CEO OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
MOIRA CONLON
Founder & CEO
Financial Profiles
Moira Conlon is the founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based Financial Profiles, a national strategic communications firm that specializes in building long-term corporate value through effective communications.
With headquarters in Los Angeles and offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, Financial Profiles has grown to become one of the most respected firms in its field and one of the top woman-owned strategic communications firms in the country. The agency is highly regarded for its strategic counsel on investory relations and public relations issues, its command of value-based corporate positioning and messaging, and for providing clients acces to Wall Street investors, analysts and the press. As a leading authority in strategic communications, Conlon has provided strategic counsel to management leaders, boards, and communcation teams of hundreds of public and private companies in a variety of industries.
CHRISTINA MILLER
President and CEO
Mental Health America of Los Angeles
Dr. Christina Miller is known for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of her nearly 400-person team and the over 19,000 individuals across Los Angeles County that are cared for by her agency, Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA). Before joining MHALA in 2017, Dr. Miller, a licensed psychologist with more than 25 years of experience, held esteemed positions at UCLA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Ocean Park Community Center, and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center.
Upon joining MHALA, Dr. Miller embarked on a comprehensive approach to familiarize herself with the intricacies of the organization. She engaged with staff across all departments to understand their perspectives on their roles and the agency, seeking their insights for future improvements. Delving into the agency’s financial records, practices, and programmatic objectives, she laid the groundwork for growth and transtormation, steering the agency towards positive change.
ALINA MORAN
President and CEO
Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center
Alina Moran is president and CEO of Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC), and is the hospital’s first Latina president in its 137-year history. During her tenure, CHMC has achieved national recognition for patient safety; treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, pneumonia and heart failure in U.S. News & World Report; and multiple accreditations.
After relocating from New York to Los Angeles to assume her role in March 2020, Moran steered CHMC through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the care of over 2,000 COVID-positive patients while maintaining critical emergency, trauma, cardiac, and maternal/child services and ensuring the safety of 1,900 employees and 450 medical staff. She previously served as chief executive officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. Metropolitan is a 338-bed acute care facility located in East Harlem.
MARTINE SINGER
President & CEO
Children’s Institute
Martine Singer joined Children’s Institute in 2016, with a commitment to working in underserved communities impacted by decades of underinvestment – from Watts, Compton and Long Beach to Echo Park. As president & CEO, she oversees one of LA’s oldest and largest nonprofits, where she manages an annual operating budget of over $100 million and almost 1,000 staff. Before joining Children’s Institute, Singer was the president & CEO of Para Los Niños, the executive director of Hollygrove (now Pacific Clinics) and held executive roles at global media companies. She was the founder and publisher of the first foreign-language edition of The New York Times.
In January of this year, Singer was selected to be a Donaldson Fellow for the Yale School of Management, which is reflective of her personal and professional accomplishments and her dedication to solving complex problems and pursuing positive change in the world.
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
ANNA CHUNG
Executive Vice President & Chief Small Business Administration Lending Officer
Hanmi Bank/Hanmi Financial Corporation
Anna Chung is executive vice president and the chief Small Business Administration (SBA) lending officer at Hanmi Bank, a community bank serving diverse multi-ethnic customers through a network of 35 branches in six states, seven loan production offices and SBA lending in eight states.
Chung began her banking career at California Korea Bank, which was acquired by Hanmi Bank. Throughout her 30+ year financial services career, she has advanced the mission of the SBA to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests and advocate for small business concerns. Chung believes small businesses maintain and strengthen the overall US economy. In 2023, amidst the collapse of two banks along the West Coast, Hanmi proactively reassured customers of its stability, prompting an outpouring of support from clients. This reaffirmed the deep-rooted relationships forged by Hanmi over the years, a testament to Chung’s commitment to customer-centric service.
SMRITI KIRUBANANDAN
Managing Director
Accenture
Smriti Kirubanandan is a growth and strategic partnerships executive with a
strong robotics and public health background. She currently serves as managing director of healthcare at Accenture. She is passionate about making healthcare more efficient, affordable and accessible, as she specializes in creating high-impact strategic partnerships. As a trusted leader, she fosters executive relationships and cultivates partnerships at the convergence of emerging technology, innovation, and empathy. She also spearheads brand development, thought leadership and market research.
Kirubanandan was selected as a Young Global Leader 2023 by the World Economic Forum, a member of the Young Leaders Circle at the Milken Institute, and an elected fellow by the Royal Society of Arts in 2024. She is also the founder of the HLTH Forward Podcast. This award-winning platform hosts healthcare leaders, policymakers, and artists to discuss the challenges in the system and what we could do collectively to move healthcare forward.
CONNIE ORLANDO
Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy
BET Media Group
Connie M. Orlando is an award-winning media executive who exemplifies leadership and innovation in the media industry. Throughout her career, Orlando has continually exceeded expectations, demonstrating her expertise in shaping cultural narratives through her professional endeavors. Leading some of BET’s largest and most active departments, Orlando has positioned the brand as a powerhouse in the media and entertainment spaces. She has spearheaded a multitude of original programming, ranging from scripted series like, “The Quad” and “BeingMaryJane” to groundbreaking specials such as “Black Girls Rock!” She also ushered BET into the documentary space with BET Truth Series, which in its inaugural year produced award-winning projects “Katrina 10 Years Later,” “Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ” and “Stay Woke.” Under her guidance, the BET News department has produced critically acclaimed documentaries on Ferguson and Baltimore, highlighting pressing societal issues.
BARBARA VOSS
Deputy City Manager
City of El Segundo
Barbara Voss, deputy city manager of El Segundo, is known for her outstanding contributions and exemplary leadership in spearheading trailblazing programs for El Segundo, a full-service municipal organization. Her agility to administer varied citywide initiatives and visionary outlook have significantly enhanced the quality of top-tier services provided to the community, while further positioning El Segundo as an economic powerhouse in Southern California, renowned as the city “Where Big Ideas Take Off.”
Prior to her role in El Segundo, Voss’ extensive executive experience includes serving as senior regional manager for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), where she managed business attraction, retention and expansion initiatives for state and local governments. Additionally, her tenure as director at Ryan, Inc. involved developing and managing market penetration campaigns for a new business initiative focused on the California Enterprise Zone Program.
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
ALICE KAO
Co-Founder, CEO
Sender One Climbing
Alice Kao fell in love with climbing gym the first time she tried on in London in 2007. The climbing community became her new tribe and helped her rediscover herself. When she returned to LA, she was surprised to find that the climbing gym scene was different from Europe’s. Most of the gyms were built by hardcore rock climbers, mostly men using the facility for weekday training.
Kao decided to quit her corporate job 2011 and co-found Sender One. She
envisioned the gym to be a bright, colorful, and family-friendly space, unlike anything she’d seen in LA. It was an instant hit, and despite having to weather the pandemic, has bounced back. In 2022 Sender One had its best performing year ever. She followed that year with an even better year in 2023 and this year opened a fourth location in Westwood Village.
DINA KIMMEL
CEO
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym
Dina Kimmel comes from a background of many professional experiences including accounting, sales, and entrepreneurship. Before opening We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gyms she was a successful business owner of a clothing store called Lucky You. That all changed when her son Gabriel was born who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She tried out many indoor playspaces with her son and neurotypical daughter (Sophia) and was unfortunately met with bad experience after bad experience because of her son’s neurodiversities.
In 2010, out of necessity, Kimmel opened up the first We Rock the Spectrum location in Tarzana – a sensory gym where families can bring their children regardless of their ability level and enjoy in the universal language of fun. Flash forward to 2024, and there are now over 150 We Rock the Spectrum branches spanning over 27 states and eight countries (with seven locations in LA County).
SHEILA MARMON
Founder/CEO
Mirror Digital
Sheila Marmon is the entrepreneurial force behind Mirror Digital, a pioneer in connecting global brands with Black, Asian, Latine, and LGBTQIA + audiences. Starting from the bottom (literally working from her kitchen with no access to the funding afforded her white male peers) Marmon turned a one-woman show into a thriving company with 50+ employees.
For over a decade, Mirror Digital has innovated campaigns (1,000+) for Fortune 500 brands and others, including P&G, Amazon, Disney, AT&T, General Motors, Macy’s, Ford, Universal Pictures, Comcast, Walmart, and McDonald’s. Marmon is reaching the fastest-growing US consumer base, the multicultural market, with campaigns that matter. Among those impactful campaigns, there has been Rooted in Science,’ which helped Black women in STEM advance their education; ‘Comcast Rise,’ which provided grants to help small BIPOC businesses thrive; and ‘Retool Your School’ which helped advance HBCUs and their communities. The list goes on.
JAMIE NACK
President
Three Squares Inc.
Jaime Nack is the president of Three Squares Inc. (TSI), an award-winning sustainability and ESG consulting firm. TSI specializes in creating impactful strategies for corporations, governments, nonprofits, and global events.
On the corporate side, TSI works with Nike, ESPN, Honda, HP, Disney, LVMH, United Airlines, and others. On the government and nonprofit side, it works with groups like the Environmental Protection Agency and the global Specialty Coffee Association. For the past 15 years, TSI has also served as the sustainability advisor to Al Gore’s organization, The Climate Reality Project. Although TSI carries an international client roster and has implemented sustainability plans on all seven continents (including Antarctica), much of the firm’s work is centered right here in Los Angeles.
TSI developed the climate action strategy for Exposition Park and developed an award-winning plan for the City of Riverside, among many other successful projects.
EMERGING WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS LEADER FINALISTS
DIANA RAMOS SANTIAGO CARTER
CEO/Founder
Panther Trail Films Production
As the CEO of Panther Trail Films Production and Arykas & Ybots PR, Diana Ramos Santiago Carter exemplifies exceptional leadership and innovation in the entertainment industry. With extensive experience as film producer, talent manager, and public relations analyst, she has consistently demonated her commitment to excellence.
As a US Army veteran and a passionate advocate for brand acceleration, Carter brings a unique perspective to her work, driving success and innovation in every project she undertakes. She stands as a remarkable and multi-faceted leader who has a strong career path ahead of her. With a legacy entrenched in the entertainment industry, Carter’s unique blend of specific talents encompass a spectrum of skills, including search engine optimization (SEO), astute negotiation, strategic product placement, deft exit strategies, and the weighty responsibilities of a production company CEO.
KACY KEY
Principal & CEO
Praxis Development Group
Kacy Keys has been in the business of real estate development for over 25 years. She has built projects valued at more than $1 billion over the course of her career. One of few women-owned and led real estate development companies in the City and the State, Praxis Development Group was founded by Keys with a mission to (1) be purposeful about the work; and (2) ot partner with legacy land owners in evolving neighborhoods to realize vision and value, while also creating generational wealth with existing, legacy owners as partners.
Praxis has now been in business for five years and the big projects continue. The $27 million West Angeles Church Family Life Center is being completed now; and Keys is partnering with a family on a $25 million, 48-unit, mixed-income project on Crenshaw; as well as working with afamily on a project in the Lincoln Heights area.
KATRINA MATTHEWS
Founder and Principal Agent
Katrina Matthews Real Estate Investments Group, Inc.
Katrina Matthews launched her Keller Williams Real Estate Investment practice in January 2022. She quickly became a top salesperson in her company earning her a Double Gold Award. Matthews began her 16-year career as a real estate professional just as the housing market collapsed. Rather than back away from the profession, she dove into the fray, compelled to help homeowners protect their greatest generational-wealth building tool. Matthews successfully negotiated with banks to save approximately 100 Southern California families from foreclosure. She fast became a leader in her field.
While the metrics and Matthews’ characteristic integrity and tenacity are impressive, it’s her intention to rebalance inequities evolving from realtor practices and LAs’ historic redlining that distinguish her. Matthews persistently advocates for inclusive neighborhood practices in public forums and government proceedings, actively drawing attention to policies, patterns and practices that result in discriminatory outcomes.
EMILY PINCIN
Partner
Kent | Pincin, LLP
Emily Pincin is a founding member and partner at the Redondo Beach based law firm Kent | Pincin, LLP. Pincin has dedicated her career to representing individuals who have been wronged. Her practice is focused primarily on representing employees who have been wrongfully terminated, harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against by their employer. She also represents individuals who have suffered personal or catastrophic injuries and family members who have lost a loved one because of a wrongful death caused by another. As a younger female attorney, Pincin recognized early on the unique challenges she would face in the male-dominated industry. Departing from a highly regarded plaintiff’s firm early in her career, Pincin made the bold decision to establish her own firm, which was driven by her determination to make a meaningful impact. She has since built a thriving practice known for its dedication to serving the wronged and injured.
CHAMPION OF WOMEN FINALISTS
ERICA MOORE-BURTON
Founder &President
Round Hill Legal Search
Attorney Erica Moore-Burton is an ardent advocate of women. With over two decades of experience in the legal field and as founder/president of Round Hill Legal Search Inc., she has demonstrated consistent declaration to diversity and inclusion by establishing the only 100% minority/woman-owned full legal search/consulting firm in California, certified by NMSDC, WBENC, and LSBE. Celebrating 10 years in business this year, she built the organization from the ground up to exceed seven figured in under five years.
Under a new arm of her organization, Round Hill Growth Partners, Moore-Burton’s goal is to empower the next generation of femail and BIPOC attorneys with the knowledge and know-how to be successful in a competitive and challenging field that still falls short in women and minority advancement. Her latest endeavor, the podcast “Lighting the Legal Career Path,” underscores her commitment to empowering female and BIPOC attorneys.
ANABEL SERRANO
Risk Management Specialist
Shawmut Design and Construction
Anabel Serrano’s interest in helping champion and create a sense of belonging for both women and those who are underrepresented stems from her own life experience. Moving to the US from Mexico when she was six, it was hard to assimilate to the culture and achieve a sense of belonging. Ultimately, she was the first in her family to get a college degree, propelling her into her career at Shawmut. She now wants to help people who don’t feel included or like they belong.
Working in the construction industry, which is just 10% women, Serrano has dedicated herself to driving diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now a risk management specialist, Serrano identifies and creates both best practice and crisis resources for the entire $1.6 billion firm. She also co-leads Shawmut’s West Regional Diversity Leadership Council, a position that advocates and champions creating a culture of care and belonging for all.
DR. STACY SMITH
Founder and Director
USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
Dr. Stacy Smith has worked tirelessly for years to establish change in the industry. This year marks her 20th year as the founder and director of USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. She has substantially shaped the advancement of women, minorities, and underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry, ranging from film to TV to music. Since the #MeToo movement began, Dr. Smith has mentored everyone from Oscar-winning actresses to studio and recording industry CEOs, and has launched groundbreaking programs such as the Critical Database and the #4percentchallenge.
Among Dr. Smith’s timely, socially relevant projects is a focus on reproductive health and political storytelling. Announced in 2022, Dr. Smith and the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative aim to examine indicators related to reproductive health, voting, and gun use. The move also expands the initiative’s existing research to a deeper focus on romantic partnerships and family depictions of the LGBTQ+ community and across racial/ethnic groups.
RAYNI WILLIAMS
CEO &Founder
The Beverly Hills Estates
Specializing in high-end real estate, Rayni Romoti Wailims has established a remarkable record with more than $15.8 billion total with her partner in career sales. Her in-depth knowledge of market trends and luxury inventory, paired with her energetic and confident disposition has made her one of the nation’s top-producing female agents.
As a prominent figure in the real estate industry, Williams has distinguished herself not only through her protessional achievements but also through her dedication to supporting and empowering women within her company and beyond. She understands the importance of guidance and encouragement in navigating the often competitive and male-dominated field of real estate. Through one-on-one mentorships and in weekly company meetings, Williams provides guidance on career advancement, negotiation strategies, and business development techniques. By providing these opportunities, she ensures that women within her company have access to resources and essential knowledge.
MENTOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
ALISHA CATHIRELL-TANZER
Director of AmeriCorps VISTA – State and National
L.A. Works
As director of AmeriCorps – State and A National, VSITA at LA., Alisha Cathirell-Tanzer works with AmeriCorps to organize volunteers for Nonprofits dedicated to alleviating poverty or addressing public health needs in Los Angeles. Through the inaugural Public Health AmeriCorps program at L.A. Works, Cathirell-Tanzer and her team (80% female) have worked to improve health outcomes throughout Los Angeles’ most vulnerable communities.
Cathirell-Tanzer spearheaded the grant process for the Public Health program, securing a $1.4 million grant. In this time, she and the team have placed 34 full-and part-time Public Health members at multiple nonprofit organizations throughout Los Angeles to help build public health initiatives serving underrepresented communities across Los Angeles County. The current Public Health cohort has logged in more an 13,800 hours to date to ensure that more than 1,300 Angelenos have improved health knowledge.
MELISSA FULMER
Regional Sales Manager
Wells Fargo
Melissa Fulmer has dedicated her career to understanding the dynamic economy of Los Angeles and connecting with business leaders to facilitate growth and development. She began her career with Wells Fargo over seven years ago, and instantly understood the importance of building relationships with key leaders across the business community. Fulmer takes time to listen and assess challenges faced by CEOs and CFO across industry verticals and assembles comprehensive deal teams to address specific needs and objectives.
In addition to serving the local community. Fulmer has taken on significant leadership roles within Wells Fargo. She co-chairs the Southern California LEAP program, which is focused on identifying and mentoring high-potential diverse talent across multiple markets. Additionally, she co-chairs the Women’s Business Development Network which engages regional sales leaders across the country to share experiences, best practices and career development.
ARWEN JOHNSON
Partner
King & Spalding
In just her first year at King & Spalding – right at the beginning of the pandemic – business litigation partner Arwen Johnson achieved a series of litigation victories on behalf of entertainment giants such as Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, and successfully defended Postmates, Molina Healthcare, and American Income Life Insurance Company in employment trials and class actions. Her work as lead trial counsel has been at the forefront of disputes tackling some of the most pressing issues of the day.
But even against the success that backdrop showcases, it’s Johnson’s mentoring prowess that stands out. She won King & Spalding’s Mentoring Award in 2023, which recognizes the firm’s gold standard mentors, and encourages other partners to emulate them. Johnson has become a magnet for relationships and human connection as she has journeyed into multiple mentorship, recruiting, and associate management roles at King & Spalding.
KIMBERLY RAVENELL
Partner
Withum
Kim Ravenell is the tax practice leader in Withum’s Encino office. She has over 25 years of experience providing tax planning and compliance services for high-networth individuals and closely held businesses of all sizes. She prides herself in her responsiveness to her clients and in providing the best client service possible.
Over the years, Ravenell has mentored dozens of team members. Her positive attitude and willingness to take the time to train and help others, makes young associates want to keep doing what they do and helps them to progress in their careers. An advocate for mentoring underrepresented groups, Ravenell is also a leader of “Women of Withum’s” empowerment program, which focuses on the elevation and inspiration of women. One mentee, Genesis Alfaro, a senior accountant and member of WOW, has benefited from Ravenell’s wisdom and leadership.
COMMUNITY IMPACT ADVOCATE FINALISTS
SHAMEKA BEAUGARD
Founder
Youth with a Purpose
Shameka Beauygard embodies the spirit of philanthropy and community service through her tireless efforts with her nonprofit, Youth With a Purpose. Her organization extends beyond traditional mentorship, encapsulating empowerment, education, and support for young mothers in the community. Beaugard’s hands-on approach to coordinating postpartum care packages reflects her deep understanding of the needs of new mothers. Moreover, her innovative introduction of American Sign Language classes for mother and baby illustrates her commitment to addressing communication barriers from an early age, fostering bonds and developmental milestones. Her organization not only addresses the immediate needs of its members but also equips them with the tools for long-term success.
Beaugard’s community involvement is not limited to the individual level; it creates ripples of positive change across families, hancing community well-being and setting a precedent for future philanthropic endeavors.
LIZBETH NEVAREZ
Managing Director
GHJ
Lizbeth Nevarez stands out as a community impact advocate because of her remarkable commitment to the nonprofit sector through her professional accomplishments at GH] and her extensive community service outside of GHJ.
Nevarez currently holds board positions with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation and Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, and she has dedicated her adult life to serving others through volunteerism in the community.
In her current roles, she is able to preserve her Mexican American culture and help members of her community in need of legal assistance, a role she is familiar with as an immigrant and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient. Drawing from the knowledge and skills she has developed through her career, Nevarez is able to make impactful decisions and advocate for those in need through her nonprofit work.
ELLEN ROBBINS
Partner, Litigation
Akerman LLP
Ellen Robbins’ extensive involvement in various organizations speaks to her passion for philanthropy and community service. From her role as a board member and mentor at Walk With Sally, supporting children impacted by cancer, to her contributions to Sandpipers, a women’s philanthropy group providing thousands of volunteer hours and much needed funding to local agencies, Robbins’ commitment to making a difference is evident. She has also played pivotal roles in organizations like the Positive Coaching Alliance, Leadership Hermosa Beach, CHLA Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Sports Philanthropy Network, where she continues to make meaningful contributions and positively impact her community.
Serving as a board member with Walk With Sally since 2020 and as a mentor since 2017, Robbins provides invaluable support to children impacted by cancer. He mentorship extends to individual and group activities.
LYNN WILLIAMS
Vice Chairman
CBRE
Throughout her career, Lynn Williams has exhibited a steadfast and heartfelt commitment to civic and philanthropic organizations, actively serving on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations. Leveraging her exceptional knowledge and expertise, she fervently advocates for children in underserved communities, championing their rights and well-being.
Notably, Williams has had multiple terms on the board of one of the leading support organizations for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; the endowments funded by this organization over the years have had a profound impact and benefitted countless young lives by empowering the hospital to advance critical research on childhood diseases and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in pediatric healthcare. She has also served as vice chairman of the Real Estate Industry Alliance for the City of Hope and as vice chairman of the Ketchum Downtown YMCA Partner with Youth Campaign.
WOMAN TO WATCH FINALISTS
NICOLE LUEDDEKE
Associate
Paul Hastings LLP
A rising star in Paul Hastings’ globally renowned White Collar Defense practice, Nicole Lueddeke is an associate in the firm’s Los Angeles office. Lueddeke focuses her practice on white-collar criminal defense, internal corporate investigations, and complex civil litigation.
In both state and federal courts, Lueddeke represents a broad range of domestic and international clients. With extensive experience in all stages of litigation from e-filing through trial and appeal, and in state and federal investigations from pre-indictment and pre-disclosure through resolution, she defends individuals and companies in high-stakes civil and criminal cases.
Lueddeke advises clients on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters, State Attorney General consumer protection statutes, False Claims Act (qui tam suits), regulatory compliance programs, and defense of enforcement proceedings in internal investigations involving the US Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission.
ERIN ROSS
CEO
Girls Inc. of Los Angeles
Girls Inc. of Los Angeles struggled during the pandemic and CEO Erin Ross was hired in 2021 by a largely new board to bring the once thriving programs back to life, reignite the organization’s fundraising efforts and set a new course for the future. A non-profit veteran with more than 20 years of experience, Ross brought her strategic mind, fundraising prowess and deep understanding of the LA community and school landscape to help turn the organization around. Among her many initiatives, Ross launched a signature event, “LA Girls Rise,” which raised more than $500, 000.
Last spring, Ross and a committee of the board announced a three-year strategic plan, with a clear vision to grow the organization in a thoughtful, strategic manner while building deep, trusted relationships in the community. The organization is now in a strong position to meet and exceed its goals.
LEXI ST. JOHN
Executive Vice President, QYOU;
General Manager, QYOU Studios QYOU Media
At the forefront of digital marketing and the burgeoning creator economy, QYOU sets the bar high with its integrated, full-service content studio. Spearheading this innovative powerhouse Lexi St. John, the dynamic EVP of QYOU and the visionary general manager of QYOU Studios. St. John’s creative prowess and knack for assembling a dream team of talents have propelled YOU to great heights in the marketplace.
Under St. John’s guidance, her team has rolled out trailblazing creative campaigns, catapulting 23 movies to #1 box office openings, igniting the launch of seven major video game franchises, and revving up a leading automotive brand’s market presence. Top clients from Paramount, Warner Bros, Ubisoft, Hasbro, Universal, Hulu, Disney, and many more see the value and impact that St. John brings to their brand campaigns. St. John’s porttolio boasts the orchestration of over 115 influencer campaigns, generating thousands of creator posts.
CHRISTINE WEIL
Director of Development
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Christine Weil has committed her professional life to LA-based performing arts organizations. Following her completion of a Vocal Arts Performance degree at USC, she entered into the non-profit performing arts sector at institutions such as Center Theatre Group and LA Opera, where she supported multi-million dollar budgets – eventually finding her place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Before joining The Wallis, Weil initiated her own consulting venture, which burgeoned with a substantial clientele. Throughout this endeavor, she gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of fundraising, alongside the imperative of striving to secure clients for financial stability, whilst maintaining a work/life balance. For the past decade, Weil has dedicated her efforts towards fundraising for The Wallis as the director of development, where she heads the development team and supervises various initiatives involving the board, the bi-annual gala, various foundations, and other donor
NEXTGEN WOMAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
KAITLYNN CAMPBELL
Catering Sales Manager
Jonathan Club
Kaitlynn Campbell epitomizes the concept of an employee who consistently exceeds expectations. Possessing an exemplary character and a genuine passion for her work, she adeptly tackles the challenges inherent in event planning and catering, sparing her clients any undue stress. Campbell’s professional trajectory stands out remarkably within her industry; as a self-starter, she swiftly ascended to director-level positions at a remarkably young age, a feat uncommon in an environment where tenure and stability are highly valued.
Prior to her work at Jonathan Club, Campbell served in a director role at Arcis Golf and she also served as a catering sales manager and wedding specialist at the Fairmont Princess, a renowned five star hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. Building upon this wealth of experience, Campbell embraced her latest role as the catering sales manager the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles, where she has received the coveted ‘Above and Beyond Award.’
JENNA KAPLAN
Associate Broker
Aon
Jenna Kaplan joined Aon in 2021, after a year of COVID and completing her final year of college virtually. Although she began virtually with Aon, she worked hard to connect into the organization although all colleagues worked remotely. Under these circumstances, it was a challenge to immerse oneself into the company culture and build a sense of community when everyone was at home.
Kaplan took a proactive approach to engage with her new colleagues, which
also opened a path for her to significantly contribute to the office and create the workplace community she envisioned for herself. Having heard of professional groups within organizations which target young processionals, Kaplan, along with another colleague, jumpstarted Aon’s local Young Professional Network, also known as AonLink. The local group had largely become dormant and Kaplan contributed significantly to rebuilding the team.
ELISA RODRIGUEZ
Social Media Coordinator
L.A. Works
Elisa Rodriguez has fast developed a reputation for exemplary dedication to community service and innovation in leveraging social media for social good. As social media coordinator at L.A. Works, Rodriguez is singlehandedly responsible for orchestrating impactful campaigns to promote volunteerism and encourage Angelenos to amplify their voices and leverage their power to unite in service.
A 2020 graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hils. Rodriguez joined the L.A. Works team after spending a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Los Angeles Education Partnership. In her time at L.A. Works, she has steered social media towards a storytelling, approachable aesthetic, and boasted successful collaborations with organizations like the National Forest Foundation, AmeriCorps, and California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. As the organization has grown, so has Rodriguez. A team of one, she has been diligent in improving her skills and learning her craft.
DANIELLE YAMANE
Lead Staff Information Security Engineer
The Trade Desk
Danielle Yamane is an outstanding example of an exceptional young woman, who is a rising star working in cybersecurity in the entertainment and adtech industry. She is dedicated to empowering females and underserved communities to enter the STEM workforce as a role model and mentor inspiring girls and young women to be interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Yamane earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Cal State Northridge. She joined The Trade Desk three years ago, where she has been promoted three times already. She has participated in numerous information security and cyber security panels discussing leading security practices and sharing her story and as a woman in STEM. Yamane is also championing a diverse workforce both at The Trade Desk and as a STEM Advantage alumna. She is very involved in The Trade Desk’s inclusion and belonging initiatives.
