Soroptimist International of Central Solano County

Kamryn Moore VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD RUNNER-UP

Kamryn Moore enjoys collaborating on projects and sharing ideas with her peers in the Fairfield High School Leadership Program.

And for this senior, there is no shortage of noble causes to support.

Moore helped coordinate a Banda Night for Hispanic and Latinx families in the community. She held an online game night for students during the Covid-19 pandemic, raised money to help 2020 victims of the Solano County wildfires, assisted with the faith-based Operation Christmas Child gift and toy drive, and coordinated a local blood drive.

The leadership program this year is creating and donating hygiene kits for the local homeless population.

For all her service to the community, Moore was named runner-up by Soroptimist International of Central Solano County for the Violet Richardson Award. The award is

Alicia Burton LIVING YOUR DREAM AWARD RUNNER-UP

Alicia Burton is looking forward to completing her college work to finally start building her dream career, which is to open a transitional housing business or basic needs center for unhoused youth in our community.

“When I was 15 years old I was kicked out of my house, and I dropped out of school,” she said.

For a time she slept at bus stops and couch surfed with friends. Eventually she returned to high school and managed to graduate on time.

“There is nothing out there for the youth,” Burton said.

As a single mother of three teenagers ranging from ages 13 to 15, juggling two jobs and studying human services at Solano Community College full time, she is stretched thin. The Living Your Dream Award is helping to alleviate some of her financial issues.

Burton lost her job in 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but found an opportunity that was unexpected.

“I realized if I wasn’t going to have a career in the field I was in, that it was time to change fields,” she said.

Burton has a few hurdles to accomplish the first completion of an associate degree in human services. Then she plans to work toward obtaining a master’s degree in counseling or social work.

The money from Soroptimist International of Central Solano County will give her the stepping stone to paying for her college needs.

“I was terrified to start this journey,” she said.

Many of her barriers and challenges that have been overcome are directly related to pandemic-related health issues and substantial income and job loss.

Burton has experienced tremendous loss with the death of her son in February 2022. She also lost her sister-in-law to Covid in August. That same month, her mother was in the ICU for four months with Covid.

“My family and I faced the possibility of taking her off life support,” she said.

Thankfully, she survived but for a long time Burton was her caretaker.

“She is all better but it was tough,” Burton said.

The hardships created a domino effect on her finances, eventually wiping out her savings.

“This scholarship will help me to get back on track financially and alleviate the stress that comes from that burden, so I can focus on completing my degree,” she said.

Once Burton receives her associate degree in human services, she can transfer to a four-year program to complete her bachelor’s degree, then get a bachelor’s degree in counseling or master of social work degree.

Despite being overwhelmed at times, Burton has been given an opportunity to better her life with the help of Living Your Dream Award.

handed out each year by Soroptimist Clubs to 14- to 18-year-old women who display the very best in volunteerism.

“They told me they were astonished by all the volunteer work that I’ve been able to do,” Moore said by telephone. “I was surprised because I don’t know how I compare to some other people in the community. Other people have done so much more.”

Moore said being a part of the leadership program has been a blessing. They have created many different ways to give back to their community.

“A lot of ideas have come out of the program,” Moore said. “We want to create change and we thought these programs were a good way to give back. That’s why I want to pursue teaching, so I can give back to the next generation.”

Moore said that more than 50% of the student body reports as Hispanic/Latinx. The annual Banda Night offers a free opportunity for families to get together with a live Banda band and food vendors. She also helped coordinate multiple online events during Covid but found great success with a game night that drew 100 students to the virtual get-together.

The fire relief drive raised $2,000 for those in need after the fires. She also gathered eligible sign-ups for those participating in the blood drive. And due to the Covid pandemic, local hospitals were earnestly calling for blood donations at the time.

Moore said the hygiene and personal care kits will be donated to local shelters and charities for the homeless.

“My main role is to plan, organize and execute,” she wrote in her application letter. “I can truly say that during my time in high school, I have given back so much to the community by planning and organizing all these events.”

Jamie Wilborn

LIVING YOUR DREAM AWARD RUNNER-UP

Jaime Wilborn, 35, is looking forward to a brighter future for herself and her son.

As a single mom, she has made a lot of sacrifices to get where she is today, working toward a nursing degree so she can help others.

Wilborn is a runner-up for the Soroptimist International of Central Solano County’s Living Your Dream Award. The prize money will help with expenses and school.

“Little things have fallen . . . my job, my home in making this choice to do this two-year program,” she said. “I just keep telling myself it’s only temporary.”

The award is given to assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families.

Wilborn is studying nursing at Solano Community College full time, working toward her dream of helping those in underserved communities as a school nurse, a nurse educator or to work in pediatrics. The program is basically a full-time job without pay.

“My goal after graduation is to pass the state board test called the NCLEX in 2024 and obtain my RN license. I am not sure which direction I would like to go in the nursing field because it is so broad and I am still learning about all the different nursing avenues. I think I would love being to be a school nurse, a nurse educator or working in labor and delivery,” she said.

Wilborn is a native of Fairfield, graduating from Rodriguez High School.

“I was shocked and surprised when I received the letter that I won,” she said.

Wilborn previously graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in business in 2014 and went to work in her dream job at Partnership HealthPlan of California, a nonprofit organization.

“They help low-income people get insurance,” she said. “I loved it but they couldn’t work with my school schedule and I had to leave.”

It was a huge decision to sacrifice her full-time job to return to school to get a nursing degree and get licensed. She has a year and a half until she has completed the program.

“I have been homeless, so I know how hard it can be,” she said.

Wilborn and her 14-year-old son Kai were living out of a car for a while when a friend offered to let her stay at his place while she attends school. She helps around the house and pays a small rent.

“We were in a one-bedroom apartment,” she said. “We were outgrowing it and wanted to find a two-bedroom but quitting my job meant that couldn’t happen.”

Wilborn did not qualify for any loans and struggled to find scholarships.

“This award means the world to me,” she said. “It will help pay off my books and other bills.”

Wilborn said she wants to have a career where she can help people by making a bigger difference in their lives.

Helen Pierson

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4100 www.medicambulance.net | helen@medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Helen Pierson is the CEO of Medic Ambulance Service Inc., with 35 years in the industry. She’s part of the second generation of the family that founded the company in 1979 in Solano County. The company has since expanded to include a significant footprint in Sacramento County.

Pierson focuses first on the Medic Ambulance team’s ability to serve people who need first-responder care. That’s evident by the various accolades Medic and members of the Medic team have garnered over the years.

“My best goal would be to know that my employees saved a life and were able to keep everyone healthy and safe,” she says. “It is important to me that Medic Ambulance continues to hold up the high standards that we believe in and focus on the people of Solano County.”

Pierson’s advice to those coming into the industry is to get along with everyone, get along with all agencies and remember the reason they are in this business is for patient care. Pierson is currently chairwoman of Leadership Vallejo and is a past president and current member of the

Sandra Whaley

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4104 www.medicambulance.net | sandy@medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Sandra Whaley has been with Medic Ambulance Service Inc. for 25 years. She worked initially as a billing specialist and was repositioned in 2006 to the communications center. She is an emergency medical dispatcher, has been the manager of the center and is now the company’s vice president of communications.

Whaley got into the field to serve, something she carries through into her personal life.

“I love helping people and wanted a career where I could do that,” she says. “I am not good with blood, though, so this way I can help people behind the scenes.”

Her goal each day is to ensure that Medic’s patients receive an ambulance in a timely manner, either for an emergency call or so that they can get back home, and that they receive safe transport to their destination.

Whaley has learned a great deal about the industry through her work at Medic Ambulance, and she is free with sharing what she has learned.

“To those coming into this industry, you need to make sure that you have empathy for the people who are calling,” she says. “Some of them are calling in on the most difficult day of their life. Our job is to guide them through giving us the right information so that we can get help to them quickly.”

That level of care and professionalism pushes Whaley both at work and in the community.

“I would like to be known for helping our dispatch center be internationally accredited as an accredited center of excellence through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch. Currently, we are the only dispatch center in Solano County to achieve this,” she says.

Whaley strives to make decisions and take actions with an eye on both the present and the future.

“I would love to focus my passion on my girls and younger children and show them the importance of being in the medical field and let them know that there are not only the EMTs, paramedics and nurses, but dispatchers also play a vital role in this industry,” she says. “Outside of the medical field, I am a member of the Fairfield HOST Lions, the Community Healthcare Board for Solano County, the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Rebuilding Together Solano County Board.”

Her plans for the future?

“Still working in the community at Medic and as a Lion, trying to make the world a better place,” she says. “I would like my legacy to be one of trust, dependability and integrity.”

Vallejo Rotary Club.

She also focuses internally while keeping an eye on big-picture issues.

“I would like for my employees to know that I have an open-door policy and that together we can accomplish being the best company possible for all of Solano County,” she says. “I would like to educate our Legislature on what is going on with health care reimbursement.”

Pierson sees herself remaining involved in the business for several years. She plans to enjoy watching the next generation of Medic Ambulance and guide them “as I gaze into the ocean.”

As to how she’d like to be remembered?

“I would like my legacy to be that I was active in the community and always willing to help better the community of Solano County,” she says. “2020 and 2021 were years like no other in Medic’s history.”

Pierson makes note of the difficulties the company faced in 2020 and 2021 and continues to face today: “Our employees are the best in the world, and they very much showed it,” she says. “Their resiliency and dedication is truly inspiring and it drives me every day. I am so proud.”

Cynthia McBride

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4109 www.medicambulance.net | cmcbride@medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Cynthia McBride is the vice president for quality at Medic Ambulance Service Inc. and has been closely involved in Medic’s QI program for 16 years and with the company for 25 years.

She reviews high acuity PCRs and oversees the communication pathways from the CQI team to the field. She attends local county regulatory meetings and assures all quality reports are submitted in a timely manner to those agencies.

McBride brings a strong background to her current role. She worked at the University of California, Davis Medical Center as a registered nurse in the Accelerated Access and Emergency Departments. She also serves as a critical care transport nurse and oversees Medic’s Critical Care and ALS Registered Nursing programs. She holds a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from Samuel Merritt College.

She got into nursing in large part due to family ties to the company and based on her family experience.

“Helping people has always been my passion. The fact that Medic is a family business helps. I grew up here; coming to work with my mother at times and beginning my working years helping in the billing office. Growing up watching the paramedics and EMTs do their jobs was fascinating. The fact that they were able to provide care and help in people’s times of need and saving lives every shift was an inspiration,”

Kristi Kendall-Jones

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

1001 Texas St., Suite C, Fairfield | 707-862-2507 kkendall@medicambulance.net | www.medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Kristi Kendall-Jones has been in the industry for some 30 years and has served in her current position for 12 years as vice president of finance for Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

Kendall-Jones’ desire to serve others helped guide her to the profession.

“I am part of a family business and grew up in the ambulance industry,” she says. “I have always enjoyed health care and numbers and my current position allows me to be successful at both of those. I enjoy helping people in our community as well as crunching numbers in my office.”

Kendall-Jones describes success as something that can be achieved every day.

“At the end of each day, I strive to feel a sense of accomplishment with my production of work and making sure that I have made a difference with my staff as well as our patients if they need our assistance in dealing with the processes of handling their medical bills as a result of a health care emergency.”

Her advice to those entering the field?

“Be flexible, empathetic, understanding and always strive to learn something each day,” she says. “Our industry changes by the minute and you need to be able to roll with the punches and help move the team forward toward a common goal.”

Kendall-Jones has interests both within the workplace and out in the community.

“I would like to be known for being of assistance to those who need it all while making sure that our business is successful and maintains the level of integrity that we are known for in Solano County for the past 40-plus years,” she says.

“I focus most of my time outside of work on my family and the organizations and causes that I am so happy to be a part of. I am currently on the Loma Vista Farm (Vallejo) board of directors and I thoroughly enjoy being able to give back to the children with education about healthy food, farming and animals. I am also a member of the Vacaville Rotary Club and active on different committees within the club. I also have my own nonprofit related to helping athletes receive funding to continue their athletic careers, whether it be as a youth, high school or college participant.”

Kendall-Jones sees two possibilities as she looks 15 years into the future.

“I’d love to say retired, enjoying my family and traveling the world, but if that doesn’t happen to be possible, then I would like to be continuing to move our family business forward and continue to be a part of community organizations that help the children and young adults of Solano County and surrounding areas,” she says.

As for how Kendall-Jones is remembered?

“I would like my legacy to be that I was part of a successful family business that started with my stepfather and continued through generations to provide the best care to the citizens of Solano County and also to be known as someone who helped out children in need to achieve their goals, either academically or athletically,” she says.

McBride says. “Personally, my family has multiple RNs. I had a pleasant and unpleasant experience with my grandfather while he was in the hospital that really pushed me to move to the nursing aspect. I wanted to be able to help people and be their advocates to ensure they got the care and treatment they needed.”

That goal has carried over into McBride’s work life.

“At the end of the day, my goal is to ensure that all Medic Ambulance employees provide the highest quality care to every single patient they come in contact with during their shift,” she says. “To ensure that as the leader in quality our employees are meeting their goals on our key performance indicators and that we continue to educate and train our staff on all aspects of medical transport care.”

Her advice to those coming into the field? Work hard.

McBride says she would like to be known for being part of a company that wants to provide the best care for all. That feeds into what she hopes is her legacy to the community.

“I would like for Medic to be known as a company that cares for everyone: our employees, our patients, our patients’ families, our other EMS partners (fire and police departments), and our hospital partners,” she says. “We want people to know that Medic is a family and we are there for you with the best quality care when you need us.”

Michelle Catterton

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4115 mcatterton@medicambulance.net www.medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Michelle Catterton has been providing excellent dispatching services to Solano County for nearly nine years at Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

Catterton’s roots lie within Solano County for most of her life. She was born in Fairfield and raised in Vacaville, where she still resides.

She was inspired to come into EMS by the values of her late father, who she idolized. He raised her to be a hardworking, dedicated and caring woman who always strives to be a better person.

Catterton was Dispatcher of the Year and a Star of Life Award recipient in 2018. She recently was promoted to a dispatch supervisor position within the communications center.

When not at work, Catterton is an overachiever in all she sets her mind to. She is a wife and mother of three beautiful children, two of whom are serving our country in the military. If she’s not preparing the latest and greatest meal for her family, attending one of her children’s sporting functions or cheering for the Dodgers, you could find her spending quality time taking memorable photos of her family and friends.

Elisa Martinez

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4150 www.medicambulance.net emartinez@medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Elisa Martinez has been employed with Medic Ambulance Service Inc. since 1999. She has served many roles at Medic Ambulance during her 24 years of service, from MTT to her current position of paramedic field supervisor.

Martinez is loved by all and receives the highest of remarks from her co-workers, subordinates and most of all the patients with whom she interacts. She is a dedicated EMS professional who always puts others first.

She loves spending time with her family and her son Jackson. Her pride and joy is watching her San Francisco Giants and going to Las Vegas to spend time with her family.

Martinez is one of Medic Ambulance’s community paramedics – a new and innovative model in providing health care. She is one of only 250 community paramedics in the state. She dedicated many hours to mandated didactic and clinical training as part of the program, all while still performing her normal job duties as a paramedic supervisor.

Solano County is one of only 25 sites working under a pilot program sponsored by the California EMS Authority and the California Healthcare Foundation. Martinez was recognized by the California Ambulance Association in 2016 as a Star of Life Award recipient.

Kimberly Hartke

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4115 khartke@medicambulance.net www.medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Kimberly Hartke has been a Solano County resident most of her life. She is a loving wife of 18 years, a mother to four amazing children and recently has become a dog mom again.

Hartke is trilingual: fluent in English and Spanish and some American Sign Language. She has been a part of the Medic Ambulance Services Inc. team for nine years as a certified medical dispatcher and has been a dispatcher supervisor for the past two years.

“One of my greatest accomplishments as a Medic team member is receiving the Star of Life Award during the 2014 Napa earthquake,” she says.

Chalyssa David

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761 www.medicambulance.net cdavid@medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Chalyssa David began her EMS career in 2013 and joined Medic Ambulance Inc. in 2017, where she has served as a supervisor since 2018.

David's children inspired her to enter the emergency medical services field.

"I knew I had to be a strong role model for them as I was a single parent," she says. "I wanted a career where I could help others and support my family, so I chose EMS."

David strives each day to be the best person she can be to everyone who needs her that day.

"I like being someone others can count on and I enjoy giving my time to those who need it," she says.

Her advice to those considering work in the EMS field is to be ready for anything at any time, and that "even the small things matter."

David says she would like to be known for her compassion to each of her patients and all of her co-workers. Beyond that, she strives to focus her energy outside of work on giving back to the community, especially to the community's youth.

Daniela Flores Reyes

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-704-4564 dflores@medicambulance.net | medicambulance.net 24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Daniela Flores Reyes has been involved in emergency medical services since 2014. She received her emergency medical technician certification from Napa Valley College in 2014, began working for Falcon CCT as an EMT and came to Medic Ambulance Service Inc. in December 2015 as soon as she turned 21.

She then returned to Napa Valley College and attended the paramedic program, graduating in 2019. She was promoted to a paramedic with Medic Ambulance in 2019 and was promoted to paramedic supervisor in 2021.

Flores Reyes came to the profession in part due to practical considerations, namely her age.

“I truly think this field of work chose me,” she says. “I initially wanted to be in law enforcement but had only graduated at the age of 17 so I decided to take a basic emergency responder course and that was where I fell in love with emergency medical services.”

She draws inspiration each day from the job.

“At the end of the day, I like to go home and know that I made a difference,” she says. “Whether it be a major medical emergency or the elderly grandpa or grandma who just needs someone to talk to.”

Tiffany Spencer

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761, Ext. 4115 tspencer@medicambulance.net https://www.medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Tiffany Spencer joined Medic Ambulance Service Inc. in 2018. It’s her first job in the emergency medical services field. She is now a dispatch supervisor.

Spencer says she has always loved helping people “and this just felt like an amazing fit.”

Her goal each day is to feel as though she has done some good.

“I want to feel like I have helped make the world a better place,” she says.

She advises those who are considering joining the EMS profession to be prepared to take every day as it comes and to make the most of what they are given.

Spencer hopes to be known for her caring personality and for wanting to help people, but her passion runs to something more personal.

“My family,” she says. “I want my niece to see women are strong and independent and able to accomplish anything.”

Spencer hopes to continue helping the community well into the future while being there for her family, to leave a legacy of helping people and “showing that as a community we are stronger together.”

Micheala Johnson

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-644-1761 mjohnson@medicambulance.net medicambulance.net

24/7: Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday icheala Johnson medical services industry half years and has worked Services Inc. for the past eight years. She started as technician and worked her way up to field paramedic and for the past year has been a

Johnson says she chose the EMS field “because I always loved meeting new people and helping people.”

She sees people on their worst day and hopes to make them feel a little relief for a short moment. She considers her day a success when she does so. She accomplishes this in part by offering a big smile and kind words to others.

Johnson has some advice for people considering a career in EMS: “Have fun. You’re gonna have bad days and good days but EMS is a huge family,” she says. “Turn to your ‘family’ when you need help.”

Outside of work, it’s all about her dog.

“She’s my world,” Johnson says.

Johnson hopes to continue in the EMS field well into the future, possibly working as a flight paramedic.

Deidre Newton Medic Ambulance Service Inc.

506 Couch St., Vallejo | 707-805-6179 dnewton@medicambulance.net https://www.medicambulance.net

24/7; Business Office, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday suggested she enter the field.

Dtechnician for the past 13 years, the past eight with Medic Ambulance Service Inc. She took on the role of facility supervisor at the end of 2020.

I have always been interested in how medicine works and the care required to attend to people’s needs,” she says. “As a young adult, my dad made the suggestion that I look into emergency medicine after I took charge of an incident that involved family. I enrolled in classes that year.”

Her motivation each day is knowing her skills can help make a difference in peoples’ lives and make an impact in the community, which in turn inspires her to do the best she can and continue in her line of work.

Newton suggests those who enter the EMS field come with an abundance of compassion, empathy and that they be prepared for ever-changing circumstances.

“My advice to those looking into getting into emergency medicine would be to always do your best, always keep learning and treat every person you encounter as family,” she says.

Kay Tracy

Tracy Disability Law Office

711 Jefferson St., Suite 102, Fairfield | 707-387-1188 www.tracydisabilitylaw.com | ktracy@tracydisabilitylaw.com

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday; available before after hours and on weekends as needed

Kay Tracy graduated from law school in 1985 and developed an interest in Social Security disability law after practicing in other areas: insurance defense; railroad defense; criminal prosecution; and a smattering of general business and family law. She was first exposed to it in 2004 while working for Legal Aid. She limited her practice to Social Security disability claims beginning in 2009.

She says she was fortunate in having learned this area law while working for attorney Richard Whitaker.

"It isn't something one can learn in law school," she says.

Tracy recently added federal worker's compensation law as a practice area at Tracy Disability Law Office, which she founded in 2013. She was inspired to practice these specific areas of the law to serve others. She facilitates this desire to help others, in part, by offering free consultations.

"This is one of the few law jobs where you can feel like you are really helping someone," Tracy says. "The people I meet are always in pain; frequently depressed and/or have other major psychological conditions; each faces an uncertain financial future. Helping people achieve financial security, or perhaps finally rise out of poverty, affects entire families. I consider myself a trial lawyer. For many years as a prosecutor I could have as many as 15 felony jury trials. That is exhausting. Social Security cases are a version of a trial practice that is very slow paced. It involves taking the medical evidence we have and explaining how it fits within Social Security's rules."

Tracy considers it a successful day when she can beat the odds for her clients.

"Only 30% of claimants are successful in the first two stages of a case. Only 60% are successful at the hearing level, which is the third stage of a case," she says. "Any day I can beat the national average is a good day. I do not take cases unless I expect to win at the hearing stage.

Darla R. Stever

Stever & Associates Property Management

690 E. Tabor Ave., Suite F, Fairfield | 707-322-0943 www.SteverAndAssociates.com | SteverAndAssociates@gmail.com

Open seven days a week; available most hours via phone

Darla R. Stever has been in the real estate industry since 1982 when she was first licensed and working with my husband, Jim Stever. She started doing property management in 2010 after numerous clients begged her to manage their properties.

She got into the business as her husband was branching off into his own real estate firm and needed his wife to help him with the books.

“I did that while working swing shifts in the grocery business, nights at my bakery and my days off cleaning houses,” Darla Stever says. “After a few months he told me I should get my real estate license, since it was only him at the office, and if he was out with clients, and someone called or walked in to ask about a listing, I legally could not say anything about it, because I wasn’t licensed. So career four was started.

“While I was taking classes to get my license, I was still working in the grocery business, cleaning house, doing his books and slowing down on the bakery,” she says. “Once I got my license, I closed the bakery and started winding down the cleaning business. I still worked swing shifts in the grocery business, because just starting out in real

Wanda Williams

Solano County Supervisor

675 Texas St., Suite 6500, Fairfield | 707-748-6136 wlwilliams@solanocounty.com

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday; available before after hours and on weekends as needed anda Williams has been an elected official for four years and is serving in her first term as a Solano County supervisor, a seat she won in the November 2022 election. She began her board tenure Jan. 2, 2023, after serving on the City Council in Suisun City.

Williams says she was inspired to enter public service to help others even as she has experienced personal tragedy.

"I love helping people in my community live their best lives," she says. "My sons passed away due to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and I was intentional in ensuring they lived their best lives. Today, I use this same thought and approach to help my community. In the role of a county supervisor, I have the opportunity to help the full county and this gives me great joy."

Williams describes a successful day as one in which she knows her goals were accomplished and the plan will or has come to fruition.

"Everything I touch, I want to look back and know I was intentional and determined to solve issues, find resources and help individuals in need," she says.

Her advice to others who may consider a life of public service?

"Be intentional and serve your community with a true heart," she says. "Put their needs above your own and make sure your vote will improve their quality of life today and for generations to follow. It is our responsibility to remember your constituents are your boss and they depend on us as public servants to advocate for them and to be their voice."

Williams says she would like to be known for creating policies and legislation that helped to advance and improve the lives of all those who live in Solano County.

Her service extends beyond her role as an elected official. She also volunteers her time and energy in her role as a Rotarian estate, I needed the security of income and health benefits that came with the grocery business.

“Once I got my real estate business prospering, I gave up the grocery business altogether and just cleaned houses while also listing and selling homes,” she says. “When the real estate market took a big hit in 2008, I struggled with whether I wanted to branch out into property management or not. Many of my clients had been begging me to do so, but the liability is so high, I didn’t want to chance it.”

She gave in in 2010 “after practically losing everything to the declining real estate market.” She started with about five properties one client owned, then he referred her to others who have referred her to others.

“I must say although it can be stressful working with so many personalities, I find it rewarding,” she says. “Especially when you put someone in a home, that is really appreciative, and they take good care of it and pay their rent.”

Business has been such that she hired an assistant to help her maintain the high standard of service she sets for her clients. But she still enjoys the hands-on approach.

“I tend to do too much,” she says. “I hang blinds, change door knobs, change locks, clean units between tenants at times, and if a tenant calls and says their toilet is running, I usually go over and check it out before I call a plumber. I am probably the only person who carries toilet flappers in their trunk.”

Her advice to those coming into the property management field?

“They need to realize it is not easy money,” she says. “There is a lot that is done behind the scenes that homeowners and tenants have no idea about. There is a lot of education needed to be good at this job. Laws are changing constantly and you have to know the changes, not just for the state, but the counties we serve. If you don’t know what you are doing, don’t pretend you do. It hurts not only you and your client, but the industry at large. Education, education, education is the key.”

Stever says she hopes she is known for having the knowledge and experience needed to do the job and to do it well.

Now she’s seeking more of a balance between her personal and work lives. For example, she worked last year to say no to clients she felt she could not serve well enough to meet her standards. And when she is not working?

“I spend time with my grandkids,” she says. “Actually most of the time I am with the grandkids, I end up working. They are either going to love this business or hate it, but as long as the iPad is charged, the kids can usually entertain themselves if I have to take them with me to change locks or something.”

Stever says she sees herself nearing the end of her career in the next 15 years – she will be almost 80 then, after all.

“My clients hope I am still managing their homes,” she says. “I may have to think about that one.”

As to her legacy: Stever says she hopes people recall her as someone who was honest and fair with everyone.

Judy Davis

JD Real Estate / Professional Mortgage Associates

1351 Oliver Road, Fairfield | 707-688-3697 wjd8604@aol.com

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; evenings and weekends by appointment

Judy Davis has worked in real estate since November 1977 and started JD Real Estate in September 2004. She also serves as a branch manager for Professional Mortgage Associates, with whom she has worked for the past 27 years.

“I started my own business when a client of mine said, ‘I want to purchase a home but it has to be through your real estate business.’ So that’s how I got started owning my own real estate office rather than working for another Realtor,” she says. “How blessed I was to have a client care that much and how I appreciate their devotion to me.”

Davis says she got into real estate to help people obtain their dream of owning a home. That drive to help people meet their housing needs remains a key focus for Davis and her team. She has seen many changes in the industry. Her advice to those who are new to the field? “Listen to what your clients’ needs and goals are and help them obtain them.”

“Our clients’ needs are the most important goal to us,” she says.

Davis says she strives in life to maintain a positive outlook.

Christina Matcham and Atheena Eckley

KaiaFIT Vacaville

775 E. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville | 707-249-3823 www.KaiaFITVacaville.com | christinam@kaiafit.com

5 to 7 a.m., 9 to 10 a.m., 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday

The mother-daughter team of Christina Matcham and Atheena Eckley took over co-ownership of KaiaFIT Vacaville in December 2020. They did so together because they are passionate about helping women get healthy and fit and because they love the health and wellness industry. Their goal each day is to help as many women as possible reach their health and fitness goals with workouts and a basic nutritional program for all fitness levels. They hope to be known for helping, encouraging and motivating others to reach their goals for health, wellness and fitness, as well as for supporting women as entrepreneurs. Their advice to those thinking of joining a workout program: Never give up. "Whether you have current injuries or not, you can modify and connect with a community of women here to help support you and keep you accountable," Matcham says.

Matcham enjoys spending time with family, friends and animals outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing; and her ministry as a woman of faith and leading a small group for women. She can envision semi-retirement on the horizon.

Susan Lucas

My Insurance Solutions

Shawna Arzadon

The Solano County Home & Garden Show

5055 Business Center Drive, Suite 108, PMB 415, Fairfield | 707-655-8439

SolanoHomeShow.com | shawna@shcg.show

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25-26, 2023

Shawna Arzadon has been involved with homes shows in Solano County since 2015 when she started helping the original owners with the home show in Dixon, handling calls and office work for the owner. She also took part in the home show as a vendor, selling her jewelry. Arzadon became the owner/promoter of the Solano County Home & Garden Show in November 2019.

She finds inspiration in the people aspect of the job.

"I alway love engaging with others, whether it be teaching, party planning, fundraising, catering, etc.," she says. "As a youth I catered, my 20s and up I was a preschool teacher then worked in the school district. When the original owners told me they were moving out of state and asked if I was interested in being the new promoter, it was a no-brainer. Yes. So here I am today."

Arzadon says her goal is to put on a great show for her vendors, balance and spend time with her family, engage in her ministry and have a great rapport with her vendors and helpers and community. To accomplish this, she lives the advice she offers those who seek to enter the field: Work hard. Engage with clients and the community.

301 Georgia St., Suite 355A, Vallejo | 707-828-0059 www.susanplucas.com | susanlucas@myinsurancesolutionsinc.com

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday by phone; office visits by appointment; evenings and Saturdays by request

Susan Lucas got her insurance license in 2017 and started working with My Insurance Solutions in 2018.

"As an agency, we are focused on helping people navigate Medicare benefits," she says. "I am an independent agent and broker. I am contracted with many of the different Medicare insurance providers but my job is to help my clients find the right benefits for their needs."

Lucas got into the insurance business in large part based on her family background. She grew up in a multigenerational home with her paternal grandparents, and her maternal grandparents lived next door.

"I can remember having a lot of good times with my family but I also remember the struggles my parents had as my grandparents got older and started having more health challenges," she says. "Seeing how my parents had to help manage my grandparents' care and help them make sure they got to doctors appointments and took their medications had a profound impact on my life path. Becoming an independent agent has also provided me with an income that allows me to take care of my parents, aunts and uncles, while being with my own family and servicing my clients."

"Being a licensed agent and specializing in Medicare benefits has changed my life. I work with an age group that I have a lot of respect for and want to see them continue to thrive for as many years as they have in their retirement," she says. "Medicare is very confusing and there are many different options for seniors to consider when it comes to their health care. Trying to figure out Medicare on your own can be very stressful and confusing, so I offer a free service to people who are becoming eligible or already eligible for Medicare to help them understand their options and make the best enrollment choice based on their needs.

"At the end of the day, if I can help educate people about the different parts of Medicare and help them find a health plan that takes into consideration their needs and budget, I am content."

What advice does Lucas have for those coming into the insurance business?

"First and foremost, you have to want to help people. In Medicare, if you enjoy working with older adults, that will be crucial," she says. "I've found that I really have to listen to my clients and have compassion for the challenges they are having as they age. Patience and understanding are also very important to developing a good relationship with my clients so they will trust me to have their well-being as a priority."

What is Soroptimist?

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization working providing access to the education and training they need In 1921 a group of women in Oakland, California, wanted not permitted to join male service clubs. They formed organization located in 121 countries and territories with Soroptimist of Central Solano sponsors the local Violet featured in this publication. The club also supports many Soroptimist Women Helping Women literacy program, domestic violence shelters, Soroptimist Girls’ Circle at the Girl Scouts Got Choices program at juvenile hall, Girls services, and “Chance to Rise” awards program providing vocational training. For more information about our programs,