This fall, Hera Hub celebrated seven years of supporting the launch and growth of hundreds of women-owned businesses. Last year, Hera Hub brought Felena Hanson’s dream to life – an awards night – where members of the Hera Hub community received recognition and are celebrated for their many achievements through nominations from both the community and staff.
On Thursday, September 20th, the San Diego Hera Hub community gathered together for the second annual Hera Heroine Awards Night. Honorees were nominated by members of the Hera Hub Community and were selected for each San Diego location. Pour yourself a glass of wine and let us introduce you to our 2018 Hera Heroines.
Please meet our 2017 Hera Heroines!
Most Resilient Award – They say, “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. This is, of course, true in business too! These honorees are in it for the long haul! Their tenacity has shown through in tough times and they are committed to continuous progress and growth.
Awarded to Dina Moskowitz and Lisbet Perez (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley), Monetta Plassmeyer (Hera Hub Mission Valley), and Erin Carpenter (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
Pivot Award – These heroines are agile and responsive. While they may have had to go back to the drawing board a few times, each one always emerges stronger. They have their ear to the ground and are willing to adapt as the market needs change.
Awarded to Lauren Paunescu (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley), Janeal Ford (Hera Hub Mission Valley) and Dani Witkowski (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
Women’s Advocate Award – These honorees are awarded to recognize their impactful service and special contributions to advancing and advocating for women around her through their work.
Awarded to Karen Van Dyke (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Laurie Itkin and Catherine Zacharias (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Mary Lou Rogers (Hera Hub Carlsbad.
Innovation Award – These honorees are breaking barriers in their field. They are doing more than thinking outside the box. They are building a new one!
Awarded to Ida Rose Florez in Education (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Sylvia Norman in Life Sciences/Diagnostics (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Vanessa Elle in creativity and giving women a voice (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
The Mentorship Award – These honorees have a powerful commitment to advising other women and helping them advance. They are always very giving of their time and wisdom.
Awarded to Rebecca Tall-Brown (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Vivian Sayward (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Anna Howard (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
The Connector Award – These honorees have gone above and beyond to help other members and find the right resources for them. They have a true passion for seeing their fellow sisters succeed!
Awarded to Tiffany Henning (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Maresa Friedman (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Nikki Achartz (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
The Leadership Award – These are the members we all look up to. They inspire other women on a daily basis and is set the standard for what it means to be a female entrepreneur.
Awarded to Barbara Eldridge (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Deanna Mackey (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Denise Clifton (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
The Collaborator Award – This award recognizes members who are actively seeking opportunities to work with and support other members. They are generous with their time, experience, and knowledge.
Awarded to Katrina Oko-Odoi (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Chanel Collis (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Gwen Beren (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
Jasmine Mesbah, Andrea Carayiannas, and Lisane Basquiat, nominated these members in their respective communities in the following categories.
Most Engaged Ambassador Award
Awarded to Maryrose Solis (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Mildrid Jazmin (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Madison Potter (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
Biggest Brand Evangelist Award
Awarded to Anne McColl (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Jennifer Flagg (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Elaine Swann (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
Most Involved in Hera Hub Programs Award
Awarded to April Merritt (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Kendra Williams (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Alice Brozic (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
Most Growth/Progress Award
Awarded to Steph Johnson (Hera Hub Mission Valley), Y’vonne Ormond (Hera Hub Sorrento Valley) and Sarah Tasch (Hera Hub Carlsbad).
Special thanks to Hera Hub Mission Valley member, Sheryl Marie, founder of Picture Bakery for the wonderful, interactive photo booth for helping us capture the evening.
It was an incredible honor to recognize the amazing women in San Diego who diligently focus on supporting one another and Hera Hub’s mission. We are excited about what the future holds as we continue to work towards the mission of helping 20,000 women in the launch and growth of their business by 2020.
