RAISE A GLASS TO WOMEN

from San Joaquin Magazine April 2023

Sample Something Sweet at the Jelly Belly Factory

There was once a time when men far outpaced women in the workplace. In fact, in many industries, women didn’t have a seat at the table, yet they’ve always had skin in the game. It’s only over the last fifty years or so that women have really begun to branch out and have an equal (well, sometimes) foot in the door.

Today, 42 percent of U.S. businesses are owned by women—that’s 13 million—and even more hold c-level titles at other businesses. From bursting through the glass ceiling and paving the way for other women to giving back in their spare time and creating a sense of community, the future (and the present) are undeniably female.

This month, like every April, we celebrate the women who are making a difference in San Joaquin County. From high level executives at local businesses to award-winning community volunteers, our list highlights some of our neighbors making a splash in SJC. Excuse us while we dust that glass off their shoulders; the ceiling appears to have a hole in it.

For the first time, our Wonder Women feature not only pays tribute to an exciting line-up of women making a difference locally, it was also written by a female writer (and a community personality in her own right), photographed by one of the most talented photographers this county has ever seen (who just happens to be female), and designed and pieced together by our own amazing (and female) Creative Director. Our cover even pays tribute to one of our very own business owners right here in SJC, and a long-time supporter of our magazine. Wonder Women 2023 is truly made by women to honor women, and it’s a great example of all that can be achieved when women work together.

Last Thoughts

Alexis Jones, a Stockton native, is behind Small Business Sundays, a monthly event hosted at 235 San Joaquin St. to support small businesses. For five hours one Sunday per month, 35 vendors gather to sell their wares in Stockton. The result is a community event that focuses on bringing positive activities downtown.

Autism Awareness Month

Happy reading!

TONY ZOCCOLI tony@sjmag.com

April marks Autism Awareness Month, an observance for those who are neurodivergent. While autism is a spectrum and the range of effects differ from mild to severe, the month is used to recognize all who identify as autistic. In this issue, we spoke with Valley Mountain Regional Center, which serves this community (and others) from birth through adulthood.

PUBLISHER | EDITOR

Tony Zoccoli

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte

FOOD & WINE EDITOR: Suzanne Ledbetter

TRAVEL EDITOR: Nora Heston Tarte

REGULAR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lynette Carrington, Megan Meintasis, Angela Rudolph, Sarah Steffens

CREATIVE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sybil Watson

ASSOCIATE DESIGNER: Lucas Zoccoli

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sophia Elle, Dan Hood, Suzanne Ledbetter, Sarah Steffens, Shannon Rock