The Woman of Ark Marketing & Media Solutions Inc.
Audrey Patterson, President
As a longtime advocate for women-supporting-women, Audrey Patterson founded Ark Marketing & Media Solutions in 2003 with a vision of fostering this culture in the workplace. Drawing from her years of corporate experience, Audrey set out to lead with flexible, compassionate, and empowering policies—particularly for working mothers. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be in a position where I can support women who are eager to grow and learn,” Audrey shares.
Contributing to the success of San Diego’s vibrant business community is something Ark’s team takes pride in, driven by their commitment to delivering top-tier media solutions to clients and partners. “We thrive on collaboration, teamwork, and continuous learning in an ever-evolving industry.”
Looking ahead, Audrey is excited about the newly launched Ark Marketing Latino division. “Establishing a Latino division is key to authentically connecting with a thriving, growing community. It helps brands build trust, strengthen relationships, and create lasting impact in this diverse market.”
Audrey looks forward to continuing to lead with passion and purpose, while creating opportunities for both her team and the communities they serve.
858-452-4314
arkmarketing.com
The Woman of Ball Auto Group
Jenifer Ball, Vice President
A born and raised San Diegan, a third-generation business owner, and the first woman president of The Mile of Cars Association, Jenifer Ball is active within the community. As the current Managing Partner of Ball Auto Group (Honda, Acura, Kia), Ball loves helping San Diegans find the right vehicle for their lifestyle.
“[It’s exciting] seeing returning customers that have bought vehicles from my grandfather [and] my father and are now buying from me,” she says. “Plus, [I’m proud to be] creating jobs and employing people in the community.” Outside of her work within the automotive industry, Ball enjoys contributing time to local community service efforts and raising her son.
2135 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950
619-474-6431
ballauto.com
The Woman of JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Danielle Schwimer, Middle Market Banking—Executive Director
With a long history in banking, Danielle Schwimer is driving change with her support of historically disadvantaged business owners across San Diego and Orange County. Schwimer connects diverse groups and women-, LGBTQ-, and veteran-owned businesses with resources in her role as Executive Director of Middle Market Banking at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
She’s passionate about offering owners the essential tools for success, introducing them to growth opportunities, and helping them get access to capital. “I don’t feel like what I’m doing day-to-day is work, because this is truly heartfelt,” Schwimer says. Every time she spots her clients’ branding out in the community, it’s an indicator that her impact is working. “There is nothing better than seeing my clients’ equipment, trucks, office buildings, or products,” she adds.
12860 El Camino Real, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92130
619-602-4071
linkedin.com/in/danielle-schwimer-oster/
The Woman of Northside Shack
Pamela Olvera, Owner
Pamela Olvera, born in Mexico City as the eldest of four sisters, came from humble beginnings. After the tragic murder of her father when she was just 16, Olvera became a teen parent. Despite these challenges, she held multiple jobs, including a lengthy stint as a paralegal, while raising her children. But her passion for the culinary arts never wavered. Determined to follow her dreams, Olvera started as a dishwasher and worked her way up in the kitchen. In 2014, with just $5,000 in savings, she opened the juice bar Northside Shack, a now-thriving business beloved for its açai bowls and smoothies.
Today, with three successful locations under her belt, Olvera reflects on her journey with pride. Her resilience and dedication helped her overcome adversity and build a business rooted in hard work. After a significant health scare in 2020, she’s decided to pass the torch, allowing someone new to continue her legacy. Olvera is excited to look ahead, knowing she’s created something that has brought joy and nourishment to her community.
1255 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, California 92106 | 619-738-8233
3773 30th Street, Unit H, San Diego, California 92104 | 619-539-7712
631 South Cleveland Street, Oceanside, CA 92054| 760-231-5944
northsideshack.com
The Woman of The Fishery
AnneMarie Lorenz, Owner
A fifth generation San Diegan, AnneMarie Brown-Lorenz has a natural passion for hospitality, food and wine. Still, carving out a career as a woman in the restaurant industry was not easy. One of the keys to her success was breaking away from her innately shy personality and tapping into her knowledge, wit and business acumen. Reflecting on that success, she says, “I’m proud of what Pacific Shellfish + The Fishery has become. The ethos we pitch is an ethos we live—small, family-owned, women-made, natural and real.”
5040 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109
858-272-9985
thefishery.com
The Woman of NewSchool of Architecture & Design
Daniela Deutsch, Dean of Architecture
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Daniela Deutsch has made exceptional contributions to architectural education and sustainable design across San Diego. Her practical experience, commitment to innovation, and dedication to inclusive education have paved the way for female architects in a male-dominated field. Her interdisciplinary approach empowers women to acquire diverse skill sets, preparing them for leadership roles in architecture and beyond. As NewSchool’s Dean of Architecture, Deutsch leads the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) tracks. She recently expanded this to include the five-year bachelor’s program, helping undergraduate students also achieve their goals faster.
1249 F Street, San Diego, California 92101 | 619-684-8800
newschoolarch.edu
The Woman of Promises2Kids
Tonya Torosian, MSW, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer
Tonya Torosian began working with children in foster care as a social worker in Chicago, and it was there that her career passion was ignited. More than 30 years later, Tonya serves as the CEO of Promises2Kids, a nonprofit that provides programs, services, and funding to support current and former foster youth. “Promises2Kids is well-known and highly respected for the work it does with San Diego’s foster children. What set it apart from others was the admiration I have for the founders and the passion that drives them and everyone working here; it really is all about the children.”
9400 Ruffin Court, Suite A, San Diego, California 92123
858-278-4400
Promises2Kids.org
The Woman of Sharia’s Closet
Shamine Linton, Founder and President
As the Founder and President of Sharia’s Closet, Shamine Linton is dedicated to fostering positive change through compassionate service. Sharia’s Closet provides clean, quality clothing and hygiene kits presented in personalized care packages to individuals facing crisis. These free ‘Bags of Hope’ are offered to a diverse population including survivors of natural disasters, human trafficking, and domestic violence. For over 10 years, Sharia’s Closet has been a transformative resource of hope, relief, dignity and respect for our San Diego neighbors in need.
6244 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 5, San Diego, CA 92115
619-549-6102
shariascloset.org
