The 21st annual Fullerton Women’s Leadership Forum (FWLF) took place on December 3, 2025, honoring six remarkable women for their contributions to the community. The event celebrated leaders from various sectors, highlighting their dedication and impact.

The forum also drew a strong show of support from local officials, including Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva and Senators Tom Umberg and Steven Choi, as well as representatives from Congress Members Lou Correa and Philip Chen and a representative for OC Supervisor Doug Chaffee. Their presence underscored the significance of uplifting women leaders in the community.

Hosted by the Women’s Club of Fullerton, Fullerton Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shana Charles, and Council Member Jamie Valencia, the event attracted over 200 attendees, marking a continued commitment to recognizing the contributions of women in leadership.

The FWLF carries a profound legacy, having been launched two decades ago by California Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva during her time as a Fullerton city council member with the support of former council members and community leaders.

This year signifies a pivotal moment as the torch is passed to a new generation, ensuring that the spirit of community service and leadership thrives in Fullerton. As the forum continues to highlight the leaders shaping the community’s future, it remains a testament to the impact of women in leadership across diverse sectors.

This year’s honorees included:
Christina Garner, Saskia Kennedy, Jane Reifer, Allison Ritto, Robin Rush, and Dr. Debra Stout.

Saskia Kennedy received the Community Connector award. Kennedy is the editor of the Fullerton Observer which amplifies residents’ voices and promotes civic engagement through community journalism.

In her acceptance speech, she said, “Thank you for this honor, but I cannot do this alone. The Fullerton Observer relies on many volunteers, including Irene Kobayashi, who has been with us for 47 years and my uncle Rusty Kennedy, who was there in the beginning and built the first light table back when the letters had to be rubbed on. Downtown reporter Mike Ritto; photographers Jere Green and Gaston Castellanos; Aimee Aul; and Claudia Miller, who worked with my grandfather. I also want to acknowledge all the countless others who have contributed over the years. Thank you for making this possible.”

Allison Ritto was awarded the Leadership in Business. She advocates for small businesses by organizing fundraisers and pop-up events that combine commerce, creativity, and community.

“Thank you to the Women’s Club of Fullerton for the Leadership in Business award. I am truly honored to share the stage with such inspiring individuals. I also want to thank my friends and family who came to support me. Additionally, I appreciate Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shana Charles and all our elected officials for supporting the 21st Annual Leadership Forum.”

Robin Rush received the Humanitarian Award. As the Founding CEO of Recovery Road, Inc., Rush has built a service network that provides food and support to more than 70,000 people annually. Rush spoke with pride about Recovery Road and all the volunteers that make it happen.

“Recovery Road provides essential nourishment to thousands of families and individuals, ensuring that no one in our community faces the burden of hunger. Whether in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply in need, our doors are open to offer sustenance and hope,” Rush explained.

Jane Reifer was awarded a Lifetime Leadership.

“Thank you to the Women’s Club for this honor and to my teachers, mentors, friends, and neighbors. Together, we can achieve anything,” Reifer said.

Reifer, a dedicated preservationist, has been instrumental in saving the Fox Fullerton Theatre and the Hunt Branch Library while promoting sustainable growth in Fullerton.

Addressing the audience, Reifer said, “Don’t let anyone tell you that something can’t be done. Many of you have made the impossible real. It’s easy to feel hopeless or believe that you can’t fight city hall.”

Reifer reflected on her first impressions of Fullerton, she shared, “From the moment I arrived, I was enchanted by the historic neighborhoods, the creeks, the trees, and the community’s diversity. Fullerton felt special; its residents truly cared about their town and its history. I even remember the unique Wilshire Theatre, which was lost under the guise of a remodel and I wondered why no one spoke up? Reifer expressed her frustration at witnessing these beloved places being torn down.

“I realized I had to act. When I heard the Fox Theatre was in danger, I thought it couldn’t be right. Many believed it was too late to save it, but I knew it could be done.

“After reading that a developer planned to tear down the Fox for condos, we were discouraged, especially after 9/11. But during a meeting with the developer, we asked if they would sell the building if we raised the money. They laughed, challenging us to raise $4 million by year-end. As a renter and public transit advocate, I had never owned property, but I helped the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation buy that theater.

“Running a home organizing business, I’ve seen how people often feel overwhelmed and hopeless. But solutions are waiting on both sides of a problem, and bringing them together can create remarkable change—like preserving the Hunt Library and our natural creeks.”

She encouraged the audience to join her in future projects: protecting our creeks, historic trees, managing toxins, balancing affordable housing with preservation, and saving Coyote Hills open space.

“If there’s something you believe in, gather a few people and take action!”

Christina Garner, a Spanish teacher at a local high school, received the Leadership in the Arts award for her impact on the community through the Urban Village Project, which enhances Fullerton’s cultural scene.

Known as Señora Garner, she boasts a diverse artistic background, from childhood tap dancing to performing at Renaissance Faires. Now in her sixties, she plays the accordion and writes, reflecting on her journey by saying, “This may have been my destiny,” referencing her maiden name, Barnum.

Garner expressed gratitude for local institutions such as the Fullerton Museum Center and Fullerton College that inspired her. She shared the stage with her family, including her husband and two daughters, celebrating their own artistic pursuits.

She emphasized the arts’ essential role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where musicians hosted over 100 lawn concerts for the community showcasing her commitment to inspiring creativity in Fullerton and beyond.

Dr. Debra Stout received the Leadership in Nonprofits award at the Women’s Leadership Forum, where she highlighted the importance of women supporting one another.

In her acceptance remarks, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “I feel truly honored to be recognized at the Women’s Leadership Forum. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of women lifting each other and leading with purpose.”

As the Executive Director of the Fullerton Collaborative since 2015, she has united organizations to tackle homelessness, early childhood needs, and community wellness. Additionally, Dr. Stout teaches psychology at California State University, Fullerton, and the University of Arizona Global Campus.

Co-founding DoctorS Nonprofit Consulting with her husband, Dr. Dallas Stout, in 2004, they have become recognized experts in nonprofit support in Orange County. With over 50 years of combined experience, they focus on issues like troubled youth, violence prevention, and homelessness. Their consulting services aim for clarity and accessibility in program evaluations, ensuring clients can effectively utilize the results, thereby making a significant impact in their community.

Support our advertisers click an ad below.