Celebrating Women Profiles 2026: The Woman of Prosperity Now

Vivian Hardage, Co-Founder

Vivian Hardage turned a mother’s heartbreak into a global movement. When her son was born with ocular albinism, a rare genetic vision disorder, in 1989, doctors offered “no treatment, no cure, no hope.” She and husband Sam refused to accept this, founding the Vision of Children Foundation in 1991. “I was just a mom wondering what we could do to help our son live a normal life,” she recalls. “And Sam’s comment was: We’re going to fix this.” Today, Vision of Children is the world’s leading supporter of research into related genetic vision disorders, currently funding work at UC San Diego’s Shiley Eye Institute, the University of Pittsburgh, and Weill Cornell Medicine.

12555 High Bluff Drive, Suite 330, San Diego, California 92130 | 858-314-7916
@visionofchildren | visionofchildren.org

Jennifer Davis, MD, MSCP; Taylor Stafford, DNP, MSCP

Dr. Jennifer Davis was a successful pediatrician in her mid-40s when she suddenly started feeling not like herself. Poor sleep, mood changes, fatigue, brain fog, and eventually hot flashes led her to realize she was in perimenopause. When she sought help, she found few local practices offering evidence-based, FDA-approved hormone therapy—and long waits to see those who did. Determined to help change that, she became certified by the Menopause Society and founded San Diego Menopause to provide women with the knowledgeable, compassionate care she had struggled to find.

At San Diego Menopause, Dr. Davis and nurse practitioner Taylor Stafford provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for perimenopause and menopause, including hormonal and non-hormonal treatments for symptoms including hot flashes, brain fog, sleep and mood changes, low libido and sexual health concerns. “Women deserve to be heard, believed, and taken seriously. I know firsthand how debilitating these symptoms can be,” Dr. Davis says. “Our mission is to empower women and give them their lives back.”

3160 Camino del Rio S, Suite 315, San Diego, California 92108 | 619-377-9909
@sandiegomenopause | sandiegomenopause.com

Dina Hemmi, Founder and CEO

San Diego entrepreneur Dina Hemmi is reimagining modern hiring and job hunting with Let’s Role. Drawing on her executive recruiting experience, the founder and CEO created a mobile-first, swipe-based platform inspired by dating apps. Personality, experience, work style, and workplace vibe come first, not résumés.

Job seekers share video profiles, skills, and music, while employers showcase their culture and open roles through manager introductions and company reels. Voice memos, in-app conversations, and automated workflows simplify hiring.

Let’s Role covers 2,500 industries, including restaurants, hospitality, event staffing, retail, customer service, warehousing, and logistics. 

National expansion is planned for early 2027. The first 100 San Diego employers to join receive six months of free job postings and full applicant tracking system access.

Hemmi’s mission is to change how the world hires, connecting talent with workplaces where they belong. Real people, real jobs, right now.

Headquarters in San Diego, California | 858-267-4590
@letsroleai | letsrole.ai

Dr. Sherin Johnson, DDS, FAACA

Dr. Sherin Johnson has transformed Great Smiles of La Mesa into the embodiment of “Doing Dentistry Differently.” She has curated a bold, modern space that combines advanced technology, exceptional five-star service, and positive energy. Patients are treated to thoughtful touches like heated blankets, headphones, Netflix, lavender towels, a claw machine, and even a floss vending machine because exceptional dentistry should feel as good as it looks.

Dr. Johnson is a multi-time Invisalign Diamond Provider, a San Diego Magazine Top Doctor, and an AACA Fellow. Great Smiles of La Mesa is proudly led by an all-female team of board-certified specialists who bring expertise, compassion, and collaboration to every patient.

An entrepreneur, clinician, and mother with only sisters and daughters, Dr. Johnson is deeply passionate about uplifting women. She leads her all-female team by creating opportunities for them to grow and recognize their strengths. Her journey demonstrates that when women lead with excellence, authenticity, and purpose, they do more than succeed—they redefine what success looks like.

8893 La Mesa Boulevard, Suite A, La Mesa, California 91942 | 619-466-4448
@greatsmilesoflamesa_ca | greatsmileslamesa.com

Tori Rosay, Founder and Owner

At Dexter’s Deli, community, healthy pet food, dogs, and a few opinionated cats are the heart of every one of our stores. Often mistaken for a sandwich shop, Dexter’s Deli was actually San Diego’s first natural pet food store. Founder Tori Rosay opened the first location in Del Mar in 1996 when the internet was barely a thing and natural pet food was far from mainstream.

Thirty years later, Dexter’s has three neighborhood stores while remaining proudly independent, fiercely local, and the kind of place where the team knows your dog’s name—and their favorite treat.

Tori still leads Dexter’s Deli with curiosity, humor, and a willingness to question what’s in our pets’ bowls. In today’s dog-eat-dog world of big-box stores and online shopping, she still believes there’s something special about a community neighborhood pet store: It’s a place to ask questions, discover healthier choices, bring your dog to pick a favorite toy—or celebrate with a doggy-birthday cake.

1229 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, California 92014 | 858-792-3707
2508 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, California 92008 | 760-720-7507
3773 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104 | 619-738-8677
dextersdeli.com