of Central S ol ano

ional Ce le br at ing 100 Ye ar s Of working to transform the lives of women and girls by need to achieve economic empowerment. wanted to volunteer in their communities but were the first Soroptimist club which grew into a global with over 72,000 members.

Violet Richardson, Ruby And Live Your Dream Awards, many community programs. These include the the Assist-A-Grad Scholarship program, local at the Fairfield Police Activities League Teen Center, Girls on the Run, various women’s health support providing financial assistance to women for education or programs, visit www.sicentralsolano.com.

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Cheers to all the 2023 Winners!

Nancy Hopkins

Jenna Bryan Stewart

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home

1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield | 707-425-4697 bryanbraker.com | jbryan@bryanbrakr.com

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Jenna Bryan Stewart has technically been in the funeral home business her entire life. Her grandfather started the business in 1954 and her father was already working there full time by the time Stewart was born.

Stewart started out scanning documents in the office when she was 10 years old. Since then, she has worked in almost every position within the company: clerical work, funeral director staff, limo driver, cemetery administration, pre-need sales to funeral director. She is now vice president and has been in the position since 2019.

So it's understandable that, as Stewart says, the funeral home business chose her.

"I never intended to be a part of the family business – ever. I left the Solano area three weeks after I graduated high school. My studies took me all over the world," she says. "I eventually got a degree in organizational communication and did my graduate work in integrated marketing communication. Life circumstances brought me back to this area 10 years ago. I took a 'temporary' position at the family business and fell in love with everything we do and stand for. God put me exactly where I was supposed to be."

Stewart seeks each day to take the positive energy she and her team possess and have it carry over to the families and community served by Bryan-Braker.

"I believe the long-term success of the company reflects the culture within the office,” she says. “The supportive foundation we have created in the office with each other is carried out to the families we are privileged to serve. I would like my employees to feel appreciated and supported. Having employees who believe in what they are doing is our biggest advantage."

Shannon Parra

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home

1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield | 707-425-4697 bryanbraker.com | sparra@bryanbraker.com

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Shannon Parra has been with Bryan-Braker Funeral Home for seven years, serving as a funeral director and embalmer. She has served as the funeral home's supervising embalmer for four years.

Parra is not surprised to be doing what she does for her career.

"I know that this is my calling. I believe it found me," she says. "From a young age, I have always been interested in death and the art of restoration. No matter where I worked growing up, I have had an ability to connect with people and help them on a deeper level. Working in death care and helping people who are grieving and going through maybe the toughest times in their lives, and I am able to provide some kind of relief or closure by giving them the opportunity to see and spend time with the person they loved and lost is something indescribable and why I continue to show up every day."

Parra hopes that at the end of each day, she was able to build a bond with the family she helped – that they know she did everything she could to make their service memorable, in only the most positive, heartfelt way.

"I hope I am able to provide closure a family needs after they lose someone so close to them," she says. "The ability to say goodbye and to know that their loved one was taken care of and treated with dignity and respect. That they looked better than they have in a long time, no longer in pain, and are laid to rest and the families I serve can go home knowing I was there for them during this process and am there for them, now and forever if they ever need my services."

Nicole McGown

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home

1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield | 707-425-4697 bryanbraker.com | nmcgown@bryanbraker.com

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Nicole McGown was hired at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home in 2015 to create death certificates. She soon realized she would like to do more in this industry, so she obtained her funeral director license and limited life insurance license to sell pre-need policies.

McGown moved into a management position two years ago and says she loves her job more and more every day.

I believe I have found my passion in life, and that passion is to help families in need during the most difficult times in their lives," she says.

McGown had no real intentions of making a career in the funeral home business.

"What is funny is that I didn't choose this, this choose me," she says. "No one wakes up one day and thinks, 'I want to be a funeral director when I grow up' and I was no different. My best friend worked here at the time, and she was leaving, so they needed a replacement, and that replacement was me. Ever since I could work, I have worked in service positions, and this was a new platform for me to serve the community.

McGown's goal each day is for the families she works with to remember her name and pass her name along to their friends and family who need help during difficult time after they lose a loved one.

"Usually when someone uses our services, they are just going through the motions, and it is hard for them to trust a complete stranger to help guide them through this important time," she says. "I constantly am asked, 'How can you do what you do?' and the answer can be found in two words: Thank you."

Jo Ann Moore

Bryan-Braker Funeral Home

1850 W. Texas St., Fairfield | 707-425-4697 bryanbraker.com | joann@bryanbraker.com

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday o Ann Moore is a funeral arranger for Bryan-Braker Funeral Home who has served the community for three and a half years. She recalls the words of Mahatma Gandhi when considering how she came to the funeral home business: "The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others."

"I have been a successful business owner in Solano County for more than 14 years," she says. "I have enjoyed many years of supporting my children and grandchildren to achieve their many successes, while pursuing a personal goal of attaining my master’s degree in marriage and family counseling. I currently serve as the 911 counselor at my church through common care counseling and administer the Live Free Healing ministry counselors locally."

Moore came to Bryan-Braker through a dear friend who thought she would be a good fit.

"I feel honored to serve our families during their most difficult decisions," she says. "Helping to facilitate our loved one's desires is a privilege I hold dear."

Moore says her goal each day is to serve others through exhortation, edification and encouragement. She advises anyone thinking of joining the funeral home industry to practice listening.

"When you truly listen, you develop a heart of compassion," she says.

Moore says she hopes people feel strengthened, encouraged and uplifted after spending time together, whether for a moment or a season.

Alicia Nichole Worley

Loney & Worley Team

2280 Rockville Road, Fairfield | 707-344-1300

LoneyandWorleyTeam.com aworleyrealty@gmail.com

24 hour service, seven days a week

Alicia Nichole Worley has been helping people buy and sell property for more than 30 years and focuses on luxury estates, wineries, vineyards, commercial property, developments and residential sales.

The Loney & Worley Team are proud members of the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association and the Suisun Valley Vintners and Growers Association, the California Farm Bureau Federation and the Solano County Farm Bureau.

“Our family established Country Estates Inc. in 1982,” Worley says. Her license number is 01035560.

Worley’s motivation is to help others.

“My desire is to help people achieve their American Dream of homeownership,” she says. “There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping others achieve their dreams and goals.”

Worley says she has her own measure of success.

“Of course, achieving my own personal and business goals that I have set,” she says. “Most importantly, making sure my clients are happy. Family is very important to me. After each accomplishment, I reward myself by taking some quality time with my loved ones. Life is so precious and short. I make every day count.”

Her one piece of advice for those coming into the field?

“Real estate is a full-time career. It takes a lot of commitment, passion and tenacity to make it in this industry. You have to invest in yourself and your business to be a successful top agent,” she says. “I enjoy mentoring new agents and helping them to succeed. To anyone looking to get into the real estate industry, find yourself a great mentor who’s a seasoned real estate veteran and learn from them. Knowledge is power. You need a good advocate on your side starting out in this business. That’s exactly how I got my start.”

Worley took a moment to consider what she would like to be known for as well as her passions outside of work.

“I would like to be known for my compassion and tenacity to help others achieve their real estate goals. I never back down from a good negotiation to get my clients what they deserve,” she says. “My passion to influence is driven by my strong desire and lifestyle to live a healthy lifestyle. I tell everyone I meet, I’m working on reversing the aging process. I work out diligently five to six times per week. I have a fitness coach, Matt Vegvary, who holds me accountable and designs specific workouts for my personal fitness goals. These workout training sessions with Coach Matt are followed by cardio sessions. I feel passionately that you have to take care of yourself, be healthy and happy before you can take care of anyone else effectively. I’m always working to become a better human being every day.”

Worley’s plans for the future include much of the same.

“I’m 52 now, so in 15 years I will be 67. Not retired yet but I would like to travel the world. Experience other countries, cultures and make life-long memories with my partner,” she says.

Worley says she hopes to be remembered as the Realtor who helped many families and individuals obtain their real estate dreams.

“I would like to be known for having a personal and professional impact on my community,” she says.

Gina Victoria Barnes Vasquez Republic Services

2901 Industrial Court, Fairfield | 707-338-7928 republicservices.com | gvasquez2@republicservices.com

4 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Open some Saturdays for community events.

Gina Victoria Barnes Vasquez has worked 11 1/2 years for Republic Services, which provides trash, recycling and greenwaste collection for residents of Fairfield and Suisun City. Vasquez, who serves locally as the operations and division manager and is the first woman to manage Solano Garbage/Republic Services, says she chose to work at what is now Republic Services "to broaden my knowledge in the waste industry." Her goal each day is to ensure "all employees feel good about their contribution for that day and go home safe to their families."

Her advice to those coming into the industry is simple and concise: "You can do it!"

Vasquez says she hopes she is known for her encouragement of others.

But there is more to life than work. Vasquez focuses her passion outside of work into serving the community. That currently includes service on the board of directors for the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, being a member of the Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club and serving with the Travis Community Consortium.

Vasquez says she works with a strong group of women at Republic Services.

Celina Tufono is the company's operations supervisor. She has been with Republic Services just six months but Vasquez says Tufono has made a tremendous impact with the team. She is approachable, flexible, caring, dedicated and has brought so many wonderful ideas to the local site. She serves as the company's opening supervisor, which means she is the one who rounds the team up and sends them out to their routes and sets the pace for the day.

Sandra Jacobson is one of the company's recycle coordinators. She is instrumental and has played an important role for many years. Jacobson has a kind heart and wants things done correctly. She also works well with customers and has played a key role in the community for different organizations.

There are also three female drivers, along with what Vasquez describes as many other amazing female teammates.

Vasquez says she hopes in the distant future to be able to reflect and count her blessings "on the amazing journey I have been on." She also hopes people remember her for the help and encouragement she was able to give to "as many people as I can along the way."

Renee Tadlock

Leaven Kids

2220 Boynton Ave., Suite A, Fairfield | 855-622-5439 www.leavenkids.org | reneet@leavenkids.org

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; Leaven Kids After School 2:45 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Renee Tadlock is the chief operations officer at Leaven Kids, a role she has held for about 10 years – shortly after she joined what was then The Leaven in 2019.

Tadlock has served and supported children for 30 years in various capacities, positions and ways. She started in early childhood development and transitioned into operations director with Leaven Kids to oversee the team and after-school program for elementary-age children kindergarten through sixth grade.

She finds inspiration in planting seeds of help and hope into children, which she says is a great investment that will yield a return for years to come.

“There are so many hurting young hearts that need a loving, available person in their life who sees the potential and is willing to come alongside to coach, mentor and champion them into overcoming the challenges they face,” Tadlock says. “I didn’t have many around me as a child who could help me be confident in who I was and identify the strengths in me, so I am passionate about seeing and celebrating that in others, especially children.”

Tadlock defines success as creating a consistent, safe, helpful atmosphere for children to receive and experience genuine support academically, socially and emotionally. That includes cultivating an organizational culture of collaboration within the team that equips and empowers Leaven Kids staff to fulfill their positions effectively and intentionally “so the kids and communities rise above the negative influences around them, and exposes them to a

Gen. Maryanne Miller

Leaven Kids

2220 Boynton Ave., Suite A, Fairfield | 855-622-5439 www.leavenkids.org | reneet@leavenkids.org

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; Leaven Kids After School 2:45 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

After a nearly 40-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Gen. Maryanne Miller retired from military service in October 2020 and joined the Fairfield-based nonprofit Leaven Kids, where she currently serves as vice president of the board of directors.

General Miller set her sights early in her career on helping accelerate the organization’s planned expansion into San Antonio, Texas.

Working alongside Leaven Kids Board President Joe Allio, General Miller spent the following year developing key relationships with community leaders in the greater-San Antonio region, which she recognized would be an important step to building a shared vision for the future. She also helped foster a strong working relationship with local faith-based communities and churches, stood up a strategic advisory committee within the greater-San Antonio region and garnered the support of influential leaders such as former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. David Goldfein (Ret.), former Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Steve Wilson (Ret.), Vice President of Corporate and Social Responsibility for Chick-Fil-A, Rodney Bullard, and former CEO of Boeing, Dennis Muilenburg.

In addition to leading the expansion of Leaven Kids’ national footprint, General Miller has also sought to deliver engaging educational experiences closer to home. During her time with Leaven Kids, she helped jumpstart a successful virtual mentorship series that connects business leaders and working professionals with young students to facilitate important conversations about career development, practical skill-building and embracing new perspectives. different positive path forward, breaking the destructive cycles and bringing true transformation.”

Finally, General Miller has also championed the work and legacy of the late-Fairfield Mayor Harry T. Price. Under her leadership on the Leaven Kids Naming and Stewardship Subcommittee, and while working closely with the Price family, she helped draft a proposal to name Leaven Kids’ in-development, mobile tutoring unit after Harry Price. Given that he was always on the move and looking for new opportunities to bring educational resources to students in-need, General Miller felt this would be a fitting platform to honor his legacy and community impact.

By leveraging her impressive leadership experience, fostering partnerships with key civic leaders and rallying our community around a shared vision for the future, General Miller has transformed the lives of countless young children in-need by delivering the educational tools and resources they need to be successful in the classroom and in life.

Her advice to those coming into the field?

“For those entering into supporting children in at-risk, underserved neighborhoods, I would say be open, flexible and available,” she says. “See beyond the brokenness and behavior to the real need. Meet that need, to be heard, to be seen, to be valued, acknowledged and known for who they really are, not what they are going through.”

Tadlock says she works each day with a goal in mind for how she wishes to be seen.

“I would like to be known as a person who lives to give generously, compassionately and really cares in a genuine way for others around me,” she says.

That includes her time away from Leaven Kids.

“I focus my passion and energies outside of my workday into the lives of others – in my family, church and greater community,” she says.

Her future offers much the same: “Continuing to pour my life into others so that they can be positive contributors in the community we are in,: she says. She plans to accomplish that through volunteering, listening, helping and supporting others. “Those values will continue, although they may have different focuses or outlets in the years to come.”

As to her legacy of service:

“I would like my legacy to be that she pursued her purpose with passion, igniting and inspiring others to do the same,” Tadlock says.

Renee Neuman

Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty

750 Mason St., Vacaville | 707-249-2702 renee.neuman@kappelgateway.com | www.reneeneuman.com

Renee Neuman has worked 26 years selling real estate in Solano and Yolo counties and serves as co-manager for the Mason Street in Vacaville and Dixon offices of Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty.

Her inspiration each day remains constant.

“There is nothing like the feeling when you find the perfect home for a family, it is infectious,” she says. “This industry is always shifting, changing and can be challenging at times. This is what makes each day exciting. I love what I do for a living and wouldn’t change it for a minute.”

The choices you make about who and where you work matter, she says.

“Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed,” she says. “In this business, you wake up daily without a job. Make sure you show up.”

Neuman is passionate about being part of the solution to the area’s homeless crisis.

“This crisis is near and dear to my heart,” she says. “Mental illness and self-medication for these people can be overlooked as just drug and alcohol addiction when the problems are much deeper than the eye can see.”

Neuman has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, to include the company’s International President’s Circle for Production award in 2018 and 2019; the International Diamond Award for Production award in 2016 and 2017; and the 2015 New Horizon Award for doubling production.

Kathy Lago

Solano Family & Children’s Services

421 Executive Court North, Fairfield | 707-864-4600 klago@solanofamily.org | www.solanofamily.org

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday

Kathy Lago has worked at Solano Family & Children’s Services for 33 years and has been in the field for more than 37 years.

She came to the agency under a small grant to assist child care providers to serve children with special needs, then stayed on after the grant, working in the Child Care Resource & Referral Department to support families with finding child care and providers opening their small businesses. She was promoted in 1995 to the program manager position. She became the executive director in 2016.

The agency this year celebrates 45 years of service to Solano County.

Lago gained experience providing services to children starting at an early age.

“I worked in recreation programs and preschools as a young adult. All of my siblings went into the education field, and I went to college knowing that I wanted to work in early childhood education or social work,” she says. “I graduated college with my degree in early childhood education and a minor in social work, which landed me in Fairfield in a position at the newly opened Child Haven children’s group home serving children who were at risk of abuse.”

Emmy Greene

Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty

5071 Business Center Drive, Suite 1, Fairfield | 707-803-2733 www.coldwellbanker.com/Coldwell-Banker-Kappel-Gateway-Realty-11519c/ Emmy-Greene-460249a | emmy.greene@kappelgateway.com

Hours vary depending on clients’ needs

Emmy Greene, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty, remains an advocate for those in need –even after two decades in the real estate business on top of two decades in banking.

“I became a Realtor after a 20-year banking career,” she says. “It’s hard to believe I’ve been a Realtor for 22 years also.”

Her focus today remains the same as it was at the start: selling the American Dream and helping people to become homeowners, “thereby creating a strong community in which we live.”

“It is my goal to help as many people as I possibly can to find the pride in becoming a homeowner that makes our cities/county a better place,” Greene says.

She also gives back to both the community and to her industry.

“As a professional Realtor, I mentor new agents entering the business. We become a strong team and help each other along the way,” she says. “Helping our aged-out foster youth has been a passion of mine for many years. I helped start a group called Heart to Heart, which has blended with a notional group called Voices. The young people in our county will become the next leaders; we need to help them as they grow.”

Greene has one overarching piece of advice for those who plan to become Realtors: “Have your clients’ best interest at heart always. It’s what sets us apart.”

The future for Greene, after two 20-year careers, includes thoughts of retirement and “living in this great community with my husband and enjoying the events offered along the way.” Until then, she will continue with her career as a Realtor and to burnish her reputation.

“I believe honesty, sincerity and enthusiasm are of utmost importance,” she says. “I’d like people to think of me as honest when dealing with their real estate needs and involved when dealing with our youth.”

Her next position was with the Solano County Office of Education as a paraeducator in a special education classroom. She joined Solano Family & Children’s Services in 1990 to support child care providers and to serve children with special needs. She says it “was a logical next step.”

“All of this work has been the compilation of both my interests in early education and social work,” she says.

Each day presents its own challenges.

“Every day is different in my work. I am proud to work with so many talented and dedicated individuals both in my agency and the community,” she says. “I love what I do and at the end of each day I make a point to acknowledge that every activity small or large is a part of the mission.”

Lago advises those who wish to join the field to recognize that everyone has gifts they can bring to their work.

“We all play a different role when we work for a social service agency,” she says.

“Annual funding can be unknown, the work can be hard, and yet the internal reward of knowing you are helping people and

“This is a great field to work in if you know that you are making a difference,” she says.

Lago hopes to be known as someone who collaborates with others.

“In my history as a professional, I have made a point to connect with other partner how to support young women to succeed in their goals. That is gratifying to me.”

Retirement is not far off for Lago. She hopes to spend time traveling with her husband of 35 years “and enjoying my two beautiful daughters, their families and our grandchildren.”

Kaylee Preciado

All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center

2220 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield | 707-399-8386 learnfunplay.com alldayfunnplay@yahoo.com

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

Kaylee Preciado graduated from high school last summer. After high School, she wanted to gain more knowledge about working with children.

Enter All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center, which opened in 2001.

Sharise DeLove, the director and onsite program development coordinator, says the program's aim is to enlighten young children as they learn and grow positively.

She advises those entering the field to be attentive to everyone's needs. Everyone is different and people come from many backgrounds and upbringings.

"Compassion is the key," DeLove says.

Those on her staff fit the bill.

Preciado joined the staff at the center after participating in a class to become a paraeducator. She says the knowledge gained through the class helped her to exceed the expectations at All Day Fun & Play.

"My experience here has been amazing,” she says. “I take great pleasure helping those who have disabilities be more involved in group settings with other children. I have a huge passion for caring for and educating children.”

LaVonne St. Clair

All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center

2220 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield | 707-399-8386 learnfunplay.com alldayfunnplay@yahoo.com

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

LaVonne St. Clair has been working with children for more than 38 years. She attended Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, earning her associate degree and preschool teachers certificate.

St. Clair joined the staff at All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center more than three years ago and says she is "thrilled to be on the team."

"I am delighted to work with the children, parents and staff," St. Clair says. "One of my greatest joys is teaching and watching young children learn and grow."

Sharise DeLove, the director and onsite program development coordinator, says the program's aim is to enlighten young children as they learn and grow positively.

She advises those entering the field to be attentive to everyone's needs. Everyone is different and people come from many backgrounds and upbringings.

"Compassion is the key," DeLove says.

Janice Crane

All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center

2220 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield | 707-399-8386 learnfunplay.com alldayfunnplay@yahoo.com

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

Children have always been a massive part of Janice Crane's life.

She graduated from Solano Community College in the 1990s and recently took a break for a few years to help with her great-grandchildren and has since returned to the field at All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center, which opened in 2001.

"There is a saying: One child's laugh can make the darkest day bright," she says. "I genuinely believe this. Their laughter and joy are contagious."

Sharise DeLove, the director and onsite program development coordinator at All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center, says the program’s aim is to enlighten young children as they learn and grow positively.

She advises those entering the field to be attentive to everyone’s needs. Everyone is different and people come from many backgrounds and upbringings.

“Compassion is the key,” DeLove says.

Crane forwards the center's mission in part through its educational programming.

"My two favorite activities to do with the class are science and reading," Crane says.

Myrna McPheeters

All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center

2220 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield | 707-399-8386 learnfunplay.com alldayfunnplay@yahoo.com

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday yrna McPheeters has been working at All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center for six years. She attended Solano Community College, where she studied early childhood education.

"I enjoy having the privilege of working with young children," she says.

Children are explorers," McPheeters says. "I always reflect on my childhood when I care for children; it reminds me of my own experiences and helps me understand children. I have six of my own children, 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. I am thankful for them all. I love what I do."

Sharise DeLove, the director and onsite program development coordinator, says the program's aim is to enlighten young children as they learn and grow positively.

She advises those entering the field to be attentive to everyone's needs. Everyone is different and people come from many backgrounds and upbringings.

"Compassion is the key," DeLove says.

Heidi Bearden

All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center

2220 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield | 707-399-8386 learnfunplay.com alldayfunnplay@yahoo.com

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

Heidi Bearden has been working with children for more than 30 years. She attended Siskiyous College to study early childhood education and has been working at All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center for 12 years.

Bearden is passionate about working with children and watching them grow and thrive.

Sharise DeLove, the director and onsite program development coordinator, says the program's aim is to enlighten young children as they learn and grow positively.

She advises those entering the field to be attentive to everyone's needs. Everyone is different and people come from many backgrounds and upbringings.

"Compassion is the key," DeLove says. Bearden fits the bill.

Assina Mc Kneally All Day Fun & Play Preschool & Child Development Center

2220 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield | 707-399-8386 learnfunplay.com alldayfunnplay@yahoo.com

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

Assina Mc Kneally likes working with children and started out by baby-sitting her sisters.

"I enjoy watching children playing and having fun," she says. "I like teaching them new skills and helping them progress as young learners. There is a positive learning encounter for me and the children I work with daily. I have been happy to be working with children at All Day Fun & Play for the few months I have, and it has been a motivating experience."

Sharise DeLove, the director and onsite program development coordinator, says the program's aim is to enlighten young children as they learn and grow positively.

She advises those entering the field to be attentive to everyone's needs. Everyone is different and people come from many backgrounds and upbringings.

"Compassion is the key," DeLove says.

Kimber Smith

Edward Jones

5140 Business Center Drive, Suite 100, Fairfield | 707-863-0896 edwardjones.com/kimber-smith | Kimber.Smith@EdwardJones.com

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Kimber Smith became a financial adviser with Edward Jones in September 2012. But she brings even more experience to the table to help her clients.

"I believe my tenure as a financial adviser, my advanced industry credentials, and my prior experience as a business owner of over 20 years have given me practical knowledge in managing money, entity formation and tax strategies to better serve my clients," she says. "Sometimes complexity is warranted; whether my client is a business owner or simply managing their own wealth."

Smith is hardwired in a way that serves her clients well.

"Every endeavor I have undertaken has involved coaching others and money management. It's what I'm drawn to do," she says. "For fun, I run financial calculations in everyday situations to determine the best outcomes. Being a financial adviser gives me the opportunity to apply both these natural tendencies to help my clients."

Smith's goal each day is to make sense of the complexity of a person's financial future, "giving them peace of mind as we partner together to reach their goals."

"There is no greater feeling than relieving another person of stress by doing what comes naturally to me," she says. "I was able to experience the joy of giving this same peace of mind to my own family as my mother passed away in 2021. Each of us played a critical role. It was a joy to partner our strengths to get through it together. What better feeling is there than to help others on their journey to reach financial peace during their lifetimes as well as any legacy wishes they may have?

Annie Vogelpohl

Annie Vogelpohl Real Estate Consulting and Sales

1111 Webster St., Fairfield | 707-373-6949 annie@annievogelpohl.com | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Annie Vogelpohl began her real estate career in 1979 – before personal computers, cellphones and other technology that is now commonplace – and remains current when it comes to serving her clients.

Vogelpohl says she initially chose her profession because she wanted a job that gave her independence, one where she could work for herself while also helping others.

That she did, and then some.

With a career in real estate as long as the one she has had, it wouldn’t come as much of a shock if she’s helped the vast majority of Solano County residents find a new home. Those who haven’t used her as a Realtor have almost certainly seen her advertisements in different publications – or even on the side of custom-bottled wines.

While Vogelpohl has been a successful, respected professional in the Fairfield-Suisun City region for decades, it is her deepest pain that has made her such a credit to the community.

Vogelpohl’s daughter Michelle, 25 at the time, was killed by her then-husband in front of their young son, who Vogelpohl and her husband subsequently adopted and raised to become, as she says, “a very fine young man.”

That incident of domestic violence ultimately led Vogelpohl to serve more than 20 years with SafeQuest Solano, an organization that specializes in ending the abuse of women, men, children and the elderly. Her work with SafeQuest Solano helped fulfill her desire to keep people safe from violence, while also diminishing the emotional toll from her daughter’s death.

Vogelpohl is a problem-solver when it comes to her chosen profession. She knows she has been successful when she sees that her clients are happy.

Jordan Inglebright Oh Shirt Yeah

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10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Jordan Inglebright been been screen printing for 16 years. The first company she owned was named ESEF Apparel, which opened in 2007. She started Oh Shirt Yeah in 2017.

"I love fashion and how garments can express who you are as an individual," she says. "One of my biggest motivators was my grandfather. His logic was very simple: ‘Look good, feel good.’ This became more apparent in high school when as a young adult I had to face a lot of challenges. It helped build my confidence."

Inglebright's goal for each day is to create a comfortable work environment that elevates the productivity and creativity of her team members, who give their clients the best customer service they can offer.

Her advice to those coming into the field?

"The harder you work, the luckier you get," she says. "Simply said, hard work does pay off. There will be long days but the rewards are great."

Inglebright says she would like to be known for how she conducts her business.

"I feel that it is important to create a safe, healthy, productive work environment," she says. "By leading with kindness and positivity, team members enjoy coming to Oh Shirt Yeah with the comfort of knowing that what they do matters. I am very proud of my staff and their accomplishments."

Inglebright says it is vital to take care of business outside of work, as well.

"It is important to me to be strong; physically and mentally," she says. "I work out four to five times a week. There is nothing like a hard workout that drives you to a more clear outlook and better motivation."

Her plans for the foreseeable future include maintaining her business but also being there for her family – "working with my daughter to help guide her with what makes her happy personally and eventually professionally." That plan dovetails with what she sees as her legacy.

"I am proud of being a third-generation business owner in my community," she says. "It is important to me to always radiate positive energy. I want to be known as always having a positive outlook."

Donna Armanino, Amy Schmidt, Ann Jacobs RioVision Gallery

116 Main St., Rio Vista | https://riovistavision.com

RioVision is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization where the ideas, creativity and energy of Rio Vista residents are turned into actions, projects, programs and events that improve lives and the physical and social environment.

RioVision seeks constantly to work together with service clubs, other nonprofits, businesses and the city to make these improvements. These are some of the women who make this happen.

Donna Armanino is one of the founding members of RioVision, having been involved

Lauri Law Leifker

Alkar Human Resources

4717 Mangles Blvd., Fairfield | 707-304-0568

Lauril@1alkar.com | www.1alkar.com

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday since before it became a nonprofit. She was the first chair of the Publicity and Communication team that is responsible for all publicity for the organization. Donna is an organizer, which led her to stepping into the bookkeeper opportunity and then becoming treasurer on the board of directors keeping all the financial affairs in order.

Donna’s organization skills come from her 30-year career adventure of working with the giant Japanese company Hitachi.

Amy Schmidt is the RioVision Gallery curator. The Gallery shows art from local artists in the Delta. Amy coordinates the change-out of art on a monthly basis, keeping it fresh and new. She also creates art that includes jewelry hand-crafted in copper, paintings and photographs. She has recently taken up woodworking and clay. Additionally, she is a member of the City Art Program Committee and is on the board of directors. In Amy’s spare time she works with Habitat for Humanity in Solano County.

Ann Jacobs is the chair for the City Art Program Committee. She leads a team of

15 people who develop art ideas as part of public art in the city of Rio Vista. Their projects include Rock the Box, a utility box painting project, and Rock the Flock, where colorful sheep fill empty spaces. More projects are on the way, including Rock the Wall, a mural project, and Rock the Spot to paint fire hydrants. Ann has been involved in the local art community for the past 10 years and throughout Solano County for close to 50 years. She is a founding member of the Solano County art group called the Art Divas.

Lauri Law Leifker has held several positions at Alkar Human Resources since 1997 after getting into the field three years earlier. She is Alkar’s sales and operations manager, having served in the staffing industry for 29 years. She has experience in executive management, human resources, sales, planning, budgeting and management.

Leifker had an opportunity to switch careers from banking to human resources, and she took it.

“I was interested in a job with a great salary, with room for growth, and where I could utilize my people skills,” she says. “I wanted a position where I could influence the future of my company based on the employment decisions I could make. I was looking for the chance to profoundly make a positive impact on people’s lives. I know in HR you have the ability to improve the professional development of employees. I chose HR because I love working with people, and the day-to-day duties of HR professionals constantly revolve around interacting with people, whether it’s conducting job interviews or assisting current employees with complaints or questions.”

Leifker strives each day to help members of Alkar’s talent pool obtain employment “along with making that perfect match for both the employee and the client.” She strives to help people find meaningful work. Internally, she strives to treat all of her employees with respect, to always be supportive, to be understanding and to “always make my employees feel valued each day.” That includes spending time mentoring her team.

She also strives each day “to feel gratification from solving problems and overcoming challenges.”

Her advice to those coming into the industry?

“Staffing exposes you to all sorts of companies and career paths,” she says. “The industry develops you personally and professionally. You meet a ton of new people and learn from each interaction. You learn how to work toward a common goal and there are great leadership opportunities. It is a huge ladder to climb; typically you would start at the recruiter level and move up.”

“The industry is financially rewarding – solid base salaries plus great commissions,” she says. “You are never bored and there are new challenges every day.”

Leifker says she hopes she is known as someone who makes a positive impact in the community by matching great employees to great employers right here in the local community; for donating her time and skills; for supporting other local businesses; and as someone who is always smiling and genuinely enjoys volunteering and helping others.

She enjoys volunteering, golfing and skating while not at work, but most of all enjoys spending time with her 4-year-old grandson who is about to turn 5, and with family.

Retirement looms in her horizon window, but not just yet.

“Although I thoroughly enjoy my position and what I do every day,” I am ready to spend time traveling and enjoying more quality time with my grandsons.

Leifker says she hopes her legacy is as someone who leads by example, by shaping the lives of others; as someone you can count on to give back to the community “and when I make a commitment I always follow through.”

“I am the person who does what I say I am going to do,” she says. “Someone who always strives to do her best. Someone who is dedicated to my work and achieving goals. Someone who is always willing to listen. Someone who is enthusiastic and optimistic about succeeding. Someone who wants to leave the world a better place than I found it.”

Yvonne Aiavao

Keller Williams-Green Valley Partners

5140 Business Center Drive, Suite 170, Fairfield | 415-215-3954 agentaiavao.com | agentaiavao@gmail.com

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; after hours and weekends as needed

Yvonne Aiavao is a Bay Area native, born and raised in San Francisco. She was in the commercial printing industry for more than 20 years before becoming a real estate agent in 2015. She started her real estate career with another local brokerage before joining Keller Williams and opening the Green Valley Partners office in 2021. Aiavao had a successful career as a sales executive in commercial printing and by chance a former colleague who was in the real estate industry sought out her help with her thriving real estate business.

"As soon as my very first transaction began I knew that this is what I was meant to do," she says. "So one might say, I didn't initially choose this industry. It chose me."

Aiavao describes success as not just being known as a local Realtor but also truly as a caring member of the community.

"Giving back to the community I live in and serve has become a big part of who I am," she says. "Last year I hosted my first Dumpster Day for my clients and my Green Valley neighborhood. In November, together with my colleague, I hosted a Donuts for Donations Food Drive benefiting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Thanks to our wonderful Cordelia and Green Valley neighbors we were able to donate more than 500 pounds of food. I plan on hosting these same events this year and adding another one this summer benefitting the Solano County SPCA."

She also volunteers her time and serves on her local HOA board and hosts National Night Out on her block every year.

The advice she would give to someone entering the real estate field is to "actually care about the people you serve."

"One of my favorite quotes is from Michelle Obama: 'Success isn't about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in people's lives.' I honestly believe that."

Aiavao hopes to be known as someone who is an active participant in the community.

"I am a huge advocate for animal rescue and care. My little partner Biggie was rescued in 2016. Since Biggie's passing in 2022, I have committed to donating a portion of every closed transaction to senior dog rescue, the SPCA, or to help families who need help covering the medical costs for their ailing pets."

Stef Thompson

Stef Thompson Real Estate/Keller Williams-Green Valley Partners

5140 Business Center Drive, Suite 170, Fairfield | 707-328-5157 stefthompson.com | stefthompson@outlook.com

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; before and after hours and weekends as needed

Stef Thompson has been in the real estate industry for 19 years as co-owner with her husband of one of the premier real estate appraiser firms serving Solano and Napa counties. She has been a Realtor for nine years leading Stef Thompson Real Estate and for about a year and a half has partnered with Keller Williams to form Green Valley Partners.

"It has been an amazing experience to partner with such a wonderful company like Keller Williams, which is so dedicated to giving back to the local community," she says.

Thompson, prior to being involved in the real estate industry, was in the sales/service industry for more than 20 years. She says her extensive customer service background has made the transition to real estate seamless.

"Selling or buying a home is one of the largest investments we make in our lives. This decision is not only financial but can also be an emotional decision as well," she says. "Being a true advocate for my clients and trying to get both of these decisions to align is the most rewarding experience of my professional career. Knowing that I play a small part in enhancing my clients' lives is why I am proud to call myself a Realtor.”

Thompson says a successful day is one in which she is able to maximize and enjoy what the day has to offer.

"It is very easy to get wrapped up into day-to-day activities with work and family," she says. "My goal is to be the best Realtor, mom and wife I can be. So, I try to stay away from yearly goals or resolutions and really try to focus on being the best me every day, having confidence that if I can accomplish that, there is really no way I won't achieve my professional and personal goals."

Thompson says it is hard to narrow down to one key piece of advice for those who wish to be an effective Realtor.

"You have to wear many different hats and have to be able to adapt to many different situations," she says. "But, if I had to pick one, I would have to say really take the time to communicate and understand your clients.”

Rose Marie ‘Roe’ Deadrich

Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway

750 Mason St., Vacaville | Phone: 707-372-3599

teamdeadrich@yahoo.com

Rose Marie “Roe” Deadrich provides professional real estate services for all types of buyers and sellers in the real estate market. She’s been doing so for 20 years.

Deadrich offers a no-pressure approach to real estate transactions and has the ability to be direct and honest about the real estate market at any given time. She brings vast knowledge about the county to each client to best meet their individual needs. That, combined with a personal touch and a level of tenacity that resonate with people, set her apart from her peers.

But her most important trait is her honesty.

“I build genuine lifelong relationships with my clients and truly become part of their family,” Deadrich says. “I have a lifetime of experience in negotiating their needs and will do everything in my power to make the process of buying or selling a home as seamless as possible. I truly enjoy what I do.”

Deadrich is one of those real estate professionals out in front of most. But hers isn’t the approach most might imagine. Like a forgotten throwback to a different era, Deadrich’s win-at-all-costs approach is to pour everything she has into her clients.

“It isn’t about me,” Deadrich said. “It’s all about my clients. I do everything I can to make sure they are happy.”

A home purchase, for anyone who has ever done it, is a draining, emotional, long-term commitment. The last things any buyer wants are regrets and second guesses. Deadrich eliminates those with her all-in approach to service.

“I tell people, once you go with me, you’re stuck with me forever,” Deadrich said.

Rather than sell a house to a buyer and move on to the next deal, Deadrich ensures she does the best she can for her clients by staying involved in their lives. She is well-known, for instance, for delivering wreaths to clients during Christmas – not the ones in active deals, the ones moving forward with purchases, but all of them. If you bought a house with Deadrich today, last week or years ago, she’s going to find you and spruce up your home for the holidays.

Her clients aren’t part of a math equation, Deadrich says. She doesn’t simply accumulate as many sales as possible and then move on to the next deal.

By making sure she removes regret, doubt and remorse for her clients, she allows them to experience comfort, to be relaxed and at ease. After all, that’s what anyone looks for in a new home. An open concept, granite counters and bedroom suite are nice, but at the end of the day, a place to feel comfortable, relaxed and secure is what people really want in a home.

Deadrich gives that to her clients.