Thursday, August 20
Sheraton Universal Hotel
8:30 am – 2:00 PM
This year’s 2026 Valley Women’s Leadership Symposium & Awards, which took place Thursday, August 20th at the Sheraton Universal Hotel was a half day event of inspiration, education and recognition of such leaders. The top businesswomen in the Valley region shared their wisdom through a series of dynamic panel discussions during the breakfast symposium covering topics such as:
- POWER OF CONNECTION: Building Trust & Creating Opportunity
- LEADING FORWARD: Vision. Decisions. Impact.
…accompanied by visionary speakers who covered the following topics:
- The Masks We Wear, and Who We Really Are
- What Changed Me as a Leader: Lessons No Playbook Could Teach
- The Ripple Effect: How Intentional Leaders Catalyze Meaningful Impact
The afternoon portion was a spirited luncheon awards program where we honored outstanding achievements by women who make a difference throughout Los Angeles. We honored the achievements by a number of powerful women who have made a difference throughout the Valley region. Each of these remarkable honorees and finalists are described in the following pages.
INSIDE THE SUPPLEMENT
Who Is Holding You Accountable?
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Where Women Lead, Communities Thrive
At EverBank, exceptional client service begins with exceptional people. That belief shapes … Read More
Essential Tips for Women Rising in Business
Women leaders are continuing to reshape the business world in 2026, bringing new perspectives, collaborative leadership … Read More
Empowering the Future: Top 2026 Trends Women Healthcare Leaders are Observing
As the healthcare industry enters 2026, women leaders and executives are at the forefront of profound change. Women now hold … Read More
Women in Business are Good for Business
Women Business Collaborative (WBC), led by CEO Gwen Young, represents a coalition of the world’s most influential companies and 87 organizations dedicated to… Read More
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2026 VALLEY WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARDS HONOREES
CEO OF THE YEAR
Honoree
SUSAN BERMAN – Help Group
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Honoree
NATALIE BAZAREVITSCH – CBRE
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
Honoree
GENNA ROSENBERG – GennComm, LLC
EMERGING WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Honoree
KIMBERLY LAU – Project ReWear
CHAMPION OF WOMEN
Honoree
MIRI ROSSITTO – Cowe Communications
MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Honoree
KELLI MacIVER – Cydcor
COMMUNITY IMPACT ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Honoree
PANNEY WEI – Harpe Ventures
THE ACCELERATOR AWARD
Honoree
PAULA BAHAMON – Mission Valley Bank
NEXTGEN WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Honoree
ADRIENNE HERKES – The Agency
To Read More About the Finalists:
click here
PANELISTS & TOPICS:
LEADING FORWARD:
Vision. Decisions. Impact.
MODERATOR:
Paula Bahamon
Senior Vice President –
Community Development Manager
Mission Valley Bank
Lindsay Lawrence
Group Head of Deposits
EverBank
Geovanny Ragsdale
President and CEO
Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley
Sarah Reznick
Founder
Sherfina Advisors
Danone Simpson
President & CEO
Montage Insurance Solutions
POWER OF CONNECTION:
Building Trust & Creating Opportunity
Marisela Arechiga
Owner/ President
New Generation Improvements
Brita Kleingartner
Broker and Owner
TRG Real Estate | The Rental Girl
Miri Rossitto
Founder & CEO
Cowe Communications
Ashley Tesoriero
Associate Vice President,
National Project Management
IMT Residential
VISONARY SPEAKER:
What Changed Me as a Leader:
Lessons No Playbook Could Teach
Genie Harrison
Lead Trial Attorney
Genie Harrison Law Firm
The Masks We Wear, and Who We Really Are
Dr. Sarah Swan, DBH
Doctor of Behavioral Health &
Holistic Wellness Expert
Sea & Snow Holistic Wellness
The Ripple Effect:
How Intentional Leaders Catalyze Meaningful Impact
Genna Rosenberg
CEO & Chief Ideator
GennComm, LLC
Congratulations to our 2026 Nominees!