Lorie Symon is the president of the El Dorado Hills-based aerospace manufacturer Aerometals, which specializes in prolonging the lives of older aircraft for companies like Boeing. 

Lydia Ramirez, senior vice president and chief operations officer at Five Star Bank, is the Sacramento region’s highest-ranking Latina in the banking field.

The Capital Region depends on water resources engineers like Mary Paasch, principal engineer and vice president of Stantec. 

Statistics and personal stories suggest that, overall, women may find more growth opportunities at nonprofits, and as a result, many more are opting for this route. 

Women make up less than 10 percent of workers in the construction industry. NAWIC sees opportunities in that gap. 

PODCAST: Listen in on our conversation with three of our 2021 Women in Leadership honorees on the ways women are shaping the future of the Capital Region. 

Carol J. Ornelas is CEO of Stockton-based Visionary Home Builders of California, a nonprofit that develops low-income housing and owns 26 affordable apartment properties. 

Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou is a partner and cofounder of the restaurant group WM Restaurants and holds the title of Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

LaKenya Jordan is the executive director of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, a state government office that focuses on initiatives and programs that promote and establish equity for women and girls statewide.

Cassie Gilson is president and managing partner of Axiom Advisors, making her one of the only women who are managing partners at the top lobbying firms in Sacramento.