Women of the Year

Honoring Leadership and Legacy

Explore the legacy of excellence and inspiration through the NHBWA Women of the Year honorees. Since 2001, these remarkable women have been celebrated for their leadership, community impact, and professional achievements. Below is a year-by-year list of recipients who exemplify the values and mission of NHBWA, paving the way for future generations of business owners and leaders.
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View Nominees Through the Years

By supporting women entrepreneurs, NHBWA contributes to the economic growth of Orange County. Women-owned businesses are among the fastest-growing segments of the economy, and NHBWA plays a key role in supporting these enterprises.

Over the years, thousands of women have participated in NHBWA’s programs, events, and initiatives, gaining access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

2024

Dr. Frances Contreras
Dean, UCI - School of Education
Dr. Gloria Itzel Montiel
AVP, Grants & Community Health Research, Alta Med
Martha Rivera
MRDT Consulting Enterprises

2023

Paula Garcia-Arsenault
Vice President, Community Manager JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Dr. Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio
Assistant Vice Chancellor, UCI Center for Educational Partnerships
Gloria Alvarado
Executive Director, OC Labor Federation

2022

Valerie Amezcua
Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member
Ana Laura Padilla
Perla Mexican Cuisine
Kristin Gomez
Hyundai

2020

Alondra Diaz
Dual-Immersion Teacher, OC Elementary Of The Arts Academy, Ralph Gates Elementary School
Union Bank Corporate Responsibility
Union Bank
Kakla Amador
52 Hike Challenge

2019

Sylvia Mendez
American Civil Rights Activist/Medal Of Freedom Recipient
Dr. Betty Uribe
California Bank And Trust
Azucena Maldonado
Latina Golfers Association

2018

Teresa Razo
Cambalache & Villa Roma Restaurant
Norma Trujillo
Disneyland® Resort
Linda D. Rose Ed.D.
President, Santa Ana College

2017

Alicia Maciel
Executive Director of the Prentice School
Southern California Edison
Corporate Partner of the Year
Patricia Velasquez
Continental Financial Services

2016

Claudia Alvarez
Attorney & RSCCD Trustee
Elva Rubalcava
Disneyland® Resort
Tina Aldatz
Savvy Travelers

2015

Alejandra Garcia Williams
Consult Of Mexico, Santa Ana
Patty Arvielo
New American Funding
Leila Mozaffari
Orange County, SBDC

2014

Mildred Garcia
California State University, Fullerton
Patty Juarez
Wells Fargo
Norah Briceño
Mil Jugos

2013

Priscilla Lopez
Orange County/Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network
Sandra Cervantes
Cervantes Publishing
Rosalina Davis
Tlaquepaque Restaurant

2012

Tina Fuertes
Olive Crest
Elsa Monte
Sunwest Bank
Socorro De La Riva
De La Riva Construction

2011

Sandra Hutchens
Orange County Sheriff
Milly Lugo
Santa Ana Public Library
Angelica Navarro-Sigala
Law Offices Of John R. Alcorn

2010

Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis
NCLR/CSULB
Maelia Macin
Univision Los Angeles
Sharon Gomez
Santa Ana Chamber Of Commerce

2009

Erlinda J. Martinez, Ed. D.
President, Santa Ana College
Thelma Gonzalez
Aerospace Fastener Drilling
Rose Espinoza
City Of La Habra

2008

Dr. Aliza A. Lifshitz
Univision "Salud Es Vida, Enterate"
Sister Eileen McNerney
Taller San Jose
Lilian De La Torre
Jimenez Communications

2007

Rossina Gallegos
Union Bank
Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami
OC Children's Therapeutic Arts Center
Lane Macy
Project Access

2006

Monica Lozano
La Opinion
Nancy Marmolejo
Comadre Coaching
Jerri Rosen
President, Working Wardrobes

2005

Marie Moreno
OC Probation Department
Lydia Salvetta
South Coast Commercial Bank
Socorro Vasquez
Community Volunteer

2004

Yolanda de la Paz
Union Bank
Lucy Santana
Girls Inc.
Adriana Splitzer
Bellissima Consignment Boutique

2003

Maria Cristina McShea
Para Mé Cosmetics
Lorena Maae
MOMS Resources Center
Rosario Marin
Former United States Treasurer(Honorary Recognition)

2002

Araceli Cazales
Community Volunteer
Emily Robinson
Latino Library
Mary Sanchez
State Farm Insurance

2001

Barbara Brown
Orange County Board of Supervisors, 1st District
Olga Niebla
Community Volunteer
Teresa Saldivar
Teresa’s Jewelers

Now Accepting Nominations for 2025 Women of the Year