Honoring Cool Women, Investing in Emerging Leaders
For 23 years, our Cool Women Celebration has honored nearly 200 exemplary leaders across various industries for their positive contributions to the development of girls and women. At this year's event on Friday, March 24, more than 400 attendees celebrated Women’s History Month, connected with exceptional professionals from the region, and invested in the next generation of leaders.
Ashley Jacobs, event emcee and host of The LOCAList SD on FOX 5 San Diego joined us to recognize our five Cool Women of 2023:
- Rashmi Char, Vice President of Engineering, Qualcomm
- Liza Crisafi, Chief Investment Officer, San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System (retired)
- Norma Diaz, Chief Executive Officer, Community Health Group
- Kimberley Layton, Chief Advancement and Communications Officer, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
- Deanna Mackey, General Manager, KPBS
We also celebrated this year's class of 35 Emerging Leaders, Girl Scouts in grades 10-12 who strive to be strong leaders of courage, confidence, and character. Before the event, Emerging Leaders attended workshops to build skills in networking, business etiquette, and public speaking, and received mentoring from the Cool Women and other local female leaders during a morning session. Select Emerging Leaders introduced the Cool Women during the ceremony with impressive and heartfelt remarks.
This special day brought together Cool Women honorees, Emerging Leader Girl Scouts, executive mentors, and partner organizations to forge powerful connections and advance female leadership in San Diego and Imperial counties. Event proceeds totaled over $230,000 and will benefit programs that empower Girl Scouts to use their voices, develop a strong sense of self, step outside their comfort zones, and build resilience.
Thank you to all our 2023 Cool Women sponsors, including SDG&E, SOLV Energy, Qualcomm, PNC Bank, and University of San Diego.
