2026 SHE LEADS: Strong, Smart and Bold Women of San Diego

Join us for delicious bites, hosted bar, and a fireside panel discussion with our 2026 honorees to discuss a vision for powerful girls in an equitable society, where every girl has the right to thrive through access to quality education and career pathways.

These trailblazing leaders were selected for their standout contributions to our community and because of their commitment to making an impact for girls and women.

The attire for the event is business casual. All event proceeds support Girls Inc. of San Diego STEM programs.

HONOREES

Chef Marcella Valladolid

Chef Marcella is the founder, creator, and face behind Matriarca Foods, a successful modern Mexican pantry brand built on over 20 years of culinary expertise, cultural stewardship, and consumer trust.

She is an Emmy-nominated chef, television personality, author, designer, and entrepreneur, raised in Tijuana, Mexico, and trained at the Los Angeles Culinary Institute and in Paris, where she graduated as a classically trained pastry chef from the Ritz-Escoffier Cooking School.

Chef Marcella began her career as a Food Editor at Bon Appétit Magazine, then went on to host multiple television series, including Mexican Made Easy on Food Network, co-host the three-time Emmy-nominated The Kitchen, judge Best Baker in America, and host Holiday Gingerbread Showdown.

She is the author of several nationally bestselling cookbooks whose work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, People, Food & Wine.

Chef Marcella lives in Chula Vista, California with her partner Philip, and their three children—Fausto, David, and Anna Carina—their dog Kongo, and their cat Marcelo.

Linda Sierra

Linda Sierra has built a career demonstrating what it means to lead with purpose, opening doors for others while helping shape the future of innovation. As Senior Vice President of Business Development at Bench International, she partners with life sciences and healthcare organizations to recruit visionary executives and diverse leadership teams that drive breakthrough discoveries and lasting impact.

With more than 30 years of experience in biotechnology, executive search, and talent strategy, Linda has championed opportunities for women and underrepresented leaders throughout her career. Her commitment to expanding pathways into STEM and executive leadership extends through her current and past service with organizations including San Diego Squared (SD2), Life Science Cares San Diego, Life Science Cares Bay Area, Project Onramp National Committee, Southwestern Community College President’s Community Advisory Board and BIOCOM Institute.

Linda’s civic leadership and participation has also included: Founding Donor of the El Camino Fund at San Diego Foundation, MANA de San Diego Co-Chair-Advisory Board, UCSD-Chancellor’s Community Advisory Board, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, Women in BIO, LifeHR Network, Women Give San Diego and Ocean Discovery Institute.

Girls Inc. of San Diego is proud to honor Linda for exemplifying the Strong, Smart, and Bold leadership that inspires the next generation of girls to lead with confidence, courage, and purpose.

MODERATOR

Michelle Jaramillo

Michelle is a champion for creating opportunities that empower young people—and especially girls and young women—to reach their full potential. As Senior Director of Education Initiatives at the San Diego Foundation, she leads strategies that expand access to quality education, strengthen college and career pathways, and ensure students furthest from opportunity can achieve their aspirations.

Drawing on more than 20 years of leadership in philanthropy, education, and community development, Michelle has partnered with organizations across the United States and the U.S.-Mexico border to advance educational equity, civic leadership, and economic opportunity. Her commitment to lifting others extends through her service on the Board of Directors for Girls Inc. of San Diego, the Leadership Council of the Latina Giving Circle of San Diego, and national education philanthropy networks.

Contact: [email protected]