Women Who Serve: Honoring Women Who Inspire Change

For more than four decades, the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley has shined a spotlight on the women whose volunteer work strengthens the fabric of our community. What began in 1984 as Women in Service has evolved into Women Who Serve, a refreshed name that perfectly reflects the energy, dedication, and spirit behind this beloved annual tradition. Although the name has changed, the mission remains the same. The event honors the women who quietly give so much of themselves to make the Santa Clarita Valley a better place for everyone.
Each year, nonprofit organizations throughout the valley select one extraordinary woman, age sixteen or older, whose service has made a meaningful impact. These nominees represent every corner of the Santa Clarita Valley. They are tutors who lift young learners, advocates who protect the vulnerable, board members who lead with kindness, and volunteers who show up whenever they are needed. Their contributions often happen behind the scenes, yet their influence is felt everywhere.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, the community gathered at the Bella Vida Senior Center on Golden Valley Road to celebrate these remarkable women. The room was filled with nonprofit leaders, families, friends, and supporters who came together to applaud the nominees and their organizations. While every woman was honored for her service, one received special recognition, Zonta’s Service and Impact Award, for the lasting difference she has made in the community.
The 2026 Women Who Serve nominees, with their nominating organizations, included:
Adriana Hernandez, Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club
Anita Singh, JCI Santa Clarita
Bathsheba “Bash” Dorsey, Coco Moms
Cheri Bradford, Soroptimist International of Valencia
Christy Alben, WiSH Education Foundation
Christy Grable, Circle of Hope Inc.
Darleen Lyons, SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida
Di Thompson, Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce
Jeannette Fisher, Santa Clarita Elks
Jennifer Abbott-Aston, Women Empowering
Women in Leadership (WeWil)
Joyce Carson, College of the Canyons Foundation
Karen Benavides-Chavez, Fostering Youth Independence (FYI)
Kari McCoy, Santa Clarita LEAP Children’s Museum
Katie Varner, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation
Kris Huber, Child & Family Center
Laura Peach, American Cancer Society
Lori Wilson, Assistance League of Santa Clarita
Luana Smith, Soroptimist International Greater Santa Clarita Valley
Patty Favila Shinozaki, Bridge to Home
Rlynn Smith Thomas, NAACP SCV
Steffanie Stelnick, Carousel Ranch
Thea Johnson, Santa Clarita Antelope Valley
Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Valerie Bradford, SCV Food Pantry
The Women Who Serve celebration created a powerful portrait of compassion in action. It was a reminder that the strength of a community is reflected not only in its programs and resources but in the people who give their time, talent, and heart to support others. The Santa Clarita Valley continues to thrive because of women who give with open hearts, and this celebration was a chance to honor their remarkable work.
For more information about the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley and to learn about upcoming events and programs, please visit www.scvzonta.org