2026 Outstanding Women Leader (OWL) Awards Finalists

Woman Innovator Award: Recognizes a trailblazer in her field in innovation and industry advancement

Maria Bardet - President & CEO, Humani Studios Inc

Leslie Bosserman - Co-Founder/Owner/Preschool Director, The Makers Place/Lead With Intention

Loraine Scott - Owner, Acheson Wine Company

Chelsey Smith - CEO, Chelsey Smith Crowns

Woman in Public Service Award: Honors a woman serving in a government or public service role (elected or appointed) who demonstrates exemplary leadership and advocates for positive change for women in business.

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry - Assembly Majority Leader, California State Assembly

Angelique Ashby - State Senator, California State Senate

Chevon Kothari - Deputy County Executive - Health and Human Services, Sacramento County

Jennifer Siebel Newsom - First Partner, State of California

Executive Woman Award: Honors an executive-level professional with no ownership interest who demonstrates exceptional leadership and community involvement.

Lisa Cardoza - President, American River College

Kimberly Coley - Chief Advancement & Marketing Officer, Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento

Gina Loza - Director of Training, Philanthropy & Events; Northwestern Mutual

Jenee Rawlings - President and CEO, Yolo Federal Credit Union

Impact Award: Celebrates a woman leader who has made a demonstrated impact on the economic advancement of women in the region.

Dawn Adams - Founder, Zion Girls Leadership and Collegiate Preparatory Academy

Lisa Culp - Executive Director, Women's Empowerment

Dr. Janice Thompson - Founder & Managing Principal, JDThompson & Associates LLC

Kim Tucker - CEO, Mission Forward Advisors

Woman on the Way Award: Honors a businesswoman in operation for less than five years showing strong potential for sustained growth and leadership.

Lydia Belaski - Owner, charQterie

Marinda Johnson Sessoms - Owner, Just Trind Productions

Charlene Vine - Founder and Executive Director, The Lionheart Community

Becca Whitman - Founder and Principal Consultant, Guide & Give

Wise Woman Award: Acknowledges a woman business owner with 10+ years of success and leadersihp in her industry.

Sheila Moody - CEO, SEM Logistics Solutions LLC

Allison Otto - President and CEO, Otto Construction

Anh Phoong - CEO, Phoong Law

Homa Rostami - CEO, Life Options for Seniors

Rising Star Award: Recognizes an outstanding young woman in high school or college who demonstrates early leadership, initiative and potential to make a lasting impact in business, community or public service

Finalists to be announced in early 2026