Women in Leadership 2025: Cassandra Jennings
Our annual salute to the women who lead the Capital Region
At St. HOPE, Jennings oversees a collection of nonprofit entities — including a charter high school, a development company and an endowment — aimed at revitalizing the Oak Park neighborhood. She is, and has always been, a community builder.
Recycling Unused Food: On the Frontlines With the Agencies and Food Banks Making SB 1383 Work to Feed the Hungry
The food recovery process for SB 1383 is divided into separate tiers. Tier 1, which involves large grocery chains and food distribution centers, went into effect in 2022. The following year, Rancho Cordova’s locker alone recovered 800,000 pounds of food. In that same period, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services oversaw the redistribution of 14.6 million pounds of edible food that came directly from Capital Area grocery stores.
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GILBERT CPAs
SHATTERING GLASS CEILINGS WITH TWO NEW DYNAMIC AUDIT MANAGERS
As Gilbert CPAs moves forward into another year of caring for their clients, the firm is not just crunching numbers — it’s shattering glass ceilings. With a recent promotion of two dynamic women to audit manager roles, Gilbert CPAs is proving that in the world of accounting, women are definitely counting.
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UNITED WAY
MOBILIZING FOR CHANGE THE WOMEN DRIVING UNITED WAY'S IMPACT
United Way California Capital Region (UWCCR) isn’t just an organization — it’s a movement. A community-driven powerhouse that mobilizes people to action so all can thrive.
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PIONEER COMMUNITY ENERGY
BRINGING CHOICE INTO THE ENERGY MARKET
Seven years ago, a desire for competition in the local electricity market sparked a neighborly revolution in the foothills region: the creation of Pioneer Community Energy, a customer-owned, not-for-profit electricity provider that serves the unincorporated areas of Placer and El Dorado counties and the incorporated areas of Auburn, Colfax, Grass
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RANCHO CORDOVA COMMUNITY FOOD HUB
The Rancho Cordova Food Locker is undergoing a transformative project to create an empowering experience for anyone facing food insecurity. Spearheaded by a team of strong women in leadership, the new Community Food Hub is set to revolutionize food assistance in the region.
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PLACER COUNTY
Placer County is known for its exceptional quality of life and rapid growth. Visionary women in local government, education, business, housing and nonprofits are making a significant impact in the region.
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MAKE-A-WISH
WISHES COME TRUE HERE. HOPE, TOO
Since being founded by developer/philanthropist Frank Ramos 42 years ago, Make-A-Wish Northeastern and Central California has been providing comfort, hope and excitement to health-challenged kids from two-and-half months to 18 years of age.
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BANK OF MARIN
WHERE COMMUNITY ISN'T JUST A WORD, IT'S A WAY OF LIFE
At Bank of Marin, community isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. This commitment shines through in the dedication of its leadership team. The bank’s Sacramento-based leaders understand the profound impact their work can have, offering personalized service and a genuine investment in the well-being of its neighbors.
The Way We Work: Kenny Pawlek
A glimpse into the daily life of the administrator at Shriners Children’s Northern California
Pawlek keeps that positive outlook through all aspects of managing the 800-employee operation. One secret to keeping a positive morale: lots of dad jokes.