Three respected executives in the business community, Mari Fassett, Pamela Kellogg, and Rebecca Hall, will participate in a panel discussion during the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2025 Women of Influence on Thursday, March 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel, to share their perspectives on “Leadership Through a Different Lens,” the theme of the 2025 event.
Meet the 2025 Women of Influence panelists:
Mari Fassett, Founder & CEO, Marimix
Through mail-order, tradeshows, and word of mouth, Marimix, a healthy snack mix product line, landed at Target and Nordstrom, long before social platforms like TikTok connected shoppers with brands. After suffering a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from a ruptured brain aneurysm, Fassett defied expectations and made a full recovery. Instead of dwelling on the "what-ifs," she embraced "what now" and shifted her focus to the possibilities of Marimix growing beyond its roots as a seasonal gift and flourishing as a lifestyle brand, reflecting approachable wellness and carefree fun. She rebranded and offered a new collection of regionally inspired flavors of certified gluten-free snacks made of 100% clean ingredients. Every recipe is plant-based and with no high fructose corn syrup, transfats, or artificial anything.
Through mail-order, tradeshows, and word of mouth, Marimix, a healthy snack mix product line, landed at Target and Nordstrom, long before social platforms like TikTok connected shoppers with brands. After suffering a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from a ruptured brain aneurysm, Fassett defied expectations and made a full recovery. Instead of dwelling on the "what-ifs," she embraced "what now" and shifted her focus to the possibilities of Marimix growing beyond its roots as a seasonal gift and flourishing as a lifestyle brand, reflecting approachable wellness and carefree fun. She rebranded and offered a new collection of regionally inspired flavors of certified gluten-free snacks made of 100% clean ingredients. Every recipe is plant-based and with no high fructose corn syrup, transfats, or artificial anything.
Rebecca Hall, President & CEO, Idea Hall
Hall founded Idea Hall, a nationally recognized creative communications agency committed to championing good both at home in Orange County and nationwide through an integrated model that brings marketing, branding, public relations, and advertising services together under one roof. For more than two decades, she has earned the reputation of being one of the first and most successful female entrepreneurs in the county. She attributes her success to staying ahead, constantly innovating, and maintaining strong relationships. Hall and her team have worked with some of OC’s most established commercial real estate businesses, as well as non-profits, taking on some of the county’s biggest issues—including workforce development and mental health. The agency has also attracted top local talent through its strong corporate culture, where people come first.
Hall founded Idea Hall, a nationally recognized creative communications agency committed to championing good both at home in Orange County and nationwide through an integrated model that brings marketing, branding, public relations, and advertising services together under one roof. For more than two decades, she has earned the reputation of being one of the first and most successful female entrepreneurs in the county. She attributes her success to staying ahead, constantly innovating, and maintaining strong relationships. Hall and her team have worked with some of OC’s most established commercial real estate businesses, as well as non-profits, taking on some of the county’s biggest issues—including workforce development and mental health. The agency has also attracted top local talent through its strong corporate culture, where people come first.
Pamela Kellogg, Owner & CEO, Designers Resource Collection
Kellogg created an interior design showroom empire, developing Designers Resource Collection into the largest multi-line showroom that offers goods from over 250 lines in every furnishing category on the West Coast. Working alongside her father and learning the business from the ground up, she took the reins of Designers Resource Collection and brought a vision for growth—becoming the sole owner and CEO—growing the company from four employees to 50 and over 45,000 square feet of showroom space in Orange County and San Diego. For more than 20 years, she has been leading the charge with this vision to provide outstanding customer service along with an extraordinary selection of industry-leading products and brands.
A dynamic speaker and respected business leader in her own right, Danni Remington Smithson, executive vice president and regional manager of California Bank of Commerce’s Irvine Regional Office, will serve as master of ceremonies and moderate the Women of Influence panel.
John Wayne Airport Director Charlene Reynolds will deliver the keynote address during the 2025 Women of Influence event.
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. 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.
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.
