FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Supervisor Katrina Foley Announces Honorees for Fourth Annual Women Making A Difference Awards
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley recognized more than 60 women at her Fourth Annual Women Making A Difference Awards. The 2025 national theme for Women’s History Month is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This year, Vice Chair Foley honored women in Orange County who represent education, community advocacy, nonprofits, climate, healthcare and support services for disabled communities.
During a time of uncertainty for women and educators, Vice Chair Foley is building coalitions that will continue to increase women’s leadership in the classroom, in communities, and in boardrooms.
"Women continue to shape and make a difference in Orange County. The Fifth District is home to many inspiring community leaders whose work benefits families, supports disabled residents, grows small businesses, increases protection of the environment, preserves open spaces and parks, administers public education and the arts, enforces neighborhood safety, and much more," said Supervisor Foley. "Women today are trailblazing and training up our next generation of young women to make the same investments in themselves and their communities. I look forward to this event every Women's History Month, and next year's recognition brunch will be historic for my office."
Photo attributable to Kathleen Clark Photography
Awardees and nominees live or work in the Fifth District which is comprised of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel.
List of 2025 Awardees:
Marci Mednick of San Clemente co-founded the San Clemente Wellness & Prevention Center, providing school-based therapeutic services to address the social and emotional needs of youth. Mednick leads her coalition and student leadership initiatives with a calm disposition that encourages participation, partnership, and cooperation. She is a champion for the health and wellness of our youth, families, and the larger San Clemente community.
Linda Verraster of San Clemente inspires young people to utilize their impactful voices to pave the way for strong futures, making significant contributions to her community through her dedication to volunteering. As a Nurse Educator for the Orange County Fire Authority for ten years, Linda Verraster developed and delivered educational programs for Orange County’s essential Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Emergency Medical Dispatchers -- ensuring quality medical care.
Lauren Becker of Laguna Hills is a transformative nonprofit leader dedicated to empowering more than 25,000 individuals with visual impairments per year through free education, advocacy, and innovative community outreach. As Director of Braille Institute in Laguna Hills, Lauren Becker has expanded access to free life-changing programs that empower individuals of all ages to live independently, fostering a community built on inclusion, possibility, and support. Under Lauren Becker’s leadership, Braille Institute has developed and enhanced programs tailored to the unique needs of older adults experiencing vision loss.
Vicki Patterson of Capistrano Beach serves her community as a leader in environmental stewardship and education. Vicki Patterson’s passion for the ocean and its preservation led to the founding of “Stand Up to Trash” during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, creating an organization dedicated to educating people about environmental impacts and sustainability, inspiring long-term lifestyle change. “Stand Up to Trash” has cleaned up more than 15,000 pounds of trash and shared environmental lessons with more than 11,000 participants.
Heidi Zuckerman of Laguna Beach influences and inspires her community in Costa Mesa through her leadership in making contemporary art accessible for all at the Orange County Museum of Art. As CEO and Director of the Orange County Museum of Art, Heidi Zuckerman worked collaboratively to open the museum's permanent home, welcoming more than 220,000 visitors each year. Heidi Zuckerman is the CEO and Founder of the Why Art Matters Project/Heidi Inc., taking more than 33,000 weekly readers on a thought-provoking journey to connect with the world through art and conversations with artists.
Pamela Estes of Laguna Beach has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach since 2008, expanding their services to neighboring communities in the Saddleback Valley. Through her leadership, more than 4,000 youth and families stayed connected to the Boys & Girls Club throughout the pandemic. Pamela Estes fosters symbiotic partnerships, expanding programs to include school-day supervision and summer school enrichment. The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s recent annual survey shows an overwhelming increase in academic success, leadership development, character development, and commitment to helping our communities.
Dr. Kathleen Treseder of Irvine is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Irvine and has served on the Irvine City Council since 2022. Dr. Treseder is a world-renowned scientist and researcher, leading an internationally recognized research program studying how climate change affects endangered ecosystems and our society. Dr. Treseder has authored numerous policy changes at the City of Irvine, such as the elimination of single-use plastics, increasing the use of electric lawn equipment and the overhaul of the city's lobbying ordinance.
Dr. Linda Kim of Irvine serves as the Principal of Marian Bergeson Elementary School, a California Distinguished School and California Business for Education Excellence “Scholar” School. Dr. Kim leads a world class elementary school with an internationally recognized Mandarin Immersion Program for grades K-12. Dr. Kim’s focus on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is central to building a school culture where every student is supported in their academic and personal growth.
Dr. Margaret Moodian of Rancho Mission Viejo is an educator, advocate, and community leader dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change. She serves as a Commissioner for the Orange County Historical Commission and president of the South Orange County Delta Gamma Alumnae group. Dr. Moodian serves as an assistant tutorial professor of humanities and social sciences at Brandman University, part of the Chapman University system. Dr. Moodian’s work earned numerous honors, including Distinguished Educator by the Greater Irvine Chamber in 2023, Teacher of the Year at the University of Massachusetts Global in 2022, and the Delta Gamma Oxford Service and Stellar Awards in 2022.
Barbara Cortes of Costa Mesa has provided childcare and early education at the Orange Coast College Harry & Grace Steele Children's Center for more than 40 years and is affectionately known as the “baby whisperer” to hundreds of families. Barbara Cortes leads with kindness, compassion, and devotion while caring for infants and babies, molding the next generation of leaders. Barbara Cortes has touched the lives of so many children and families, including Supervisor Katrina Foley’s family, leaving a lasting impact on the early childhood space.
Kimberly Goll of Aliso Viejo is President and Chief Executive Officer of First 5 Orange County and transformed First 5 into a data-driven organization focused on system-wide infrastructure to support early childhood development with science-backed evidence. Kimberly Goll serves on the Statewide First 5 Association Executive Committee and has more than two decades of experience supporting the needs of young children and families in Orange County. Kimberly Goll is a tireless champion and leader in the early childhood space, advocating for the role early childhood development plays in community health and wellbeing.
Colleen Kotel of Aliso Viejo serves as the only teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Pre-K and Kindergarten level for the Capistrano Unified School District. Colleen Kotel’s work in Capistrano Unified School District is instrumental in ensuring reading and communication skills are developed for countless children. Colleen Kotel's ability to inspire and unite children has helped cultivate a thriving community where children with hearing loss can share experiences and overcome challenges together.
Mary Cappellini of Newport Beach brings more than 20 years of experience in elementary schooling and bilingual resource teaching, literacy coaching, and professorship. She collaborates with cities, school district, parents, alumni, and donors to enrich the lives of Newport-Mesa students. As the Executive Director at Save Our Youth in Costa Mesa, Mary Cappellini leads and expands the college-bound program, taking students on college trips, fundraising to provide scholarships, and dedicating efforts to changing the lives of first-generation college students.
Dr. Paola German of Newport Beach creates positive change in her classroom, community, and the healthcare industry through her innovative work on expanding vaccination equity in underserved communities. Dr. German dedicated more than 14 years to serving as a Trauma Registered Nurse at UCI Medical Center's Emergency Department. As a faculty member at the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, Dr. German prepares the next generation of nurses to lead with compassion and care.
Kelly Sabet of Ladera Ranch serves as the Chief Compliance Officer for the Orange County Health Care Agency, educating employees on their rights in the Agency, establishing critical protocols for adhering to new state regulations, and developing comprehensive training materials for the department. Kelly Sabet also serves as the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Orange County Health Care Agency, ensuring patients understand and utilize their rights to accessible language and communication services, and patient protection from discrimination while receiving care from the Health Care Agency.
At the remarkable age of 91, Loretta Sheppard of Laguna Woods continues to volunteer her time across numerous organizations, enriching the lives of others and fostering a sense of community. Loretta Sheppard’s unwavering dedication to volunteering with Meals on Wheels for over 21 years, alongside her generosity in donating funds to alleviate hunger in the Village, underscores her compassionate spirit and commitment to ensuring no one goes hungry. As a leader in her community, Loretta Sheppard founded the "Funtastics" club to organize enjoyable day trips for residents while also promoting culture and creativity through her roles in various dance and arts organizations, showcasing her commitment to fostering a vibrant neighborhood in Laguna Woods Village.
Madelynn Hirneise of Laguna Niguel serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Families Forward, a leading organization dedicated to addressing family homelessness in Orange County. Serving more than 800 families a month, under Madelynn Hirneise’s leadership, families receive comprehensive career coaching, interview preparation, and improvement of their earning potential. Under her leadership, 724 families were housed last year, and more than 14,000 people were served by Families Forward - providing school supplies, meals, workforce development, and empowering self-sufficiency for all participants.
Amy Hanacek of Dana Point served on the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees for 12 years as a responsible steward of district resources, effectively managing a limited budget to prioritize student learning, excellence in teaching, and safe, welcoming campuses. Amy Hanacek is a tireless advocate for students and a force for positive change in education remaining deeply involved in the Dana Point community, championing local nonprofits, and supporting initiatives that empower youth and families. Amy Hanacek played a pivotal role in expanding Career Technical Education, language immersion, dual enrollment, athletics, and arts programs, further ensuring students had diverse pathways to success.
Dr. Jeneen Graham of San Juan Capistrano is the first female Head of School of the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano in the school's 46-year history. Dr. Jeneen Graham has implemented new initiatives pertaining to student health and wellness, edX online courses, and institutional research, further influencing the next generation of contributing community members. Dr. Jeneen Graham is committed to the mission of St. Margaret’s, educating the hearts and minds of young people and preparing them for lives of learning, leadership, and service.
Gila Jones of San Juan Capistrano is an exceptional leader who cares deeply about the San Juan Capistrano community, well known for her accessibility, respectful consideration of all points of view, and responsiveness to parent concerns. As a Trustee for the Capistrano United School District, Gila Jones seeks ways to unite parents, teachers, and the school district in putting students first. Gila Jones was one of the earliest supporters of CUSD's Mandarin immersion program, and the expansion of the district's Spanish immersion program.
Full List of 2025 Nominees:
- Alexis Ruddock, Ladera Ranch
- Genevieve Anderson, Ladera Ranch
- Margaret Bayston, Aliso Viejo
- Christy Cornwall, Aliso Viejo
- Stephanie Oddo, Laguna Niguel
- Linda Kohlhagen, Laguna Niguel
- Annee Della Donna, Laguna Beach
- Trisha Calkins, Laguna Niguel
- Laurie Zagon, Laguna Hills
- Elizabeth Andrade, Irvine
- Ronnetta Johnson, Irvine
- Christina Markl, Irvine
- Lori Siekmann, Irvine
- Nadia Chernyak, Irvine
- Charlotte Glass, Irvine
- Marty Dutch, Newport Beach
- Stephanie Korotko, Newport Beach
- Martha Fluor, Newport Beach
- Chelsea Braverman, Newport Beach
- Carol Crane, Newport Beach
- Dr. Meera Deo, San Juan Capistrano
- Roxane Elmore, San Juan Capistrano
- Kerrie Lloyd, San Juan Capistrano
- Lourdes Gutierrez, San Juan Capistrano
- Aurea Mandujano, San Juan Capistrano
- Zara Rezai, Dana Point
- Hydee Riggs, Dana Point
- Juintow Lin, Dana Point
- Donna Kalez, Dana Point
- Sandra Morgan, Costa Mesa
- Holly Swedelson, Costa Mesa
- Inka Crane Van Houden, Costa Mesa
- Betsy Densmore, Costa Mesa
- Kelly Marie, Costa Mesa
- Grace Pratt, San Clemente
- Petti Van Rekom, San Clemente
- Debbie Hansen-Bosse, San Clemente
- Deborah Miller, San Clemente
- Betty Olson, Coto de Caza
- Susan Irvine, Coto de Caza
- Sister Thuy Tran, Mission Viejo
- Mo Langley, Mission Viejo
- April Micklin, Rancho Mission Viejo
For more information or to inquire about Vice Chair Foley’s media availability, please contact Latisha Townsend at (714) 559-8364.
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee, Regional Transportation Committee, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel,
Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,
Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees, Ocean Institute, Orange County Community Corrections
Partnership (OCCCP), Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection Agency,
and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
