Women's Business Conference

Friday, March 7, 2025 l 8:00 am - 2:00 pm l CSU Channel Islands

In honor of International Women‘s Day, the West Ventura County Business Alliance and CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) join forces to host Ventura County's only Women's Business Conference, an inspirational half-day event with guest speakers, networking opportunities, and more.

The 3rd Annual Women's Business Conference will take place Friday, March 6, 2026.

registration closed

2025 Sponsor Packet

2025 Speakers

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

After receiving her bachelor’s in acting and directing from Cal State Long Beach, Miss Alynette's love for dance and music culture set her on a path toward opportunities in the radio broadcasting business.

Her passions for community organizing and the strength and resilience of women led her to found FemdUStry, an organization bringing awareness, resources and opportunity to marginalized communities with a focus on women's empowerment. Her annual Hot Mama Day Cancer Benefit, along with other fundraising efforts, have provided financial assistance and support to those in need from every walk of life in Ventura County.

With more than 20 years in the radio broadcasting industry, Miss Alynette has expanded her experience into content media marketing under the brand the Alynettework offering podcasting, graphic design, social media promotion, music curation, and hosting services. She continues to use her voice to uplift the masses of Ventura County and beyond with her community affairs show, All Things 805. She is also the weekday host from noon-5:00 pm on Southern California music radio station Old School 104-7.

You can reach her online:
www.instagram.com/Alynettework
www.instagram.com/All.Things.805

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

Kristin Decas took the helm of the Port of Hueneme in 2012, laser-focused on prospering economic, environmental, and community enrichment.

On Kristin’s watch, trade volumes have grown 80%, and revenue has climbed 133%. The Port's total economic activity has soared by 250%, increasing from $800 million to $2.8 billion. Trade-related jobs have jumped 145% from 10,200 to over 24,997 jobs and tax revenues for vital community services have risen 224%. In FY2023, the Port realized its strongest sustained trade year since its inception in 1937, moving over $15.8 billion in cargo value.

Since Kristin took the CEO post, the Port has invested over $70M in environmental improvement projects including shoreside power plug-ins for vessels and cranes, harbor deepening projects that re-nourish local beaches, and the launch of a world-class air quality monitoring program. She also championed impactful community work, including food drives for over 50,000 families, local school trade programs, and thousands of port tours for the community.

Kristin currently serves on high-profile county, state, and federal transportation, and economic development boards. Kristin lives in Oxnard with her husband and is the proud mother of two daughters.

Panelist: Dennise Hernandez, Supervising Forensic Scientist, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau

Dennise Hernandez is a Forensic Scientist and supervises the CSI Unit and the Fingerprint Unit of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) Forensic Services Bureau (FSB). She has worked on a range of cases, from burglaries to multi-casualty homicides, in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies. She also provides instruction at the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center.

Dennise received a bachelor's in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior from UC Davis in 2005 and an master's in biotechnology and bioinformatics from CSU Channel Islands in 2008. In her previous life, she conducted discovery research as a Senior Research Associate at Amgen.

She was born and raised in Ventura County and takes pride in being of service to the community in which she grew up. She is and avid runner and enjoys going on adventures with her husband and their three children. She welcomes you to connect on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Panelist: Christine Garvey, Retired Banker and Lawyer

Christine Garvey is currently serving as a director on two public company boards: Montecito Bank & Trust and Toll Bros. Additionally, she is a director on the not-for-profit boards of California State University Channel Islands Foundation, Public Square, and Suffolk University Law School. While in banking, Christine managed over 150-million-square-feet of space at the Deutsche Back in London, Cisco Systems, and Wells Fargo, and managed real estate lending at Bank of America.

Dr. Sevet Johnson, CEO of the County of Ventura

Dr. Sevet Johnson has served as the County Executive Officer for the County of Ventura since March 2022, being officially appointed in August of that year.

Dr. Johnson joined the County in 2009 and most recently served as the Chief Deputy Director of the County’s Health Care Agency prior to serving as the Interim County Executive Officer. She oversees 27 County agencies and departments with an operating budget of $2.7 billion and over 10,000 staff members. As part of her duties, Dr. Johnson also serves as the Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board. By trade, she is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and previously served as the Director of the County’s Behavioral Health Department overseeing the County Mental Health Plan, serving approximately 18,000 clients annually through outpatient services. She enjoys supporting the Board of Supervisors in implementing policy throughout the various agencies to benefit the County.

Keynote: Kathryn R. Martin, Next Chapter Coach and President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Symphony

Kathryn R Martin is a catalyst for moments of transformational shift and breakthroughs.

As an author, entrepreneur, Next Chapter Coach, and founder of The Career (Life!) Breakthrough Academy™ Kathryn coaches successful leaders at pivotal crossroad moments; helping break out of cycles of frustration and indecision and curate dream scenarios.

Kathryn is known for her ability to help others leverage and move successfully through times of transition and change – whether it’s reacting to crisis or seizing a new opportunity. With a 30-year career leading and consulting with nonprofit arts & culture organizations, Kathryn is one of the country’s top professional Interim CEOs and transition strategists; creating multi-organization collaborations and partnerships, generating new resources, reducing staff turnover, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, increasing engagement and breaking down barriers to participation.

Named “Empowered Woman of the Year” in 2019 and “Top Leadership Coach of the Year” in 2018 by IAOTP, Kathryn uses her proven process to help clients unlock their purpose, align their professional brand with their true value, nurture momentum, and cultivate impact in their careers and in the lives of those they are meant to serve - with ease, joy and financial sustainability.

After their adult son successfully battled brain lymphoma, Kathryn and her husband Peter began actively curating their Next Chapter in Santa Barbara, California. In May 2020, the Santa Barbara Symphony appointed Kathryn as President & CEO to lead the organization through the pandemic into its Next Chapter. The Symphony is experiencing unprecedented momentum in its impact, revenue and visibility.

WEBSITE for free resources: www.kathrynRmartin.com

Workshop Facilitator: Natalie Pavia, Financial Advisor with Thrivent

Natalie Pavia is a dedicated financial advisor with a heartfelt commitment to making a difference in people's lives and the communities they live in. After spending 10+ years in the nonprofit sector, particularly focused on serving the elderly population, Natalie brings a unique perspective to her financial practice. She believes in supporting individuals with financial literacy, especially advocating for women's financial independence and security. Her passion for education extends beyond her professional life; she also volunteers in her community promoting financial literacy within nonprofits like Women’s Economic Ventures and ACTION VC. Outside of work, she cherishes time spent with her family, playing guitar, and enjoying the beach.

Panelist: Kasey Sirodi, Executive Director of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association

Kasey Sirody is an attorney who has served as the Executive Director of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (VCDSA) since 2017. The VCDSA is a nonprofit organization that represents deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from the Ventura County District Attorney Bureau of Investigations.

Before her tenure at VCDSA, Kasey was a Senior Deputy District Attorney for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted various cases including domestic violence and gang-related crimes. Following her time at the District Attorney’s Office, she dedicated her career to representing peace officers throughout California. Kasey's commitment to justice and the law, coupled with her dedication to supporting peace officers, has made her a respected leader in her field. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset to the VCDSA and the communities it serves.

Kasey graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and received her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine School of Law. A resident of Newbury Park, Kasey enjoys life with her grown daughter and her grumpy German Shepherd named King, and is relishing her new role as a grandmother.

Panelist: Dr. Liz Diaz-Querol, Kaiser Permanente

Dr. Liz Diaz-Querol is a dedicated and visionary physician leader with a strong background in internal medicine and healthcare leadership. Originally from Venezuela, she came to the U.S. in 2007, overcoming language barriers and rigorous medical training to establish herself as a committed advocate for physicians and patients alike.

She completed her residency in internal medicine while simultaneously pursuing a master's at Columbia University, demonstrating her relentless drive for growth and excellence. Since joining Kaiser Permanente in 2014, Liz has played a pivotal role in physician engagement and operational improvements, including her tenure as Physician in charge in Oxnard and her leadership in uniting and strengthening the West Ventura team as the first Assistant Area Medical Director for West Ventura Kaiser Permanente.

Liz’s leadership philosophy centers on creating the right conditions for physicians to thrive through empowerment, engagement, and trust—ultimately enhancing productivity, quality, and affordability. Her exceptional people skills allow her to connect with colleagues at all levels, making them feel valued and heard.

Outside of work, Liz is a devoted wife and mother, tennis player, dance mom, and a lifelong learner committed to making a meaningful impact.