News Summary
A grand luncheon and panel discussion in Costa Mesa honored this year’s Kickass Women and Women of Influence from Orange Coast’s March issue. Approximately 250 guests attended, engaging in networking and inspiration while distinguished speakers shared insights on professional growth. The event featured elegant gifts, beverages from local businesses, and culminated with the Woman of the Year award. The gathering underscored the importance of supporting women and promoting gender equality across industries.
Costa Mesa – A grand luncheon and panel discussion celebrating this year’s class of Kickass Women and Women of Influence from Orange Coast’s March issue took place at the Celebrations Venue in Costa Mesa. The event attracted approximately 250 guests, who walked the red carpet for photos and engaged in networking opportunities focused on inspiration and success.
The afternoon included an opportunity drawing for a pearl strand provided by Winston’s Crown Jewelers, which also offered elegant diamond and precious stone sets for many honorees in attendance. The event featured a networking hour where guests enjoyed a selection of beverages including wines from Wiens Cellars, whiskey from woman-owned Jackson McCrea, and mixed drinks crafted by Mission Craft Cocktails. In addition, boxed sets of premium libations from Mission Craft Cocktails were gifted to the three featured panelists.
The panel discussion, a highlight of the event, included distinguished speakers: Alicia Cox, founder and CEO of Prjkt Restaurant Group; Michelle Pulfrey, executive producer of Fox 11’s “Good Day L.A.”; and Inga Sanders-Marcereau, founding partner of Sanders Law Group and Fertility Law Group, and president of Friends of CASA. Each panelist shared insights from their successful careers and discussed the importance of support networks in achieving professional growth.
To further acknowledge the achievements of women, HRC Fertility sponsored gift bags that included dainty pearl bracelets, while guests received free chain bracelets from Urth & Sea’s permanent jewelry collection. The dining room was elegantly decorated with floral arrangements by OC Flowers & Events, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the luncheon.
During the event, Michelle Verdult, co-owner of Winston’s Crown Jewelers and MySalon Suites, was recognized with the Woman of the Year award presented by Christopher Gialanella, President and Publisher of Orange Coast. This accolade highlights Verdult’s contributions and leadership in her field.
Among the honorees, Michelle Pulfrey, who boasts a storied 26-year career with FOX 11 and has received an Emmy Award for her work, serves as a lecturer at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, providing mentorship to aspiring journalists. Her advice underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and leading with kindness and compassion, particularly in the fast-paced news industry, where patience and quick thinking are crucial attributes.
The luncheon not only celebrated the achievements of women in various sectors but also fostered an environment for networking, learning, and empowerment. The combination of speeches, networking opportunities, and recognition of notable women in the community created a powerful atmosphere that left a lasting impression on all in attendance. The event underscored the significant contributions of women in professional environments and highlighted their role in shaping future generations.
This year’s celebration served as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, leadership, and support for women in all industries, marking a significant step forward in recognizing their achievements and inspiring others to pursue their ambitions.
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Additional Resources
- Orange Coast Magazine: Kickass Women Luncheon
- Google Search: Women’s Leadership
- Orange Coast Magazine: Kickass Women Michelle Pulfrey
- Wikipedia: Gender Equality
- Success: Women of Influence 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Rights
- Orange Coast Magazine: Kickass Women of O.C. for 2022
- Google Scholar: Women in Leadership
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
