The San Gabriel Valley Women’s Summit 2026 will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers leading conversations across education, health, caregiving, entrepreneurship, and community resilience on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Monrovia-Pasadena. Serving as keynote speaker, Dr. Kimberly J. Harris, Ed.D., chief executive officer of Mykal’s Corner, Inc., brings more than three decades of leadership across education and entertainment. A former classroom educator, charter school CEO, and senior leader at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Dr. Harris has dedicated her career to advancing student achievement, strengthening educational systems, and supporting families. Today, she continues her impact through national consulting work and by guiding families navigating the entertainment industry.
Session speakers will address timely and relevant topics:
- Dr. Mayra Serrano of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center will lead a discussion on breast cancer prevention and environmental health, offering practical ways to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals while emphasizing early detection and informed health decisions.
- Maria DeRosa, founder of Ladies of the Kitchen, will present on the “Rule of Three,” sharing her personal journey of healing and how aligning body, mind, and spirit can help women rebuild strength and find balance.
- Yvonne Kuo, family consultant at the USC Family Caregiver Support Center, will present “Sandwich Caregiving: Reclaiming Self-Care While Caring for Others,” focusing on the emotional, physical, and financial realities faced by women caring for multiple generations and strategies to maintain their own well-being.
- Ordained elder and founder of The Bo & Arrow Group, our closing speaker Bonita Marie, will close the day by distilling the key themes into clear, practical action. She draws on resilience and real-world strategy to help women and youth move from inspiration into execution.
A featured Resilient Communities Rise Together Panel will spotlight leaders working on the frontlines of recovery and community development after the 2025 Eaton Fire. Together, these speakers represent a cross-section of leadership, expertise, and lived experience to the panel:
- Christy Zamani, executive director of Day One, leading youth development and public health initiatives, including equitable recovery efforts following the Eaton Fire
- Laura Ealy, senior director at San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, leading housing development and wildfire recovery efforts to help families rebuild and return home
- Judy Matthews, president of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association and longtime community advocate addressing issues such as food insecurity and homelessness
- Jhoana Hirasuna, executive director of Foothill Unity Center, providing essential services and food access to families across the region
- Keshia Darden, founder of Simply Divine Salon and Academy, advancing workforce development and creating accessible career pathways in the beauty industry
Early bird tickets, on sale through April 30, are $80 for members and $85 for nonmembers. Tickets are $60 for members and $65 for nonmembers. Register at duartechamber.com/sgvwomenssummit. For more information, contact Laura Lineback at lauralineback@gmail.com.