Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley hosted her Second Annual Women Making A Difference Awards on Saturday, March 18, 2023. In support of the National Women’s History Month theme this year, Supervisor Foley recognized the women storytellers whose significant contributions tell our stories.
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley with the nominees and awardees of her Second Annual Women Making A Difference Awards
“Congratulations to the nominees and awardees of my Second Annual Women Making A Difference Awards! I am honored to recognize the many talented women storytellers who dedicate their lives to pursuing truth, producing art, and reflecting our community,” said Supervisor Foley. “These stories are essential to retaining the history and experiences of our residents in Orange County. I’m proud to celebrate esteemed women who care about others and understand that lifting up those in pain or struggling lifts up us all. Women empowering women builds stronger communities for everyone, and I look forward to working together to make a difference in Orange County.”
In addition to recognizing the nominees and awardees, the awards ceremony featured performances from Jacque Tahuka-Nunez and the Women’s Fellowship from the Marshallese Ministries of Orange County.
Supervisor Foley recognized women making a difference in the following categories:
Arts: Erin Angelo of Ladera Ranch
Erin Angelo is a professional ballroom dancer, educator and Founder/Executive Director of Rx Ballroom Dance (RXBD), a non-profit dedicated to providing free ballroom dance instruction from trained professionals for people confronting degenerative neurological conditions.
Blogs: Jeanette Knutti of Irvine
As CEO and Founder of Moxie Marketing Agency, Jeanette Knutti runs a blog full of inspiration and in support of kindness, love, and self-care.
Books & Publications: Dr. Allison Deming of Laguna Beach
Dr. Allison Deming serves as Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science at Pacific Marine Mammal Center. She completed marine mammal research and her findings will be published this Spring.
Radio: Patti Compton of Laguna Beach
Patti Compton is the host of "Play Something Sweet" on KXFM, a music history show that celebrates music and puts songs in historical context.
Stage: Jocelyn Brown of Ladera Ranch
Jocelyn Brown’s stage credits include directing plays primarily at Chance Theater and Chapman University, facilitating new play development with many by women playwrights for on stage readings at Chance Theater's On the Radar Series (OTR), and serving as Chance Theater's Associate Artistic Director since 2011.
Podcasts: Mary-Christine Sungaila of Newport Beach
In addition to working as a full-time successful appellate lawyer, including representing the city of Costa Mesa in the litigation to protect their sober living home ordinance, Mary-Christine Sungaila is the creator and host of The Portia Project®️ podcast, which seeks to inspire the next generation of women in the legal sector.
Social Media: Dr. Esther Park and Dr. Mijin Park of Laguna Hills
Dr. Esther Park and Dr. Mijin Park serve as co-founders of Fully Health Clinic and create content promoting mental health.
Film: Mauren “Mo” Langley of San Clemente
Maureen “Mo” Langley started and has successfully run the San Clemente Women’s Surf Film Festival for 5 years now.
Public Information: Roxi Fyad of Costa Mesa
Roxi Fyad serves as Public Affairs Manager for the Costa Mesa Police Department. Fyad is the department’s main point of contact for the media and oversees Crime Prevention, community programs and events, and the Volunteer Program. She is the first civilian public affairs manager in the department’s history.
News - Print: Lana Johnson of Newport Beach
Lana Johnson is the editor of Stu News Newport and Stu News Laguna. She is the main force in writing, processing and editing the many stories for both Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
News - Television: Michele Gile of Corona Del Mar
Michele Gile of KCAL-CBS LA News has been delivering news about Orange County for over 30 years. She is trusted by her community and by the top brass at Police and Fire Departments and Hospitals throughout the county.
