{"id":82955,"date":"2025-12-05T17:04:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T17:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/82955\/"},"modified":"2025-12-05T17:04:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T17:04:15","slug":"fullerton-to-celebrate-women-leaders-at-annual-leadership-forum-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/82955\/","title":{"rendered":"Fullerton to Celebrate Women Leaders at Annual Leadership Forum"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Community and civic leaders will gather on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, for the 21st Annual Fullerton Women\u2019s Leadership Forum (FWLF)\u2014 one of the city\u2019s most anticipated celebrations of women who make a lasting impact on their community. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fullerton Community Center Grand Hall, 340 W. Commonwealth Ave.<\/p>\n

Hosted by Fullerton Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shana Charles, City Councilwoman Jamie Valencia, and the Woman\u2019s Club of Fullerton (WCOF), the forum is a free community event that drew more than 200 attendees in 2024, including city and state officials.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Fullerton Women\u2019s Leadership Forum is an incredible opportunity to bring together women from all walks of life to share experiences, strengthen connections, and inspire one another to lead with confidence and purpose,\u201d said Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shana Charles. \u201cI\u2019m proud to help create a space where women can empower each other and celebrate their collective achievements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Councilwoman Jamie Valencia added, \u201cI\u2019m honored to co-host this event in Fullerton, a city that continues to nurture strong, talented women who make a difference in our community every day. The Women\u2019s Leadership Forum is a reflection of that spirit of leadership and service.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event carries forward a strong legacy. Two decades ago, when she was a Fullerton City Councilwoman,\u00a0California State Assemblywoman\u00a0Sharon Quirk-Silva\u00a0launched the FWLF to honor women shaping Fullerton\u2019s future.\u00a0<\/p>\n

She continued to lead the FWLF along with\u00a0former City Council Member Pam Keller,\u00a0former Council Member Jan Flory,\u00a0former Mayor Jennifer Fitzgerald, and the\u00a0Woman\u2019s Club of Fullerton.\u00a0This year, the torch has been passed on to a new generation of leaders.<\/p>\n

\u201cFullerton has always been a city of women who roll up their sleeves and make things happen,\u201d said Jane Rands, FWLF Planning Committee Chair and WCOF member. \u201cThis forum is about recognizing that spirit and ensuring it continues to inspire the next generation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva said, \u201cI would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year\u2019s honorees of the Fullerton Women\u2019s Leadership Forum. As the original founder of the event, I am incredibly proud to see Councilmembers Dr. Shana Charles and Jamie Valencia carrying forward the mission of recognizing extraordinary women in our community who exemplify leadership and service. I also wish to thank the Women\u2019s Club of Fullerton for their steadfast commitment to growing this event and fostering a space that uplifts and inspires women to be catalysts for change within their communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

That spirit\u2014captured in the WCOF motto, \u201cthe power of women\u201d\u2014is reflected in this year\u2019s honorees:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u2022 Saskia Kennedy \u2013 Community Connector
Editor of the Fullerton Observer, Kennedy amplifies the voices of residents and drives civic engagement through community journalism.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u2022 Allison Ritto \u2013 Leadership in Business
Ritto champions small businesses through fundraisers and pop-ups that blend commerce, creativity, and community.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u2022 Robin Rush \u2013 Humanitarian Award
As Founding CEO of Recovery Road, Inc., Rush has built a service network providing food and support to more than 70,000 people annually.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u2022 Jane Reifer \u2013 Lifetime Leadership Award
A tireless preservationist, Reifer helped save the Fox Fullerton Theatre and Hunt Branch Library while advocating for sustainable growth.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u2022 Christina Garner \u2013 Leadership in the Arts
Founder of the Urban Village Project, Garner enriches the city\u2019s cultural landscape through arts and community collaboration.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u2022 Dr. Debra Stout \u2013 Leadership in Nonprofits
As Executive Director of the Fullerton Collaborative and CSUF psychology professor, Stout unites organizations tackling homelessness, early childhood needs, and community wellness.<\/p>\n

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Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, wine, and networking opportunities, along with the chance to meet local nonprofit leaders. Adding to the evening\u2019s charm, Interim City Manager Eddie Manfroe, Police Chief Jon Radus, and Fire Chief Adam Loeser will serve wine to guests.<\/p>\n

For event details, sponsorship opportunities, or registration, visit https:\/\/wcof.club\/fullertonwomenleadership\/<\/a> or contact info@WCOF.club<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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