Monday, February 12, 2018

A speed coaching and networking event powered by bizwomen.

Mentors

1 | Janine Bera | Chief Medical Officer, WellSpace HealthJanine Bera, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of WellSpace Health working towards fulfilling their mission to achieve regional health through high quality comprehensive care. WellSpace aims to establish a ‘blanket of care’, an enduring health solution for our community rather than a ‘safety net’, a last-ditch effort to provide care. As a specialist in Pri-mary Care medicine, She focuses on preventive medicine and the role of nutrition and exercise in improving chronic disease. She has helped establish many programs to improve the health of her community and gives educational talks on many health and lifestyle topics such as Diabetes, heart disease, healthy eating & exercise and healthy aging. She is a member of the board of directors for Capitol Public Radio and Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. She is also the Vice President of the Sacramento Tree Foundation. She has volunteered at a UC Davis free clinic for many years. She is a senior fellow in the American Leadership Forum and a member of the Sacramento Links, Inc. She is a runner, avid reader and enjoys traveling. Married to Congressman Ami Bera, MD with one daughter. Janine practices a philosophy of “Work hard. Make a difference. And, have fun!”

2 | Christi Black-Davis | Executive Vice President, EdelmanChristi Black-Davis is a respected communications consultant, business executive and civic leader. Her career path has included nonprofit management, education, and small business ownership. In her role at Edelman Christi is a se-nior consultant in the world’s largest, and privately held, public relations firm. Christi has a strong commitment to community service, and has served as a volunteer, board member and board chair for several nonprofits over the years.

3 | Ilene Block | CEO, WomenUp NetworkWhile continuing to practice corporate law for over 30 years, I launched WomenUp Network in January of 2018. Wom-enUp is an invitation-only organization of women committed to the forward movement of every woman - both in her personal and professional life. WomenUp connects accomplished and aspiring women committed to this fundamental principle because its not just WHAT you know, but WHO you know. WomenUp members are committed to opening the right doors; making the right introductions; providing the necessary insight for the next step in a women’s professional growth. WomenUp members seek to level the playing field for women and allow them to succeed on their merits only, to not miss out on a potential opportunity or experience because they don’t know the right people or who to ask for help. Lastly, WomenUp members value and seek the camaraderie, friendship and support of a group of like-minded women – women who do not just recognize a problem that needs to be solved, but are ready, willing and able to take action to solve it.

4 | Nancy Bui-Thompson | SMUD & Public Consulting Group (PCG)Nancy Bui-Thompson was first elected to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Board of Directors in No-vember 2008 to represent the 215,000 constituents of Ward 2 (Rancho Cordova, Gold River, Rancho Murieta, Galt, Wilton and Elk Grove). She is serving her third term, and recently completed her second term as President of the of the Board in 2016. For over 70 years, SMUD has served Sacramento’s 617,000 customers and is the nation’s sixth-largest public electric utility. For over 15 years, Bui-Thompson has served as a technology and management professional who has worked with state and local government agencies as well as energy and health-care organizations. She is currently a Director at Public Consulting Group in their Technology practice. She previously was a consultant for two of the world’s largest and best-known consulting companies – Accenture and Deloitte. The Sacramento Business Journal has honored Bui-Thompson as a 2017 “Women Who Mean Business” and “40 under 40” awardee. In 2012, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) awarded the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) to Bui-Thompson. She is a proud graduate of California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, with a bachelor of science in economics and management information systems.

5 | Carol Burger | President and CEO, Burger Rehabilitation Systems, Inc.Ms. Burger attended CSUS and is a Loma Linda University and the University of San Francisco graduate. As a practic-ing physical therapist, Ms. Burger established Burger Rehabilitation in 1978. She has led the company to a statewide organization serving thousands of clients and providing a complete range of therapy services across the continuum of care from Acute Hospitals to Skilled Nursing Facilities, Home Health Agencies and outpatient clinics throughout the state of California. An active participant in the rehabilitation industry via membership in multiple professional orga-nizations including the National Association in Support of Long-Term Care, the APTA, and the California Association of Health Facilities, she shares her experience with her staff and clients. She is on the advisory board of the School of Physical Therapy at Cal State University Sacramento as well as the Editorial Board for Comstock’s business magazine. Ms. Burger is also an active board member of the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter.

6 | Bonnie Ferreira | CEO, American Leadership ForumBonnie Ferreira is the CEO of American Leadership Forum-Mountain Valley Chapter and has over 20 years of experi-ence in the healthcare and nonprofit arenas. Under Ferreira, ALF’s diverse network has grown to 480+ Senior Fellows, spanning 350 organizations, 19 industry sectors and six counties. Previously, she was the HR manager then deputy director of MAAP Inc. Under Ferreira’s direction MAAP’s efforts culminated in the opening of The Sacramento Health Center. In 2004, Ferreira became the number two at Yolo First 5 where she worked with statewide California First 5 Association and County First 5 programs implementing her program to increase health care coverage for children . She then transitioned to ED of Cover the Kids and Healthy Kids, Healthy Future. Ferreira is an alumnus from UC Berkeley, Golden Gate University, and Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program. Ferreira has re-ceived numerous awards and recognitions including Sacramento County Board of Supervisors’ 2007 Hero of Human Services Award and California State Association of Counties 2007 Challenge Award. She has served on numerous non-profit boards and statewide commissions including Chair of California Children’s Health Initiatives of California (CCHI) which operated in 29 counties ensuring over 150,000 previously uninsured, low-income children.

7 | Nicole Gleason | Parter, Diepenbrock Elkin Gleason LLPNicole Gleason is a partner at the Diepenbrock Elkin Gleason LLP law firm and leads the firm’s environmental law practice. She is uniquely versed in brownfields redevelopment, environmental compliance, environmental due dili-gence, grant programs, cost recovery litigation and environmental insurance. She has deep experience with complex, multimillion-dollar remediations, former military bases, landfills and disposal facilities, railyards, manufacturing and storage facilities, regional-multisource plumes as well as smaller dry cleaning and gas station sites. Nicole was also one of the key negotiators of SB 445, which extended and expanded the grant programs available in California for contaminated sites and became effective on September 25, 2014. As a result of her years of experience, Nicole was honored to be recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal and her peers as one of the “Best of the Bar,” and was named a Super Lawyer. In addition, she served as the Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the California State Bar’s Real Property Law Section (RPLS), and was qualified as an expert on the California UST Cleanup Fund. Nicole is also active in a number of legislative and state policy advisory groups that are working to improve contaminated property grant programs.

8 | Kim Hiltachk | Principal, Hiltachk Marketing GroupKim Hiltachk is the founder of Hiltachk Marketing Group. Since the mid-1990s she has created and executed local, statewide and national advertising and brand strategies that have transformed the way consumers interact with her clients’ brands, resulting in increased market share. Kim has never been afraid to roll up her sleeves and get inside the brand. By entrenching herself in not only her client’s business, but also their target audiences’ world, Kim is able to uncover powerful insights that can not only drive business, but transform an organization. Current clients include the Sacramento County Department of Airports, Santa Barbara Airport and the California State Railroad Museum Founda-tion and their attractions. Kim received her B.A. in Communications from Sacramento State University, is a member of the Metro Chamber’s Leadership Sacramento Class of 2013 and was named to the Sacramento Business Journal’s “2013 40 Under 40”. She is active member of the AAF Sacramento Advertising Club, Sacramento Metro Chamber, American Marketing Association Sacramento Valley Chapter, and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Sac-ramento. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exercise and volunteering for Saint John’s Program for Real Change.

9 | Lial Jones | Director and CEO, Crocker Art MuseumAppointed executive director in late 1999, Lial Jones has set the strategic vision for the Crocker Art Museum’s emer-gence as the leading cultural institution in California’s Capitol Region. She oversaw the planning, construction and opening, in 2010, of a 125,000 square-foot addition that tripled the size of the Crocker. The growth of the Museum during her tenure includes a 100 percent increase in the size of the collection, an increase in attendance of 150 percent, and membership growth of more than 400 percent. Working closely with the Museum staff, Jones has expanded educa-tional and public programming for people of all ages, launched new audience initiatives, strengthened the Museum’s exhibition program, improved visitor access and experiences, and modernized and streamlined the Crocker’s gover-nance structure. Jones holds degrees in American Studies and Museum Studies. In addition to various publications, presentations and awards Jones is active in the Museum community and is a member of the Board of Directors of Association of Art Museum Directors as well as American Leadership Forum- Mountain Valley Chapter. She has also served as a grant reviewer for NEA, IMLS and various state and local arts organizations.

10 | Matina Kolokotronis | Chief Operating Officer, Sacramento KingsMatina Kolokotronis serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Sacramento Kings. Bringing decades of expe-rience in sports and government law, community affairs and contract negotiations, Kolokotronis’ leadership has been integral to the development of the award winning Golden 1 Center as well as its adjacent, mixed-use development proj-ect, Downtown Commons. Golden 1 Center is recognized as the most technologically-advanced arena in the world and is the first professional sports venue in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Together, Golden 1 Center and Downtown Commons represent a $1 billion investment in downtown Sacramento and driver of significant economic growth in the region. Prior to her appointment as COO, Kolokotronis was the President of Business Operations. Before being named President of Business Operations, Kolokotronis served as legal consultant for the Kings business and basketball operations teams, negotiating player and staff contracts. Prior to that she served for six years as director of the Sacramento Kings Foundation. Before joining the Kings, Kolokotronis was an associate with Miller, Owen and Trost and practiced contract and sports law. Kolokotronis is a graduate of Loyola University and received her law degree from McGeorge Law School, University of the Pacific.

Mentors

11 | Anne Marie Kramer | Owner, Zuda YogaHey there! I’m Anne Marie Kramer. Once we’ve met, you can call me AMK, Mama Bear, or Amkzing — I’m your yoga teacher who believes yoga should be powerful while being playful. After teaching others for 25 years, I’ve learned that everything and everyone is a mirror and yoga is everywhere. Some people might find me intimidating, this is just me, thriving in my zone, speaking clearly from my heart. What scares people is that I notice them. I see people. Not like that little boy in the Sixth Sense – I don’t see dead people (but hey, the day is young!). I see things in people that they didn’t know were there. I see their deepest pain and what’s holding them back — and I call it out. People learn to cry for the first time in yoga. I see them in you. Yes, I see you. You want to be seen. So let’s get you out there! I’d love to help you see yourself, and your power – let’s make stuff happen! I want yoga to be fun for you – I want your whole life to be fun! I believe yoga is for everyone.

12 | Drisha Leggitt | Chief Marketing Officer, Anpac Bio-Medical Science CompanyDrisha Leggitt, Anpac Bio-Medical Science Company’s Chief Marketing Officer, is responsible for the company’s part-nership, media, advocacy and investment development; communications, branding and marketing strategic planning and execution; external, community, investment and communications tool/outreach; and philanthropy/sponsorship relations - particularly regarding Anpac’s “Cancer Differentiation Analysis” (CDA) Technology. Leggitt has earned multiple international/national professional awards, including named by PR News Magazine as an inaugural 50, “Top Women in PR” worldwide; the Business Journal’s “Woman Who Means Business”; Public Relations Society of Amer-ica’s inaugural, “Influencer of the Year” & multiple “Silver Anvil” recipient; Sacramento Public Relations Association, “PR Professional of the Year” & multiple “Cappie” recipient; International Association of Business Communicators’ “Gold Quill” & “Crystal” Awards winner; Arts & Business Council’s “Business Volunteer of the Year”; and multiple awards from the International “Association of Women in Communications”, PR News, among others. She has also led campaigns to earn four “Guinness World Records”, USA Today “Make a Difference Day” award, and a “Point of Light” from former President Bush & Points of Light Foundation. Leggitt has a MA from the University of San Francisco; BA from California State University, Chico. A cancer survivor herself, Leggitt is passionate about wellness, prevention, and early disease detection.

13 | Amy Lerseth | Senior Vice President, Asset Management & Real Estate Services, Buzz OatesWith more than twenty years’ experience in commercial real estate, Ms. Lerseth is responsible for the execution of the investment strategy for assets valued in excess of $1.5B, for management of the real estate, asset management, and property management companies, as well as driving Buzz Oates’ strategic vision and growth. Ms. Lerseth is a member of NAIOP, ACRE (immediate past president), ULI, and Sacramento Metro Chamber’s Economic Development Committee. She fosters professional growth as a member of the NAIOP’S Center for Education’s faculty and as an instructor of BOMA International’s Foundations of Real Estate Management. She’s a graduate of UCLA with a BA in English, a graduate of Leadership Sacramento, 2010 recipient of Sacramento Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, 2011 winner of Sacramento Business Journal’s Woman Who Mean Business award, 2012 honoree of Real Estate Forum’s national 40 Under 40, and in 2014 was named by Real Estate Forum as a Woman of Influence. She’s an active member of the Sacramento community. She serves on the board of directors for City Year Sacramento, recently served as the President of the Board of Directors for Stanford Youth Solutions and as a member of the American Heart Association’s Go Red Leadership Team.

14 | Sandy Malaney | CEO, big hairy dogSandy has grown Big Hairy Dog from a small start-up with just a handful of employees, to a successful business employing 40+ people who have been expertly trained and empowered to do whatever it takes to keep their customers happy. Due in large part to the knowledge and experience Sandy has gained and retained throughout her career, Big Hairy Dog has been in business for 24 years and has steadily grown, offering the highest level of customer service in the POS industry. This thriving company now supports retailers from small mom and pop stores, to large chain retailers with multiple store locations around the globe.

15 | Sara McClure | Market President, iHeartMediaSara McClure is a Sacramento native who jumped into marketing when she was 25 years old after graduating from CSU Chico. Her first job was a Bay Area advertising agency, which was a good experience, but there was a growing curiosity about Media. Sara got her initial taste of media sales at KOVR, and eventually discovered the platform that has shaped her career…RADIO. Over the past 23 years, she’s worked her way from Account Executive to now Market President for iHeartMedia/Sacramento, overseeing the company’s six local stations. (KFBK NewsRadio 1530, Talk 650 AM, 92.5 The Bull, 93.7 The River, V101.1 FM, 107.1 Sacramento’s Smooth Jazz) Sara has a knack for big marketing ideas, which has played a large part in the trajectory of her professional life. Sara has also found time to be a local business owner. She and her husband, Mike, opened Under the Big Top party store several years ago. And, while balancing the life of a media executive with that of a small business operator can be challenging at times, it is always interesting. To Sara’s good fortune, both venues have given her the stage to do what she loves to do…transform marketing challenges into ROI resolutions.

Mentors

16 | Stephanie McLemore Bray | President and CEO, United Way Califor-nia Capital RegionStephanie McLemore Bray has over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, having served local, regional and national organizations and institutions. Her areas of expertise include fundraising, volunteer management and program development. She is currently the President and CEO of United Way California Capital Region. Prior to her work at the United Way, she served as Executive Director of the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. Stephanie also served as Assistant Dean for Health Sciences Advancement at UC Davis Health System. Her experience includes executive positions with the American Cancer Society, UNCF/The College Fund, Learning Ally, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Stephanie is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and was a participant in Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management in July, 2012. She currently serves on the Board of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Wells Fargo Community Advisory Board, the Steering Committee for the Black Child Legacy Campaign, the Healthy Sacramento Coalition Steering Committee, the Align Capital Region Board, and is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow.

17 | Leyne Milstein | Assistant City Manager, City of SacramentoMs. Milstein was appointed Director of the Finance Department in October 2008. With twenty years of experience in government management, policy and finance at the state and local level Ms. Milstein is part of the City’s Executive Management Team. Ms. Milstein also served as the Manager of the Budget, Policy and Strategic Planning Division, responsible for the development and ongoing implementation of the City’s operating and capital improvement budgets. Prior to joining the City of Sacramento, Ms. Milstein worked for the State of California as Director of the Information Technology and Support Management Division for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing; as an analyst at the California Department of Finance; and as staff to the State Public Works Board. Ms. Milstein holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California at Davis and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University Hayward. In addition, Ms. Milstein served as the President of the Fiscal Officers De-partment of the League of California Cities (League), is current a member of the League of Board of Directors and was a member of the Government Finance Officers Association Committee on Governmental Budgeting and Fiscal Policy.

18 | Bobbin Mulvaney | Marketing and Sales, Mulvaney’s B&LBobbin Mulvaney, Owner/Partner of Mulvaney’s B&L Restaurant and Next Door Event Space has over 30 years’ experi-ence in the hospitality industry in Sacramento. She comes from a multi-generational entrepreneurial family. She believes that being mindful of your business culture is crucial to doing business. She focuses on teaching and has participated in Local and International women’s mentoring programs, she continues to take an active part in her community outside her business.. Including the education of children, and young adults and disenfranchised citizens in our community.

19 | Cassandra Pye | Founder/CEO, 3.14 Communications, LLCFor more than 30 years, Cassandra Pye has enjoyed a successful career in communications, government, politics and advocacy for corporate interests in global, national, state and local arenas. In 2015, she founded 3.14 Communications, a strategic partner to businesses, trade associations, non-profits and individuals seeking to influence stakeholders. Pye is an effective strategic facilitator, crisis counselor and executive trainer. Prior to launching 3.14 Communications, she was SVP for APCO Worldwide, a global strategic communication consultancy. In 2003, Pye was appointed deputy chief of staff to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and served on his post-recall election transition team. She is former VP of corporate affairs and political director for the California Chamber of Commerce, director of public af-fairs for the California Retailers Association, director of governmental relations for the California Grocers Association and state relations manager for the Food Marketing Institute. An award-winning writer, Pye is a regular contributor to CA Grocer magazine. Pye serves as State Board President for California Women Lead, is member of the Board of Directors for Street Soccer USA (Sacramento), a director of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, a trustee for the California Commission on Autism Foundation and a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum.

20 | Dilyn Radakovitz | Owner/Buyer, Dimple RecordsOur family has operated Dimple Records since 1974. I have been blessed and lucky to have had the chance of working in a creative and exciting Industry that brings together artists and other retailers from around the world. We live in a changing environment with new challenges each day. I am the buyer for New Music, Movies, Video Games, Books and some of the accessories. We buy used products from our customers and give them a chance to exchange old en-tertainment or get cash for new choices. Dimple Records is in a group called the Department Of Record Stores which created RECORD STORE DAY. I have had many opportunities to meet other retailers and vendors that make me grow as a person. It has been the goal of Dimple Records to serve our trade area in the best way that we find possible. In the new age of digital, streaming, and physical fulfillment we find ourselves using each day to get closer to what our consumer is looking for. Dimple is looking to bring FUN for Everyone we think it is a goal worth seeking!

21 | Myla Ramos | CEO, SearchPros SolutionsMyla Ramos is the CEO of SearchPros Staffing, a full human capital solutions firm based in Sacramento, CA. Estab-lished in 2005, SearchPros now currently employs 2500+ contractors in 35 states and 9 Countries. Myla is an alumni of San Francisco State University (SFSU), graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Psychology. In addition to that, she also holds a Management Development for Entrepreneurs MBA from UCLA. Myla is a Six Sigma Project Management Black Belt and a Certified Staffing HR Professional with over 25 years Human Resources and Recruitment experience. Awards include: 40under40, Fastest Growing, SBA, NMSDC, NAWBO and US Chamber Business of the Year!

Mentors

22 | Cynthia Renaud | Chief of Police, Folsom Police DepartmentCynthia Renaud was sworn in as the City of Folsom’s Police Chief on May 2, 2011, after serving twenty years with the Long Beach Police Department. She is a native of Long Beach and attended California State University, Long Beach, where she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature in 1996 and a Master’s Degree in English Literature in 2000. In 2010, she completed a second Master’s Degree in National Security Studies at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. Chief Renaud received the Outstanding Thesis Award for her thesis submissions in both graduate programs. Chief Renaud is a graduate of the 214th Session of the FBI National Academy. She writes professionally, and has had articles published in the Homeland Security Affairs Journal, the Journal of Leadership Studies, and Tac-tical Edge magazine as well as the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. In 2015, she was named California State Legislature “Woman of the Year,” Assembly District 6, and in 2016, she received the Sacramento Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business” award.

23 | Tina Reynolds | President, Uptown StudiosAs the leader of the best creative team in Sacramento I work hard to create a community of giving, learning and growing - from the inside out. Our team is committed to building a world around us that is conscious and filled with positive intentions. I want to work together with people and tear down silos. I am totally attracted to brilliant people with a propensity to create change. I am here to transform the way you think about great marketing; how it should begin with your community, how to create empathy with the groups you work with; and how to become more involved.

24 | Kim Rhinehelder | President, Eskaton FoundationHaving over 28 successful years in the field of fundraising in the Sacramento region, Kim Rhinehelder, CFRE is a sought after trainer, coach, and advisor to nonprofit boards, nonprofit organizations, and individual fundraising profession-als. Her niche is building fundraising programs from virtually nothing to millions. In her current position, Kim is the President of Eskaton Foundation. Previously, Kim served as Chief Philanthropy Officer at Mercy San Juan Medical Center/Mercy Foundation guiding a team of physicians to successfully raise the necessary money to build Mercy’s Neurological Institute. Equipped with the knowledge of starting a fundraising program, Kim landed as the first Development and Public Relations Officer at Sierra Adoption Services and served in that position for 13 years before becoming the Executive Director. Over her 14 year tenure with Sierra Adoption Services, Kim shaped the fundraising department from virtually nothing to over $2 million annually. Kim attributes her success to the keen understanding of building relationships with her fundraising staff, board leadership, and donors. She is past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Volunteer of the Year presented by the Gold Rush Classic PGA Golf Tournament, and Outstanding Fundraising Professional presented by Association of Fundraising Professionals.

25 | Lori Rianda | SVP-Enterprise Business & Community Engagement, Bank of AmericaLori Rianda is responsible for the Environment Social Governance strategy and team that drives brand favorability and revenue growth in the Greater Sacramento region. In her role, she works with market leadership teams – including executives from Consumer, Small Business Banking, Home Loans, Commercial Banking, Merrill Lynch Wealth Manage-ment and US Trust – and her national business partners to deliver the bank’s brand across the capital region.

26 | Trish Rodriguez | SVP/Hospital CEO, Kaiser PermanentePatricia (Trish) Rodriguez is the Senior Vice President – Area Manager and Hospital Chief Executive Officer for Kaiser Permanente in South Sacramento and Elk Grove. She oversees health plan and hospital operations, including a Level II Trauma Center and is responsible for the provision of health care to more than 247,000 Kaiser Permanente members in the South Sacramento County area. Kaiser Permanente insures over 50 percent of the south Sacramento County population and employs approximately 4,000 staff members and nearly 650 physicians. Ms. Rodriguez is a Healthcare professional with over 28 years with broad experience in healthcare operations. Her career spans from Calgary, Al-berta Canada to Hawaii to California. Ms. Rodriguez is a Registered Nurse and earned her master’s degree in public health from the University of Hawaii and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Lethbridge, in Alberta Canada. Trish has also attended the Executive Leadership Program at the Harvard Business School. Most recently, Ms. Rodriguez is the 2017 Chair of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce.

27 | Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre | President & CEO, Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of CommerceCathy Rodriguez Aguirre’s career has included leadership roles in community outreach, communications and public relations, event management and marketing. She is the President & CEO for the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, working with and advocating on behalf of Latino businesses in the greater Sacramento region. Cathy was recognized as one of 2016 Sacramento Business Journal “Women Who Mean Business” and featured in the Spring 2017 UC Davis Alumni Magazine as one of 11 Alumni making an impact in Sacramento. She has been a keynote speaker for the CA State of Biliteracy Award Program, Hispanic Heritage Featured Speaker for Apple-Elk Grove Campus, and has been a panelist for numerous organizations throughout Sacramento and Northern California. Cathy was selected to be one of the 2017 Tedx Speakers at Sacramento State. She has served on local boards and various committees and task forces. Cathy is an alumnus of the Sacramento Metro Chamber Leadership Sacramento, and is in the current class of American Leadership Forum. Cathy grew up in St.Helena in the Napa Valley and is a small town girl at heart, who lives her life BIG. She lives in East Sacramento with her husband, Sid and two dogs, Louie and Chico.

Mentors

28 | Babs Sandeen | Councilmember, City of West SacramentoBeverly “Babs” Sandeen has served on the City of West Sacramento’s council since April 2014. Prior to her appoint-ment and subsequent election to council, she served on West Sacramento’s planning commission for nearly a decade. She also serves as executive director of the Yolo Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Sacramento Region Com-munity Foundation. Sandeen has also been a Vice Chancellor at both UC Davis and the Los Rios Community College District. She has served on boards of or chaired many regional nonprofit organizations, including the American Leader-ship Forum - Mountain Valley Chapter, the Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, the Yolo Community Foundation and the Woodland Opera House. She has been recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as a Women Who Means Business and by the Metro Chamber of Commerce as Volunteer of the Year. She lives in West Sacramento with her husband, Marty Swingle, broker/owner of Capital West Realty.

29 | Susan Savage | CEO & Majority Owner, Sacramento River CatsSusan Savage, a native of Amarillo, Texas, and graduate of UCLA, is entering her ninth season as CEO and sole Majority Owner of the Sacramento River Cats. Susan and her late husband, Art Savage, purchased the Triple-A franchise and moved the team from Vancouver to the River City in 2000. For 10 years, they co-owned the River Cats, bringing baseball back to Sacramento after a 23-year absence. In 2012, Susan was nominated to be Minor League Baseball’s Female Ex-ecutive of the Year, and was selected as the Sacramento Businesswoman of the Year. She has also been recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of the Leaders of the Year. She serves on the boards of the California Chamber of Commerce, River Cats Foundation, Crocker Art Museum, and the Sacramento Host Breakfast Committee. Her vision, as was Art’s, is to offer the best fan experience possible and to make customer service the top priority. Susan and the River Cats family strive, on a daily basis, to make Raley Field the number one venue for entertainment in the Sacramento area. Susan’s two sons, Jeff and Brent, are both River Cats employees.

30 | Sandy Sharon | Area Manager/SVP, Kaiser PermanenteSandy Sharon, RN, MBA, is senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Foundation Hospitals/Health Plan in Sacramento. She has responsibility for all local health plan and hospital services at the 287- bed Sacramento Medical Center and, partnering with physician leaders, is responsible for the health care of more than 232,000 Kaiser Permanente members. Sharon joined Kaiser Permanente in 1997 and has nearly 30 years of nursing and health care management experience.

31 | Anne Staines | President, SagentAfter 20 years leading advertising and marketing campaigns, in 2004 Anne started her business in response to a dare: “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” Her answer: create a marketing agency focused exclusively on creating positive social change, and that has a healthy culture and workplace. Today she and her team at Sagent help public agencies, nonprofits and “companies with a conscience” engage and educate the public to help improve our health, safety, environment, and quality of life. Sagent has received numerous awards for its measurable campaign results and positive culture. Sagent was recognized in both 2015 and 2016 as one of the top three fastest-growing firms in the Sacramento region by the Sacramento Business Journal. Anne gives back to our community. She is President of NAWBO California (National Association of Women Business Owners), and she serves on the board of NAWBO Sacramento, WALKSacramento, and as Marketing Chair on the Powerhouse Science Center board. And Anne testified before the California Senate Select Committee on Women, Work & Families about the benefits that would result for California’s economy and workers by increasing the number of women on corporate boards of directors.

32 | Rhonda Staley-Brooks | Executive Director, Nehemiah Community FoundationRhonda Staley-Brooks is the former President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area where she was employed for 23-years. Staley-Brooks was appointed as the Executive Director of the Nehemiah Com-munity Foundation on January 11, 2016. Staley-Brooks works with the board and Nehemiah staff to develop the stra-tegic plans, operational plans and agency budget for the Foundation. Staley-Brooks leads the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program. As the program Administrator, she oversees all functions of the program to further its success. Staley-Brooks has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from California State University, Sacramento. She continued her education through trainings such as the CEO Link with the Non-Profit Resource Center and Class 1 of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program. She is currently in the EMBA program at Sacramento State. Accomplishments include: Top 40 Under 40 through the Sacramento Business Journal, Exceptional Women of Color through the Sac Cultural Hub, Women Who Men Business through the Sacramento Business Journal, the Distinguished Alumni Award from California State University, Sacramento and Rising Star from the Sacramento Kings Foundation.

Mentors

33 | Keri Thomas | Vice President, External Affairs, Sutter HealthKeri Thomas serves as the VP, External Affairs for the Sutter Health Valley Area. She is responsible for working with elected and community leaders and not-for-profit agencies on sustainable programs that enhance community health in Sacramento and surrounding counties. Keri believes that the state of health care for the underinsured is dependent on partnerships and collaboration. As a result of that philosophy, the affiliates in the Sutter Health Valley Area region have taken the lead in identifying community needs and key collaborative strategies to ensure positive outcomes of existing community resources. Example, The Interim Care Project (ICP) is a collaborative effort to provide a safe place for homeless patients to be discharged to after hospitalization. The program was the first project of its kind in California and served more than 600 clients since its inception in 2005. Keri earned her Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from CSU, Sacramento and her Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Oregon State University. Keri serves on the Golden 1 Credit Union Board of Directors, She was also recognized as one of Sacramento’s successful women by the Sacramento Business Journal at the Sacramento’s Women Who Mean Business Awards Luncheon, 2016.

34 | Virginia Varela | President & CEO, Golden Pacific BankVirginia Varela joined Golden Pacific Bank as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors for both the Bank and Golden Pacific Bancorp in December 2013. Ms. Varela has over 25 years of experience within the banking industry, both as a community bank executive and as a former regulator. Most recently, Ms. Varela served as Chief Operating Officer of Bank of the Orient, as CEO/President and Director of Bank of Rio Vista, and as President/COO and Director of San Luis Trust Bank. Previously, Ms. Varela held various positions of authority with regulatory agencies including the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. Ms. Varela has consulted with financial institutions and government agencies both on a national and global scale. She has succeeded in overseas missions with the Financial Services Volunteer Corporation assisting developing countries as well as those in transition. She served as a member of the Interagency Hurricane Katrina Task Force “Banks Helping Banks,” and was an active Consultant to the national “Elder Financial Protection Network.” Ms. Varela serves on the California Bankers Association Board, and is active with the American Bankers Association.

35 | Louise Walker | President and CEO, First Northern BankLouise joined First Northern Bank in 1979, and has been a member of the Senior Management Team since 1989. During her career, Louise has held a variety of positions, which included managing Operations and Data Processing, as well as overseeing Human Resources, Risk Management, Compliance, Accounting, and Finance. Prior to becoming CEO, Louise held the position of Senior Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer for 14 years.

36 | Lila Wallrich | Creative Director and CEO, Wallrich Creative Commu-nicationsLila Wallrich is creative director and CEO of Wallrich Creative Communications, a Northern California consulting firm that provides branding, marketing, advertising and interactive services for clients both regionally and nationally. Nota-ble examples include such recognized names as Dignity Health, SMUD, MassMutual Financial and a host of smaller and startup concerns in industries ranging from legal to retail to energy and biotech. Engagements include development of brand and communication strategy, outreach campaigns, graphic design, web development and both traditional and digital advertising. Now in its twenty-eighth year of business with a seasoned team of strategic, creative and tech-nical experts; Wallrich is a recognized leader in developing integrated tactics that help organizations communicate better in every situation.

37 | Melissa Washington | President/Founder, Women Veterans AllianceMelissa Washington is the President and Founder of Women Veterans Alliance. She is a service disabled veteran small business owner, speaker, author, and award winner who is passionate about connecting women veterans across the nation.

Mentors

38 | Lisa Wrightsman | Regional Program Manager, Street Soccer USALisa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a concentration in Digital Video from California State University, Sacramento. She was a member of the University’s NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer team and a member of the All-Decade team. Lisa is the founder and current Director and Coach of Street Soccer USA Sacramento. She started this program in 2010 and has since seen tremendous results and growth of the program as it has proven to suc-cessfully reverse the effects of addiction and domestic violence in 90% of team participants. Street Soccer USA uses the power of soccer to help people of all ages backgrounds discover their strengths and take positive steps forward in their lives. Lisa was recognized in 2015, as one of Sacramento Business Journal’s top 40 Under 40 young profession-als. She is a Senior Fellow of the Nehemiah Emerging Leader’s Program. Since 2010 Lisa has coached the USA Women’s Street Soccer team at the Homeless World Cup and in 2016 was selected as Women’s Coach of the Tournament. Most recently Lisa was selected as a 2016 Change-Maker by TEDx Sacramento where she shared her story of resilience, hope, and how to be a catalyst for change.

39 | Rachel Zillner | Assistant Vice President/ CEO, SAFE Credit Union/Beat the RoomI oversee Community Banking, Business Banking and Membership for SAFE Credit Union. A co-owner of Beat the Room, an escape room venue with locations in Rocklin and Vacaville. Graduated from CSUS with BA in Business Man-agement and MBA with Accounting Concentration from University of Phoenix. Chair of Metro EDGE 2017, and mom to my two beautiful lit tle girls (Paisley 5 and pepper 3). 40 under 40 from 2015, Cover of Comstock’s Magazine March 2017, Young Professional issue.

Local Sponsors

NATIONAL PARTNERS