SCHEDULED SPEAKERS

Arissa Lujano - Senior Wellness Panel @10AM

Arissa Lujano is a Registered Dietitian at Castle Family Health Centers in Atwater, CA. She received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from Fresno State University and completed her Dietetic Internship at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Arissa uses her skills in nutrition to help patients use healthy foods take control of their Diabetes, Hypertension, Kidney Disease, and more! She is not a “food police” and doesn’t believe in looking at the scale as measurement of one's health, but focuses on behaviors, health, fitness, social connections, and stress management.

Katherine Gothard - Senior Wellness Panel @10AM

Katherine is an Insurance Sales Representative for Anthem Blue Cross CareMore Health, one of the nation’s largest Health Insurance providers, insuring 1 out of every 8 people. Katherine understands the complexity of healthcare and as a Medicare expert she works closely with seniors to help them navigate through the process. She is passionate about providing information and educating people on all of their options so that they can make the best decision for them.  A resident of the Central Valley for over three decades, Katherine proudly calls Turlock home. Besides helping her community she is an avid traveler and loves spending time with her grandchildren.

Janette Garcia - Healthy Relationships Panel @11AM

Janette Garcia has worked at the Haven Women’s Center for over 21 years as a Training Manager. In that time, she developed and managed Haven services within Behavioral Health Services, worked in Child Welfare on the Families in Partnership team, was the Program Manager for Haven services at the Stanislaus Family Justice Center, and facilitated Batterer’s Re-Education groups. She has extensive knowledge in crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, peer counseling and group facilitation. Janette also manages the Victim Advocate and Educator who provides Haven services at CSU Stanislaus.

Manuel Jimenez - Healthy Relationships Panel @11AM

Manuel J. Jiménez Jr., LMFT has worked in the mental health profession for 26 years. While working for Santa Cruz County Children’s Mental Health, he created innovative programs for SED children. He served on the Governing Board of the California Behavioral Health Director’s Association, the Statewide Mental Health & Spirituality Initiative Committee. Mr. Jiménez has made numerous presentations throughout the State that include Latino issues, dual diagnosis, leadership and history. Notably, he received the honor of being appointed the first chair of the Latino Affairs Commission for the City of South Lake Tahoe. Currently, Mr. Jimenez is the vice chair of the Council of Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health, an appointment by Governor Jerry Brown, has a full time practice and serves as a consultant for counseling and behavioral health programs throughout the state.

Mayor Amy Bublak - Empower Hour Welcome @12PM

Amy Bublak was elected on November 6, 2018 to a four-year term as the 23rd Mayor of Turlock. City residents made history by electing Turlock’s first retired police officer and female as their Mayor. Amy is a 1988 graduate of the CSU Stanislaus Sociology and Criminal Justice programs, and has lived in Turlock for over thirty years. While at CSU Stanislaus, Amy was twice elected student body President and earned NCAA All American honors as a member of the Track and Field team. In the fall of 2001, Amy was inducted into the CSU Stanislaus Athletics Hall of Fame and in 2005 earned a Masters of Public Administration degree (M.P.A) in Urban Government from San Francisco State University.

Dr. Carrie Janiski - Empower Hour Keynote Speaker @12PM

Dr. Carrie Janiski is the Director of Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine at Romeo Medical Clinic, Inc. in Turlock, CA. She specializes in Sports Medicine, Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Occupational Health and Family Medicine. She is the head Sports Medicine physician for Golden Valley Health Centers. Dr. Carrie is the head team physician for Stanislaus State and Pitman High School. You can also catch her teaching yoga at Warrior Yoga!

Yamilet Valladolid - Women in Philanthropy @2PM

Yamilet works for Golden Valley Health Centers that offers health care access to families in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin as their Government Affairs Manager. Yamilet is an advocate for social justice, health and equity in education who holds a master’s in public health. She enjoys mentoring 1st generation college students.

Leng Power - Women in Philanthropy @2PM

Leng works in various capacities to address systemic poverty, homelessness and promote community empowerment and a heart centered leadership framework. Leng has dedicated over 18 years of her career in the non-profit sector focusing on issues ranging from disability rights, child welfare to leadership/community development. Currently, she is a Manager with Stanislaus County, Vice Chair of the Salida Municipal Advisory Council, Board Member of the Modesto Peace/Life Center and is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum-Great Valley Chapter. Her greatest joy is being a parent to her two amazing daughters, Emmy and Dahlia.

Janelle Cardoso - Parenting Panel @3PM

Janelle Cardoso is a UC Davis graduate with a BA in Psychology and Human Development.  She works at the Center for Human Services as the Coordinator of Newman Family Resource Center.  She is a wife, mother of two, and DIY enthusiast.

Erin Nelson - Parenting Panel @3PM

Erin is the founding Executive Director of Jessica’s House. Erin is an advanced certified trainer, consultant, and trauma practitioner through the National Institute of Trauma and Loss in Children. Erin enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and five grandchildren.