Mindy owns Communication Works Inc., which is dedicated to helping companies hire the right people in the right jobs in the first place, then growing and engaging those individuals. The company’s main focus is lowered turnover and increased retention. This is her ninth year in business and seventh straight year of profitability.

Women’s Advocate of the Year
Adrienne Moch, Adrienne Moch/Writing & Editing

Adrienne, a freelance writer and editor, is the immediate past president of NAWBO San Diego. Shortly after she joined NAWBO in March 2008, the chapter president unexpectedly resigned, leaving a big leadership void. She accepted the post and was able to take the membership from less than 40 members to 100 when she relinquished her position in July 2010.

Trailblazer Award
Mia Roseberry, Wounded Warrior Homes

Mia established the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Homes. Her daughter was dating a Marine and his friends had heard about the home-cooked meals at “Roseberry Ranch.” Eventually, more Marines came to her home on weekends and she hosted as many as 20 at once. She noticed a significant change in these service members’ attitudes when the comforts of home were provided. She made a career change from special education teacher to helping medically discharged single service members with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder transition to successful independent living.

Signature Award
Suzanne Weinstein, In Sync Consulting

Suzanne founded In Sync Consulting 10 years ago, an international executive coaching and team leadership development firm that’s helped more than 400 individuals and organizations to date. The firm guarantees results in 90 days, whether it’s an organization looking to improve employee productivity or morale, increase revenues and reduce costs, or develop dynamic team leadership. Some of its strategies have resulted in reducing overtime by up to 75 percent by year-end and sick leave by 36 percent, resulting in an average return on investment of more than $150,000.

Green Community Award
Kristen Victor, Sustainability Matters, Inc.

Kristen’s company, Sustainability Matters Inc., founded in 2010, serves as a bridge between suppliers of sustainable building materials and end users, independently researching sustainability claims and compiling information. Her company serves commercial, government and trade professional clients. She received her LEED Accredited Professional certificate from the U.S. Green Building Council and chose to work solely within the sustainable building industry.

Rising Star Award
Deirdre Maloney, Momentum San Diego

Deirdre launched Momentum San Diego less than a year and a half ago. It helps nonprofit organizations meet their missions through better business. Through presentations and instruction, as well as customized services like strategic planning, board development and executive coaching, she helps organizations get results. Her book, “The Mission Myth,” is due out in September. She’s also been recruited to teach marketing for the University of San Diego’s master’s degree program in nonprofit leadership.