Top Ten - Marjaree Mason Center

The 40th Annual Top Ten Professional Women and Leading Business Awards

The Top Ten Professional Women & Leading Business Awards, presented by CalViva Health, are a hallmark awards that highlights the achievements and commitment of individuals who have raised the bar in their professions and enriched the lives of others.

The 40th Annual Top Ten Professional Women and Leading Business Awards ceremony will take place at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center in the New Exhibit Hall on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, commencing at 11 am.

This event does not only provide recognition to individuals and organizations but also serve as a platform to inspire others and promote the values of leadership, excellence, and community service. The 40th Anniversary Top Ten event will pay tribute to ten women who have excelled professionally, served as role models and given back to their communities, as well as one business for its support of women and women's issues. They join an alumni class that has greatly impacted the Central Valley community over the last four decades.

2023 Honorees

These exceptional individuals have been selected to receive this prestigious recognition based on their outstanding contributions and remarkable dedication to their respective fields. All honorees were nominated by their peers in the community who firmly believe in their deservingness of such an accolade for their exceptional work.

2023 Top Ten Professional Women Honorees sponsored by U.S. Bank:

Lisa Casarez-Austin, MSW
CEO and Founder,
Angels of Grace, Foster Family Agency

Julie Cleeland
CEO,
Eye-Q Vision Care

Gina Cuttone
Owner/President,
Barthuli & Associates Insurance Services, Inc.

Jené D'Ambrosio
President/Co-Owner,
D'Ambrosio Trading, Inc.

Joy J. Goto, Ph.D.
Interim Dean,
Division of Research and Graduate Studies, California State University, Fresno

Marissa Jackson
Police Sergeant,
City of Fresno Police Department

Graciela Moreno
News Anchor/Reporter,
KFSN-TV/ABC 30

Honorable Keshia Thomas
Trustee, Fresno Unified School District
and Executive Director, Fresno Career Development Institute

Deonna Villegas-McPeters, MSW, LCSW
Director, Patient and Family Services, Social Work, Interpreter Services, Child Life and Spiritual Care, Valley Children's Healthcare

Nicole Zieba
City Manager,
City of Reedley

2023 Leading Business:

Hinds Hospice
Represented by Eric Klimes, MBA, CEO

This year’s keynote speaker, sponsored by Valley Children’s Healthcare, is Leslie Morgan Steiner, a highly acclaimed New York Times best-selling author, a renowned columnist for The Washington Post and AARP, a former corporate executive, and an inspiring domestic violence survivor. Her TedTalk “Why Domestic Violence Victims Don’t Leave” has over 10 million views. She brings a unique perspective to the conversation surrounding domestic violence and empowers audiences through her personal journey and professional expertise.

Steiner's memoir, "Crazy Love," has resonated with readers worldwide, shedding light on the complexities of abusive relationships and inspiring countless individuals to seek help and take action. As a domestic violence survivor, she brings a profound understanding of survivors' challenges and a message of hope for a brighter future.

Her remarkable story of resilience and dedication to advocating for survivors of domestic violence align with Marjaree Mason Center's mission and her presence will undoubtedly inspire and empower those in attendance.

Purchase Tickets

Click the button below for more information on the various sponsorship opportunities available in support of this event and all those impacted by the work of the Marjaree Mason Center.

Sponsorship Opportunities