National Women’s Small Business Month
Celebrating the Achievements of Women Entrepreneurs
Our commitment to community extends into the business world, especially as we honor National Women’s Small Business Month. We proudly celebrate the remarkable achievements of Central Valley women leaders and entrepreneurs who are essential to driving our economy forward.
This month, we recognize not only their successes but also the unique challenges they face. We stand together to raise awareness, advocate for meaningful support, and promote vital resources that empower women-owned businesses to thrive and succeed.
Spotlighting Our Women Leaders
Kathryn J. Davis, CCE
President & CEO, Valley First Credit Union
"One of the things I love most here at Valley First is we get the opportunity to help women business owners with their business needs."
Tina Marcello, MBA
Chief Lending Officer
"ABC...Always Be Curious! Don't underestimate the power of curiosity."
Andrea Brooks, MBA, CUCE, CUERME
Chief Risk Officer
"If you aren't getting the opportunities or experiences in your current role, I encourage you to volunteer. Get out there and help solve a problem."
Mary Roberts
Chief Financial Officer
"...the women who really inspire me are those in my family, my friends and colleagues in my network. They're out there doing good every day..."
Courtnay Lynch, CUHRCP
Vice President of People & Culture
"I ensure I promote them (women), make sure everyone knows about them, and continue to do business with them."
Spotlighting Our Local Women-Owned Business Superstars
Women-Owned Small Business Resources
Access programs and resources designed to support women-owned small businesses.
- Visa’s Practical Business Skills Program offers free educational resources and interactive tools for small business owners.
Small Business Administration Resources
- Ascent Learning Platform is a free learning platform that helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
- Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center serves 14 counties in Central California. Their expert business advisors will work with you and your business across multiple disciplines.
Jessica Barrios, Barrios Realty Consultants
Jessica Barrios is the Broker/Owner of Barrios Realty Consultants. With over a decade of experience in real estate, she has built a reputation for dedication to client satisfaction and "Turning Realty into Reality". Native to Modesto, Jessica and her husband Chris Barrios, are raising four children in this community. She sits on the Board of the Latino Chamber of Commerce and has achieved the Life Member Award from the Central Valley Association of Realtors and Lodi Association of Realtors, which recognizes the top 2% of realtors in sales volume sold.
In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, we asked Jessica to share a bit about her experience being a woman entrepreneur.
Who inspires you?
I can't pinpoint a person whom I say inspires me, but I do know I'm inspired by my faith and walk with Jesus Christ. I have hope and determination to always do great things. Achieving goals that were once a dream inspires me that ANYTHING is possible.
What challenges have you overcome either starting or running your small business?
The fear of failure. It can be very scary to put everything you have into running a real estate brokerage and fear of not knowing or not having the skills needed in all areas to run a business. To overcome this, I learned to hire the right team members that have the skill sets that I may be lacking. It is ok to ask for help, and not try to do all things myself.
How do you support other women in business?
I lead by example. I will never expect or ask others to do something that I have not or am not willing to do myself. I believe in speaking life into others and I am an open book for anyone who needs my advice or who may just need a listening ear.
What local women-owned businesses or women-leaders inspire you, and why?
I am inspired by all women-owned business owners. I know the emotional toll it takes on women to be a leader and to own a business. The dedication and hard work needed may not always be seen, but if they are successful I know that they have overcome many challenges.
Barrios Realty Consultants | 823 15th St, Modesto, CA 95354 | (209) 505-8466
Paula DeBoard, Bookish Modesto
Paula Treick DeBoard is the co-owner and dreamer-in-chief behind Bookish, an independent new and used bookstore in Roseburg Square. In her other lives, she has been an educator and a novelist. She and her husband Will are proud to call Modesto home.
In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, we asked Paula to share a bit about her experience being a woman entrepreneur.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who go against the grain a bit, who see possibilities that are hidden to the rest of us, and who dedicate themselves to that vision. Opening a business from scratch is challenging, so it’s inspiring when people persevere and make it happen.
What challenges have you overcome either starting or running your small business?
Bookish is my first (and maybe only) shot at a business after spending more than twenty years in the field of education, and at times there have been some steep learning curves. I’ve figured out that I need to pay attention, ask questions and stay flexible. The retail world changes every minute when a new customer walks through the door, and we need to be ready to meet their needs.
How do you support other women in business?
Bookish has a mission of being as local as possible, so many of our store’s gift items are made by local women running their own small businesses. It’s been amazing getting to know these creative women, and it’s rewarding to be able to showcase their talent.
What local women-owned businesses or women-leaders inspire you, and why?
Locally, I’m in awe of Bonnie Ohara, who owns Alchemy Bread (seriously amazing; please support her business!). She’s the author of two amazing books on baking bread, and she’s proof that if you love something and you throw yourself into it body and soul, you’ll find your community of supporters.
Bookish Modesto | 811 W Roseburg Ave, Modesto, CA 95350 | (209) 408-8067
Kara McGaffee & Kirsten Cordoza-Rodrigues, Refuge Coffee
Kara McGaffee & Kirsten Cordoza-Rodrigues, founders and owners of Refuge Coffee. They founded Refuge Coffee because of their love their community and desire for them to have a place to connect, linger and create valuable relationships. They see people and value them, treating each person with the utmost care, and believe providing high quality, locally sourced, organic products that nourish your body is important. Refuge Coffee is more than coffee and they hope you can taste and feel the difference at their Oakdale location or pop ups. Kara and Kirsten partnered with Dan Rowe of Revive Roasters not just because Dan can roast awesome coffee but because of their shared values.
Refuge Coffee Oakdale | 113 North Third Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361