Opening Keynote Speaker:

District Attorney, Summer Stephan

District Attorney, County of San Diego

District Attorney Summer Stephan has devoted her life to protecting children and families, and providing justice to the voiceless and most vulnerable. She is a national leader in the fight against sexual exploitation and human trafficking, who has served as a Deputy District Attorney in San Diego County for 28 years. During this time, she combined extensive courtroom experience with over 15 years of management and leadership experience.

Mistress of Ceremonies:

Elizabeth Alvarez

Elizabeth is an award-winning bilingual journalist who has worked in news since the late 1990s. She was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Journalism. The California native began her career at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles as a news assistant. Elizabeth now anchors the most-watched shows in San Diego — Good Morning San Diego on Saturday and Sunday.

Broadcast Journalist, KUSI News

Closing Speaker:

Mara is the first franchisee ever to open a Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery, and is now that largest in the nation, with seven. She gave up her practice of law 13 years ago, moved her family back to her hometown of San Diego when her daughters were two and nine months old, and started on her small business venture. Over the years, Mara found a niche by using her legal background and the grit of 12 years experience opening small, but prolific, retail bakeries in the challenging California market, to speak openly and transparently about the challenges faced on a daily basis. Her authentic style, and years in the trenches, allow her to connect with a wide array of influencers.

Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Mara Fortin

Panels & Topics

  • At this panel, you will hear from women who have surpassed roadblocks in the trajectory, allowing themselves to “fail forward” and rise up from their challenges.

    Thought Leader: Lorena Slomanson ‘93

    Panelists: Mary Jean Anderson, Michelle Flores-Gonzales ‘02, Dr. Anne Scarborough-Bull ‘67, Holly Smithson

  • Meet women who are currently changing the world for the better, with improvements large and small, day by day.

    Thought Leader: Sandra Jeskie

    Panelists: Gina M. Jackson, Deborah Klochko, Julie Meier Wright, Rana Sampson

  • Investigate deeper into the possibilities of using your voice to advocate for your own development and goals, changing the conversation and challenging stereotypes.

    Thought Leader: Chinedu Odu ‘93

    Panelists: Jodie M. Grenier, Sue Saarnio, Ashley Nell Tipton

  • Every women is in the process of creating her own unique story. Like any great story, each of these women were facilitated by others who illuminated their journey, as well as those who caused them to pivot or make twists or turns.

    Thought Leader: Carrie Sawyer

    Panelists: Lisa Druxman, Kimberly Herrell, Mine Okano, Debra Simmons

Panelists & Speakers ↓

  • Mary Jean Anderson

    Owner & President of Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Air

    Panel: Overcoming Adversity

  • Lisa Druxman

    Founder of FIT4MOM

    Panel: Creating Your Own Story

  • Michelle Flores-Gonzalez '02

    Vice President, Director of Operations at Flores Financial Services, Inc.

    Panel: Overcoming Adversity

  • Jodie M. Grenier

    Veteran & CEO of Foundation for Women Warriors

    Panel: The Power of Your Voice

  • Kimberly Herrell

    President of Schubach Aviation

    Panel: Creating Your Own Story

  • Gina M. Jackson

    Adjunct Professor at San Diego Community College District, Secondary Educator at San Diego Unified School District, & Arts Commissioner for San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture

    Panel: Changemakers in Action

  • Sandra Jeskie

    Partner at Duane Morris LLP

    Panel: Changemakers in Action

  • Deborah Klochko

    Executive Director and Chief Curator for the Museum of Photographic Arts, Co-Author of Create and Be Recognized: Photography on the Edge

    Panel: Changemakers in Action

  • Chinedu Odu '93

    Owner & Founder of Your Virtual Support

    Panel: The Power of Your Voice

  • Mine Okano

    Senior Staff Technical Project Manager, World Wide Studios at Sony Playstation

    Panel: Creating Your Own Story

  • Sue Saarino

    Consul General of USA in Tijuana, BC

    Panel: The Power of Your Voice

  • Carrie Sawyer

    Manager of Inclusion and Diversity at Qualcomm

    Panel: Creating Your Own Story

  • Rana Sampson

    Director, Community Relations Ambassador, Southern California and San Diego Divisions for Union Bank

    Panel: Changemakers in Action

  • Dr. Ann Scarborough-Bull '67

    Chief of Environmental Sciences (Ret.) for the Bureau of Ocean Energy

    Panel: Overcoming Adversity

  • Debra Simmons

    Observatory System Engineering Lead for Northrop Grumman Corporation, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope

    Panel: Creating Your Own Story

  • Lorena Slomanson '93

    Development Director, Legal Aid Society of San Diego

    Panel: Overcoming Adversity

  • Holly Smithson

    CEO of Athena

    Panel: Overcoming Adversity

  • Ashley Nell Tipton

    Fashion Designer, Winner of Project Runway 14

    Panel: The Power of Your Voice

  • Julie Meier Wright

    Retired CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, formerly California’s first secretary of Trade & Commerce

    Panel: Changemakers in Action