Through its Women of Influence awards program, the Greater Irvine Chamber recognizes and empowers women to lead and succeed in their lives, businesses, and communities.
Meet the 2025 Women of Influence honorees and some of what their nominators had to say about them:
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
Dr. Cynthia West, Director, Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, and Clinical Associate Professor, Chapman University
“In her first year as director, Dr. West re-invigorated the Leatherby Center by raising more than $2.2 million dollars in external funding, which has helped scale and launch new programs, create greater awareness of these programs, and provide equitable access to more individuals from underrepresented communities. Dr. West has launched eight new programs for entrepreneurs at the Leatherby Center, including those focused on women leadership and first-generation monolingual entrepreneurs. It is part of her wider commitment to empower entrepreneurs from underserved populations, including female founders, people of color, veterans, individuals with disabilities, first-generation immigrants and college students, and others.”
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Daniela Schardinger, Founder & CEO, ELAFY Consulting LLC
“Daniela serves on the NIH & Gates Foundation Innovation Equity Steering Committee, where she has been a driving force in shaping policies to advance global women’s health. Her expertise contributed to pivotal reports produced in collaboration with the WEF and McKinsey as well as the NIH and Gates Foundation. Daniela has also played an integral role in the Annual WEF Women’s Health Alliance meeting, bringing together global leaders to address urgent issues in women’s health. Her insights and strategic contributions have guided the development of actionable priorities, helping to foster collaboration among governments, industry leaders, and innovators to drive equitable healthcare advancements.”
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Annette Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, City of Hope Orange County
“Annette is a healthcare executive with more than 15 years of experience in strategy, business development, product development, strategy execution, organizational transformation, clinical operations, HR, IT and finance. As City of Hope Orange County employee #2, she was instrumental in implementing the strategic vision for the organization, ensuring that more than 33,000 patients have received care at City of Hope OC since Jan. 2020. She is a key leader in City of Hope’s $1.5 billion expansion in Orange County, which includes an academic cancer campus in Irvine, an advanced network of cancer care, and Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital opening in 2025.”
GAME CHANGER OF THE YEAR
Timorei Spaulding, Co-Founder, Co-Owner, I AM Movement, LLC
“Timorei serves the special needs community. As co-founder/co-owner of I AM Movement, a gym for adults with special needs & the elderly, she connects people to resources like driving evaluations, disability transportation, grants, etc. She has led multiple demonstrations at the Parkinsons Foundation Moving Day event and Mariners Church’s Exceptional People socials. Timorei mentors physical therapy and occupational therapy students from Stanbridge University, Chapman University, and St. Augustine’s, so they can earn fieldwork hours while learning about the populations I AM Movement serves.”
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Suzanna Tashiro Choi, President & CEO, Tashiro Choi & Associates
“As the founder of Tashiro Choi & Associates, a leading multi-cultural marketing company, Suzanna has shaped the Orange County business landscape for over three decades, establishing herself as a steadfast advocate for diversity and inclusion. Her career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering equitable opportunities within large corporations. Her pioneering efforts in developing and implementing diversity initiatives have influenced corporate culture, driving significant progress in inclusion and representation across industries. Suzanna’s influence extends into her active involvement in community organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County and the Small Business Diversity Network. As President of the Asian Business Association of Orange County, she continues to champion economic and educational advancement, further solidifying her role as a catalyst for positive change. In addition to her remarkable professional accomplishments, Suzanna serves as a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to leadership roles. Her visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence motivates others to break barriers and pursue their ambitions with confidence.”
The 2025 Women of Influence honorees will be presented awards at the event held on Thursday, March 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., in Newport Beach. Registration closes Thursday, March 6.
John Wayne Airport Director Charlene Reynolds will deliver the keynote address during the 2025 Women of Influence event, sharing her perspective on “Leadership Through a Different Lens,” the theme of the 2025 event.
A dynamic speaker and respected business leader in the community and her industry, Danni Remington Smithson, executive vice president and regional manager of California Bank of Commerce Irvine Regional Office, will serve as master of ceremonies and moderate a panel of women who will discuss finding success in leadership roles.
In addition to inspirational presentations by accomplished women who lead in their industry, the program will include ample opportunity to network with professional women (and men) from diverse industries while enjoying a plated lunch.
City of Hope Orange County, the diamond-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber, is the presenting sponsor for the 2025 Women of Influence event.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Courtney Nakagawa.
