Fresno Top Women of Impact

The Top 20 Women of Impact Fresno, CA

The Top 20 Women of Impact 2026

Celebrating the Women Helping Shape Fresno’s Future

In every community there are individuals who quietly and consistently shape the future of the city around them. They lead businesses, uplift neighborhoods, mentor the next generation, advocate for change, and build spaces where others can grow.

In Fresno, many of those leaders are women.

The Top 20 Women of Impact initiative was created to recognize the women whose work, leadership, and influence continue to move Fresno forward. These women come from different industries, backgrounds, and experiences, but they share something powerful in common — resilience, determination, and a commitment to making their community stronger.

Like a rose growing through pressure, the women being honored this year have navigated challenges, broken barriers, and created opportunities not only for themselves but for those around them. Their journeys represent perseverance, leadership, and the beauty of rising above adversity.

The Top 20 Women of Impact 2026 represents the inaugural class of honorees — a group of women who embody the spirit of progress and possibility in the Central Valley.

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The Vision Behind The Top 20

The Top 20 Women of Impact platform was created with a simple but meaningful mission:

To give women their flowers while they are here and recognize the influence they have on the culture, the economy, and the community of Fresno.

Too often recognition comes after the fact. This initiative seeks to celebrate women while they are actively building, leading, and inspiring others.

The program began with over 200 nominations submitted by the community, highlighting women who are making a difference across industries such as:

• Business and entrepreneurship

• Education and mentorship

• Healthcare and wellness

• Community leadership

• Media and culture

• Real estate and economic development

• Social advocacy and nonprofit work

From those nominations, a selection process identified the Top 40 finalists, and ultimately the Top 20 Women of Impact for 2026.

Public voting was included as part of the process, but final selections were also based heavily on measurable impact, leadership, and contributions to the Fresno community.

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The 2026 Top 20 Women of Impact

The following women have been selected as the inaugural honorees for 2026:

• Mysti Dailey-Harris

• Brizzette Lopez

• Carmen Raygoza

• Maria Pacheco

• Erica Guy

• Jessica Gonzalez

• Sirena Sosa

• Dr. Deshunna Monay Ricks

• Shatera Sangster

• Jocelyn Atzel Quintanilla

• Karina Guevara

• Miz-Unique Slater

• Valerie Garcia

• Hannah Waller

• Daniella Zalapa

• Monisha Edwards

• Alma Santiago

• Mahogany May

• Yvonne Ochoa

• Monay Sha’Reece

Each of these women represents a unique story of leadership and perseverance. Whether through entrepreneurship, advocacy, mentorship, or professional excellence, they continue to create positive change within Fresno and beyond.

Their impact extends into neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and families — shaping a stronger future for the city.

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A Celebration of Leadership

The Top 20 Women of Impact will be celebrated on March 14 at The Rosé in Downtown Fresno, where community members, friends, and supporters will gather to honor their contributions.

During the evening celebration, each honoree will be recognized and presented with flowers and a commemorative award in acknowledgment of their achievements and impact.

The event is designed as a celebration — a moment for the community to come together, show appreciation, and uplift the women who continue to make Fresno a better place.

The night will also feature music, entertainment, and a live performance by R&B artist Kiana Ledé, creating an atmosphere that blends celebration, culture, and recognition.

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Why Recognition Matters

Recognizing women who lead within their communities has a ripple effect.

When women are acknowledged for their impact, it encourages the next generation of leaders to step forward with confidence and purpose.

The stories behind the Top 20 Women of Impact serve as examples of what is possible through resilience, vision, and dedication.

Their journeys remind us that leadership is not defined by titles alone, but by influence — by the lives touched, the doors opened, and the communities strengthened along the way.

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Looking Ahead

While 2026 marks the first year of the Top 20 Women of Impact initiative, the vision extends far beyond a single event.

The program is designed to grow into a yearly platform celebrating influential women in Fresno while also creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement.

Future plans include:

• Annual Women of Impact recognition events

• Community initiatives led by honorees

• Documentary storytelling highlighting women’s journeys

• A magazine publication featuring the honorees and their stories

• A growing advisory network of women leaders in Fresno

As the initiative grows, the goal remains the same:

to celebrate the women who continue to rise, lead, and inspire.

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Giving Women Their Flowers

In many ways, The Top 20 Women of Impact is about something simple yet powerful — appreciation.

It is about recognizing the women who often carry responsibility quietly while creating lasting impact.

It is about celebrating leadership, perseverance, and the courage to keep moving forward even when the path is not easy.

And most importantly, it is about giving these women their flowers — while they are here, while they are leading, and while their influence continues to shape the future of Fresno.

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Join the Celebration

The community is invited to celebrate the Top 20 Women of Impact 2026 at The Rosé in Downtown Fresno on Saturday March 14 9pm.

Come support these incredible women and be part of a night dedicated to recognition, celebration, and community.