Fresno celebrates women making positive impact, including associate publisher

26 Mar

Fresno celebrates women making positive impact, including associate publisher

The Business Journal's own Ashley Webster Rudolph was chosen by Mayor Jerry Dyer for the city's Women of the Year awards, noting her contributions to local businesses and her dedication to serving the community. Photo by Frank Lopez

published on March 26, 2025 - 4:03 PM
Written by Frank Lopez

The City of Fresno celebrated local women on Wednesday, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the community, including a Business Journal leader.

The 9th annual Woman of the Year event at the Fresno Council chambers Wednesday morning recognized women from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership, service and dedication to making the city a better place.

The event was hosted by Council President Mike Karbassi and Councilmember Annalisa Perea.

Ashley Webster Rudolph, associate publisher at The Business Journal, was chosen as Woman of the Year by Mayor Jerry Dyer, highlighting her work in connecting the business community and taking the publication’s networking events to new levels.

She said she is honored to be selected for Woman of the Year by Mayor Dyer, a person she admires and considers a good friend.

“Every day, I wake up grateful for the opportunity to continue the Webster legacy—both in our family business and in our community. A community that has supported my family and I for five generations,” Webster Rudolph said. “Giving back—whether through my personal time or our business—is my way of saying thank you to our community that has supported us since 1886.”

“Ashley is a force of positive change in our community,” Dyer said. “Ashley has helped elevate celebration, strengthened community pride and shines light on the talent that drives the region forward.”

Dyer also recognized her passion for the community displayed by volunteer work, and as a past president of Philanthropy Inspired by the Needs of the Community (PINC).

During Webster Rudolph’s presidency, PINC raised a record-breaking $150,000 for Breaking the Chains, an anti-human trafficking organization.

She also dedicates her service as a board trustee for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and as a Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley ambassador.

“Let us celebrate the power of women,” Perea told the audience. “To the women in this room—you are the change makers with your achievements, no matter how big or small. As the only woman on the council, it’s important that we do everything possible to lift each other up so that no woman has to stand alone.”

For the first time in the history of the event, the council collectively chose two women for the Woman of the Year Award.

The council recognized Marisol Sanchez, who currently serves as an executive assistance to council, for her work as a liaison between different city departments and delivering hospitable service.

The council also recognized Adrienne Kinney, who served the city for 30 years, most recently as a senior account clerk at Fresno City Hall. The council commended her for her leadership, fostering tenant-staff relationships through fun events, and her strong work ethic and positive energy.

For District 1, Perea chose Serena Dohi, a passionate advocate for educational equity and community empowerment.

Karbassi, who oversees district 2, chose Melinda Marks Mehlhoff, highlighting her career dedication to environmental resources.

Council Vice President Miguel Arias of district three honored Harinder Kaur Rai for her 24 years of teaching with a strong focus on celebrating the Punjabi language and culture.

District 4 Councilmember Tyler Maxwell chose May Gnia Her for her work as the executive director for Stone Soup Fresno, a social services nonprofit with programs in early education, economic development and basic family necessities.

District 6 councilmember Nick Richardson gave the award to Kelsie Igasan, a devoted wife, mother and founder of The Butterfly Inside, where she mentors women and adolescent girls navigating mental health challenges, addiction and traumatic brain injuries.

Councilmember Nelson Esparza, who oversees District 7, chose Cheri Cruz, director of public relations and community relations at the Fresno Center, for her impactful initiatives to improve the lives of Fresno residents and fostering educational opportunities and healthier communities.