Jonah A. Toleno Legal Powerhouse

THERE ARE SOME OF US who are born knowing exactly what we should be doing for a living. It’s almost as though we emerge from the womb with a purpose and our abilities manifest in such a manner as to fulfill that purpose. Jonah A. Toleno is one of those people. Currently practicing with Shustak, Reynolds, and Partners, Jonah has made a name for herself in her field and has numerous accolades to that fact. She holds an "AV" (Preeminent) ranking under the Martindale-Hubbell attorney rating system, with a 5.0 out of 5.0 overall rating in Securities Law, General Practice, and Business Law. Martindale-Hubbell reserves the "AV" ranking for those attorneys whose peers rank at the highest level of professional excellence and who adhere to the highest professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability, and diligence. She was named a "SuperLawyer” by SuperLawyers in 2017 and 2018, a “Top Attorney” in Litigation by San Diego Magazine in 2017, and a “Best of the Bar” recipient in the San Diego Business Journal every year from 2014 to 2017. Earlier this month, The San Diego County Bar Association honored her with the Community Service Award for Commitment to Diversity.

Her list of accomplishments is impressive, but what is even more so is how Jonah came to be at the top of her industry. You could say law was in her blood. Her mother, Adel, a courthouse clerk in San Diego and criminal division records clerk in Alameda County, helped to build Jonah’s interest in law by encouraging her to volunteer at the courthouse. As a volunteer, she was able to observe trials and jury selections. While assisting the clerks with filing and their miscellaneous tasks, Jonah learned that her interests in reading, writing, and helping people would make her a natural fit for law.

Initially looking to pursue criminal law, Jonah found civil litigation a better fit for her. After practicing in business litigation for several years, she joined her current firm as a partner, and 11 years later, is still a driving force behind their regional success. She is licensed to practice in California and Arizona. Her practice is focused on financial services law, securities arbitration and litigation, business litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. As a member of numerous bar association, Jonah lends her voice to speaking engagements for local law schools and association events. As a speaker, Jonah has much to discuss; as an accomplished woman, but also, as a Filipino American. Jonah has had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get where she is today.

“I work in the male-dominated field of securities and financial services, and people don’t always expect to see a diminutive, brown-skinned woman on the other side of the table or even when they meet me as their lawyer for the first time. I get underestimated all the time. Like many female attorneys, I have been mistaken for the court reporter or the assistant. It used to bother me, but now, I have come through enough valleys and mountains of my own to know that what I bring to the table is valuable.”

This confidence is key to achieving the many accomplishments that are found in Jonah’s resume. Jonah uses her experience and passion to represent individuals and financial services businesses in a wide range of arbitration, litigation, and advisory matters. If you ask her, however, the biggest accomplishment comes with the role of Mom. With her daughter, Danielle and her son, Christian who admire her impact on their community, it’s highly likely we will be hearing more about the Toleno offspring!

I had to ask Jonah if either of her children had expressed an interest in the field of law? “They inspire me more than they ever will be able to comprehend. They are fun, witty, active in myriad sports, and always pushing me to reach for the stars even as I ask the same of them. They have talked about the possibility of being attorneys but are exploring lots of options still. I do think they would be excellent lawyers because they care deeply about people and justice. Of course, my husband, Doug, and I would be so proud if either of them became one, but at the end of the day, I want them to be fulfilled and healthy, whatever that looks like in their careers.”

It is quite obvious to us that Jonah is fulfilled in her

Jonah A. Toleno

LEGAL POWERHOUSE

By Jaime V. Habert

Photos Courtesy of Jonah A. Toleno

own career, and after speaking with her, I had to know if she had any advice for us upand-coming career women. “Be open to possibilities and different experiences. Don’t sell yourself short. You never know what amazing opportunity might be awaiting you if just remain open to it.”

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Chief Sonar Technician KRYSTLE HARRIS

Chief Petty Officer Krystle Harris serves as the Divisional Chief Petty Officer for Combat Acoustics Division on board USS Sampson (DDG 102) which is deployed conducting Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations. A native of Chicago, she enlisted in the Navy in 1999 out of a passionate desire to serve her country. She quickly realized that the Navy provided her with the opportunity to achieve her full potential and has taken full advantage of that opportunity. In your first encounter with her, you can see her genuine enthusiasm and inherent leadership she projects which brings out the best in her Sailors. The Navy benefited from this when she requested to be stationed at Recruit Training Command where she was the first encounter for recruits and provided a positive influence before they headed out into the Fleet. On board Sampson, her philosophy of empowerment, ownership, and accountability has been the key contributor to the Division’s and ship’s success. While she is in her element serving aboard a warship ensuring her Division and Sailors succeed, it does come at a personal cost. It is a sacrifice many mothers are forced to make and live with, that of leaving a child behind for long periods of time. As painful as it is at times, she continues down that path to ensure her son, and all sons and daughters, has the opportunity for a safe upbringing. It is also proof that you can be happy and successful doing both. She continues to personify the best characteristics we seek in leaders and the Navy is fortunate to have her being a positive role model and bringing out the best in our Sailors. Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class

KATELEN NORRIS

Katelen Norris, born in Ventura County, Calif., was destined to be a Boatswain’s Mate after enlisting in the Navy on July 2013. The BM rating is one of the oldest and richest rates in the United States Navy. She is currently serving at Beachmaster Unit ONE in Coronado, Calif., as the salvage officer, responsible for directing the landing and movement of troops, equipment and supplies over the beach, and directing salvage operations in the surf. She exhibits the same character, courage and leadership abilities that Medal of Honor recipient BM1 James Elliot Williams demonstrated during the Vietnam War. Growing up in the military community of Ventura, she was positively influenced through Navy outreach and volunteer programs. Motivated by these experiences, she enlisted in the Navy after earning two associate degrees. She seizes every opportunity to give back to the local and overseas communities through Navy community service programs. In 2016, she deployed on board the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), where she earned her Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In the fall of 2017, she opened her home to family members and friends who were displaced after losing their homes in Southern California wild fires. BM2 Norris recently returned from a successful deployment to the Middle East where she participated in Exercise Native Fury 2018 and worked with the U.S. Marine Corps and United Arab Emirates forces.

LT KAYLEE SNYDER

Lt. Kailey Snyder, from Birmingham, Ala., is currently serving as the Operations Officer in the world’s most advanced warship, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). As a Surface Warfare Officer, she deployed four times in USS Decatur (DDG 73) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Enduring Freedom and in USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) including Operation Tomodachi in response to the deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Most recently, she was forward deployed in USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) conducting maritime presence and ballistic missile operations in US Seventh Fleet. Lt. Snyder is the daughter of US Navy veterans. Her mother enlisted in 1974, served on active duty for 5 years, and was her inspiration to choose the path of military service, a road less traveled but full of opportunities to meet people from all over the world, be challenged, and serve alongside the best America has.

LT. MIRANDA WILLIAMS

Lt. Miranda Williams, right, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, has served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 24 years, enlisting as a journalist with plans to see the world and pay for college. She has been stationed in a variety of assignments including on the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during Operation Enduring Freedom and on the hospital ship USNS Mercy (TA-19). She earned her commission as an officer in 2008 and currently works as the public affairs officer for Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE in San Diego, California. She and her husband, a retired U.S. Marine, have two daughters and they are all active volunteers in their community. Last year Lt. Williams conducted more than 500 hours of volunteer service at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, a local youth organization which empowers young women, and her local church. Highlights of her volunteer service include organizing bi-annual community mental health events and opening a community food box to help fight food insecurity.

LTJG CARA FISHER

Lt. j.g. Cara Fisher, from Highland, Md., is serving as the electrical officer on Pre-commissioning Unit Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). As a young officer, she leads a division of Sailors that maintain and repair the ship’s complex electrical distribution system. She’s a mature, effervescent, and polished officer that gets the job done right every time and is one of the most respected members of the crew. In addition to her duties as the Electrical Officer, she stands watch as one of the ship’s three Officers of the Deck - the person responsible to the commanding officer for the safe navigation of the ship as it sails the high seas. Lt. j.g. Fisher is the daughter of an Army veteran that was raised near the United States Naval Academy. During her junior year in high school, she attended a summer seminar at the Academy and fell in love with the institution. She relishes the opportunity to lead, work with, and learn from other Sailors. Her family is immensely proud of her achievements as a Naval Officer, especially her 1 year old niece that shouts out “ship” when asked where Aunt Cara is. She has over 20 family members and friends coming to support her at the ship’s upcoming Commissioning ceremony in Charleston, S.C. Working with motivated Sailors that are willing to serve their country has always been inspiring to Cara and keeps her excited to show up to work every day.

Informations Systems Technician 2nd Class WHITLEY EDGE

Whitley Edge joined the U.S. Navy from Indian Land, S.C., and is currently assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 at Camp Pendleton, Calif. as an Information Technician. After completing her teaching degree, she taught for 5 years in Columbia, S.C. Edge She wanted to enhance her career options and felt the U.S. Navy meet her career goals by training her in the information technologies field. She is engaged to IT2 James Riley who is currently stationed at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HMS) Weapons School, North Island, Calif. She wants the American public to know that no matter where you are from, you always have the opportunity to succeed especially being a Female and you have the opportunity to influence other females.

Personnel Specialist 1st Class ANTIRA MASSENBURG

Antira Massenburg, left, is a native of Los Angeles, California. The eldest of eight siblings, she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Sidfred and Sonia Gordon. PS1 Massenburg is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Elementary Education. Her desire to be part of something greater than herself and give something back to others led her to enlist in the Navy as a Machinist Mate in 2009 and converted to the rate of Personnel Specialist in 2012. She is currently stationed at Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One in San Diego, California and serves as Train-to-Qualify Department’s Leading Petty Officer and Education Service Officer (ESO). Her responsibilities include pay and personnel needs of over 1,800 Sailors for 26 commands. PS1 Massenburg is married and has one daughter. Her philosophy is that you can do whatever you set your mind to, and it is possible to be a wife, a mother, and to maintain a successful career.

Chief Electronics Technician JODI GEIBEL

Chief Electronics Technician Jodi Geibel was born was raised in Omaha, Neb., and is a single mother of 2 and is currently attached to Assault Craft Unit 5. She attended the University of Nebraska for a year and a half before joining the United States Navy in July 2000 in search of discipline, structure, and sound guidance. Chief Geibel served as Sea Service Leadership Association from 2011-2017 and was recently elected to the position of Executive Vice President. Co-Chaired the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium and is the Chair of the 2018 JWLS which garners over 1,000 services members from all five branches, including international allied service members. As part of the Enlisted Leadership Foundation, she was an LPO Academy Instructor 2015-2016 and now an LPO Academy Mentor and a committee member of the CPO Legacy Academy. In 2012, ETC was recognized as Instructor the Year and in 2013 the National Association of Professional Women’s Woman of the Year.

Master at Arms 2nd Class ADDISON BREW

Addison Brew, from Murfreesboro, Tenn., is currently assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 at Camp Pendleton, Ca. as a Force Protection Specialist. She joined the U.S. Navy after high school. The events of September 11, 2001 influenced her do something bigger in life and to serve her country. She wants the American public to know that there are strong female leaders in today’s military and their contributions every day are shaping the future of our military services and country. She is married to Marine Cpl. Matthew Brew and they have an 8 month old son named Jameson.

Electrician’s Mate 1st Class JESSICA BUCHANAN

Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Jessica Buchanan of Buna, Texas, has served ten years in the U.S. Navy. She is currently assigned to the Independence variant littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) in San Diego, California. EM1 Buchanan maintains the electrical power generation and distribution systems onboard the ship and was recently selected as the ship’s Sailor of the Quarter. Previously she completed an Individual Augmentee tour in detainee operations as a corrections officer at Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. EM1 Buchanan joined the Navy at the age of 26 to help pay for her education and earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration in March 2017. She remains in the Navy because of the many opportunities she has had to advance and succeed. The Navy is a family affair for the Buchanans - her sister has served as a U.S. Navy Gas Systems Mechanic for the past ten years.

LCDR CATHERINE REPPERT

Lt. Cmdr. Catherine Repport hails from Westport, Mass. and earned a commission into the United States Navy through the United States Naval Academy in 2002. Lt. Cmdr. Reppert is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of USS Ardent (MCM 12), a Mine Countermeasures ship consisting of an all-male crew, except her, totaling 92 Sailors and is homeported in San Diego, California. She’s been drawn to the ocean since a young age and the Navy, with its superior mariners and leadership opportunities, proved an ideal career. Through her service on four ships and three overseas deployments, she’s continually impressed by the professionalism, character, and work ethic of her shipmates. She challenges her crew and herself every day to excel and thoroughly loves her job. She is married to Matthew Garcia-Bragiel, who is also a naval officer on active duty serving on board USS John P Murtha (LPD 26) as the Operations Officer. They have a daughter, Charlotte, who recently turned two.