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.
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA
Women of NHBWA

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.

2025

Francella Aguilar
Republic Services
‍Christina Romero
‍
Santa Ana College Foundation
Jackie Garcia & Ana Diaz
‍
Hire Ellas
Teresa Mercado-Cota
Pamina Barkow

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