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 […]
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.
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
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
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
In the last several years, there’s been a surge in FDA approvals for what’s known as oral oncolytics. Oral oncolytics are targeted cancer therapies that come in tablet, capsule or liquid form that patients can take at home, rather than in an infusion clinic. Scripps physicians have seen exponential growth using this approach, with patients citing convenience as a major quality-of-life enhancement in their cancer treatment. This approach also allows treatments to be customized based on specific genetic mutations and a patient’s unique disease biology. Find out more about oral oncolytics here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty practice specializing in urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.
Unio’s Radiation Oncology team—Dr. Donald B. Fuller, Dr. Tahir Ijaz, Dr. Reza Shirazi, and Dr. Siavosh Vakilian—combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to personalized cancer care. The RO team treats cancerous and non-cancerous conditions using precision therapies including SBRT, IGRT, and the CyberKnife® S7 System, the only system of its kind in Southern California. Their expertise spans prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and central nervous system cancers, as well as low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis.
In 2026, Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Vakilian were recognized as San Diego Top Doctors, joining Dr. Fuller and Dr. Ijaz, who have previously received this distinction.
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Fertility Center
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Susanna Park, MD; Sandy Chuan, MD; Brooke Friedman, MD; Said Daneshmand, MD; Valerie Flores, MD; Bryn Willson, MD
At San Diego Fertility Center, parenthood starts with personalized, cutting-edge care. Nationally recognized physicians offer individualized plans spanning IVF, PGT, egg donation, surrogacy, Gentle IVF, fertility preservation, and LGBTQ+ family building. Newsweek ranked them among America’s Best Fertility Clinics in 2026: top 6% of 450+ clinics nationwide, and best in San Diego.
“Remind yourself you are not alone! You don’t have to have all the answers before you walk through the door,” says Dr. Friedman. “Our job is to listen, explain your options, and guide you toward what makes sense for you. Because fertility care isn’t one-size-fits-all — and building your family should feel like your journey, supported every step of the way.”
Faces of Healthcare 2026: North County Cardiovascular Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At NCCS, both doctors take a personal, traditional approach to cardiovascular care. Patients speak directly with their physicians and build lasting relationships with doctors who know them.
“We became doctors to care for patients, not to run a business,” says Dr. Kabra, who trained in England and the United States and leads the practice’s office-based cardiac care. Dr. Rajamanickam, an interventional cardiologist trained under renowned Dr. Samin Sharma, shares the same philosophy.
Guided by evidence-based medicine, they tailor care to each patient’s unique history, physiology, lifestyle and goals. Both are respected, well-reviewed physicians and four-time Top Doctors.
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3142 Vista Way, Suite 206, Oceanside, CA 92056 760-224-7776
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups, At Neighborhood Healthcare, patients receive whole-person care, giving them access to the resources they need to live their best lives—whether that’s primary care, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, lab services, or pharmacy needs.
Neighborhood Healthcare is a private, non-profit community health organization in San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Primary Care Physician James H. Schultz, MD goes above and beyond in serving people with high integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. Alongside the entire Neighborhood Healthcare staff, he works to improve the health and happiness of the community, regardless of situation or circumstance.
