Orange County women recognized for making a difference
Orange County 5th District Supervisor Katrina Foley awarded 25 outstanding women and recognized a record number of nominees at her 5th annual Women Making a Difference Awards at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine.
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“My office recognized more than 140 women leaders and community advocates prioritizing sustainability in Orange County’s fabulous Fifth District,” said Vice Chair Foley. “Across our community, women educators, scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, engineers and advocates continue breaking barriers and leading on environmental stewardship, clean energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and public policy.”
Congratulations to the 2026 Women Making a Difference:
Toxic-Free OC founders Carolyn McCuan, Melissa Christian and Tracy Blum of Aliso Viejo
Climate-change expert Kasey Knoell of Costa Mesa
Linda Kraemer of Costa Mesa, a longtime Orange County community leader who has dedicated decades to advancing sustainability, renewable energy and civic engagement
Lori Whalen, vice president of Environmental Nature Center
Bernice Villanueva-Grzecka, natural resources protection officer for the city of Dana Point
Donna Kalez, who leads Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
Annette M. Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County
Coastal Resource manager Makana Nova
Dr. Ravita Reddy, chair of EVGateway, who brings a rare combination of medical expertise and technology leadership to the clean energy transition
Executive director of OC Goes Solar Senait Forthal
Nicole Stenciled, director of communications and customer engagement at Santa Margarita Water District
Sarah Limones, emergency manager for the City of Laguna Beach
Chief Operating Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Chrislynn VanSkiver
Co-leader of the Laguna chapter of Citizens Climate lobby Melissa Waters
B.L.E.S.S.I.N OC President Cathleen Pryor and CFO Theresa Ford
Janet Fordunski, owner of Strong Garden
Sarah Harris, who supports environmental sustainability through Laguna Beach’s goat-herding brush control program
Pinnacle Petroleum owner Liz McKinley
Laura Coley-Eisenberg, senior vice president of regulatory compliance and open space management for Rancho Mission Viejo
Co-founder and chair of Save Our Beaches OC, Dr. Suzie Whitelaw
Taylor Clarke, who leads purpose-driven innovation at Amborella Organics
Tribal elder and master basket weaver Ellen Sue Olivares-Schneider
Orange County 5th District Supervisor Katrina Foley, back row, fourth from left, appears with the final awardees of the 5th annual Women Making a Difference Awards. (Courtesy of Bob Ortiz Photography)
Serena and Natalia Ali were awarded top fundraisers and won the title of 2026 Student Visionaries of the Year for Blood Cancer United, Orange County/Inland Empire. (Courtesy of Tannaz Meisami)
Maple Elementary School teachers, staff and administrators celebrate the school’s recognition as a 2026 Green Ribbon School, reflecting their commitment to creating a healthy, sustainable learning environment for students. (Courtesy of Fullerton School District)
Maple Elementary’s annual Family STEAM Night engages students and families in exploring interests in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics careers through real-world learning experiences. (Courtesy of Fullerton School District)
Orange County teens named visionaries of the year
Beckman High School students Serena and Natalia Ali were awarded top fundraisers and won the title of 2026 Student Visionaries of the Year for Blood Cancer United (formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) Orange County/Inland Empire. The nonprofit raises funds for blood cancer research and patient programs.
The sisters created a team of nine members called Team Mission Remission and ran a seven-week campaign.
During that time, they pitched their fundraising campaign to multiple companies and organizations and received donations and sponsorships of different levels.
They also created unique ways to raise money, such as a virtual walk-a-thon, which reached multiple high school and college campus students. In addition, they collaborated with LifeStream Blood Bank and held a communitywide blood drive fundraising event at a local church. They raised $30,215.39, exceeding their $25,000 goal.
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The Alis’ efforts created the largest impact in the community and OC region. A total of 11 candidate teams across Orange County competed to make the largest impact from different high schools.
The sisters have seen the effects of cancer within their family when their cousin was diagnosed at age 10; he is now in remission thanks to advancements in research and medicine. His experience inspired them to pursue similar outcomes for others.
Fullerton’s Maple Elementary named a 2026 Green Ribbon School
One of Fullerton School District’s most historic campuses, Maple Elementary School, has been named a 2026 California Green Ribbon School by the California Department of Education, a recognition honoring schools for outstanding achievements in resource conservation, health promotion and environmental literacy.
As a Green Ribbon School, Maple Elementary, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, stands as a model for creating healthy, sustainable learning environments while empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to build a more resilient future.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to not only educate but to nurture future leaders who are innovators and advocates for their communities and the planet,” said Principal Amanda Sobresemana. “We are proud to provide experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence and empower students to see themselves as changemakers.”
Maple’s transformation into an environmental science, project-based learning school has created a dynamic and immersive educational experience for more than 300 preschool through sixth-grade students.
Signature practices include overnight experiential field trips, large-scale interactive murals representing global biomes, and a unique environmental science curriculum. Visitors can scan elements of the murals to access digital learning about a variety of ecosystems.
The school’s sustainability efforts include the installation of solar panels, energy-efficient lighting upgrades and drought-resistant landscaping that supports outdoor learning. Maple has implemented robust waste-reduction initiatives and installed refillable water stations to reduce single-use plastic on campus.
Maple also follows the Healthy Schools Act, ensuring safe and transparent pest management practices. It partners with Nutrition Services and local organizations to provide locally grown ingredients and has implemented Share Tables to reduce food waste. As a community school, Maple supports students and families with resources and social-emotional services, including through its CAFE (Chill Area for Everyone) center.
Maple promotes environmental literacy beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences like trips to Tanaka Farms, Catalina Island, Running Springs and the Environmental Nature Center.
Events such as Career Connect STEAM Night engage families with real-world learning. This fall, students explored STEM careers through interactive exhibits, including a 60-foot inflatable whale from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
– Submitted by Fullerton School District
The Bravo! section highlights achievements of our residents and groups. Send news of achievements for consideration to [email protected].
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