Highlighting their leadership principles, business advice, and lessons learned.
Alyssa Armesto — Tangram Interiors
Associate Publisher's Note
McCulley —
Hilary Haron — hilaryharon.com
Dora Westerlund & Yery Olivares — Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation
Heather Rodrigueq — Community Health System
Jami Hamel De La Cerda, M.S.Sp Ed — Diamond Learning Center Inc.
Gurvinder Kaur, MD, MHA — Saint Agnes Medical Center
Wilma Tom Hashimoto — CASA
Shantay R. Davies-Balch — BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center
Hannah Brigdon, PE — Net Positive Consulting Engineers
Shatera Sangster — Social Media Sidekick
Megan Harmon — Solar Negotiators
Alyssa Armesto Vice President, Central Valley
Tangram Interiors
Creating a jaw-dropping showroom
Even as Alyssa Armesto is in the thick of preparing for a grand opening party, she is warm and gracious in welcoming me into Tangram Interiors’ beautiful new Fresno showroom, as if the interview is not another task within her jam-packed day, but a cherished catch-up with an old friend.
As Vice President, Central Valley at Tangram Interiors, Alyssa has had her hands in every aspect of the showroom project from day one when the company decided to move into their new 6,500-square-foot space at 7700 N Palm Ave, Suite 110.
A certified woman-owned business, Tangram Interiors makes amazing spaces in the workplace, education, and healthcare markets. A flagship dealer for furniture manufacturer, Steelcase, the company is the leading commercial interior solutions provider in the Central Valley, Southern California, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas with six total showroom locations. Originally from Fresno, Alyssa relocated to Southern California to attend Azusa Pacific University where she met her Los Angeles-native husband, Nick, and together they decided to put down roots in Orange County. She began her journey with
Tangram 12 years ago in sales at the company’s Newport Beach office, but when offered a leadership position in her hometown of Fresno in 2019, she decided to make the move with her family. Alyssa was then promoted to her current VP position, which includes overseeing both the Fresno and Bakersfield showrooms.
Alyssa is now a mother of three. As a working mom and leader of many other working parents in the office, she’s prioritized being an intentional supporter of those who are carefully balancing parenting and work.
“Whether it’s through offering empathy, autonomy, or choice and control over how my team completes their work, I try to empower the working parents in the office to feel they can be successful in both facets of their lives,” says Alyssa.
Tangram has a flexible hybrid policy, but you’ll find most employees in the office on any given weekday.
“With the culture that we’ve built, it feels as if everyone wants to come in. There is no pressure to clock in or out, so, when our team comes in, they do so with a purpose. And I think that's incredible.”
One of the aspects that makes the Tangram Fresno team excited to come into the office is the office itself. The space is truly jaw-dropping and even better experienced in person, feeling like you’ve stepped into a living Architectural Digest feature. With its official grand opening celebrated on September 12, the functional showroom pays homage to Fresno’s rich landscape, agriculture, and culture through its design, furniture, graphics, and materiality. Elements like accessories sourced from Clovis antique shops and a conference room inspired by Shaver Lake connect the space to Fresno’s natural heritage.
The showroom not only showcases the scenic beauty of Fresno but also serves as a functional space for Tangram's team.
“Our space is designed to be aspirational for our clients but also functional for our team because we work here. It’s dual purpose,” says Alyssa.
The Fresno showroom includes different areas for various modes of working and socializing, from glass-walled meeting rooms to a beautiful central kitchen, Orangebox private booths, and a Wellness room equipped with nature soundscaping technology. Tangram Technology has integrated state-ofthe-art technology throughout the space to support a hybrid workforce, reflecting the evolving nature of work environments.
“Spaces are changing, and we wanted to support our clients by showing them what the office of the future can look like, Fresno style. For every environment, we were mindful of the functionality and how the technology performs in the space,” says Alyssa.
After almost two years of marking up floorplans and selecting swatches, opening the doors to Tangram Fresno’s new home is a full-circle moment for Alyssa as she welcomes the local community—her hometown and now her current home—to a space that celebrates many of the reasons why she returned in the first place.
“Even though we're a large organization, we are local through and through. Fresno is my hometown, so it is pretty incredible and rewarding to be able to service the valley and expose them to everything that Tangram has to offer,” says Alyssa.
Ashley Webster Rudolph Associate Publisher
The Business Journal
Publisher
Gordon M. Webster, Jr.
Project Editor
Gabriel Dillard
Sales and Marketing Team
Abner Garcia, Jose Herrera, Gabriella Kirk, Ignacio Govea
Graphic Designers
Cecilia Lopez
Israel Meave
Associate Publisher's Note
Theshare of Women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies reached an all-time high of 10.6% in 2023, with 53 women heading major firms.
And it stayed flat in 2024.
For those companies that entrust women in the C-Suite, they realize three distinct advantages that women leaders bring to the table. That is soft skills, enhanced creativity in problem solving and building trust with honest, ethical leadership, according to Inc. Magazine.
Of course, it’s easy to make broad generalizations about entire groups of people, even though research backs it up. We all know it’s the skills and accomplishments of individuals that should be the driving factor behind opportunities to lead.
But there’s no denying the women featured in our fourth edition of How She Leads represent the kind of governance that moves hearts and markets. Their stories reflect the long years of study, career building, mentorship and struggle that it takes to reach the top.
These tips and pearls of wisdom presented in How She Leads serve to educate and inspire women and young girls — anyone, really — to reach the highest levels of accomplishment.
We wish to thank all the women featured in this publication for sharing their invaluable advice and experience. Please join us in celebrating them and all the decision makers who make our economy operate day in and day out.
Sincerely,
Ashley Webster Rudolph
Women-Owned Businesses
S. Crawford Ave Reedley, CA
559-638-6314 193 6 6 Water, irrigation, nutrition, regulatory and crop care advice and products WND
Visalia Ceramic Tile,Inc. 917 N. American St. Visalia, CA 559-651-2925 559-651-2982
Sebastian 7600 N. Palm Ave. Fresno, CA
La Tapatia Tortilleria,Inc.
E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA
559-432-5800 559-432-5858 135 5 2
Reedley
Healthcare facilities, education facilities, Department of Defense facilities, Department of State facilities, dairies, private office buildings & residential 1985 Visalia
electrical, low voltage, and underground construction contractor. State Center of California - Department of Water Resources, Fresno Area Work Force, Amond World, Helena Industries, Porterville Development Center, Fresno State University, City of Delano, Fowler Packing, Valley Wide Beverage, Warmerdam Packing, Dinuba Unified School District, Fresno Unified School District, SCCCD, City of Fresno, Harris Ranch, CUSD, Tachi Palace, Tenaya Lodge.
SamR.Bruce, president KarenLAcquafresca-Martinho,MichaelJ Martinho,EdwardAMartinho,RobertP Martinho, owners
Fresno WilliamBarcus, CEO SusanMoran, co-owners,RuthBarcus
Fresno HelenHansen, President and CEO,Carla Monis, Chief Administrative Officer Fresno Equipment Company 4288 S. Bagley Ave. Fresno, CA
559-441-1712
559-486-8020
Women-Owned Businesses
California Business Machines,Inc 4260 N. Fresno St. Fresno, CA
Stefanelli Distributing 1945 W. Yale Ave. Fresno, CA
Sutton Hague Law Corporation
Spherion Staffing
559-225-5570 559-225-5827
branding, creative production and design firm WND 1994 Fresno Jane OlveraMajors, president & founder, JeannaAntonino, VP operations,Josh Durham, technical director
559-233-7138 559-233-1146 18 0 1 Wholesale distributor of wines, spirits and premium beers. The Grape Tray, Bella Vino, Whole Foods, Winco, Bev-Mo, Food For Less, Total Wine & More, The Market and more 1951 Fresno
N. Fine, Ste. 101 Fresno, CA 559-251-4040 559-251-7070 12 WND 3
temp-to-hire, direct hire staffing for clerical, administrative, professional and more 75 area clients who engage thousands of temporary employees each year.
president
CarlRanaCSW CWP CSS, Vice President of Sales & Marketing,CarlaSRanaMrs, CEO, CFO, OWNER,MaryFStefanelli, President-Owner CarlaS.Rana,CarolA.Stefanelli,CarlRana
Wendy McCulley President & CEO
The Foundation for Fresno Unified Students
What I Wish I Knew
In my role as a leader, I've experienced exhilarating victories and valuable lessons. Through it all, a few key truths have hit home, shaping my leadership philosophy:
Do You
Early on, I felt the pull to fit into a predefined leadership mold that wasn't truly me. I’ve since discovered the power of embracing genuineness, which people strongly connect with.
Know Your True North Leadership isn't just about achieving goals; it's about how you achieve them. Using clearly defined values as a compass creates a shared sense of purpose and fuels the whole team's collective passion.
It’s A Shared Adventure Leadership can feel solitary, but I had to learn that I was never truly alone. A network of mentors, peers, and trusted confidants becomes
invaluable, providing a safe space for mutual guidance and encouragement.
Mix It Up
Recognize that diversity of thought is a competitive advantage. We all see the world through the lens of our own experiences and beliefs. Effective leadership requires active listening and empathy.
Trust Your Gut
Leaders encounter a constant stream of opinions, advice, and feedback—but ultimately, you need to trust your own judgement. Be true to yourself, stay grounded in your values, build a strong support network, and never stop learning.
“
Effective leadership requires active listening and empathy.
Scan the QR Code to Learn More, or visit foundation4fusd.org
Empowering Every Student to Achieve More
At The Foundation for Fresno Unified Students, we’re all about supporting every student’s journey using our cornerstones: learn, innovate, amplify, and champion. Our mission is to empower Fresno Unified students to reach their full potential by creating opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement inside and beyond the classroom.
Hilary Haron Business Consultant hilaryharon.com
You don’t have to like them to learn from them
Success in business, much like success in life, is all about opportunities: taking situations that appear to be setbacks and turning them into comebacks. Even in our dream jobs, we will inevitably face challenges we are uncomfortable with. We will have to work with people we don’t align with and maybe we don’t even respect. We will be forced into, or jump in to, situations where we feel like we don’t belong or don’t fit because we know we can make a meaningful impact. As professionals, we are compelled to make these situations work. We still show up and do our best. And if we’re smart, we are learning in every moment. These moments prove you can, and probably will, learn the most from people that you do not want to emulate. When I was elected to a national level Board of Directors, I was so excited and terribly nervous to attend my first meeting. It was in Charleston, South Carolina, and it was my first long trip away from my children. About 92% of the board were men and I
was the youngest member of the board and youngest woman elected. Ever. One of my worst professional fears was realized when we arrived at the welcome dinner: I was physically nudged aside by a member, so he could introduce himself to my husband, assuming he was the reason we were there. I was charming and the board member was unfazed by his faux pas.
One of the hardest things to learn as a woman in business is how to endure those experiences and continue to grow. Often these moments come at a time when we are most challenged and the last thing we need is more disruption or negative input in our system. It’s not as easy as “seeing the positive” in every situation, it requires deep reflection on how we want to present yourself. The lessons learned will depend on the values you embody.
This is the premise of how I help my clients. We cannot do better, until we know better. And we cannot know better until we are exposed to something out of our comfort zone. Being curious about our discomfort is where we find opportunities. Working in a family business made navigating my curiosity difficult, but ultimately helped me define how I want to contribute to the world.
As a coach and business consultant, my goal is to help clients avoid the frustration of fraught encounters by identifying their strengths and helping them stay curious. Then we can define their brand. Having a clear vision of how you want to lead, who you are and what you uniquely have to contribute makes it much easier to engage in situations where you fundamentally disagree. This is the key to “knowing better.” If you know that someone approaches a problem in a way that isn’t compatible with your own values as a leader, it can help you stay focused on your end goal, being intentional rather than reactional.
If we are willing to stay curious, we are more open to learning and bettering ourselves.
“We
cannot do better, until we know better. And we cannot know better until we are exposed to something out of our comfort zone. Being curious about our discomfort is where we find opportunities.
“
Hilary Haron is a beacon of empowerment and inspiration, fostering inclusive leadership, breaking barriers, and championing positive change across diverse industries.
Amplifying Voices, Shattering Ceilings
Hilary leads conversations that inspire and empower on her podcast, A Road Less Traveled. Each episode reflects her dedication to breaking barriers, embracing passions, and creating a positive impact as a seasoned figure in business and philanthropy. More than a podcast, it's a journey of resilience, leadership, and advocacy for an inclusive future that challenges the ordinary.
Dora Westerlund Founder, President & CEO
Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation Every seed needs water and sunlight.
CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution)
Empowering Women Through Passion to Progress.
Icome from a family of entrepreneurs. My father taught me compassionate leadership, and my mother demonstrated how being a breadwinner should always include uplifting others.
Since establishing FAHF in 2004, our mission has been to give the tools and resources that all Hispanic entrepreneurs need to thrive. It’s working: we’ve assisted over 30,000 small businesses across the region while never dismissing an idea or underestimating someone’s potential.
My parents taught me that passion and ideas aren’t enough; people will always need tools and training to succeed. So, in 2011, we opened the bilingual Downtown Business Hub as a one-stop incubator for small businesses that connects them to
vital support and mentorship. Then, ten years later, we became a designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing access to capital to the underserved.
My mother had a great saying, “Every seed needs water and sunlight.” It’s the foundational idea behind my greatest passion, our “Confía Rural” initiative, because it helps ensure that small businesses in over twenty rural cities receive the resources and financial assistance they need to succeed.
I have my own saying, and it guides me as a leader: “Welcome to a place where passion meets a plan for your dream-come-true progress.”
Building a Legacy of Uplifting Opportunity.
My family influenced me to be a leader with a servant’s heart; with their support, I began acquiring skills by becoming the first in my family to graduate from a four-year university.
These early experiences helped form my commitment to uncovering and nurturing the potential of underestimated individuals and small businesses throughout the Central Valley with the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation.
I’ve grown to know that learning should never stop, for any of us, and that’s why our programs go so deep and challenge our members to be ready for anything. In the end, being self-sufficient, letting yourself fly with all the wings you need, is the goal—not that we leave you once you are ready, we’re always behind you.
I see my parents reflected in the individuals I serve, so I know how difficult it can be for Spanishspeaking individuals to access vital services. This is why I strive to ensure everyone receives the support they need to grow and thrive regardless of background.
As a leader, I am deeply committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities to help others achieve their dreams. I hope to draw inspiration from the women who paved the way before us by connecting budding entrepreneurs to education and resources.
Handouts don’t lift you up, they can only get you by. I’m about seeing those around me rise to the occasion of success. That is what uplifts a community.
Heather Rodriquez VP & Chief Nursing Officer
Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital
Community Behavioral Health Center
Community Subacute & Transitional Care Center
Community Home Health
Building a path for nurses to follow
Nursing and Valley life run deep in my veins. Caring for my grandparents at a young age taught me that my calling was to help others. My mother was a Certified Nursing Assistant, and it was important to her that I become a nurse like the ones that she worked with. I’ve been a nurse for 40-plus years now and I’m blessed that all those years have been here at home – with Community Health System.
As a leader, I try to remember how my challenges have shaped me and to emulate the help I’ve had along the way. Generous scholarships, tuition reimbursement and support from my mentors and peers helped me become a more confident person and a better nurse. I remember being in nursing school when my mother suddenly passed away. My heart was broken. It was so hard to continue my schooling, but my teammates rallied around me and helped me find the strength to go on.
In my current role, I try to provide that sort of support for my team. I believe life’s challenges increase our compassion and empathy for our patients and their families. I help patients by helping the staff. They work very, very hard in challenging careers. My job is to provide opportunities like the ones that helped me succeed.
One of the biggest hurdles for aspiring nurses today is getting accepted by a nursing school. It’s discouraging to apply to the lottery system knowing it could be a year, two years, or even longer before you’re accepted. Too many people can’t wait and are forced to take their dreams in a different direction.
That’s why I’m so proud to have a role in Community’s latest big investment in our team – the new Community Nursing Education Pathway Powered by Unitek College. Three cohorts are planned each year with each cohort having 20-25 students. This new program will allow more people to achieve their goals faster and help Valley patients by training more nurses that area hospitals need.
Regardless of where you work or what you do, I believe removing obstacles for those who follow your path is a universal leadership trait and responsibility. It’s also important to acknowledge that challenges are inevitable and assure others that challenges are ultimately good. I wouldn’t be the person I am without challenges. And I certainly wouldn’t have been able to overcome my challenges without help. I’m thankful to everyone who has given me encouragement and opportunity and I hope that my team knows how hard I’m working to pay it forward.
“I believe life’s challenges increase our compassion and empathy for our patients and their families. “
Become a part of something bigger.
Our mission is to build a stronger, healthier Valley for all.
It’s a big job. And it takes the most dedicated and passionate team of healthcare professionals, staff and administrators to make it happen. People who believe that their career is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to be a part of something bigger.
If you’re looking for a career that builds a brighter future, for yourself and for the community you call home, you’ve found the right place.
Jami Hamel De La Cerda, M.S.Sp Ed Founder/CEO
Diamond Learning Center, Inc
A life of service at home and work is a privilege.
By Ramon Castanos
JamiHamel De La Cerda is a single mother, educator and business woman who credits her inspiration to her three sons, whom she fondly refers to as her 3 Kings and to her beloved mom who slipped away too soon. She is a strong advocate and the founder and CEO of Diamond Learning Center, an adult day program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The center, which she established in 2005, and just six months before giving birth to twins one of whom has Down syndrome, provides a supportive and innovative environment for adults. It has had a significant impact on the community while embracing lifelong learning. The goal continues to be providing an empowering learning environment to embrace her Principles of L.I.F.E.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Jami Hamel De La Cerda's journey to Fresno was initiated by her bowling for Fresno State while earning her degree and her unwavering perseverance to ‘help people’ after the tragic suicide of
her beloved mom, together these led her to fall in love with Fresno and her principles of L.I.F.E. were born.
Later, in 2001, she graduated with her Masters of Science in Special Education while teaching adult transition for the Fresno County Office of Education. She left to create Diamond Learning Center in September 2005. Exactly 4 months before the birth of her twins one of whom has Down syndrome. Along with the oldest son, their birth January 2006, emphasized that she was doing exactly what she was meant to do. “My career choice became my life journey. I couldn’t be more blessed. We were living our new ‘normal’. A perfect example of how inclusion truly begins at home.” Said Hamel De La Cerda.
Living her motto, Inclusion begins at home. Elijah’s success is directly related to interaction with his brothers. In my eyes all three are perfect examples of uniqueness, each embracing a specific perception of perfection. Elijah has a profound influence on how she operates the Diamond Learning Center. Elijah’s school journey was at Hallmark Charter School, where Hamel De La Cerda developed a curriculum that was interest based and adapted for his learning style. This dedication continues to lead her to daily decisions at Diamond Learning Center.
“For me, I believe that everyone has a talent, and everyone has something they can offer to our communities and to the world,” said Hamel De La Cerda. It's interesting how we're teaching the community to value, appreciate and recognize worth in individuality.
When Diamond Learning Center opened, Hamel De La Cerda created a brilliant and trustworthy business advisory team as well as The Diamond Team of whom she has great respect and admiration for to this day. “When you surround yourself with brilliance, the hope is that it eventually rubs off.”
“I've learned and matured to be a compassionate businessperson, not just the special education component of it,”. I have a Diamond team second to none. Each leading with their hearts with mutual respect. We laugh and cry together. We celebrate each other with joyous delight and extend a helping hand when needed. Just as each day is unique, the qualities, loyalty and dedication of our Diamond Team emphasize that we share the common thread to embrace lifelong learning. Our student’s successes give us that much more inspiration to look forward to our 20th anniversary in 2025.
Balancing life as a single mother of three kids and running Diamond Learning Center is a welcome journey for HamelDe La Cerda. She wants everyone to understand that one’s personal success begins when you believe in yourself and take that step outside of your comfort zone, none the less, it requires perseverance, dedication and love. In the words of Dr Seuss, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
“I think it's important to embrace what you believe in.” said Hamel De La Cerda. “If you can make your passion your initial step in life, steps that follow will feel effortless because it's from your heart and it's pure.”
An Empowering place for personal growth
By Ramon Castanos
Diamond Learning Center is an adult day program with a community college vibe for adults with intellectual disabilities. Jami Hamel De La Cerda, is the founder & CEO, and describes their approach as empowering lifelong learning.
“When you have respect, dignity, and love in place, things grow, just like a garden needs water and sun” said Hamel De La Cerda. They offer a wide variety of classes and experiences. She said job training has proven to be an innovative program, not only student success but community partnerships as well. Adult students are introduced to a variety of employment opportunities with encouragement to step outside of their comfort and explore new interests. An exciting opportunity is a blend of vocational training and support to achieve a food service certificate moving on to paid employment at E’s Diamond Deli, named for Hamel De la Cerda’s son Elijah who has Down syndrome. A one of a kind community sandwich deli. A mentor supported inclusive work environment, first of its kind with a catchy slogan: Born to Shine, One of a kind, We have your tummy in mind. “You're never going to enjoy a sandwich that's made with more love than the ones that what our sandwich artists produce.”
“It's not only successful on our end as providers, but it's also impressively successful for the community. Typical adults can work and attend lifelong learning in the same day. We embrace the same opportunity for Diamond students.” said Hamel De La Cerda.
Many of the DLC instructors can relate to their students because many have loved ones with intellectual disabilities within their families. Each wears their heart on their sleeve with a professional goal of making hearts smarter never harder. Diamond Learning Center staff members have different backgrounds,
from high school education to master’s degrees, certifications and credentials: all share a common goal to inspire and empower students to believe in themselves and to take that step outside of their comfort zone. She said the instructional modality is that of team teaching lifelong learning with an emphasis on shared experiences between students, staff members and our community members.
“I feel like it is probably the most welcoming place I've ever been to, from our staff to our students,” said Susan Kodman, senior director for Diamond Learning Center. “We're a family because we’re very close and can count on each other.”
Furthermore, Diamond Learning Center has many partnerships throughout the city, like Clovis Community College, Peacock Market in Clovis, Fresno State and Clovis Police Department.
Hamel De la Cerda said that these partnerships are essential because they model that inclusivity in a social and vocational settings are not only meaningful but vital to our growth as humans. In addition, Diamond Learning Center supports other organizations and causes.
Bridgette Franco, Sr Director II, Program Administrator shared, “many of our employees have been part of this team for more than a decade.” Longevity has developed through supporting each other’s family and life triumphs and challenges.” “We embrace lifelong learning and lifelong relationships.”
Diamond Learning Center is proud of what it has achieved for its students, staff and community and are excited to continue to impact lives well into the future. Celebrating their 20th year anniversary in 2025.
“It's such a happy place,” said Lilia Estrada, Finance Controller for Diamond Learning Center. “I would love for everybody to discover or get to know Diamond Learning Center.”
Lillia Estrada MHRM Finance Control
Susan Kodman Director II
Jonee' Lopez Director
Bridgette Franco Sr Director II /Admin
Raquel 'Kelly' Presenti Sr. Director
Marissa Juarez Director
Elena Ramirez Director
Gurvinder Kaur, MD, MHA President and Market Leader
Saint Agnes Medical Center
Taking a leap in her health care journey
Medicine and health care were a natural choice for Gurvinder Kaur, MD, MHA, Saint Agnes Medical Center President and Market Leader, who gained her early experience with health care while working her first job at a rural hospital in India. There, she quickly learned the joys and challenges of serving in the clinical world. It is these lessons she has carried with her throughout her more than 20-year career as a physician and hospital administrator. She knew early on that her career would involve managing more than the clinical or medical issues at hand, and that systems of care needed to be changed, addressed and modified for the changing needs of our population.
Dr. Kaur moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to continue her medical studies at the University of Southern California (USC) where she completed her residency in Internal Medicine and a Master’s in Health Administration.
Her robust education in both the clinical and business spheres of health care have helped her hone a unique vantage point as a leader. In southern California, she gained a variety of experience in health care economics, practice management
and learned and worked on actuarial models to develop a deeper understanding of health insurance. As a physician – and with her ability to bridge the perspectives of clinicians and administrators – Dr. Kaur has had tremendous success in developing collaborative care programs and initiatives in the Valley and beyond.
“Physician relationships and the alignment of the physician workforce with hospitals and clinicians is invaluable to the growth and success of any health system,” she says.
Prior to taking the helm at Saint Agnes in January 2024, Dr. Kaur served as Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Adventist Health Central Valley Network for its four hospitals and clinic network spread across Hanford, Selma, Reedley and Tulare.
In this role, she dealt with medically underserved and difficult to recruit areas while creating avenues for clinical excellence through standardized care delivery models. She also served in multiple capacities for Vituity – a national multi-specialty physician group – as Medical Director, Regional Director and as a Board Member.
Joining the Saint Agnes family
“I was drawn to Saint Agnes’ mission and long history of serving the community with open arms,” Dr. Kaur says. “During my tenure with Adventist Health, I noticed that Saint Agnes was always a willing partner and helped develop initiatives to improve care delivery across the Central Valley, not only in Fresno.”
In just nine months, Dr. Kaur has captured the healing mission of Saint Agnes through consistent, focused and deliberate work that keeps the mission at the center of every initiative. She has worked to develop robust senior leadership and department management teams to streamline processes for improved patient safety and care delivery.
In July, Saint Agnes was named Best Regional Hospital in Fresno by U.S. News and World Report and also received eight “High Performing” ratings, the highest distinction a hospital can earn for Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions. The receipt of this award affirms Saint Agnes’ 95-year history of being a place of hope and healing, solidifying Dr. Kaur’s pursuit of exceptional clinical practice and patient outcomes.
She approaches her role as President and Market Leader with a “Getting to a Yes Mentality,” and a desire to remove barriers within the hospital and in the community that limit access to high quality care.
“I believe success lies in not giving up on your principles and continuing to improve on the process despite failures,” Dr. Kaur says. “In this role, my goal is to instill my teams with resiliency, hope and aspiration to do great things while providing them the tools and support they need to get there.”
More than health care
Throughout her career, Dr. Kaur has remained steadfast in her desire to improve the health and well-being of the communities in which she serves.
“Being a physician and leader in health care, my passion has always been centered on improving the health and well-being of our communities,” she says. “Of course, there have been times of challenges, such as the pandemic, but I have come to treasure our resilience and ability to inspire hope in one another.”
Saint Agnes ranked Number 1
Since 1929, Saint Agnes has provided the highest quality and most compassionate care for Valley residents. That’s why we are proud to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the Best Regional Hospital in Fresno.
As Saint Agnes continues to lead and shape health care in the Central Valley, our greatest reward is knowing we’re making good on our promise to care for you and your loved ones, body mind and spirit
® Saint Agnes
A Member of Trinity Health
Wilma Tom Hashimoto Executive Director of CASA
Executive Director of CASA
of Fresno
and Madera Counties
Never lukewarm in her advocacy
Observe.
Listen. Support. Launch. Celebrate others. These are the five core tenets that guide Wilma Tom Hashimoto’s leadership. Over the past six years as Executive Director of CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties, Wilma has adhered to these principles to enhance CASA’s visibility, expand services to children in foster care, and provide hope to those removed from their homes due to severe neglect and abuse. Her efforts have more than doubled CASA's revenue through innovative fundraising, community partnerships, and collaboration. With a background in education spanning 28 years and being a corporate auditor for E. Gottschalk’s, Inc., Wilma brings a wealth of experience to CASA. Reflecting on her work, Wilma shares: "Ask anyone, and they will tell you that I do not live a lukewarm life in my advocacy for children. The mission of CASA is to train community volunteers to be a guiding voice empowering vulnerable children and youth in foster care to reach their full potential. CASA’s tagline is ‘The voice that empowers foster youth.’"
CASA of Fresno County joined the national CASA network
in 1996, aiming to serve the best interests of the most vulnerable children and youth in foster care. As a non-profit, CASA began recruiting and growing a base of community volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates. The program’s success led to its expansion into Madera County in 2006. Decades later, dedicated advocates continue to provide support for children in foster care, often serving as the one constant adult presence during their many transitions.
In 1978, Judge David Soukup created CASA to be the guiding voice for at-risk children. Advocates are trained to be a watchful presence in foster children’s lives, helping judges make informed decisions and advocating for the child’s best interests to the dependency court judge, social worker, resource parent, educators, and health care providers. Each advocate is appointed by the dependency court judge to a specific foster child, typically one at highest risk due to special needs, lack of nearby family, multiple foster care placements, or severe abuse and neglect. Advocates’ primary purpose is to be the voice that champions the best interests of abused and neglected children in the child welfare and juvenile court systems, aiming for their safety, permanence, well-being, and a healthy and successful future.
Children who experience neglect, abuse, or exposure to domestic violence are victims of trauma; 100% of the children CASA serves have endured trauma. During new advocate training, CASA trainers discuss crisis intervention strategies, teaching advocates how to support victims during difficult transitions by providing immediate emotional care and effective intervention. CASA volunteers are often the first call the child or care provider makes, and frequently, the only ones available to respond to crises. Advocates provide stable and consistent support throughout the court proceedings, helping children share their experiences and understand the necessary processes. They also help other agencies identify and explore potential resources for early family reunification or alternative permanency.
CASA has grown significantly since its inception, now employing more than 20 full-time staff and supporting over 200 volunteer advocates annually. These volunteers are appointed by the court to empower more than 300 children in foster care, positively changing their future trajectories. Goals for CASA: By July 2025, Wilma aims to serve 100 more children and youth in foster care by providing information sessions to businesses and their networks. CASA will advocate for positive changes in the foster care system and diversify and increase sustainable revenue sources to continue serving the community's most vulnerable.
Wilma’s personal mantra is: "Life keeps leading us on journeys we would not typically venture on if it were up to us. Don’t be afraid. Learn the lessons. Nothing is coincidental. I hope others will also take the same adventure in life."
Observe. Listen. Support. Launch. Celebrate others. These tenets define Wilma’s leadership and dedication to fostering positive change for children in need.
Shantay R. Davies-Balch President & CEO
In2019, Shantay R. Davies-Balch founded BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) with a mission to improve Black Maternal and Infant Health outcomes. BWPC focuses on transformative system improvements, advocacy, and shared decision-making with Black women throughout pregnancy and beyond.
As President & CEO, Shantay strengthened BWPC’s capacity by building connections with the community, local governments, hospitals, and health plans. Under her leadership, BWPC has launched training programs, influenced policy changes, and built healthcare infrastructure, including the African American Coalition (AAC) during COVID-19. AAC addressed equity gaps by increasing vaccine access, reducing food insecurity, and promoting health literacy within the Black community.
Shantay’s work addresses racism as a
integration, and support. Statewide, she has advocated for Medi-Cal reimbursement for doula services, making care more accessible. In 2023, BWPC finalized a milestone agreement with Community Health Systems, allowing BDN doulas to complete hospital observation hours. The BDN is on its way to connect certified doulas with birthing persons, providing support that has been shown to significantly improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Fresno’s first Black Maternal Health Week, led by Shantay in 2019, was recognized by then-Senator Kamala Harris. Each year, BWPC uses this week to bring together diverse stakeholders to improve Black maternal and infant health outcomes.
Shantay’s policy work is equally impactful. She advises on the California Surgeon General’s Perinatal Round Table and is on
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH THROUGH THE AGES
The first person I turn to for a whole host of issues, especially my health. -MICHELLE OBAMA
Hannah Brigdon, PE Principal Mechanical Engineer
Net Positive Consulting Engineers
Engineering Excellence through Innovative Leadership
Describe three key factors that define your personal leadership style
Transparency: Leading others with honesty and integrity is key to building trust in a team environment, and I believe teams achieve more collectively with a strong foundation of trust. As a leader, I value straightforward communication and feedback, and not only do I give this to my teams, but I request it in return.
Encouragement: I lead with a supportive approach, walking alongside team members through everyday challenges. With an open door, I seek to make team members feel heard and valued. With a decade of experience, I consider it a privilege to encourage young engineers not to give up when things seem insurmountable, and to press ahead to reach their full potential.
Grit: Engineering, business, and leadership are not for the faint of heart. Challenges are inevitable, but Grit meets obstacles with a positive, can-do attitude that lightens burdens,
uplifts colleagues, and promises follow-through to find a solution. At Net Positive, Grit is one of our core values and we strive to grow young professionals who serve every client and meet every project with a zest for problem solving and a resilient mindset.
If someone were to write a few sentences about your leadership legacy, what would they say?
I would hope my legacy would be one of a leader who cared and led by example. Particularly in the engineering industry, compassion and humility are not always valued above expertise and confidence. There’s room for both, and my hope is that anybody who has worked with me has felt that I was an advocate for their career, a friend and confidant when needed, and a humble leader who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with them through the tough times.
Shatera Sangster Founder & Owner
Media Sidekick
“ When leaders embody the values and standards they expect for their team, they build trust & respect
4 most important leadership lessons
Leadership is a skill I believe to be invaluable when it comes to business and our careers. Throughout my career and business I have learned many lessons on leadership whether it was from other leaders in the community, books, training programs or through my business Social Media Sidekick LLC. Leadership can be multifaceted, but here are three key lessons that often stand out:
1. Lead by Example
Leaders set the tone for their teams through their own actions and behaviors. Demonstrating integrity, dedication, and a strong work ethic encourages others to follow suit. When leaders embody the values and standards they expect from their team, they build trust and respect.
2. Empower and Trust Your Team
Effective leaders delegate tasks and responsibilities, giving team members the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Trusting your team not only boosts their confidence and motivation but also fosters a collaborative and innovative environment.
3. Communicate Clearly and Listen Actively
Communication is crucial in leadership. Clear, transparent communication helps prevent misunderstandings and aligns the team with common goals. Equally important is active listening; understanding your team’s feedback and concerns helps address issues proactively and shows that you value their input.
4. Adapt and Learn: Embrace Flexibility and Continuous Improvement
Leaders must remain flexible and open to change. The ability to adapt to evolving situations and challenges demonstrates resilience and problemsolving skills. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement, both for yourself and your team. By being receptive to new ideas and feedback, you foster an environment where growth and innovation can flourish.
These lessons are foundational for building strong, effective leadership and fostering a positive, productive work environment.
Megan Harmon Chief Revenue Officer
Solar Negotiators
Putting Customers First: A Blueprint for Business Excellence
In today’s competitive landscape, success hinges not just on innovation, but on an unwavering commitment to putting customers first—a principle that has guided my journey at Solar Negotiators from day one. Under the mentorship of our CEO, Chris Moran, I refined my leadership approach and deepened my understanding of what it truly means to drive business success.
At Solar Negotiators, our approach goes beyond making a sale; it’s about fostering lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. By focusing on our customers’ needs and providing tailored solutions, we’ve cultivated a loyal customer base that genuinely values our services.
To achieve sustained, long-term success, you must be the best at what you do. Solar Negotiators has set a new standard when it comes to providing exceptional, long-term care for solar customers. While many businesses claim to be customer-focused, we've taken this commitment to a higher level by proactively enhancing how we serve our clients. We've invested significant time and resources, even making short-term sacrifices to our bottom line, to develop policies that prioritize and protect our customers' long-term
interests. By actively listening to their evolving needs, we’ve continuously refined our approach, enabling us to adapt, thrive, and consistently exceed expectations.
I believe this customer-centric approach is the core reason we’re still in business today. Over the past decade, our industry has faced numerous challenges, but our commitment to putting customers first has guided our decisions and ensured our survival.
As Chief Revenue Officer, I strive to lead by example—showing up every day with a positive attitude, a willingness to listen, and a dedication to continuous improvement. This mindset has fostered a culture of excellence within our team, where everyone is motivated to deliver their best work and contribute to our collective success. Prioritizing customer needs and upholding high ethical standards allow businesses to differentiate themselves and build a strong market reputation. This approach not only benefits customers but also creates a more sustainable business model. Embracing these principles drives long-term success and positively impacts both customers and communities.
