Women of Distinction 2026

 

Image of Women of Distinction 2026 District 34 Awardees.

 

Congratulations to District 34’s Women of Distinction! 

A remarkable group of leaders who uplift our communities, break barriers and set the standard for what’s possible. Each and every one of them goes above and beyond to make our community stronger, more vibrant, and truly unique.

A special congratulations to our Woman of the Year, Gloria Alvarado, Executive Director of the Orange County Labor Federation. A labor leader and community advocate with over 30 years of public service, she has dedicated her career to strengthening and uplifting communities.

District 34 is stronger because of each of you, and the work you do every day continues to shape a better future for us all.

2026 Woman of the Year 

Gloria Alvarado
Executive Director, Orange County Labor Federation

 

2026 Women of Distinction 

Advocacy

Andrea Schmidt, Director Public Affairs Planned Parenthood of OC/IE

Jessica Gonzalez, Sr. Director Program Support, Big Brothers & Big Sisters

Nina Barber, Executive Director,  Norooz Clinic Foundation

Vanessa Cerda, Dir. Counseling, Chicanxs Unidxs

Arts & Culture

Graciela Alvarez, Dance & Fitness Instructor

Jennifer Vargas, Dance Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness

Sailee Charlu, Founder, Habla Arte/Lit League

Business

Charlene Fajardo-McKee, Owner, Russ Ward Auto Body

Health Services

Dr. Cristina Romero, Board Certified Pediatrician, AltaMed

Monica Leyva, Community Engagement Specialist, CalOptima

Sara Brown, Vice President, Health Systems, First 5 Orange County

Education
Cristina Fernandez, VP of Programs, TGR Foundation

Diana Oseguera, Executive Assistant, Fullerton Joint Union H.S. School District

Flora Mallawong, Paraeducator, Tustin Unified School District

Dr. Gabriela Castaneda, VP, Promising Futures Program, Chapman University

Jeri Barber, Director, High School Inc.

Yesenia Leyva, Instructional Assistant, Newport Mesa Unified School District 

Non-Profit

Alycia Capone, Chief Advancement Officer, Radiant Futures

Angie Rowe, President & CEO, Beyond Blindness

Bonni Pomush, Chief Executive Officer, Working Wardrobes

Elizabeth Andrade, Executive Director, 211 - OC

Helen Tran, Sr. Housing Counselor, Homeownership OC

Janis Heckel, Executive Director,  Anaheim Community Foundation

Sadiyah Ismali, HILP Care Coordinator, Orangewood Foundation

Terry Thompson, President & Co-Founder, America On Track

Public Safety

Cassandra Robles, Detective, La Habra Police Department

Loretta Gonzales, Social Worker, OC Social Services Agency

Maria Hernandez, Social Worker, CalWorks - County of Orange

Students

Cristina Flores, Pastor, Church of the Foothills

Volunteers

Ann Vanderhelm, Board Chair, Anaheim Fall Festival

Deborah Diep, Dir. Demographic Research - CSUF

Socorro Avila, Owner, Mr. Alberts Mexican Food