North Bay Diversity in Business Awards inaugural winners announced
North Bay Business Journal announces the winners of its first Diversity in Business Awards.
Historically, the North Bay Business Journal has annually hosted the Latino and Pride business leadership awards events. However, with the goal of celebrating inclusivity, the Diversity in Business Awards were created to honor and recognize all demographic backgrounds and areas of diversity.
Nominations started in late July from members of the business community throughout the North Bay for company leaders or organizations.
The Individual Award is for those who create a positive impact through their work. They will be honored for their contributions to business as they empower those around them in the workplace or their community.
The Company Award honors organizations that show a commitment to opportunity for employees of any demographic, an exemplary dedication to diversity, equity and belonging.
On Oct. 25, the Business Journal will be hosting its first Diversity in Business Awards event, to be held at The Backdrop, a venue at Becoming Independent in Santa Rosa. The event will begin at 4 p.m. with a networking reception, followed by the awards presentation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at nbbj.news/diversity23.
Presenting partners for the event are Redwood Credit Union, Comcast, and Graton Resort and Casino. Gold-level partners are Exchange Bank and DPF Law, and Silver partner is the YMCA. Venue partner is The Backdrop at Becoming Independent.
Individual Award winners
- Alexis Frausto, branch manager, Exchange Bank
- Carson Amiral, financial adviser, Northwestern Mutual
- Chase Overholt, director of development, Positive Images
- Christopher Kren-Mora, president and director of marketing, Sonoma County Pride; CEO, Feisty Media Inc.
- Cinthya Cisneros, CEO, La Cheve Bakery & Brews
- Denee Locke, professional artist, Becoming Independent
- Khalid Acheckzai, CEO and president, Poppy Bank
- Mariana G. Martinez, CEO, MGM PhD Consulting LLC; director, Mendocino College CAMP; and trustee, Santa Rosa Junior College
- Mishel Kaufman, chief administrative and risk officer, Redwood Credit Union
- Pedro Toledo, chief administrative officer, Petaluma Health Center
- Rosario Avila, senior benefits adviser and Spanish Language Division lead, Arrow Benefits Group
- Rupa Jack, executive director, Morgan Stanley
- Ruth Wilson, branch manager, Tri Counties Bank
- Sarah A. Lynn; partner in charge; BPM LLP
- Shany Cruz, vice president of acquisitions, Intervine
Company Award winners
- Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa
- Graton Resort and Casino, Rohnert Park
- Hernandez Realty Co., Guerneville
- MCE, San Rafael
- North Marin Community Services, Novato
- Quattrocchi Kwok Architects, Santa Rosa
- Sonoma County Library, Rohnert Park
- Summit State Bank, Santa Rosa
- Tekberry, Santa Rosa
- The Spahr Center, Corte Madera
- TLC Child and Family Services, Sebastopol
- 4Cs Sonoma County, Santa Rosa
