Women’s Empowerment International – Uplifting Women, Transforming Communities
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:30 PM, changemakers from across San Diego will gather to celebrate women’s strength, resilience, and progress at Empowered WE Rise, the annual, signature fundraiser for Women’s Empowerment International (WE). This afternoon event will take place at Joya Kitchen in La Jolla, featuring an inspiring program, silent and […]
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:30 PM, changemakers from across San Diego will gather to celebrate women’s strength, resilience, and progress at Empowered WE Rise, the annual, signature fundraiser for Women’s Empowerment International (WE). This afternoon event will take place at Joya Kitchen in La Jolla, featuring an inspiring program, silent and live auction, a Market Fair featuring women entrepreneurs from local WE grant-funded programs, and the presentation of the 2025 Woman of Empowerment Award.
This year’s honoree, Rosette Garcia, is a force in the world of community advocacy and engagement. A lifelong activist, philanthropist, and former elected school board trustee, Garcia has spent decades championing justice, civic engagement, and economic opportunity—especially for women and girls. Her unwavering commitment to equity has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a “Women Who Inspire” honoree by State Senator Catherine Blakespear. She currently serves as President of the San Diego Women’s Foundation Board, Co-Vice Chair of the San Diego County Independent Redistricting Commission, and Chair of Voter Services for the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego.
“Rosette embodies everything this award stands for—leadership, bold vision, and a deep dedication to lifting others up,” says Sarah Adams, Executive Director of WE. “We are honored to recognize her transformative impact and commitment to ensuring everyone has a voice in our community.”
The Empowered WE Rise fundraiser supports Women’s Empowerment International, a nonprofit organization based in San Diego that funds community-driven, economic empowerment programs designed to help women experiencing poverty create sustainable futures. WE provides grant funding for a global network of partners and initiatives including microloans, small business development, vocational and leadership training, financial literacy, and other programs that supply tools and access for women to take control of their economic lives.
Founded in 2003, WE believes that economic empowerment is one of the most effective ways to break cycles of poverty and increase opportunities for women and their families. Since its founding, the organization has partnered with vetted, high-impact nonprofits both locally and internationally, currently working in six countries and across San Diego County.
“Women are the backbone of their communities,” says José Angel Nuncio, Board Co-President. “When we invest in women, we create ripple effects that benefit children, families, and entire neighborhoods.”Attendees at Empowered WE Rise can expect a powerful and uplifting experience—complete with stories from partner organizations and opportunities to support WE’s work through exciting auctions featuring items and experiences donated by generous local businesses. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the cause, the event offers a purposeful way to connect with community members and support women’s advancement in a tangible way.
This year’s event is made possible with the support of generous sponsors, including Linda Corey & Christopher Khoury, Chris & Cathy Carroll, Debbie McGraw-Block, and Winifred Cox & Gary Schultz, as well as in-kind donors such as Rancho La Puerta. It is also supported by our dedicated Host Committee members: Judith Fullerton, Linda & Mel Katz, Nancy Kramer, Karen O’Leonard, and Rebecca Raymond. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, offering local businesses a chance to demonstrate their commitment to equity and community development.
Tickets are available now and all proceeds directly support WE’s grant programs and partners. Join us to celebrate an incredible honoree, support local and global impact, and connect with others passionate about women’s economic empowerment. Empowered WE Rise promises to be one of the most meaningful events of the season.
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.
Visit
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.
