awards program to honor to build partnerships to provide medi- Respiratory Care the winning individuals, companies and guests. cal care to disadvantaged youth who UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH Categories: could benefit from reconstructive sur- SYSTEM • Public company (publicly traded) • Privately held company Jan Phillips-Clar began her career as • Nonprofit organization (e.g., 501(c) 3) gery and other medical services. Nigro also is involved with other community a respiratory care practitioner in Ohio • Business nonprofit (e.g., credit union) then joined UC San Diego Health Sys- • Government agency • Education efforts and volunteers with other nonprofits including Meals on Wheels and tem in 1989. She quickly became an ad- Nomination Deadline: January 19, 2015 donating her hair to Children With Hair vocate for the sickest and emotionally Loss. She shares her medical expertise difficult of patients working in the Nominate or order tickets online at: http://www.sdbj.com/bizevents/ trauma unit and the Burn ICU. In 1993 Ticket price includes a 26-week subscription to the San Diego Business Journal ($15.00 allocated to the subscription). by donating her time to Connect to Med Current subscribers may gift their 26-week subscription to a colleague. which funds medical missions interna- she teamed with physicians and staff Event Information: Contact the Events Department at 858.277.6359 tionally to operate on children who have to initiate the system’s Patient Driven Protocol program in which algorithmic Presented by Gold In Association With no access to medical care in Mexico and other developing countries. evidence-based medical processes are ap- plied by respiratory practitioners as an continued on page A61 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A61

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A60 extension of the physician. She was the ganizers are now being used through- JENNIFER RUBIN The San lead author of the book “UCSD-Patient out the country and even helping newly Member Driven Protocols” and also has drafted diagnosed patients in Kenora, Canada. MINTZ LEVIN numerous articles and abstracts related In addition, Rady has brought together Jennifer Rubin has sig- Diego to the topic. She has helped change the a huge volunteer community who help nificantly increased business view of the respiratory therapist from assemble the customized organizers. for the Mintz Levin, including expand- County someone that simply carried out orders ing the firm’s relationship with Active to a provider that could insure their pa- Network, LLC, a major client. She has tients got exactly what they needed. DARLYNNE REYES MENKIN worked to achieve diversity and inclu- Complex President, Co-owner sion in the legal profession through her WHERE YOU WANT TO BE role as national chair of Mintz Levin’s is proud to ANN PICKREN TOURS, INC. Diversity Committee. Recently BTI COO As a former TV news Consulting Group, a client service sat- MIR3, INC. journalist, Darlynne Reyes Menkin has isfaction consulting agency, recognized congratulate: With more than 20 years been able to use those skills to success- her as a Client Service All-Star based on of experience, Ann Pickren fully transition to the tourism industry. unprompted recommendations by near- is a recognized leader in the business She continues to write for several out- ly 250 corporate counsels at Fortune continuity and IT disaster recovery lets including a monthly travel & life- 1000 and other large corporations. industry. She holds her industry certi- style column with her husband for the fication (MBCI) through the Business Downtown News. She is especially pas- Continuity Institute and has published sionate about supporting two groups: LINDA RUNYEON many articles that have been included military families and faith-based orga- Vice President, Finance in industry journals. She has served on nizations. In 2013, her company, Where R3 STRATEGIC SUPPORT committees within her industry that in- You Want To Be Tours received a rec- GROUP clude the ASIS Organizational Maturity ognition award for its support and ser- Linda Runyeon works Christina Gustin committee for the creation of industry vice to military families. Menkin also is as R3 Strategic Support Group’s first Financial Advisor standards on business continuity matu- active in several business organizations manager in its finance section. She has rity models. including the Asian Business Associ- established this critical aspect of the ation and the San Diego Chamber of business from the ground up, assum- Commerce. ing every role from basic bookkeeping MEREDITH PIERATT to interaction with the bank. Runyeon Marketing and Communications crafted the strategy for and implement- Director MICHELLE ROSE GILMAN ed the Deltek GCS Premier system, an WSP CORPORATE BENEFITS & Founder accounting and project controls solu- INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. FUSION ACADEMY tion designed specifically for small- to Chris Kurdziel Meredith Pieratt has been a leader Almost 24 years ago, mid-sized businesses supporting the Assistant Complex in the health benefits industry. She has Michelle Rose Gilman start- U.S. government. With her implemen- led the implementation and designing ed an after-school tutoring program tation of Deltek’s accounting solution, Director of health benefit booklets, producing in- out of her home, working one-on-one R3 was able to grow from $2.8 million formative narratives on the health care with students who needed additional in 2011 to $4.29 million in 2012 to $7.27 industry and the evolution of the bene- support. Soon, she and her staff were million in 2013. Runyeon is active in the fits foundation due to the affordable care tutoring and mentoring more than 200 San Diego chapter of the Association of act. In addition to her health care work, students annually. Some of her students Government Accountants and routine- Pieratt also co-owns an event company, were still not thriving in their tradition- ly provides mentorship and guidance to Floret Couture, where she is a creative al schools, so Gilman opened Fusion early stage accounting professionals. director and event coordinator. She has Academy’s doors to full-time students. Courtney Liddy consulted on weddings nationally and in- In addition to her administration of the ternationally from San Diego to Cancun. school, Gilman is a featured blogger DENISE SCATENA Senior Vice President– for Huffington Post. She also has her Founding Partner Wealth Management own coaching business called the Well- SCATENA DANIELS NANCI PORTER Heeled Warrior in which she mentors COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF TALENT OFFICER women to leave a legacy and make posi- Under Denise Scatena’s For their continued TALENTPORT CONSULTING tive change in the world. leadership, Scatena Daniels Communi- After almost 35 years cations grew 20 percent in 2013, and support in the with The Eastridge Group provided strategic communications ser- community and of Staffing companies, Nanci Porter KRISTA ROYBAL, M.D. vices to prominent organizations such helping those plan went out on her own and established Executive Medical Director as Planned Parenthood of the Pacific for their future. TalentPort Consulting. She has forged TRUE LIFE CENTER FOR Southwest, inewsource, I Love A Clean a well-constructed service agency and WELLBEING San Diego, Rancho Family YMCA, and puts consistency in hiring methodolo- As a board-certified psy- the San Diego Festival of Science and Chris Marsh gies and effective recruiting practices chiatrist and founder of True Life Engineering. The firm won a presti- in place that increase hiring outcomes Center for Wellbeing, Dr. Roybal has gious 2013 PRSA Bernays award for Complex Director and retention. In the community, Porter uniquely combined the best of neu- their work with the Rancho Family UBS Financial has served on the board of trustees for roscience with the wisdom of holistic YMCA’s Ride Across California. Meals on Wheels Greater San Diego, health therapies to successfully treat Services Inc. Inc. since May 2011. addiction and mental health disorders. RACHEL SCATIZZI San Diego County The newly opened center offers services Partner/Attorney Complex that include psychiatric medical treat- SMITH & SCATIZZI LLP ROBIN RADY ments and medications integrated with Along with another fe- CEO / Founder wellness programs such as acupuncture, male colleague, Rachel 1200 Prospect Street METUGO nutrition, meditation, yoga and Pilates. Scatizzi opened Smith & Scatizzi LLP in Suite 500 When Robin Rady was She developed a unique six-week inten- 2013. The law firm has grown steadi- La Jolla, CA 92037 diagnosed with breast cancer, sive outpatient program, which makes ly and Scatizzi is already looking to she began compiling an organizer that addiction treatment available without find new space. She has had success for ubs.com/fs helped her through the myriad journey waiting lists or the high cost of inpa- her family law clients in divorce cases, of battling the disease at Scripps Hospi- tient residential treatment. Dr. Roybal custody disputes, and related matters. tal. At the hospital’s request, Rady cre- also serves as the co-medical director of She also has been instrumental in mar- ated and provided hundreds of medical the Drug and Alcohol Treatment pro- keting and promoting her new firm as record organizers to newly diagnosed gram at Scripps Memorial Hospital La its chief marketing officer and named breast cancer patients and it is estimat- Jolla. She is renowned both locally and partner. Scatizzi is a member of the Ju- ed that by the end of 2014, she will have nationally for her integrated approach nior League of San Diego’s executive provided more than one thousand of to treating addiction, drug and alcohol management team, and is very involved these organizers to patients. These or- abuse and other debilitating disorders. ©UBS 2014. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a continued on page A62 subsidiary of UBS AG. 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2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A61 in the League’s community-based mis- portunity for networking and collabora- JAMIE LYNN SIGLER CINDI STRATTON sions and to promoting training and tion with business, government and ac- Founding Partner Attorney volunteerism in San Diego. ademic leaders from around the world. J PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATTON AND GREEN She has consistently found new ways Jamie Lynn Sigler has Cindi Stratton has a state- JOHANNA SCHIAVONI for the San Diego Diplomacy Council built J Public Relations truly ment that she lives by, “There Founder and Appellate Attorney to successfully carry out its mission and from the ground up. She has been award- is no right way to do the wrong thing.” LAW OFFICE OF JOHANNA S. her unique experience within the pri- ed the Eva Irving Community Service As an attorney, she gives of her time to SCHIAVONI vate high-tech industry, government, award for her outstanding commitment support others in her practice areas as Johanna Schiavoni, an ap- and non-governmental organizations to bettering the PR field and her com- well as in the legal and local communi- pellate litigation attorney, is the found- has contributed to her success as the or- munity. Since co-founding J Public Re- ty. Stratton has prevailed in numerous er of her own law firm, the Law Office ganization’s executive director. lations in 2004, Sigler has made commu- wrongful termination, discrimination, of Johanna S. Schiavoni. She launched nity service a personal mission. She is a retaliation, and wage and hour matters; her firm in May 2013, after gaining PRSA board member and was named as obtaining millions of dollars in judg- more than ten years of experience as a ELSA SEVILLA one of the top “Game Changers” in San ments, settlements and verdicts. She has litigation attorney in private and gov- TV Executive Producer/TV Diego by Riviera Magazine and Verizon provided many hours of pro bono work, ernment practice. Much of her practice Host Wireless. She actively volunteers with working for public education as gener- focuses on crafting legal strategy to a SEVILLA PRODUCTIONS/ the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Dress al counsel for Friends of La Jolla Ele- potential appeal, or on appeal, where KPBS-TV for Success, Make-A-Wish Foundation, mentary and Muirlands Middle School. there is ambiguity or arguable nuance Elsa Sevilla is one of the few local Touissaint Academy, Mama’s Kitchen She also volunteers for La Jolla Youth in the law. She represents clients in civ- women who run her own video pro- Mama’s Day, and Father Joe’s Villages. Baseball and is a Pro Tem Small Claims il business disputes, in criminal appeals, duction company in a male dominated Court judge. and in immigration matters. She has business. Her passion is to tell San Di- served as president of Lawyers Club ego’s history to viewers who want to LIA SMITH of San Diego from 2013 to 2014. know about the past. She has been in CEO CINDY SUTHERLAND broadcast news for the past 25 years A BETTER SOLUTION IN Vice President of Career and has won countless accolades for her HOME CARE, INC. Development JILL SECARD work. By 2013, she had produced 45 With over 25 years in the NEW HORIZONS COMPUTER Executive Director documentaries exclusively for KPBS- industry, Lia Smith brings a wealth of LEARNING CENTERS OF SAN DIEGO DIPLOMACY TV/Web. Sevilla is a three-time Em- knowledge and reputable caregiver ser- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNCIL my-nominated investigative journalist vices to the local community and to keep Under Cindy Sutherland’s watch, Under Jill Secard’s super- and Emmy-nominated history TV pro- seniors healthy and independent as long New Horizons has conducted reverse vision, the San Diego Diplomacy Coun- ducer. She has won the San Diego City as possible. She used this experience to job fairs where its students are marketed cil organized 17 community events, Historic Board’s Historic Preservation establish a nonprofit organization, A to the businesses in attendance. Suther- giving local residents an opportunity Award for her TV series on history. Se- Better Solution Community Resource land also spearheaded the “Surface Salute to learn about relevant global affairs villa served on the MANA Board for five organization to service women, chil- to Troops” Program, which has helped and foreign policy from distinguished years and helped bring visibility to the dren and homeless populations. She has many veterans get the training they need speakers, expert panelists and foreign organization by gaining news coverage. trained more than 300 caregivers and to find fulfilling careers. The program, dignitaries, scholars, business and com- provides free care management, train- developed in partnership with Microsoft, munity leaders. The events, attended by ing and placement to caregivers. gives veterans free Surface RT tablets to more than 700 residents, offered an op- aid in their training in programs related to Microsoft products. As of March, the MICHELLE STANSBURY program had helped more than 28 vet- CEO SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL’S 9TH ANNUAL erans in 2014 receive training and hard- LITTLE PENGUIN PR ware. In 2013 Michelle Stans- MOST ADMIRED bury launched a boutique public relations company, Little Penguin JONAH TOLENO CEO AWARDS PR, and has since grown the business. Attorney Wednesday She has achieved strategic publicity SHUSTAK & PARTNERS, PC January 28, 2015 and recognition for her clients, all San Jonah Toleno has recov- Diego-based companies, by crafting ef- ered millions of dollars on 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. fective and engaging communications behalf of defrauded investors and fi- Paradise Point Resort & Spa strategies. She is focused on helping nancial professionals with employment 1404 Vacation Road small businesses achieve their goals. claims along with her other responsibil- San Diego, CA 92109 Stansbury also has given back to local ities at Sustak & Partners that include Special Awards Reception with hosted hors d'oeuvres and cash bar nonprofit organizations, including plan- assisting with management, finances, ning Martinis & Makeovers, a signature HR, administration, and marketing. Nomination Deadline event for the Got Your Back Foundation She serves on the board of the Filipi- Extended to Nov. 17, 2014 which supports the families of fallen no-American Lawyers of San Diego, (end of day) servicemen. is a volunteer with San Diego County Bar Association, and Filipino Amer- ican Lawyers of San Diego. And she This event recognizes our local industry ANNEKE STENDER volunteers with Navajo Girls Fastpitch leaders’ great achievements within their companies Vice President Softball and with the San Carlos Little and in the community. The winners and finalists are lauded for TAG League Baseball Team. demonstrating determination and insight yielding huge successes for Anneke Stender has con- their organizations. These executives have taken the lead in driving their tributed to the leadership businesses and the local economy. The San Diego Business Journal honors these CEOs by hosting an exclusive reception and awards program to honor of TAG, which saw its highest growth TONYA TOROSIAN the winners, finalists and guests. to date with a 35 percent increase from CEO An independent panel of judges will select winners in the following categories: the year prior. In 2007, Stender devel- PROMISES2KIDS Public Company (publicly traded) • Privately held Company oped TAG Family CFO and facilitated Tonya Torosian has made Nonprofit Organization (e.g., 501(c)3) • Business Nonprofit (e.g., credit union) the acquisition of McKean Financial in changing the lives of foster Government Agency • Family-Owned Business • Education La Jolla. Stender opened two new office children her life mission. Since joining locations for TAG in the last two years Promises2Kids as CEO, Torosian has Nomination deadline extended to November 17, 2014 (end of day) increased revenue by more than 50 per- Nominate or order tickets online at: http://www.sdbj.com/bizevents/ in Rancho Santa Fe and Newport Beach. Ticket price includes a 26-week subscription to the San Diego Business Journal ($15.00 allocated to the subscription). She has played an integral role with the cent. This increase in revenue has sup- Current subscribers may gift their 26-week subscription to a colleague. expansion by developing a strategic mar- ported all four of Promises2Kids pro- Event Information: Contact the Events Department at 858.277.6359 keting plan and new business develop- grams. This translates to increasing the ment. Most recently, Stender cultivated number of former foster youth provided Presented by Title Sponsor Gold Sponsor In Association With a new niche service for the division, an with a higher education in the Guardian outsourced personal/executive service Scholars program from 36 youth at the model that complements the existing list start to 73 youth in the program today. of personal financial concierge services. continued on page A63 November 17, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL www.sdbj.com Page A63

2014 WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS FINALISTS continued from page A62

Torosian formulated groundbreaking RENEE VAN HEEL Well Project, a charity focused on health dent of the San Diego Subcontractors initiatives that have led the foundation Owner and wellness for at-risk teen girls and Association where she was a founding to refocus and strengthen its programs. PAY IT FORWARD young women. advocate for retention reform which ul- PROCESSING timately passed the California Legisla- Renee Van Heel lost ev- ture in 2013. Wright was instrumental HEATHER TOWSLEY erything in San Diego’s 2007 wildfires RACHEL WELLAND in this particular initiative which began Vice President when her house and all her belongings Owner, Wedding & Event locally and moved quickly to the state BNA COMMUNICATIONS burned down. But she used the experi- Coordinator legislature where it found broad sup- Heather Towsley provides ence as inspiration and created a non- BLISS EVENTS port. She currently serves as govern- direction, advice and exper- profit for victims of the fires, Fired Up Rachel Welland is the ment relations chair for the Associated tise related to deadline-driven, regulat- Women, helping families get back on owner of Bliss Events, specializing in Subcontractors Alliance and is a founded communications programs through their feet after losing their homes. She wedding and event coordination. She ing member and sits on the board of BNA Communications. In addition to has begun a campaign in which every has been involved in the events indus- directors for the Women’s Construction her primary account responsibilities, she swipe of merchant credit cards her cli- try’s various support groups and asso- Coalition. supports communications programs for ents put through benefit charities in San ciations throughout the years. She is an American Water — the largest publicly Diego and all across the country. advisory board member for Exquisite traded water and wastewater utility in Weddings Magazine, programs chair SHERYL WRIGHT the U.S. As a community services com- for NACE (National Association of Ca- Senior Vice President, Corporate missioner for the City of San Marcos, CRISTINA VERSARI tering & Events), and coordinator of & Government Affairs Towsley reports to the City Council on President the first ever Ultimate San Diego Wed- ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, community amenities such as recreation SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY FOR ding in 2011. She is a guest speaker at INC. programs and facilities. As a former INTEGRATIVE STUDIES hospitality and events classes at local As the first recruited female at the competitive figure skater and author of colleges and universities. Welland has C-level within Encore, Sheryl Wright the children’s picture book, “It’s Okay to Dr. Cristina Versari came to the volunteered as chair/co-chair of Brush- was hired based on a notable 25 years’ Fall,” she delivers the message of tenac- United States 32 years ago as a stu- es & Forks for several years, a fundrais- worth of experience. She made an imme- ity and perseverance during book read- dent to pursue her doctorate degree. ing event benefiting Jewish Family Ser- diate impact creating a new department ings at local schools. She went on to have a successful career vice of San Diego. focused on government affairs, global working with the NBA Player’s Associ- corporate social responsibility and cor- ation as a career and education consul- porate communications. She also creat- TINA TRAVIERSO tant, assisting the active basketball play- HOLLY WELLS ed Encore’s Political Action Committee. VP of Strategic Alliances and ers to complete their degrees. During Vice President and Co-founder A long standing board member of San Partnerships that time Dr. Versari opened her own VERTICAL PR + MARKETING, Diego County Taxpayers Association NEW HORIZONS COMPUTER university, which is approved by the LLC and past executive committee director, LEARNING CENTERS OF state of California to grant degrees in As co-founder of Vertical Wright also serves on the Chamber of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA counseling and psychology, then added PR + Marketing, Holly Wells took on Commerce public policy committee and Originally from the East Coast, Tina additional programs including English the many responsibilities of setting up a is a former board member of San Diego Travierso came to California to work as a second language. new company including its critical web- Downtown Partnership. in design before settling on the tech in- site and social media platforms. She has dustry. As the VP of strategic allianc- grown Vertical’s client base from zero es for New Horizons Computer Learn INA VON BER to more than twelve within one year’s VERONICA YEPEZ REYNA Centers, her main responsibilities are CEO & President time. Wells has arranged many char- Managing Director to work with channel partners to en- AMBASSADORIAL itable activities and inspires many of AMICORP SERVICES LTD sure the Pacific West Region’s partici- ROUNDTABLE & WORLD her past and current employees to get Veronica Yepez Reyna has pation in revenue generating events and DIPLOMATIC FORUM involved in giving back to the commu- held leadership roles in five programs such as Software Assurance, Ina von Ber wears two hats as CEO nity. She helped to create a number of continents. As a result of increasing her Circle of Trust, Hands-On Labs and and president of two organizations. She in-house initiatives including the “VPR team’s sales goals from 40 percent to 87 World-Wide Conference. Under her is responsible for The World Diplomat- Beach Clean Up Day,” “VPR Homeless percent of goal, and reducing costs by guidance, New Horizons was honored ic Forum and Ambassadorial Roundta- Initiative” and has put into place sever- 20 percent, she became the second most as Microsoft’s Western Region Learn- ble which bring together the diplomatic al green initiatives to reduce her com- successful sales employee for Amicorp ing Partner of the Year, Red Hat Ready community, private sector, academia and pany’s global footprint. She also is an Services worldwide. Yepez Reyna holds North American Training Partner of financial capital. With offices in San Di- active contributor to the Ocean Beach an MBA in global management and is the Year, Microsoft’s Innovative Part- ego and San Francisco, The Ambassa- Main Street Association. a member of the international bar as- ner of the Year and the San Diego lo- dorial Roundtable hosts domestic and sociation. She is passionate about em- cation was named a Five Star Center of international events on a monthly basis. powering women to succeed in business Excellence by New Horizons Computer Exclusive, private meetings are orga- and has created a training program at Learning Centers’ corporate office. nized between high level foreign diplo- SANDY WOODS Sr. Audit Manager Amicorp to train more women for lead- mats and U.S. business leaders, opening ership roles. up new investment, trade and academic LAVINE, LOFGREN, MORRIS & HEATHER ULZ opportunities. The World Diplomatic ENGELBERG, LLP Sandy Woods has taken Chief Operating Officer Forum, an annual conference in Swit- AMBER YOO the initiative to lead Lavine, Lofgren, LIFEPRO FINANCIAL zerland, brings together more than 200 Vice President Morris & Engelberg’s employee benefit SERVICES, LLC international diplomats and CEOs with SKY FACIAL PLASTIC plan audit practice, attending national The life insurance indus- vast economic, political and academic SURGERY conferences, and conducting training try has been slow to recover from the networks. Amber Yoo has created economic crisis. But under Heather in the office. She takes the lead on re- a patient environment and corporate Ulz’s leadership LifePro Financial Ser- searching technical accounting and in- culture that turns the typical doctor ex- vices has actually turned a profit for the MICHELLE WEINSTEIN dustry issues related to new clients and perience on its head. In 2013, her big- first time and they have increased sales President, C.E.O. industries the firm is pursing. She also gest focus was on relocating SKY Facial by 25 percent in recent years tallying FITZEE FOODS INC. ensures the audit department’s com- Plastic Surgery’s medical practice. She $1.5 million in profit. Ulz has been in- Michelle Weinstein left puters and software are updated and negotiated a long-term lease, secured a strumental in the growth of LifePro, the real estate finance indus- functioning well, and conducts new hire sizeable bank loan, hired a general con- starting with the firm when there were try behind and began what has become orientation. She is supportive of her tractor, architect, and interior designer, just four employees. She has been deep- FITzee Foods Inc. She has taken her community and sits on the board of di- and led the construction team in design- ly involved in creating the company’s small, local start-up company to the rectors of the San Diego Chinese His- ing and building out a state-of-the-art unique culture as the company has now brink of national presence, developing torical Museum. facility, complete with its own accred- grown to 34 employees. During her first relationships with established national ited surgery center. She was recently 15 years with LifePro, she supported her food retailers and health and wellness invited to the board of the Rady Chil- career Marine husband through multi- companies to provide fresh healthy food ANNE WRIGHT President dren’s Hospital Axillary as its director ple deployments and tours overseas. through their retail channels. She part- of technology. She also serves on the nered with Scripps Medical System on SURETY ASSOCIATES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA event committee for Helen Woodward their wellness initiative with FITzee Anne Wright is a past Animal Center’s largest annual fund- nutrition as the centerpiece. Wienstein president of the Surety Association raiser. conceived of and founded The Live of San Diego. She also is a past presi-