Issuu

DAILY REPUBLIC | MARCH 13, 2022

Women OF

INFLUENCE F E AT U R I N G

Soroptimist International of Central Solano County award winners AND

Solano County women making a difference

Soroptimist I nternational of Central Solano County

Clairese Wright Violet Richardson Award

lairese Wright takes the 4-H motto to heart, “To Make the Best Better,” when it comes to environmental issues and the battle against pollution. As a junior in high school, Wright chose to address the problem of pollution on a local level by creating an Emerald Star Project. The Emerald Star Project is a 4-H individually planned and implemented project that benefits the community. Soroptimist International of Central Solano County took notice and has honored Wright with the top Violet Richardson Award prize for her volunteer work. The award goes to 14- to 18-year-old women each year who display the very best in volunteerism. “It is an amazing opportunity to work with adult advisers whose knowledge and support guide you toward your project goal,” Wright wrote. “My passion for helping our environment led me to focus my project on teaching elementary students about how they would help solve the worldwide problem of pollution.” For more than a year, Wright developed a presentation titled “Don’t Make Pollution, Be The Solution.” She researched the topic thoroughly with the aid of the Solano Resource Conservation District and created a Google slide presentation geared toward third-graders. “One of the challenges I faced was translating a complicated topic to a level that a younger audience would understand and also find interesting,” Wright said. “To support the presentation, I prepared additional educational materials, including worksheets, reading lists and stickers with my own logo.” In May, Wright visited third-graders at Suisun Valley K-8 and Scandia Elementary virtually to share her presentation. She found the students interested, they asked questions and she was able to show them that even at a young age they can make a difference in their community. “It was encouraging to hear their thoughts about pollution and their enthusiasm to find

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solutions,” she said. “Beyond raising awareness of the problem of litter in our environment, my presentation’s goal was to show students that no matter what their age or how big the problem, their actions count, and they have the ability to make a difference in the future of our world.” By virtue of her work on the presentation, she was asked by the Resource Conservation District to be a site leader last September for one of the Coastal Cleanup locations in Solano County. She led the effort in the Suisun Marsh and with a group of eager volunteers collected more than 20 bags of trash that could have otherwise floated out to the San Francisco Bay and joined what’s called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Wright had previously served on the Serpa site in Fairfield as a volunteer. This year, she took on the added leadership responsibilities in the marsh by sharing the objectives with her volunteers, informing them of important safety measures and passing out the bags and picks. She was encouraged to see families working together, some with small children participating. “It’s a great feeling to know you are able to make a positive difference in your world,” Wright said. “Because of my experiences in the 4-H program, I plan to major in environmental engineering in college and put my passion and creativity to use helping the future of the world. I truly believe that I can make the best better.” Wright had three very distinct reasons for being honored with the award. One of those came from learning about Violet Richardson herself, a woman who was a pioneer in empowering others to succeed. “I hope that receiving this award will encourage others to take action when they see an issue in our world that needs attention,” Wright said. “It is very rewarding to be recognized for the hard work and dedication I have invested in the 4-H program and my Emerald Star Project.”

Soroptimist I nternational of Central Solano County

Rita Santos Ruby Award

ita Santos doesn’t like to make a fuss about the volunteer work she has done continuously since the 1970s in Solano County, but she has many friends in the community who know her commitment. Santos was honored as the Ruby Award winner for 2021-22 by Soroptimist International of Central Solano County. The Ruby Award is named after Soroptimist’s founding president, Ruby Lee Minar. The ruby is also a deep red gemstone associated with wisdom, importance, vitality, strength, vivacity, power and love, all words embodying the strong and compassionate women who are award recipients each year around the world. Jackie Hopkins said in her nomination of Santos and her lifelong volunteer work, “You would not know it because she is the silent voice behind the magic. She wears many hats and still finds a way to stay calm even when there may be chaos.” Santos has dedicated more than 25 years of time and energy to the Assist-A-Grad program. She and her husband Joe were able to put their children through college with no debt. Santos knew this was not the case for many students and wanted to help them accomplish their goals with financial assistance. Assist-A-Grad began in 1967 through a group of people in the Chamber of Commerce. It’s a program to assist deserving students with some support in starting their educational journeys through scholarships. The program offers scholarships to graduating seniors in the Fairfield-Suisun and Travis school districts. There are a number of scholarships available to students interested in various college majors, as well as education in the trades. In addition, scholarships are available to students who maintain GPAs at many levels. “I grew up on the island of Guam,” Santos said. “When I graduated I followed my husband and we had to pursue our dreams with what we had. Over the years I realized there is a support system to help students further their education. It helps open doors for them.”

Santos has been a member of the Assist-A-Grad program for more than 28 years and has served as the president for the past eight. Since the first Assist-A-Grad scholarship award in 1970, more than $3.5 million has been awarded to graduating seniors. “Rita has been the mold that sticks everything together to make this program work,” Hopkins said in her nomination letter. “From lining up the sponsors, organizing the interviews, and filing all the paperwork to make sure all gets accounted for.” These funds go directly to the school for student books and tuition. More than half of the funds have gone to young women. These funds have proven to be a jump start to many young women in Solano County striving to reach their goals. “Quite a few of them have found success and have come back to the community,” Santos said. “Some have opened their own businesses here. Others have become teachers in the area. Some individuals have come back and participated as sponsors and given back themselves.” Rita and Joe moved to Fairfield in the 1970s because Joe was in the service and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base. They have two children who both graduated from Armijo High School. Rita worked at Lloyd’s Bank in Fairfield for many years and the two built many lifelong relationships. She became involved with the Chamber of Commerce. Once Joe retired from the Air Force and Rita from banking, they started their own janitorial business in Fairfield. Rita said they were greatly supported in their business venture by the community. That always inspired her to give back. “You can’t ask to do anything better than giving back,” she said. “I’ve always felt you should be grateful for what you have and give back.” The Ruby Award was a special honor. “It was a blessing and I’m grateful,” she said. “I’m not one for taking recognition or titles for things I do. I do it from the heart. What the Ruby Award means is that we have been able to do something good.”

Women of Influence 2022 3

Soroptimist I nternational of Central Solano County

Rickesha Watts Living Your Dream Award

hen Rickesha Watts learned she was the Living Your Dream Award winner from Soroptimist International of Central Solano County, she thought something just wasn’t right. “I thought it was a scam when I first heard it,” she said. “I had to have them repeat it. That same night I reached out to my grandma to borrow $5,000. I told my mom that maybe someone was trying to play a joke on me.” The Living Your Dream Award is about helping women who have faced economic and personal hardships to live their dreams. Since 1972, the award has provided tens of thousands of women with funding to help them achieve their education and career goals. The program helps women build a better life for themselves and their dependents. Study Watts’ career goals and you’ll know her worthiness of the award is no joke. The 31-year-old mother of children ages 15, 12, 10 and 5 works part time at a local salon as a braider while trying to go to cosmetology school at Solano Community College. She said she doesn’t need to be certified to do work as a braider at the salon, but to further her skills she would need a degree. Her goals now are very specific, as she wrote in her application. “So my career goal now is to finish cosmetology school and to pass my state board exams, so I’ll be able to further my career building different styles with my license,” she wrote. “When I get my license, I would also be able to take on more clients to make more money. Eventually, I would want to go back to school to become a cosmetology professor. Although it’s a struggle, I will continue to

4 Women of Influence 2022

stay strong so I can graduate and meet my goals.” Watts said she has struggled to pick up work hours because of the pandemic and the money coming in has been slowed. She currently works 20 hours a week. She has been trying to play catch-up on her bills. “I’m a single mother of four beautiful souls and I’m doing the best that I can,” she said. “I’m still in school and it is actually going good. I had a couple of stretches of bad luck. It seems any time you try to accomplish something good, obstacles get in the way. A couple of times I almost called it quits.” Her friend Safari Kelly knows quitting is not in Watts’ nature. She said in her nomination that Watts “is very career driven. She’s been doing this for 15-plus years and doing all she can to pursue her dreams. When she sets her mind to something, she gets it done.” Another nominator, Tiana Mckneely, agreed: “I know she wants to be licensed and from the beginning of applying to school she was very tenacious about getting it done. To see her in class and working hard makes me proud.” Watts eventually, once she learned it wasn’t a joke, was thrilled with the honor and financial assistance. “This award helps me to focus on school instead of me thinking that I should drop out to work,” she wrote. “It’s very hard for me to go to school full time, work and being a mother. This award really helps me out and eases my mind for me to focus on school.”

Soroptimist I nternational of Central Solano County

Daniela Gonzales

Mariyam Oladele

Violet Richardson Award Runner-up

aniela Gonzales continues a proud tradition of Skate for Change organizers with her status as a Violet Richardson Award recipient. Elena Garcia was honored in 2019 and Valeria Gonzalez in 2020. Daniela Gonzales earned honors this year as an award runner-up for her actions helping the homeless population of Solano County. Soroptimist International of Central Solano County recognizes young women each year between the ages of 14 and 18 for their volunteer efforts. Gonzales helped bring Skate for Change to Armijo High School. The movement consists of a network of skaters with the goal of giving back to their community by distributing hygiene kits and water to people experiencing homelessness. “We loved the idea of combining a fun activity and a good action and decided to organize a Skate for Change event for all 150 leadership students,” Gonzales wrote. “The event as a huge success. We delivered more than 60 hygiene kits within two hours. Our group became so passionate about it that we decided to found a club.” The group began forming monthly events and even expanded to include food deliveries. Students have not only made deliveries on skates, they’ve done so by foot, bicycle and skateboards. They’ve also collaborated with companies such as Love Beyond Walls, Liquid Death and the International Skate for Chance itself to distribute donations. One of the new additions Gonzales helped organize was the distribution of feminine hygiene products. Homeless women were telling the group there was a great need coping with their menstrual cycles. Some admitted to having to stuff their underwear with napkins and cheap toilet paper from public restrooms. Gonzales said she is now the last of the founding members of the school’s Skate for Change club and is serving as president for the 2021-22 school year. Gonzales joined forces with with the Rodriguez High School Love, Faith and Care club during the Covid-19 pandemic to also install portable hand washing sinks around Fairfield. They also were able to make more than 50 protective masks.

ariyam Oladele has a special place in her heart for special needs students, a passion that began right at home. Oladele’s younger sister Sarah was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Oladele knew her sister was quite capable of living a rich, full life and carried that love over to other special needs students at Armijo High School. For her efforts, Oladele has been honored by Soroptimist International of Central Solano County as a Violet Richardson Award runner-up. The Violet Richardson Award celebrates the volunteer efforts of young women between the ages of 14 and 18 in the community. “I’ve never won anything before like this, so it was a big surprise,” Oladele said by telephone. Oladele, a first-generation American child of Nigerian immigrants, didn’t like how the special needs students at school were being treated by some of her classmates. She built a resolve to do something about it. “Every time I encountered these situations all I would think about was Sarah,” she wrote. “The thought of Sarah entering high school scares me. Because of our age gap, we won’t attend high school together and I won’t be there when she is inevitably subjected to this behavior.” During her freshman year, she started joining committees in the leadership program dedicated to events spotlighting special needs students. As a sophomore, she took the role as logistics committee leader for these events. Her junior year came right in the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic and she didn’t want the special needs students to feel left out. The committee put together goodie bags for their fellow classmates that included personalized key chains. Oladele said her sister then motivated her to run for ASB officer her senior year. She is now using her position to spearhead the efforts to include special needs students and combat the stigma surrounding the Functional Academics Program at Armijo. Leadership students now build bonds with special needs students by enjoying the lunch hour with them.

Soroptimist I nternational of Central Solano County

Jasmine Winston

Lydia Ward

Living Your Dream Award Runner-up

asmine Winston is a bit of a pioneer, recently moving to California from Alabama in search of a better life for her and her two small children. Times have been hard for the family of three but the dream of becoming a nurse and becoming independent again has motivated her to do right. Soroptimist International of Central Solano County admired her story and stepped in to named her a Living Your Dream runner-up to help in her quest. “Thanks so much for this award,” Winston said. “I plan to get back into school and work toward my degree.” She’s currently living with family in Fairfield since leaving Alabama in May. Winston was seven months pregnant with Jakeem and her daughter Justice was 7 at the time she left. She had her own apartment previously and worked at home. Now she is not working and having a hard time making ends meet. The 30-year-old will pursue her associate degree in nursing at Solano Community College. Her hope is to complete that coursework by August 2023. The Registered Nursing Program at Solano is a two-year program fully approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and is subject to its regulations related to the education and training of nurses. Successful completion of the program qualifies the student to take the National Council Licensing Examination to become a registered nurse. “I have a little training previously but would love to further my education,” she wrote. “I’m looking to provide a better opportunity for my children, which are my motivation to push as hard as I can.” Winston knows there is always a great need for nursing and she enjoys helping others. She said going to school and receiving the proper training and education will help her pursue her career properly. “This award will help me with financial costs to further my education while caring for my children,” she wrote. “Furthering my education and gaining a career will keep me financially stable so that I can better provide for my children.”

ydia Ward is living proof it is never too late to chase a dream. Ward was named a Living Your Dream Award runner-up by Soroptimist International of Central Solano County. The 40-year-old married mother of three is working on a business management degree at the University of Phoenix and working to become a career coach. “This is so awesome,” Ward said of her recognition. “There are so many great women out there that I really didn’t expect it. To be a runner-up is a great feeling.” Ward grew up with a widowed mother of seven children, so she had to go right to work when she was old enough and had to forgo college. But her husband later encouraged her to find a career she loved. Three children later, including one who had a difficult start to life, including a colostomy bag and removal of a large section of intestine, her school, after a short start, was put on hold. She sought counseling after falling into a deep depression and said it “saved her life.” “I was starting to feel good again and I wanted to go back to school. This time I was determined that I would not let any obstacle come between me and my destiny,” she wrote. “A friend suggested that I see a life coach, and that’s when it hit me. My purpose was finally fulfilled and I realized my years of coaching and encouraging my friends and family is what my heart was truly destined for, so I became a union rep at my job and started encouraging co-workers.” Covid hit and her husband lost his job. But despite being the lone breadwinner for a time, she was still determined to keep going and knocked out 75% of her classes. That’s where the assistance from the Soroptimists will fill a great need of helping her complete seven more of her classes. Ward has worked at Kaiser Permanente for 20 years and is hoping to work toward a career in management. Her dream is to create a career coaching at her current location. She earned her life coaching certificate last year.

Women of Influence 2022 5

Helen Pierson

Medic Ambulance Service Inc. 506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4100 www.medicambulance.net | helen@medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

elen Pierson is the CEO of Medic Ambulance Service Inc., with 34 years in the industry. She’s part of the second generation of the family that founded the company in 1979 in Solano County. The company has since expanded to include a significant footprint in Sacramento County. Pierson focuses first on the Medic Ambulance team’s ability to serve people who need first-responder care. That’s evident by the various accolades Medic and members of the Medic team have garnered over the years. “My best goal would be to know that my employees saved a life and were able to keep everyone healthy and safe,” she says. “It is important to me that Medic Ambulance continues to hold up the high standards that we believe in and focus on the people of Solano County.” Pierson’s advice to those coming into the industry is to get along with everyone, get along with all agencies and remember the reason they are in this business is for patient care. Pierson is currently chairwoman of Leadership Vallejo and is a past president and current member of the Vallejo Rotary Club. She also focuses internally while keeping an eye on big-picture issues. “I would like for my employees to know that I have an open-door policy and that together we can accomplish being the best company possible for all of Solano County,” she says. “I would like to educate our Legislature on what is going on with health care reimbursement.” Pierson sees herself remaining involved in the business for several years. She plans to enjoy watching the next generation of Medic Ambulance and guide them “as I gaze into the ocean.” As to how she’d like to be remembered? “I would like my legacy to be that I was active in the community and always willing to help better the community of Solano County,” she says. “2020 and 2021 were years like no other in Medic’s history.” Pierson makes note of the difficulties the company faced in 2020 and 2021 and continues to face today: “Our employees are the best in the world, and they very much showed it,” she says. “Their resiliency and dedication is truly inspiring and it drives me every day. I am so proud.”

Sandra Whaley

Medic Ambulance Service Inc. 506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4104 www.medicambulance.net | sandy@medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

andra Whaley has been with Medic Ambulance Service Inc. for 24 years. She worked initially as a billing specialist and was repositioned in 2006 to the communications center. She is an emergency medical dispatcher, has been the manager of the center and is now the company’s vice president of communications. Whaley got into the field to serve, something she carries through into her personal life. “I love helping people and wanted a career where I could do that,” she says. “I am not good with blood, though, so this way I can help people behind the scenes.” Her goal each day is to ensure that Medic’s patients receive an ambulance in a timely manner, either for an emergency call or so that they can get back home, and that they receive safe transport to their destination. Whaley has learned a great deal about the industry through her work at Medic Ambulance, and she is free with sharing what she has learned. “To those coming into this industry, you need to make sure that you have empathy for the people who are calling,” she says. “Some of them are calling in on the most difficult day of their life. Our job is to guide them through giving us the right information so that we can get help to them quickly.” That level of care and professionalism pushes Whaley both at work and in the community. “I would like to be known for helping our dispatch center be internationally accredited as an accredited center of excellence through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch. Currently, we are the only dispatch center in Solano County to achieve this,” she says. Whaley strives to make decisions and take actions with an eye on both the present and the future. “I would love to focus my passion on my girls and younger children and show them the importance of being in the medical field and let them know that there are not only the EMTs, paramedics and nurses, but dispatchers also play a vital role in this industry,” she says. “Outside of the medical field, I am a member of the Fairfield HOST Lions, the Community Healthcare Board for Solano County, the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Rebuilding Together Solano County Board.” Her plans for the future? “Still working in the community at Medic and as a Lion, trying to make the world a better place,” she says. “I would like my legacy to be one of trust, dependability and integrity.”

6 Women of Influence 2022

Cynthia McBride

Medic Ambulance Service Inc. 506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4109 www.medicambulance.net | cmcbride@medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ynthia McBride is the vice president for quality at Medic Ambulance Service Inc. and has been closely involved in Medic’s QI program for 15 years and with the company for 24 years. She reviews high acuity PCRs and oversees the communication pathways from the CQI team to the field. She attends local county regulatory meetings and assures all quality reports are submitted in a timely manner to those agencies. McBride brings a strong background to her current role. She worked at the University of California, Davis Medical Center as a registered nurse in the Accelerated Access and Emergency Departments. She also serves as a critical care transport nurse and oversees Medic’s Critical Care and ALS Registered Nursing programs. She holds a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from Samuel Merritt College. She got into nursing in large part due to family ties to the company and based on her family experience. “Helping people has always been my passion. The fact that Medic is a family business helps. I grew up here; coming to work with my mother at times and beginning my working years helping in the billing office. Growing up watching the paramedics and EMTs do their jobs was fascinating. The fact that they were able to provide care and help in people’s times of need and saving lives every shift was an inspiration,” McBride says. “Personally, my family has multiple RNs. I had a pleasant and unpleasant experience with my grandfather while he was in the hospital that really pushed me to move to the nursing aspect. I wanted to be able to help people and be their advocates to ensure they got the care and treatment they needed.” That goal has carried over into McBride’s work life. “At the end of the day, my goal is to ensure that all Medic Ambulance employees provide the highest quality care to every single patient they come in contact with during their shift,” she says. “To ensure that as the leader in quality our employees are meeting their goals on our key performance indicators and that we continue to educate and train our staff on all aspects of medical transport care.” Her advice to those coming into the field? Work hard. McBride says she would like to be known for being part of a company that wants to provide the best care for all. That feeds into what she hopes is her legacy to the community. “I would like for Medic to be known as a company that cares for everyone: our employees, our patients, our patients’ families, our other EMS partners (fire and police departments), and our hospital partners,” she says. “We want people to know that Medic is a family and we are there for you with the best quality care when you need us.”

Kristi Kendall-Jones

Medic Ambulance Service Inc. 1001 Texas St., Suite C, Fairfield | 707-862-2507 kkendall@medicambulance.net | www.medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

risti Kendall-Jones has been in the industry for just under 30 years and has served in her current position for 11 years as vice president of finance for Medic Ambulance Service Inc. Kendall-Jones’ desire to serve others helped guide her to the profession. “I am part of a family business and grew up in the ambulance industry,” she says. “I have always enjoyed health care and numbers and my current position allows me to be successful at both of those. I enjoy helping people in our community as well as crunching numbers in my office.” Kendall-Jones describes success as something that can be achieved every day. “At the end of each day, I strive to feel a sense of accomplishment with my production of work and making sure that I have made a difference with my staff as well as our patients if they need our assistance in dealing with the processes of handling their medical bills as a result of a health care emergency.” Her advice to those entering the field? “Be flexible, empathetic, understanding and always strive to learn something each day,” she says. “Our industry changes by the minute and you need to be able to roll with the punches and help move the team forward toward a common goal.” Kendall-Jones has interests both within the workplace and out in the community. “I would like to be known for being of assistance to those who need it all while making sure that our business is successful and maintains the level of integrity that we are known for in Solano County for the past 40-plus years,” she says. “I focus most of my time outside of work on my family and the organizations and causes that I am so happy to be a part of. I am currently on the Loma Vista Farm (Vallejo) board of directors and I thoroughly enjoy being able to give back to the children with education about healthy food, farming and animals. I am also a member of the Vacaville Rotary Club and active on different committees within the club. I also have my own nonprofit related to helping athletes receive funding to continue their athletic careers, whether it be as a youth, high school or college participant.” Kendall-Jones sees two possibilities as she looks 15 years into the future. “I’d love to say retired, enjoying my family and traveling the world, but if that doesn’t happen to be possible, then I would like to be continuing to move our family business forward and continue to be a part of community organizations that help the children and young adults of Solano County and surrounding areas,” she says. As for how Kendall-Jones is remembered? “I would like my legacy to be that I was part of a successful family business that started with my stepfather and continued through generations to provide the best care to the citizens of Solano County and also to be known as someone who helped out children in need to achieve their goals, either academically or athletically,” she says.

Women of Influence 2022 7

Elisa Martinez

Medic Ambulance Service Inc. 506 Couch St., Vallejo 707-644-1761, Ext. 4150 www.medicambulance.net emartinez@medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

lisa Martinez has been employed with Medic Ambulance Service Inc. since 1999. She has served many roles at Medic Ambulance during her 23 years of service, from MTT to her current position of paramedic field supervisor. Martinez is loved by all and receives the highest of remarks from her co-workers, subordinates and most of all the patients with whom she interacts. She is a dedicated EMS professional who always puts others first. She loves spending time with her family and her son Jackson. Her pride and joy is watching her San Francisco Giants and going to Las Vegas to spend time with her family. Martinez is one of Medic Ambulance’s community paramedics – a new and innovative model in providing health care. She is one of only 250 community paramedics in the state. She dedicated many hours to mandated didactic and clinical training as part of the program, all while still performing her normal job duties as a paramedic supervisor. Solano County is one of only 25 sites working under a pilot program sponsored by the California EMS Authority and the California Healthcare Foundation. Martinez was recognized by the California Ambulance Association in 2016 as a Star of Life Award recipient.

Michelle Catterton

Medic Ambulance Service Inc. 506 Couch St., Vallejo 707-644-1761, Ext. 4115 mcatterton@medicambulance.net www.medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ichelle Catterton has been providing excellent dispatching services to Solano County for nearly eight years at Medic Ambulance Service Inc. Catterton’s roots lie within Solano County for most of her life. She was born in Fairfield and raised in Vacaville, where she still resides. She was inspired to come into EMS by the values of her late father, who she idolized. He raised her to be a hardworking, dedicated and caring woman who always strives to be a better person. Catterton was Dispatcher of the Year and a Star of Life Award recipient in 2018. She recently was promoted to a dispatch supervisor position within the communications center. When not at work, Catterton is an overachiever in all she sets her mind to. She is a wife and mother of three beautiful children, two of whom are serving our country in the military. If she’s not preparing the latest and greatest meal for her family, attending one of her children’s sporting functions or cheering for the Dodgers, you could find her spending quality time taking memorable photos of her family and friends.

8 Women of Influence 2022

Kimberly Hartke

Daniela Flores Reyes

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

Medic Ambulance Service Inc. 506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-704-4564 dflores@medicambulance.net | medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

506 Couch St., Vallejo 707-644-1761, Ext. 4115 khartke@medicambulance.net www.medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

aniela Flores Reyes has been involved in emergency medical services since 2014. She received her emergency medical technician certification from Napa Valley College in 2014, began working for Falcon CCT as an EMT and came to Medic Ambulance Service Inc. in December 2015 as soon as she turned 21. She then returned to Napa Valley College and attended the paramedic program, graduating in 2019. She promoted to a paramedic with Medic Ambulance in 2019 and was promoted to paramedic supervisor in November. Flores Reyes came to the profession in part due to practical considerations, namely her age. “I truly think this field of work chose me,” she says. “I initially wanted to be in law enforcement but had only graduated at the age of 17 so I decided to take a basic emergency responder course and that was where I fell in love with emergency medical services.” She draws inspiration each day from the job. “At the end of the day, I like to go home and know that I made a difference,” she says. “Whether it be a major medical emergency or the elderly grandpa or grandma who just needs someone to talk to. I like to go home knowing that my field crews are taken care of and I helped them in the best way I could. I want them to know that they can reach out and talk to me whenever they need to, no matter what the issue or concern is.”

imberly Hartke has been a Solano County resident most of her life. She is a loving wife of 17 years, a mother to four amazing children and recently has become a dog mom again. Hartke is trilingual: fluent in English and Spanish and some American Sign Language. She has been a part of the Medic Ambulance Services Inc. team for eight years as a certified medical dispatcher and has been a dispatcher supervisor for the past year. “One of my greatest accomplishments as being a Medic team member is receiving the Star of Life Award during the 2014 Napa earthquake,” she says.

Tiffany Spencer

Micheala Johnson

Deidre Newton

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4115 tspencer@medicambulance.net https://www.medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761 mjohnson@medicambulance.net medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-805-6179 dnewton@medicambulance.net https://www.medicambulance.net/ 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

iffany Spencer joined Medic Ambulance Service Inc. in 2018. It’s her first job in the emergency medical services field. She is now a dispatch supervisor. Spencer says she has always loved helping people “and this just felt like an amazing fit.” Her goal each day is to feel as though she has done some good. “I want to feel like I have helped make the world a better place,” she says. She advises those who are considering joining the EMS profession to be prepared to take every day as it comes and to make the most of what they are given. Spencer hopes to be known for her caring personality and for wanting to help people, but her passion runs to something more personal. “My family,” she says. “I want my niece to see women are strong and independent and able to accomplish anything.” Spencer hopes to continue helping the community well into the future while being there for her family, to leave a legacy of helping people and “showing that as a community we are stronger together.”

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

icheala Johnson has been in the emergency medical services industry for the past seven and a half years and has worked for Medic Ambulance Services Inc. for the past seven years. She started as an emergency medical technician and worked her way up to field paramedic and for the past month has been a paramedic supervisor. Johnson says she chose the EMS field “because I always loved meeting new people and helping people.” She sees people on their worst day and hopes to make them feel a little relief for a short moment. She considers her day a success when she does so. She accomplishes this in part by offering a big smile and kind words to others. Johnson has some advice for people considering a career in EMS: “Have fun. You gonna have bad days and good days but EMS is a huge family,” she says. “Turn to your ‘family’ when you need help.” Outside of work, it’s all about her dog. “She’s my world,” Johnson says. “I adopted her two years ago when she was 10 years old and I know people don’t really adopt older dogs but I wanted to give her the best last couple of years of her life. And two years later she’s my best friend.” Johnson hopes to continue in the EMS field well into the future, possibly working as a flight paramedic. Until then, she hopes to be known as “the person who can put a smile on your face.”

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

eidre Newton has been working as an emergency medical technician or the past 12 years, the past seven with Medic Ambulance Service Inc. She took on the role of facility supervisor at the end of 2020. Newton’s father suggested she enter the field. “I was exposed to the medical world as a young child and I have always been interested in how medicine works and the care required to attend to people’s needs,” she says. “As a young adult, my dad made the suggestion that I look into emergency medicine after I took charge of an incident that involved family. I enrolled in classes that year.” Her motivation each day is knowing her skills can help make a difference in peoples’ lives and make an impact in the community, which in turn inspires her to do the best she can and continue in her line of work. Newton suggests those who enter the EMS field come with an abundance of compassion, empathy and that they be prepared for ever-changing circumstances. “My advice to those looking into getting into emergency medicine would be to always do your best, always keep learning and treat every person you encounter as family,” she says. “You never know what situation you will be walking into, so expect the unexpected.” Newton strives to further Medic’s work in the community while building toward the company’s future.

Women of Influence 2022 9

Sandra Gonzalez Recycling Coordinator

2901 Industrial Court, Fairfield, CA 94533 e sgonzalez4@republicservices.com o 707-437-8947 f 707-437-8955 c 707-580-4516 republicservices.com

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In 1921 a group of women in Oakland, California, wante to join male service clubs. They formed the first Soroptim 121 countries and territories with over 160,000 members

Soroptimist of Central Solano sponsors the local Violet R in this publication. The chapter also supports many comm Helping Women literacy program, the Assist-A-Grad Scho Soroptimist Girls’ Circle at the Fairfield Police Activities juvenile hall, Girls on the Run, various women’s health su providing financial assistance to women for education or programs, visit www.sicentralsolano.com.

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Lori D. Wilson Lori Wilson for State Assembly https://www.electloriwilson.com Paid for by Lori Wilson for Assembly 2022, FPPC No. 1442763

ori D. Wilson is the first Black female mayor to serve in all of Solano County. First elected to the Suisun City Council in 2012, she served as vice mayor for six years before winning the mayor’s race in 2018. During her tenure, she has worked tirelessly to make Suisun City a welcoming and safe place to call home. Lori has a track record of fiscal responsibility while leading efforts to bring more housing, jobs and diversity to Suisun City. She is committed to fighting for the residents of California’s 11th Assembly District with a track record of creating good jobs, keeping the community safe and improving the quality of life for all her constituents. Lori successfully implemented a number of public health and safety initiatives to ensure residents were able to stay safe and healthy through the pandemic. As part of the pandemic response, Lori worked with Suisun City Fire Department in coordination with Solano County Public Health and Office of Emergency Services to bring in free Covid-19 testing to Suisun City. Under her leadership, her city worked with the Community Action Partnership of Solano County to house the homeless against exposure to Covid. Additionally, Lori worked in partnership with the police and Solano County Behavioral Health to assist those who are homeless and contracted for the Cordico Mental Wellness app to improve mental health responses. During the devastating fire season, Lori helped to set up a community center and sports complex to house those fleeing from the LNU Lightning Complex Fire. She personally secured cots from the American Red Cross and delivered them so that 160 at-risk senior citizens who were en route would have a place to sleep for the night. Before Lori took office, she also served as vice chair on the Suisun City Parks and Recreation Commission and as founding president of the Suisun City Community Services Foundation. Most recently, Lori worked as director of finance for national homebuilders for more than 10 years and previously held roles as the chief accountant at Fair Housing Napa Valley and as an auditor of Solano County. Her career, life story and heartfelt passion for making a difference laid a solid foundation and prepared Lori to serve Suisun City residents in the political arena. Lori is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in accountancy. Her diverse career history, including more than 20 years in accounting and finance, has afforded Lori tremendous opportunities to hone her skills in government and nonprofit management, strategic development and budget administration. She has a proven track record in identifying needs and developing innovative solutions. Throughout her career as a public servant, Lori has been committed to supporting women in leadership positions. She is also a founding member of WIP Solano, a nonpartisan organization formed to inspire more women to become visionary leaders in Solano County. A native Californian raised on the west side of Fresno, Lori is married to her high school sweetheart, Chavares Wilson, a retired Air Force Reserve technical sergeant. They have been blessed with two sons, Tyler and Kiren, and a daughter-in-law, Brittney. They have enjoyed living in Suisun City since 2004 after being stationed at Travis Air Force Base for five years. Lori is the only candidate on the special election ballot April 5 for the 11th Assembly District.

12 Women of Influence 2022

Jenna Bryan Stewart Bryan-Braker Funeral Home 1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield | 707-425-4697 info@bryanbraker.com | bryanbraker.com 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

enna Bryan Stewart represents the third generation of her family to serve the community at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, which was founded in 1954. Stewart is approaching nearly a decade of full-time work with the company after stepping in to help for what she thought would be a temporary job. “Given it is a family business that was started 30 years before I was born, you could say I’ve been ‘in the business’ my whole life. It was always around when I was growing up – the verbiage, the respect, the responsibility of this business was the backdrop of our home and family,” she says. “I have worked (intermittently) in almost every position in the company over the past 27 years. I have been there full time for seven years now and in my current position for six years.” Stewart came to the family business in a roundabout way. “I honestly feel it chose me. I never planned on working in the family business,” she says. “It is not what I went to college for. However, life circumstances brought me back to the Northern California area seven years ago. I was going to ‘temporarily help out at the funeral home’ and seven years later, here I am. Life has a way of putting you exactly where you need to be.” Stewart strives to serve each and every patron to the best of her ability. “I have two goals that are explicitly connected: First, to ensure the families we serve leave Bryan-Braker feeling they had a personalized experience that valued and honored their loved one; and second, to make sure our staff knows they are valued and appreciated,” she says. “I believe the long-term success of a company reflects the culture within the office. The satisfaction and cohesiveness of our staff flows to the families we serve. The ability to consistently be able to provide the excellent service Bryan-Braker is known for comes from a foundation of synergy among our staff. The supportive foundation we have created in the office with each other is carried outside the office to the families we are privileged to serve.” Stewart defaults to something her father, Craig Bryan, said when asked what advice she would give to those coming into your industry. “My dad always told me, ‘You have to have a calling to work in this business or it just won’t work.’ I did not understand what he meant for a long time. I do now. Your heart and soul have to be in this business or else you are just doing a disservice to yourself and the families you work with.” Stewart works to better those around her. “I would like to hope I influence the cohesive nature of our company culture with healthy communication and appreciation of our fellow employees,” she says. “I believe the degree employees feel valued, heard and appreciated is directly correlated with the level of service provided to the community. Fostering a healthy and happy culture within the office is a personal mission of mine.” Her focus outside the office is with her family. “My husband and I are working on raising four good men. We have four boys, three of which are under the age of 4,” she says. “Our household is as crazy and as full of energy as one might imagine. We place value on outside family time with hikes (two babies in hiking backpacks), service and giving back to our community. We want our boys to have a strong foundation of their values and how to communicate and act on those out in the world. We do our best to live by example.” Stewart says she plans to remain with Bryan-Braker, eventually running most of the operations of the company to enable her father to fully enjoy his retirement. Along the way, she will focus on adding to the company’s standing in the community. “I hope to continue the legacy my grandfather and father have done such a phenomenal job of creating; a legacy of genuine compassion and service to our community during their time of need,” she says.

Women of Influence 2022 13

Kimber Smith Edward Jones 5140 Business Center Drive, Suite 100, Fairfield 707-863-0896 https://www.edwardjones. com/us-en/financialadvisor/kimber-smith 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

imber Smith provides actionable, straightforward financial advice to individuals, families and businesses through her role as a financial adviser with Edward Jones. This may include building financial security, maximizing standard of living in retirement, succession strategies or addressing the complexities of retirement plans for businesses. “I offer financial assessment practices with in-depth visual strategies that help clients reach their unique, ever-evolving goals,” Smith says. Smith, as a part of her commitment to serve investors, earned her Accredited Asset Management Specialist and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor Designations from The College of Financial Planning. These designations require completing extensive industry-specific coursework, passing a proctored examination, committing to an elite code of ethics and agreeing to pursue continuing education. Smith’s professional focus is on retirement savings strategies, retirement income strategies, wealth strategies, business retirement plans, estate and legacy strategies, and working with military professionals and veterans. Smith became a financial adviser in 2012 after a varied work life. “Prior to my career in the financial services industry, I owned and operated small businesses ranging from import to fitness centers,” Smith says. As they say, though, there’s more to life than your career. “I was born with a green thumb, and when I am not at work, you will find me supporting the community by volunteering at local farms; overseeing produce donations to The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano on behalf of our local Rotary Club; serving on a number of boards; and tending to my Urban Food Forest where I share the bounty with friends, neighbors and charities,” Smith says. “I admit to not being able to relax if there is a weed in sight, but sampling the fruit of my labor may be my favorite part.”

14 Women of Influence 2022

Darla Stever

Stever & Associates 690 E. Tabor Ave, Suite F, Fairfield | 707-322-0943 www.SteverAndAssociates.com | SteverAndAssociates@gmail.com 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; later by appointment

arla Stever and her husband have been fixtures in the local real estate market for three decades and have served as property managers for 11 years through Stever & Associates. It has been a long road with a great deal to show for their efforts. “We started Jim Stever Realty in 1990, and Stever & Associates Property Management in 2010,” she says. “I got into the real estate business to help my husband Jim, who was branching off from a partnership to his own company. I sold and listed real estate with him for many years until clients talked me into managing the investment properties they owned.” Her path toward her current career focus started with a specific client interaction: an investor she had in 2007 who bought his first rental and begged her to be the property manager, she says. “At that time we weren’t doing property management. There was too much liability involved, and I was busy selling and listing real estate,” she says. “When the market changed in 2008 he continued to beg me, and in 2010 I finally gave in and took his five rentals. He then referred me to his friends, who referred me to other people.” Stever says she works each day “to make sure everyone has a roof over their head; that tenants can pay their rent and owners can keep their property.” Her advice to those entering the profession? “This isn’t easy money, as some would believe. This is a 24/7 job. Always on call. You have to enjoy what you do and be able to get along with people. It takes a bit of counseling people at times – to make everyone happy.” Stever says she hopes to be known as “the go-to person” for property management. Her focus as a hands-on property manager works well for her clients, although she acknowledges – without a shred of regret – that it sometimes hampers her ability to take a vacation. “If I don’t know the answer to something, it will drive me crazy, doing what I have to do to find the answer, but I will usually find the answer, or be able to guide you in the right direction to find the answer,” she says. Her passion outside the office is spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – “usually baking.” And she plans to continue her professional work well into the future because, she says, “I love it!”

Pam Watson

Renee Neuman

5071 Business Center Drive | 707-290-3235 pamwatson.com | pam@pamwatson.com Hours vary depending on clients’ needs

750 Mason St., Vacaville | 707-249-2702 renee.neuman@kappelgateway.com | www.reneeneuman.com

Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty

am Watson of Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty has been helping Solano County homeowners with their real estate goals since 1979. Watson says she got her start with practical concerns in mind. “As a young woman, I realized this was a great field for an entrepreneur to enter as it provided an income that I could set for myself. The harder and smarter I worked, the more profitable my business would become.” She’s still working hard and smart more than four decades later to meet the needs of her clients each day, as evidenced by her selection by Daily Republic readers as being among the top Realtors in the area in recent years. “My goal is to have learned something new to help enhance my clients’ real estate goals,” she says. “I want to be as educated as possible so I bring the best value to my clients. I want them to trust me and have confidence that I am looking out for their best interest and will handle their needs as my own.” Watson offers this advice to newcomers to the business: “Education is the key to representing my clients,” she says. “Never stop being educated in all aspects of real estate.” She gives back both professionally and personally to better the Solano County real estate sector and the community as a whole through her work with NAMI. “I would like to be known as the Realtor who became ‘our family Realtor,’ ” Watson says. “As past president for seven years of Solano National Alliance on Mental Illness, my passion became helping families with loved ones who have mental illness, to provide free education and support for those families and to help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. Also, I love snorkeling in tropical locations and love, love, love gardening.” Watson says her future includes “mentoring young entrepreneurs entering the exciting real estate business.” She says of her legacy that she would like “to be a woman known for her fun attitude, kindness and understanding of others along with giving back to the community, to help others be able to thrive here in Solano.”

Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty

enee Neuman has worked 25 years selling real estate in Solano and Yolo counties and serves as co-manager for the Mason Street in Vacaville and Dixon offices of Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty. Her inspiration each day remains constant. “There is nothing like the feeling when you find the perfect home for a family, it is infectious,” she says. “This industry is always shifting, changing and can be challenging at times. This is what makes each day exciting. I love what I do for a living and wouldn’t change it for a minute.” The choices you make about who and where you work matter, she says. “Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed,” she says. “In this business, you wake up daily without a job. Make sure you show up.” Neuman is passionate about being part of the solution to the area’s homeless crisis. “This crisis is near and dear to my heart,” she says. “Mental illness and self-medication for these people can be overlooked as just drug and alcohol addiction when the problems are much deeper than the eye can see.” Neuman has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, to include the company’s International President’s Circle for Production award in 2018 and 2019; the International Diamond Award for Production award in 2016 and 2017; and the 2015 New Horizon Award for doubling production.

Women of Influence 2022 15

Alma Hernandez Suisun City Council 701 Civic Center Blvd., Suisun City | 707-330-0384 ahernandez@suisun.com | www.alma4suisun.com Paid for by Alma Hernandez for Suisun City Council 2020, FPPC No. 1427432

lma Hernandez was elected to serve as a Suisun City Council member in November 2020 and was sworn in December 2020. She was appointed as mayor pro tem (vice mayor) with a unanimous vote in June 2021. “I have been part of community service and have held leadership positions since I was a youth. I served on student council when I was at Grange Middle School and as the drum major (marching band leader) both at Grange Middle School and Armijo High School,” Hernandez says. “Experiencing student leadership and being able to represent and lead my peers has been something that I have experienced since I was very young. “Over time, I continued to serve in community leadership positions as a young adult and later as president of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,” she says. “This experience helped me understand how important it was to not only be involved in community leadership, but to also participate in civic engagement. I started attending City Council meetings and joined one of the committees. Seeing a need for additional representation and being able to provide a voice that could provide a different perspective to City Council is part of what inspired me to run.” Hernandez says she knows she has had a good day when she accomplishes something that will last. “In City Council, my best accomplishments are those that will outlive my time as an elected official,” she says. “My mindset is that every decision I make is to benefit our community or our city and leave a lasting positive effect. Increasing the public safety, community engagement, economic development and quality of life for the residents of my community is something that truly matters to me. I work with a sense of urgency because the only time I have available to serve my community in this capacity are those for which I am elected to serve. In addition, our council now has term limits, which means there is a definite period of time in which I can help lead and guide my city.” Hernandez offers sage advice to anyone who seeks to serve in an elected capacity. “Lead with a servant leadership mindset and keep learning how to best serve the changing needs of the city and community,” she says. “I also think community members want to see their elected officials out in the community giving back and accessible to them. Be open minded, listen to different perspectives, do your research, ask questions, connect with mentors and stay true to why you have been elected to serve – to represent and make decisions on behalf of the community at-large.” Hernandez says she hopes to be known as someone who helps build connections for others. “I often am reached out to by someone in our community who has a need or a concern and I have been able to help connect them with the resources they need,” she says. “I have also been reached out to by organizations who have resources and are looking for help in connecting to the people who would best be supported by those resources. This has ranged from small-business support, Covid-19 resources, education and scholarships, free food, and so much more.” Hernandez brings a passion to her service. “I am passionate about education,” she says. “I believe that helping people understand why certain decisions are made, or what resources are available, or how to navigate a process empowers them. As an elected official, I use a variety of platforms to share information. As a community member, I share my own experiences with others by mentoring students or being a guest speaker.” Hernandez looks to a future where she continues to serve her community. “I may be in a different role – whether that is as a public servant, a member of a nonprofit or a role in private industry,” she says. “At my core, I care about service and helping others. That is who I have always been and will continue to be.” She hopes her legacy reflects her current path. “I want to be of service to others,” she says. “On the most challenging days, I remind myself that the work I do is not about me – it’s about the people in my community who have placed their trust in me. This energizes me and helps guide my work and service.”

16 Women of Influence 2022

Cheryl McDonald Leaders of Men Inc.

1001 1st St., Fairfield | 707-639-7395 cheryl.mcdonald@leadersofmeninc.org | www.leadersofmeninc.org Hours by appointment

heryl McDonald is the chief operating officer and co-founder of Leaders of Men Inc., a nonprofit that began operations in 2018. That’s when McDonald “officially” started in the nonprofit industry, but she has been helping people her entire life and mentoring people throughout her professional career. “We help each other get a seat at the table. It is imperative that our voices be heard,” she says. “There is nothing more fulfilling that helping be the best version of themselves.” McDonald has certain goals in mind as she works to help others. “At the end of a day, I want to strive to be the best version of myself that I can be and if I can transfer that energy to another person, then we are winning,” she says. “Every day is a do-over. What will you do with another opportunity to get it right?” McDonald offers specific advice to those who seek to start a nonprofit. “Networking effectively is the one piece of advice is that I would share,” she says. “The nonprofit world is a tough world to figure out, especially when you are new to the industry. Network in a way that allows you to be a sponge and grasp the information and opportunities that are available to you.” McDonald, whose day job is as a facilities director in San Francisco, hopes to influence others by her way of interacting with others. “I would like to be known for everything that I say, I do: I walk the walk and it shows in everything I do,” she says. “I want to influence others to get on board and make a difference in our community.” McDonald focuses her passion within her community. “We can so change our dynamic if we all band together,” she says. “This is done by being the best version of yourself and helping others when given the opportunity.” Her future, she says, remains fluid as she looks 15 years ahead. “I would like to be retired from my 9 to 5 job and doing work in the community full time.” As to her legacy: “I would like my legacy in the community to be that Cheryl cares,” she says. “I want to influence our younger generation that they can be anything that they want to be. The choice is theirs and only theirs to make.”

Annie Vogelpohl

Vogelpohl Real Estate Consulting and Sales 1111 Webster St., Fairfield | 707-373-6949 annie@annievogelpohl.com

nnie Vogelpohl began her real estate career in 1979 – before personal computers, cellphones and other technology that is now commonplace – and remains current when it comes to serving her clients. Vogelpohl says she initially chose her profession because she loves sales “and real estate looked like something I could tackle.” That she did, and then some. With a career in real estate as long as the one she has had, it wouldn’t come as much of a shock if she’s helped the vast majority of Solano County residents find a new home. Those who haven’t used her as a Realtor have almost certainly seen her advertisements in different publications – or even on the side of custom-bottled wines. While Vogelpohl has been a successful, respected professional in the Fairfield-Suisun City region for decades, it is her deepest pain that has made her such a credit to the community. Vogelpohl’s daughter Michelle, 25 at the time, was killed by her then-husband in front of their young son, who Vogelpohl and her husband subsequently adopted and raised to become, as she says, “a very fine young man.” That incident of domestic violence ultimately led Vogelpohl to serve more than 20 years with SafeQuest Solano, an organization that specializes in ending the abuse of women, men, children and the elderly. Her work with SafeQuest Solano helped fulfill her desire to keep people safe from violence, while also diminishing the emotional toll from her daughter’s death. Vogelpohl is a problem-solver when it comes to her chosen profession. She knows she has been successful when she sees that her clients are happy. “Then I know I did a good job,” she says. Her advice to people who are new to the field? “Be patient with yourself. Continue your education as this business sometimes feels like a roller coaster.” All the modern additions in communication can benefit buyers and sellers, she says, but nothing can replace seeing a home yourself with a Realtor. What you see on a computer about a property, she says, is not always what the land is like. Vogelpohl likes the challenge of solving problems that can arise in real estate sales. She says one of the ways to best serve her real estate clients is to surround herself with successful people – including expert lenders and home inspectors.

Women of Influence 2022 17

Krishna A. Abrams

Solano County district attorney 675 Texas St., Suite 4500, Fairfield | 707-784-6883 kabrams@solanocounty.com 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

olano County District Attorney Krishna A. Abrams has been a prosecutor for 26 years. She has worked at the District Attorney’s Office for 22 years and has been the elected district attorney of Solano County since August 2014. Abrams’ passion for the law started at an early age “In fourth grade, we did a mock trial in class and I have wanted to be a prosecutor since then,” she says. “I have always wanted to help people and those whose lives have been affected by crime.” Abrams strives each day to bring her best to everything she does. “I follow a lot of popular quotes that I believe are fitting,” she says. “I believe in always leaving everything on the field. Do your best every day. Do it with passion or not at all. How you do something is how you do everything. Always be humble and kind.” Her advice to the next generation is to find their passion – and then find a career that reflects that passion. “I believe you should pick a career that you don’t see as a job but as a calling,” she says. “The more you like what you do, the better you will be at it.” Abrams says she hopes she is known for her passion for her work, her strong work ethic, her victim-centric approach to cases, a high level of professionalism, her open door policy, and that she is driven, tenacious and kind. Her passions extend beyond the courtroom and the office. “I coached third- through fifth-graders in the Girls on the Run program. Loved working with them, exercising and teaching life skills to help build confidence and self-esteem. I’ve coached my son’s baseball and soccer teams. Love working with youth and inspiring them to be what they want to be.” Abrams says she hopes to continue service as district attorney for the foreseeable future, either that or become involved in the community in other capacities. Abrams says she strives to shape a legacy “of transformative and innovative leadership.” “We have to make difficult and challenging decisions every day, but I was taught to always do the right thing regardless of the consequences, and I do that,” she says.

Emmy Greene

Judy Davis

5071 Business Center Drive, Suite 1, Fairfield | 707-803-2733 www.coldwellbanker.com/Coldwell-Banker-Kappel-Gateway-Realty-11519c/ Emmy-Greene-460249a | emmy.greene@kappelgateway.com Hours vary depending on clients’ needs

Address: 1351 Oliver Road, Fairfield | 707-688-3697 wjd8604@aol.com 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; evenings and weekends by appointment

Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty

mmy Greene, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty, remains an advocate for those in need – even after two decades in the real estate business on top of two decades in banking. “I became a Realtor after a 20-year banking career,” she says. “It’s hard to believe I’ve been a Realtor for 21 years also.” Her focus today remains the same as it was at the start: selling the American Dream and helping people to become homeowners, “thereby creating a strong community in which we live.” “It is my goal to help as many people as I possibly can to find the pride in becoming a homeowner that makes our cities/county a better place,” Greene says. She also gives back to both the community and to her industry. “As a professional Realtor, I mentor new agents entering the business. We become a strong team and help each other along the way,” she says. “Helping our aged-out foster youth has been a passion of mine for many years. I helped start a group called Heart to Heart, which has blended with a notional group called Voices. The young people in our county will become the next leaders; we need to help them as they grow.” Greene has one overarching piece of advice for those who plan to become Realtors: “Have your clients’ best interest at heart always. It’s what sets us apart.” The future for Greene, after two 20-year careers, includes thoughts of retirement and “living in this great community with my husband and enjoying the events offered along the way.” Until then, she will continue with her career as a Realtor and to burnish her reputation. “I believe honesty, sincerity and enthusiasm are of utmost importance,” she says. “I’d like people to think of me as honest when dealing with their real estate needs and involved when dealing with our youth.”

18 Women of Influence 2022

JD Real Estate / Professional Mortgage Associates

udy Davis has worked in real estate since November 1977 and started JD Real Estate in September 2004. She also serves as a branch manager for Professional Mortgage Associates, with whom she has worked for the past 26 years. “I started my own business when a client of mine said, ‘I want to purchase a home but it has to be through your real estate business.’ So that’s how I got started owning my own real estate office rather than working for another Realtor,” she says. “How blessed I was to have a client care that much and how I appreciate their devotion to me.” Davis says she got into real estate to help people obtain their dream of owning a home. That drive to help people meet their housing needs remains a key focus for Davis and her team. She has seen many changes in the industry. Her advice to those who are new to the field? “Listen to what your clients’ needs and goals are and help them obtain them.” “Our clients’ needs are the most important goal to us,” she says. “We list homes, sell homes and arrange mortgage financing. We work with clients to improve their credit scores so they can obtain their dream of owning a home. We do not charge for consultations.” Davis says she strives in life to maintain a positive outlook, to lead a life filled with love and compassion for others. She looks at life as a bottle half full rather than half empty. “Enjoy every minute of every day,” she advises. “Leave the negatives behind. Focus on the positive.” Davis still gets a thrill from helping people find housing. “The reason I still love what I am doing for a living is to see the look on my clients’ faces when they buy their first home or I save them money on their monthly mortgage payment or help them downsize to a small home or buy that larger home they have always dreamed of,” she says. “What a wonderful world.”

Michalle Shown-Rodriguez Michalle’s Consulting

1701 Fort Ord Court, Suisun City | 775-815-3200 michallesr@yahoo.com Hours by arrangement

ichalle Shown-Rodriguez has more than 35 years of experience in nonprofit and organizational development, working with every size agency from grassroots start-up nonprofits with little or no resources, to national organizations with multimillion-dollar budgets. Shown-Rodriguez founded her consulting business in 1986. “I have held executive director positions and fund development leadership roles, and taught as adjunct faculty in the Excellence in Nonprofits Institute at the University of Nevada for six years,” Shown-Rodriguez says. “I’ve contracted to do consulting and grant writing on the side for the past 20 years, but made the move to doing consulting exclusively in 2020.” Shown-Rodriguez derives her inspiration from the premature birth of her son Jon in 1984 in rural Idaho. “After nearly a year in the hospital in Salt Lake City, we returned home to a small community with little or no supportive services for families with special needs children,” Shown-Rodriguez says. “I joined with another mom to start a support group and pretty soon we were supported by the county health department.” The program grew over the next two years and became part of a national organization. “I saw from the inside out, as a parent and consumer, what a life-changing impact our community-based nonprofits make for vulnerable families,” Shown-Rodriguez says. “I have spent the rest of my career working to support nonprofits, almost exclusively those serving basic human needs of some sort or another: foster youth, homeless, mental health, hunger, literacy, suicide intervention, domestic violence, sexual assault.” The onset of the pandemic brought with it an immediate and tremendous increase in community needs while at the same time it paralyzed many nonprofit service providers with frozen or lost resources, crumbling staff and sometimes insurmountable challenges with direct services delivery. “Even with 30-plus years of experience I found myself laid off from my nonprofit leadership position,” Shown-Rodriguez says. “I knew I could contribute to local nonprofits who were struggling, so I started offering – sometimes volunteering – my services as a grant writer, strategic planner and organizational capacity building consultant.” Shown-Rodriguez says she hopes to come home every day and know she made a contribution in the community, “perhaps a really tiny contribution,” but to know she did her very best to help those who are working so hard to serve our most vulnerable community members. “I would hope that I helped connect a resource with a need, that I inspired a small nonprofit board to keep trying, and that I recognized and encouraged a service provider with a thank you for the hard – and usually thankless – work that they do,” Shown-Rodriguez says. Her advice to those seeking to better their community is to look for ways to help. “Know that everything you do with an open heart makes a difference,” Shown-Rodriguez says. “Find your passion and figure out how you can serve the community in some small way, and do that.” “My grandmother taught me that at the moment you become aware of a need and realize you can make a difference, you become compelled to do that thing and you will be immensely rewarded beyond your imagination,” Shown-Rodriguez says. “The more you give of yourself, the greater the gifts you receive. I would want it to be recognized that I tried my best to inspire nonprofit boards, staff and volunteers to know the value of their efforts and that I am beyond grateful for what that has given me in return.” Shown-Rodriguez says her workday and her passions “blend beautifully together.” “I currently contract with seven local nonprofits, the city of Fairfield and Solano County to provide capacity building services of some sort,” Shown-Rodriguez says. “I hope I never retire completely, though I am quickly approaching that age. I want to still be contributing on a local community nonprofit board and seeing their good works.” Shown-Rodriguez says she doesn’t think much of her legacy. Rather, she does the best she can do to serve others. “I have already been so honored and recognized in the community with many very humbling awards over the years,” she says. “I just want my legacy to be that I encouraged, empowered and served our local nonprofits to give their best to their communities – and maybe to see my “Big Solano Brewhaha” continuing.

Women of Influence 2022 19

Mikayla Muehleisen

Rockville Terrace Senior Living 4625 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield | 707-862-2222 mikayla@rockvilleterrace.com | rockvilleterrace.com 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily

ikayla Muehleisen’s journey toward the senior care industry began as a teen. She started work as an in-home caregiver in 2012, fresh out of high school, caring for the elderly within the communities within which they reside. From there she entered the senior living industry as a receptionist. She was promoted to memory care activities director and shortly after that, was promoted to memory care coordinator, then to assisted living/independent living care coordinator and finally to her current position as administrator at Rockville Terrace Senior Living, where she has worked for five and a half years. Rockville Terrace opened in 2016, meaning the vast majority of her experience – and success – has occurred right here in Fairfield. Muehleisen came to her field incrementally. “I always had a passion for the medical field, doing a regional occupation program my senior year of high school and having the chance to immerse into different departments, my niche was always with the seniors,” she says. “Once I was completed with my program, I knew I wanted to become a certified nurse’s assistant, but wasn’t sure where I wanted to make a career for myself. After being assigned to do clinical work in a skilled nursing facility, I was able to work closely with the elderly population and from there, the inspiration to work in the senior living industry transpired.” Muehleisen strives to make the most of what’s available to her and to help others to do the same. “My goal each day is to live life to the very fullest, but also to ensure those around me are living it to the fullest,” she says. “With that, I do my part to make sure the residents living within our community are taken care of to the best of our ability and are able to enjoy each day as much as possible. I daily remind myself how short life is and how we are never promised tomorrow. Making each day count is the end goal.” Muehleisen encourages those considering the senior care field for a career to be ready for change and to adapt to things daily. “Some days chaos won’t allow you to sit for a second, while other days, time for conversation among the residents will occupy your slow-paced day,” she says. “Sometimes a stern voice is needed, while others a soft, comforting voice is. Be ready for anything” Muehleisen hopes to be known for many things. She has a young child she hopes to positively influence daily. That being said, she wants to be known for being loving and understanding. “No amount of money, belongings or fame will ever leave that kind of influence, the kind that is truly meaningful,” she says. Muehleisen has her eyes on the future of her chosen profession as well as that of her family. “My passion to influence is without a doubt going to be instilled into my son and is 100% where my focus is. My life goal is to raise my son to be the best human possible, whether he be a football player, nurse or construction worker. Influencing him to know the importance of respecting his elders and caring for them will allow him to be a great man,” she says. “Fifteen years from now I could only hope that I am able to continue working for Calson Management and its communities. Rockville Terrace Senior Living has been home for me for the past five and a half years, and I hope to have the opportunity to retire from here one day.” As for her legacy: “I want to be known for assisting in running one of the best senior living facilities in Solano County,” she says. “Making a difference in the community by being an advocate for our elderly population seems like the best legacy of them all.”

Alana Reyes

Calson Management 4950 Allison Parkway, Unit F, Vacaville | 707-592-4252 alana@calsonmanagement.com | calsonmanagement.com

lana Reyes brings more than 30 years of senior living experience to her role as regional administrator for Calson Management and maintains responsibility for compliance with policy and procedures with the state of California, as well as adhering to all licensing regulations and standards. Reyes began her career as a social services director and admissions coordinator in a skilled nursing facility. Working in this role is where she found her passion for the assisted living aspect of senior care. Calson Management was founded 2013 and includes under its umbrella Rockville Terrace Senior Living in Fairfield; Cornerstone Assisted Living and Vaca Valley Living, both in Vacaville; and The Lodge at Glen Cove in Vallejo. Reyes believes in “creating environments where moments of joy, independence and wellness are the focus of each and every day.” Customer satisfaction is her top priority. Those getting into the business should be prepared for a rewarding experience, Reyes says. “My advice is if you want to work in this field that you need to make sure you have compassion and patience. It is worth every minute of your career. It is a very fulfilling field to be in,” Reyes says. “At times it can be challenging but your reward is learning something new every day from the senior population they has so much knowledge and wisdom to share.” Reyes finds her passion in her work but also in her family while hoping to influence the next generation of those who care for seniors. “I want to be known as someone who influenced others in this line of work to carry on for many years after I am gone. To know that our seniors will continue to be cared for and respected as they deserve. I also want to be known as a strong family woman who takes pride in her work,” she says. “When I am not working, my passion is my grandson, Caleb. He will be starting tee ball this year and I am super excited to watch him grow into a young man over the next several years. My passion would be to influence the younger generation to be respectful of the older generation.” Reyes has her eyes on retirement as she gazes into the distant future, but said she would still love to be involved with her son’s communities, possibly volunteering her time at the various locations. “I will also be spending quality time with my family and traveling the United States,” she says. As to her legacy once that time arrives? “I would like my legacy to be first and foremost, the appreciation I have for my seniors as well as my employees,” she says. “Without either of these, I am unable to fulfill my dream of helping the senior community. Second, I would like to leave a legacy of encouraging and inspiring others to do the same.”