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YWCA San Diego County presented the 24th annual In the Company of Women benefit luncheon on Thursday, April 25 to celebrate the strength, courage, and spirit of women. The signature event featured the Tribute to Women & Industry (TWIN) Awards to recognize the remarkable achievements of women in managerial, executive, or leadership roles. Since 1980, TWIN honorees have been inducted into a longstanding prestigious group that continues to empower women today.

Congratulations to the 2024 TWIN honorees — incredible women who inspire us with their remarkable talents and dedication to excellence!

KRISTIE BRUCE-LANE
Founder/Chief Executive Officer
The Thumbprint Project Foundation

KERRIE CARTY
Loan Operations Team Lead
Torrey Pines Bank

NORMA DIAZ
2024 TWIN Mentor
Chief Executive Officer
Community Health Group

LAURIE ECOFF, PhD
Vice President, Terrence and Barbara Caster Institute for Nursing Excellence and the James S. Brown Simulation Center
Sharp HealthCare

SHANNON GONZALEZ, CPA
Chief Operating Officer
United Way San Diego

RENEE JIMENEZ
Head Women’s Basketball Coach
California State University, San Marcos

ELIZABETH (LIZ) JOHNSON
Administrative Director
UC San Diego HIV Institute, San Diego Center for AIDS Research, and PREPARE Institute

RENEE JUNG
Exhibitor Services Manager
San Diego Convention Center

CLAIRE LAFARO
GXP Product Line Engineering Director
BAE Systems

HEIDI MATHER
Director of Development
Chelsea Investment Corporation

DOREEN QUINN
2024 TWIN Visionary
Chief Executive Officer
New Haven Youth & Family Services

GENEVA ROMERO
Preferred Banking Associate Director
Torrey Pines Bank

INEZ THOMAS
2024 TWIN Humanitarian Charter Member
San Diego Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc.

MORGAN YEAGER
Assistant General Manager
Sodexo Live!

Additionally, the TWIN Visionary, Mentor, and Humanitarian awards were created to provide another dimension of recognition for our TWIN honorees and their significant impact. The recipients of these distinctive awards were determined by our TWIN Awards Committee and presented to three incredible women. Learn more about each leader below.

Thank you to Rose Farley, Catherine Final, Cynthia LeardMann, Sharon B. Majors-Lewis, and Larry West for serving on the 2024 TWIN Awards Committee and thoroughly reviewing our nominee profiles and selecting the recipients of the three additional awards. It was a challenging undertaking with so many inspiring honorees!

Inez Thomas was born and raised in Greenbrier County, in the state of West Virginia. After high school, she attended West Virginia University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Arts degree, and an Administrative Certification. She taught elementary school for 10 years in Morgantown, West Virginia. After relocating to San Diego, Inez was the Community Outreach Director at Francis Parker School. She also served in leadership roles in the San Diego Medical Society Auxiliary, National Medical Association Auxiliary, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Girl Scout Leader, Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, San Diego Chapter Links, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She was the vice president and community liaison of the San Diego Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. and serves on several Boards of Directors including Patrons of the Prado, Champ for Camp at the Copley YMCA, Advisory Board – Copley YMCA, and Alzheimer’s San Diego Chapter.

Nominated By: The Girl Friends, incorporated and founded in 1927, is one of the oldest and most highly respected social organizations of African Americans in the United States. The Girl Friends also perform civic services in local communities and support national projects.

Charter Member
The Girl Friends, Inc.

Chief Executive Officer
Community Health Group

Norma Diaz, CEO of Community Health Group, has played a pivotal role in its growth to a $1.6 billion healthcare leader. Her leadership has been crucial to CHG’s success since her appointment to the CEO position in 2002, coinciding with the organization’s 20th anniversary. Norma draws from her deep roots in healthcare that began with her teenage volunteer work. Her journey with CHG began in 1982, as she held positions as Clerk, Receptionist, and Human Resources Director to Associate CEO before her board appointment as CEO. CHG serves over 400,000 members and emphasizes access to quality, culturally proficient healthcare. During her watch, the company has earned accolades including National Committee for Quality Assurance accreditation for its Medi-Cal program.

Norma has earned numerous community awards, including the “Legacy Award for Distinguished Community Service” and “Business Woman of the Year.” She actively contributes to local organizations, mentors women within and without the company, and supports educational initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from San Diego State University and an Master of Business Administration from National University.

Nominated By: Community Health Group, founded in 1982, serves over 400,000 members with high-quality healthcare, focusing on the underserved throughout San Diego County. CHG emphasizes community health, preventive care, and addressing health disparities through extensive provider networks and educational initiatives.

Doreen Quinn holds a master’s degree in social work. She has worked in the mental health, social service, and youth development field since 1981. She began work at New Haven Youth & Family Services in 1987 as a social worker. Believing that all kids can learn and can be engaged in education when relevant and when facilitated by a caring teacher, Doreen led an effort to open New Haven School in 1989. She has opened two other schools since this time and has served as a consultant for others interested in a school start-up. Doreen has been the CEO of New Haven since 1996.

Doreen is passionate about New Haven’s mission as evidenced by her drive and enthusiasm in improving the lives of her clients, staff, and other stakeholders. She is resourceful and collaborative in her decision-making. She is a highly committed and competent executive. She has strong relationships with her staff, as measured by the retention of management and direct care personnel.

Nominated By: Vigilare Wealth Management is a registered independent advisory firm. We believe our clients should come first, no matter what the situation is. Vigilare works with clients to design and implement customized wealth management plans to meet their unique goals.

Chief Executive Officer
New Haven Youth & Family Services