Ultimate Female Rising Star
Someone who recently received recognition for furthering her career and community.
2015 Winner Missy Carter.  *  2016 Winner Cherrie Brown
2017 Nominees:
Ashley Guardino (Cobalt Realty Group)
Jen Brown (Surfaces SCV)
Deanna Miller (Stark Social)
Britt Mills (LYFE Kitchen)
Rebecca DeLuca (Keller Williams VIP Properties)
Tiffany Grummer (Valencia Country Club)
Denise Mitchell (Realty Executives)
Breanna Rountree (Breezy Designs)
Rebecca Locke (Coldwell Banker)     
Patsy Ayala (California Assembly)
Melanie Meyer (Thrivent Financial)
Sam Neylan (Neylan Group Keller Williams)
Julie Whitaker (Julie Whitaker Photography)
Kristi Murray (Gunnar & Jake's Gourmet Foods)
Stacie DeBerry (OPES Financial Solutions)
Anya Smilanick (Small Dog Creative)     
Marcy James (Crosscountry Mortgage)     
Steffanie Stelnick (Stelnick Law)     
Maggie-Mae Laufman (Applied Resource Insurance Solutions)
Danica Lynch (Tristar Financial)
Patrice Rifkind (Audiology Associates))     
Melinda Piligian (CAKEgoodness)
Lauren Greber Lefkowitz (Realty Executives)
Shannon Tulloss (Shannon Tulloss Investigations)
Angela Lark (The Sweetest Skin Co.)
Kathleen Kenneally L.Ac. (Kenneally Acupuncture)
Kathleen McGraw (Dermal Dynamics)

Ultimate Female Community Spirit
Someone who gives her time, energy and heart to the betterment of this community.
2015 Winner Jennifer Gerard. * 2016 Winner Cheri Fleming.
2017 Nominees:
Ann-Marie Bjorkman (Homesmart)
Janine Jones (Tribute Salon)
Ginger LeVang (Salon 7)
Rebecca DeLuca (Keller Williams)
Denise Mitchell (Realty Executives)
Amber Martinez (Comfort Keepers)
Kathy Watterson (Re/Max Valencia)
Christy Smith (Newhall School District Board Member)
Cathy Craig (Battle Buddies)
Cyndi Vanderhorst (Saugus Centurion Foundation)
Rebecca Locke (Coldwell Banker)
Carrie McAdam (The Pilates Pros)     
Tina Siffers ( Saugus Team Mom)
Tiffany Friedman (N Style Salon)
Marcy James (Crosscountry Mortgage)
Maggie-Mae Laufman (Applied Resource Insurance Solutions)
Renée Roque-White (REMAX of Valencia)
Laura Kirchhoff (American Diabetes Association )
Caryn Spencer (Newhall Land Development)
Joy Nadel {Rescue Me Inc}
Missy Carter ( Valencia Country Club)
Judy Penman (Zonta Club of SCV, Assistance League, SCV Senior Center & many more)
Oriana John (Miss SCV Scholarship Program)
Cynthia Smith ( SkinSmith by Cynthia Smith )
Tiffany Friedman (N Style Salon)
Kathleen Kenneally L.Ac. (Kenneally Acupuncture)
Silvia Gutierrez (Bridge To Home)
Jeannie Carpenter(Assistance League)
Kathleen Kenneally L.Ac. (Kenneally Acupuncture)
Ultimate Female Community Leader
Someone who actively holds multiple leadership roles in the
local business, political and/or non-profit communities.
2015 Winner Marlee Lauffer. * 2016 Winner Vanessa Wilk.
2017 Nominees:
Marsha McLean     
Laurene Weste     
Bonnie Sherman Weber
Kim Kurowski     
Nola Aronson
Barbara Myler
Ginger Levang
Michele Mosler     
Nancy Starczyk
Tina Siffers
Nikki Oerum
Mitzi Like
Marcy James
Tiffany Friedman
Maggie-Mae Laufman
Gloria Fortine
Judy Penman
Michelle Judd
Janine Jones
Denise Mitchell
Gina Boersma
Jeannie Carpenter
Julie Olsen
Jeri Seratti Goldman
Wendi Lancy

Ultimate Female Non-profit Leader
Someone who holds a leadership position as executive director
or other comparable position for a local non-profit.
2016 Winner Linda Davies.  
2017 Nominees:
Seema Shah (HandsOn Santa Clarita)
Yorleni Sapp (Single Mothers Outreach)
Jennifer DeHaven (SCV Senior Center)
Maria Strmsek (Herny Mayo Newhall Hospital)     
Kim Goldman (Youth Project)     
Gillian Stone (Michael Hoefflin Foundation)
Laura Kirchhoff (American Diabetes Association)
Pam Ripling (Circle of Hope)
Jackie Hamby (Assistance League)
Cyndi Vanderhorst (Saugus HS Centurion Foundation)
Amy Daniels (Wish Education Foundation)
Denise Tomey (Carousel Ranch)
Ji Ahn (Million Little)
Michelle Staliing (California Youth Chess League)
Joy Nadel {Rescue Me Inc}
Susan Traurig (A Light of Hope SCV)
Silvia Gutierrez (Bridge to Home)
Jeannie Carpenter (Sunset in the Vineyard)
Edna Hernandez (Notre Dame Family Services)


Ultimate Female Educator
Someone who is making a difference in our local school systems.
2015 Winner Dr. Dianne Van Hook. * 2016 Winner Liz Caddow.
2017 Nominees:
Janene Maxon (Castaic School District)
Erin Acquaviva (SCVi Charter Schoolz)
Miriam Golbert (College of the Canyons)
Donna Borruel (Legacy Christan Academy)
Kelly Iles (Golden Oak Elementary)
Alyssa Peretz (Albert Einstein Academy)
Randie Hauss (Valencia Valley Elementary)
Elizabeth Smith (Castaic Elementary)
Crystal Hilstein (Saugus High School)
Marguerite Armstrong (Stevenson Ranch Elementary)
Julie McBride (Mitchell Community School)
Sue O'Brien (Rio Vista Elementary)
Ellen Hawthorne (Meadows Elementary)
Jeanine Michel (Sulphur Springs Community School)
Lauren Piper (Mountainview Elementary)
Maria Alexander (Pico Canyon Elementary)
Christine Yoo (Pico Canyon Elemntary)
Michelle Labrie (COC)
Lisa Hernacki (Trinity Classical Academy)
Theresa Smith (James Foster Elementary)
Vicki Engbrecht (Hart School District)
Ana Henry (West Creek Academy)
Lynn Kistler (Santa Clarita Christian School)
Andi Sheridan (Bridgeport Elementary)
Mrs Davis (North Park Elementary)
Julie Lawson (COC)
Anna Henry (West Creek Academy)
Julie Huffman (Hart School District)
Michele Fumarolo (Arroyo Seco)
Isa De Armas (Saugus USD)
Meghan Rose (McGrath Elementary)
Robin Geissler (Bowman High School)
Cheryl Sena (SCVI)
Isa De Armas (Saugus USD)
Meghan Rose (McGrath Elementary)
Nancy Tomei (Saugus USD)
Dena Mitchell (Sulphur Springs)


Ultimate Female Performing Artist
Someone who is actively involved in the local entertainment and arts community.
2015 Winner Ingrid Blanco. * 2016 Winner Andrea Vibe.
2017 Nominees:
Julie Miller (Broadway Bound Players)
Corrine Glover (SC Ballet)
Alesia Humphries (Dole|Humphries)
Ingrid Boydston (Canyon Theatre Guild)
Kayla Burson (ESCAPE Theater)
Lisa West (Spotlight Arts Center)
Joanne Ainsworth (Gervais School of Performing Arts)
Katie Kalencki Freeman (Shooting Stars)
Samantha Smith (SCVi)
Ultimate Female Young Entrepreneur
A professional under age 40 who owns her own business and either lives or works locally.
2015 Winner Martha Aguilera. * 2016 Winner Julie Susdorf.
2017 Nominees:
Sammi Haley (Cardio Barre)
Gina Neumann (Lamore Dance)
Melinda Piligran (Cakegoodness)
Jen Brown (Surfaces SCV)
Sarah Gallante (Pom Paperie)     
Lexie Mickalson (Mickalson Group)
Deanna Miller (Stark Social)
April Bilderbach (Bold BOWtique)
Carrie McAdam (The Pilates Pros)
Jackie Ganuza (Lavish salon)
Denise Mitchell (Painting with a Twist)
Anya Smilanick (Small Dog Creative)
Cassie Cole (To The Pointe)
Tiffany Verdi (Spray Tanning by Tiffany Verdi)
Danielle McPartlin (Plate Therapy)
Tiffany Friedman (N Style Salon)
Samantha Gianukakis (Pairnique Weddings)
Jennifer Barnes (The Barre Valencia)
Jayme Friedman (Reds Life Savers)
Stephanie Schlottman (Kaia FIT Santa Clarita)
Abi Levine (Love Hypnotherapy)
Amanda Crockett-Kimble (Villa Vibes Yoga)     
Heather Nelson (Wax by Heather)
Steffanie Stelnick (Attorney)
Kelly Perkins (Faking It Flawless The Boutique)
Stacy Mitchell (Painting with a Twist SCV)
Kerry Miranda (Madison Rose Bakery)
Cara Cherry (Cara Cherry Photography)
Julie O'Dell (HomeSmartNCG)
Meghan O'Sullivan (Meghan O'Sullivan Photography)
Ultimate Female CPA and/or EA
A Certified Public Accountant and/or Enrolled Agent who is
currently practicing in the Santa Clarita Valley.
2015 Winner Julie M Sturgeon. * 2016 Winner Laura Troost.
2017 Nominees:
Cindy J. Harris CPA
Karol A. Johnson EA
Lisa Eichman EA
Carolyn Denny EA
Sheila Wilkerson EA
Nicole Downing EA
Diana Lopez EA
Lori Goodwin, CPA
Ritu Khadiya (Liberty Tax Service - Santa Clarita)
Theresa Stewart, CPA
Ultimate Female Financial Pro.
Someone who holds a position in the financial industry.
2015 Winner Elizabeth Hopp. * 2016 Winner Rhona Jukes.
2017 Nominees:
Melanie Sedam (The Paseo Financial Group)
Ivy Pierson (Householder Group)
Altheia Calagia (Logix)
Linda Choi (Skyline Financial)
Patty Handy (American Family Funding)
Melanie Meyer (Thrivent Financial)
Jessica Souther (Global Business Management)
Anita Lombardi (Federal Escrow)
Rachel Cleveland (Augusta Financial)
Karen Chavez (Bank of America)
Deana Elguindy (OPES Financial Solutions)
Marcy James (Crosscountry Mortgage)
Jessi Presten (Skyline Home Loans)
Heather D'Angelo (Edward Jones)
Kiya Ramsey (a-z tax services)
Danica Lynch (TriStar Financial)
Ultimate Female Marketing/PR Pro
Someone who works in a marketing, public relations, social media or
consulting position in the Santa Clarita Valley.
2015 Winner Eve Bushman. * 2016 Winner Claudia Sheridan.
2017 Nominees:
Shelby Eichman (Gymnastics Unlimited)
Barbara Myler (Summit West Public Relations)
Hillary Broadwater (QM Design Group)
Jennifer Ramos (JR Social Conduit)
Phillis Stacy Brooks (Main Street Graphics)
Jackie MacDougall (Morgan MacDougall Productions)     
Teresa Todd (Point of View Communications)
Deanna Miller (Stark Social)
Cyndi Vamderhorst (Social-Spark)
Sara Brown (SCVi)
Anya Smilanick (Small Dog Creative)
Maggie-Mae Laufman (ARIS)
Marcy James (Crosscountry Mortgage)
Nikki Hartman (Randy Plaice & Associates)
Tania Mulry (SteamWork Center)
Amanda Benson (Ask Amanda)
Heather Kerzarian (Finn Partners)
Sarah Cobos (The Reape-Rickett Law Firm)
Jill Mellady (Mellady Direct Marketing)

Ultimate Female HR Director
Someone who works as an HR Director or comparable
position in the Santa Clarita Valley.
2016 Winner Rose Chegwin.
2017 Nominees:
Kristin Hobrecker (City of Santa Clarita)
Wendy Regao (Henry Mayo Newhall Hosptial)
Jenny Ketchepaw (Community Bank)
Jennifer Stevenson (Saugus Union School District)
Lisa Welker-Finney (Boston Scientific)
Cristen Farrell (Quest Diagnostics)


Ultimate Female Retail Owner
Someone who owns a local retail business.
2015 Winner Laurie Tucci. *  2016 Winner Kathy Allie.
2017 Nominees:
Denise Myers (Ma Maison)
Kelly Douglas (Luscious Soul)
Michele Mosler (The Goddess Within)
Tami Lindahl (SCV Vitamins)
Cindi Rowley (Refined Vintage)
Sarah Gallante (Pom Paperie)
Carol Reesha (Barn and Charm)
Bethany Crellin (Her Boutique)
Denise Mitchell (Painting with a Twist)     
Nanci Olmos (Clarices Cake and Candy Supply)     
Stephanie Sewell (Pinot's Pallet)
Kelly Perkins (Faking It Flawless The Boutique)

Ultimate Female Restaurant Owner
Someone who owns a local restaurant.
2015 Winner Shannon Mee. * 2016 Winner Leticia Salazar-Hansen.
2017 Nominees:
Mandana Mirbatak (Persia Restaurant)
Christine Chang (Culinary Wonders)
Della Equilag (Bonefish Grill)
Maggie Wolf (Ay Caramba)
Kristen McCardy (Marston's Valencia)

Ultimate Female Small Business
Executive (1-25 employees)
The owner, CEO, CFO or COO of a local business with 25 employees or fewer.
2015 Winner Michele Mittelman.  * 2016 Winner Nola Aronson.
2017 Nominees:
Madeline Neumann (Lamore Dance)
Stephanie Sewell (Pinots Palette)
Sharon Dallas (Naughty But Nice)
Cheryl Ingrassia (Southern California Title & Home)
Stephanie Johnson (Ignition Fitness)
Leslie Saunders (Saunders Construction Co.)
Mariana Snyder (Hawaiian Sun)
Barbara Myler (Summit West PR & Marketing)
Stacey Normandy (Miracle Assistant)
Argelia Barcenas (Argelia's Beauty Salon)
Jackie Ganuza (Lavish Salon)
Ginger LeVang (Salon 7)
Danielle McPartlin (Plate Therapy)
Marcy James (Crosscountry Mortgage)
Rima Raulinaitis (Ceramic Artist Studio, Inc.)
Jennifer Barnes (The Barre Valencia)
Joanne Ainsworth (Gervais School of Performing Arts)
Steffanie stelnick (Law offices of Steffanie Stelnick)
Sally Van Swearingen (The A LIST at Indo Salon)
Kim Kurowski (A-1 Party)
Melinda Piligian (CAKEgoodness)
Amanda Crockett-Kimball (villa vibes yoga)
Kathleen Kenneally L.Ac. (Kenneally Acupuncture)
Kari Goldbaum (Center Stage Dance)
Kelly Perkins (Faking It Flawless The Boutique)
Denise Mitchell (Painting with a Twist SCV)
Kari Goldbaum (Center Stage Dance)
Jen Medina (Surface Busters)
Melinda Piligian (CAKEgoodness)
Kelly Perkins (Faking It Flawless The Boutique)
Kathleen McGraw. (Dermal Dynamics)
Kathleen Kenneally L.Ac. (Kenneally Acupuncture)
Shannon Tulloss (Shannon Tulloss Investigations)
Ultimate Female Medium Business
Executive (26-50 employees)
The owner, CEO, CFO or COO of a local business with 50 employees or fewer.
2015 Winner Laina McFerren.  * 2016 Winner Allison Velasco.
2017 Nominees:
Mitzi Like (LBW Insurance)
Linda Choi (Skyline Financial)
Deana Elguindy (OPES Financial Solutions)
Laura Jicha (Kidz Cuts and Waves)
Lourdes Simmons (Right At Home)
Ultimate Female Large Business
 Executive (51+ employees)
The owner, CEO, CFO or COO of a local business with 51 employees or more.
2015 Winner Kylie Patterson.  * 2016 Winner Jennifer Chadwick.
2017 Nominees:
Jill Melady (Mellady Direct)
Sue Nevius (La Quinta Inn & Suites)
Tamara Gurney (Mission Valley Bank)
Karen Bradbury (Mercury Insurance)
Amber Raskin (iLEAD Schools)
Ultimate Female Photographer
Someone who owns a photography business in the Santa Clarita Valley.
2015 Winner Lindsay Schlick.  * 2016 Winner Brooke Ritter.
2017 Nominees:
Tara Rochelle
Laurie Sachs
Becca Rillo
Renee Bowen
Jennifer Hauser
Ashley Burns
Courtney Tole
Wendy Winquest
Nicole Pollard
Jennifer Marilyn
Angelica Valiton
Cynthia Jensen
Krista Nubert
Heather DelHoyo
Nicole Casillas
Teri Ramsey Montoya
Bethany Struble
Julie Whitaker
Emily Magers
Jolene Dee Abbatoye
Amber Cornell
Laura Moll
Alyssa Bazar
Terry Hoard
Collette Lash
Jolene Dee Abbatoye
Christina Catherine
Robyn Preston Martin
Suzette Troché Stapp
Lori Stevens
Cara Cherry
Amber Davidson
Jennifer Calderon
Jody Ross
Meghan O'Sullivan
Ultimate Female Lawyer
A licensed lawyer currently practicing in the Santa Clarita Valley.
2015 Winner Denise DaCorsi-Placencio.  * 2016 Winner Lisa Odom.
2017 Nominees:
Taylor Findley Williams (Donahoe and Young)
Jane McNamara (McNamara Law Firm)
Christine Reynolds Inglis (Reape Rickett)
Michele Mann (Mehta and Mann)
Amy M. Cohen (Cohen Law)
Steffanie Stelnick (Stelnick Law)
Claudia Zaman McDowell (Poole & Shaffery)
Ultimate Female Medical Doctor
Someone who holds a Doctor of Medicine and is currently
practicing in the Santa Clarita Valley.
2015 Winner Dr. Cecilia Hann.  * 2016 Winner Stacie Gereb.
2017 Nominees:
Maryam Ardalean (Women Elite Care)
Suzanne Hawson (Unversity Foot Ankle Institute)
Monprapa Chua (Helm Vision)
Ladan Samadi
Daisy Mae Markley (Facey Medical Group)
Paula Bailey-Walton, M.D. (Heritage Sierra Medical Group)
Dr. Sonia Brown (UCLA/Motion Picture Santa Clarita)
Rebecca Patterson-Judd (Facey)
Daphne Horowitz (Discovery Pediatrics)
Neela Sethi (Valencia Pediatrics)
Dr. Joy Bulger-Beck (Providence Medical Institute)
Sunanda Vadapalli (Santa Clarita Pediatrics)
Loraine Stern (Valencia Pediatrics)
Magdalena Maria Stevens. DO (Kaiser Permanente)
Dr Joy Bulger Beck (Providence Medical Institute)
Terry Bucknall (Sheila Veloz)
Carrie Algozine (Kaiser)
Dr Dortha Chu (City of Hope Santa Clarita)
Omaima Y. Azzam (Facey Medical Group)
Dr. Allison Adler (Facey Medical Group)
Dr.Callahan (UCLA Oncology)
Ultimate Female Dentist
Someone who holds a Doctor of Dental Science and is currently
practicing in the Santa Clarita Valley.
2015 Winner Dr. Kelly Smudde.  * 2016 Winner Dr. Kimberly Rosen.
2017 Nominees:
Clare Macaulay
Adrienne L. Fang
May Conte
Jim Kim
Megan LaCornu
Angela Choi
Susan Webber
Joann Young
Amy Monti
Cindy Novak
Baolan Sun
Kathleen Mulcahey
Joy Bulger Beck
Anna Chuckman
Gina Dorfman
Leda Whitmer
Eileen Zierhut
Cynthnia Novak
Dr. Grace Hwang
Sarah Phillips
Krisena Borenstein
AlexI Koss
Dr. Sorkin
Dr. Nilda Woolard
Ultimate Female Veterinarian
Someone who holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and is currently
practicing in the Santa Clarita Valley.
2015 Winner Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto.  * 2016 Winner Dr. Lisa Pope.
2017 Nominees:
Tracy McFarland (The Cat Doctor)
Kimberly J. Caruso (Valencia Veterinary Center)
Dr. Evelyn Vega (Happy Pet Veternity Center)
Dr. Kari Walsh (Santa Clarita Animal Hospital)
Jeanette Yamamoto (Valley Lyons Pet Hospital)
Dr. Laura Ekman (Saugus Animal Hospital)
Dr. Anh Trah (Santa Clarita Animal Hospital)
Vanessa Vandersande (Copper Hill Animal Clinic)
Dr. Rachael Ostron Sachar (Twin Okas Equine Veterinary Services)
Dr. Marlene Anschultz (Happy Pets Veterinary Center)
Dr Jennifer Reidel (Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Clinic)
Dr. Elsa Garcia (Little Paws)
Ultimate Female Fitness Pro.
A certified and active personal trainer or athletic coach who works locally.
2015 Winner Rachel Cosgrove.  * 2016 Winner Janet JayCee.
2017 Nominees:
Bonnie Formina (Strike Kravmaga)
Robin DiTomaso (Hitt Bootcamp)
Catherine Sjolund (Hot Yoga Haven)
Suzi Smith (Complete Pilates & Fitness)
Gina Flanagan (Renovation Wellness)
Sawyer Gordon(Results Fitness)
Christy Noel Hurley (CrossFit Double Time)
Marilyn Sandoval (Yoga Yoga)
Ellen Como (BalaCore - UFC Gym)
Trish Cohen (Golds Gym)
Deanna Smith (Cardiogirl)
Carrie McAdam (The Pilates Pros)
Toni Kuhn (YogaWorks)
Monika ST. Amant (Warrior Fitness)
Nadia Nolan (Hardcore Fitness)
Melanie Vovk (Paseo Club)
Heather Deffenbaugh (Paseo Club)
Dani Ibarra (YogaWorks)
Heather Evans (Ekata)
Heather Flebbe (CycleUp)
Lynette Willis (Paseo Club)
Amanda Crockett Kimble (Villa Vibe Yoga)
Jennifer Barnes (The Barre Valencia)
Alexis Briano (UFC GYM)
Shauna Parnell (Jazzercise)
Nadine Young (Paseo Club)
Apelonia Foster (SCV Athletic Club)
Allison Nelson (YogaWorks)
Ultimate Female Realtor
Someone who is a licensed realtor who is currently serving the Santa Clarita Valley.
2015 Winner Pam Ingram.  * 2016 Winner Tami Edwards.
2017 Nominees:
Kim Thomson (Remax)
Leslie Caldaronello (Remax)
Dippy Chinna (Dilbeck)
Tracy Hauser (Cobalt Realty Group)
Rebecca DeLuca (Keller Williams Realty)
Joanie Hollingsworth (iRealty)
Denise Mitchell (Realty Executives)
Kathy Watterson (Re/Max)
Deanna Rivetti (iRealty)
Tamar House (JohnHart Real Estate)
Nicole Stinson (Estate Realty Group)
Michelle Judd (Pinnacle)
Lauren Lefkowitz (Realty Executives)
Valerie Williams (Keller Williams Realty)
Jennie Clark (Keller Williams Realty)
Susan Hoose (REMAX)
Judy Hechavarria (Realty Executives)
Dania Stamps (Realty Executives)
Sam Neylan (Keller Williams Realty)
Susan Hoose (REMAX)
Rebecca Locke (Coldwell Banker)
Jeannine Walker (Realty Executives)
Nancy Lulejian Starczyk (Realty Executives)
Kathy Greenberg (HomeSmart)
Gail & Tori Rocco (Keller Williams)
Angie Schenone (Pinnacle)
Jennifer Herring (Keller Williams)
Mari and Patty (remax)
Marisela Handley (Realty Executives)
Hilary Blaha (Pinnacle Estate Properties)
Sandy Troxell (ReMax)
Lisa Kaul (Keller Williams)
Paris Macivor (Remax)
Morgan Mortensen (Realty Executives)
Amanda Etcheverry (The California Company)
Kate Christenson (Keller Williams)
Cindy Banescu (Coldwell Banker)
Debbie Kelly (Remax)
Deon Perlstein (Realty World)
Jasmin Cicerello (Remax of Valencia)
Bri Waterman (Realty Executives)
Tina Cabot (Keller Williams)
Laura Navarro De Rivera (Home Smart)
Ronda Chobanian (HomeSmart)     
Jennifer Herring (HomeSmart)
Cherrie Brown (HomeSmart)
Taylor Williams (Pinnacle)
Christine Kulka (Realty Executives)