2nd annual Women's Business Conference connects and inspires

Nearly 200 people convened for the 2025 Women's Business Conference last Friday, March 7, on the eve of International Women's Day. Hosted in partnership with CSU Channel Islands and held at the university's beautiful Camarillo campus, eight speakers were invited to inspire attendees to break through barriers to business, career, financial, and personal success. "We are proud that this conference is the only one of its kind in Ventura County, and that it unites people across generations and backgrounds to empower women in our business community," says WVCBA CEO Andy Conli.

The day featured: 

Event Emcee
Miss Alynette, Radio Host of All Things 805 and Founder of FemdUStry

Opening Speaker
A Fireside Chat with Dr. Sevet Johnson, CEO of the County of Ventura (facilitated by Miss Alynette)

Multi-generational Panel Discussion with Women Excelling in Male-dominated Industries (facilitated by Susan Andrzejewski, Dean for the MVS School of Business & Economics)

• ​Dr. Liz Diaz-Querol, Internist, Kaiser Permanente
• Dennise Hernandez, Supervising Forensic Scientist, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau
• Christine Garvey, Retired Banker and Lawyer
• Kasey Sirodi, Executive Director of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association

Financial Independence Workshop
Natalie Pavia, Financial Advisor with Thrivent

Keynote Speaker: Making 2025 Your Best Year Yet
Kathryn R. Martin, Next Chapter Coach and President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Symphony

Closing Speaker
Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director of The Port of Hueneme

The event was made possible with the generous support of Title Sponsors Kaiser Permanente, Procter & Gamble, and UCLA Health; Major Sponsors American Medical Response, CBIZ Women’s Advantage, California State University Channel Islands, County of Ventura, Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, and Premier America Credit Union; Supporting Sponsors Camarillo Public Library, Coalition for Family Harmony, Dignity Health St. John's Hospitals, PrintPromoPlus by Safeguard, SoCalGas, and Stacy Miller Public Affairs, Inc.; Program Sponsor Williams Homes; and Media Sponsors Gold Coast Broadcasting and Pacific Coast Business Times. Student sponsors included AAUW Camarillo, Citizen's Business Bank, CSUCI, Marketing Maven, PrintPromoPlus by Safeguard, and WVCBA. 

Save the date for the 3rd annual Women's Business Conference on Friday, March 6, 2026.