As we move through this reflective season, we pause to recognize the women who don’t just lead—they elevate. Who turn challenge into purpose and create change that lasts. The ones who lead with intention, who reach beyond titles and accolades to lift others with them. In that spirit, Temecula City Lifestyle is honored to highlight women who do exactly that. Women of Impact—women changing lives not with applause, but with courage, compassion, and purpose.
These are not simply professionals or high-achievers. These are women who move with intention. Women who lead with compassion, who create space where there was once absence, who turn hardship into healing and platforms into purpose. They are entrepreneurs, educators, visionaries, advocates. Mothers and mentors. Builders and restorers. A reminder that when one woman rises, she brings others with her—and when women rise together, communities thrive.
Sponsored by Desert Capital Financial Management Group, and brought to life through partnership and belief in the power of community, the initiative found its home at Doffo Winery, where the landscape itself seemed to lean in and listen.
Some came to learn. Some came to lead. All came to connect. Panel discussions sparked raw reflection, offering not just strategies, but sisterhood. Live testimonies brought tears and applause in equal measure. It was a reminder that wisdom wears many faces—and that strength, in its truest form, is deeply communal.
Stories of women who have walked through fire and come out with their arms open. Stories of grief turned into purpose. Of gifts sharpened through struggle.
Meet the Women of Impact
Women who once faced unimaginable hardship now stand in full power, sharing their stories as living proof of what’s possible when support meets purpose. Their journeys differ, but their mission is shared: to make the world better—one action at a time.
Stephanie Mearse
Vice President, Desert Capital Management Group | CEO | Author | Global Speaker
A financial executive and four-time author, Stephanie Mearse has spent the past decade empowering women and families through her work at Desert Capital and beyond. As founder of Empower Hour, a global women’s network, and CEO of Crowned Consulting, Stephanie uplifts small businesses and leads with faith and purpose. Her work spans financial strategy, humanitarian outreach, and leadership coaching—all rooted in her belief that everyone has the power to create lasting impact.
Michele Perez
Vocal Artist | Respiratory Therapist | Advocate for Connection
Michele Perez lives at the intersection of healing and artistry. By day, she’s a NICU respiratory therapist; by night, a soulful performer known for her powerful voice and presence. Whether singing at a winery or serving at a fundraiser, Michele’s work is about connection. She uplifts others through music and message—showing that joy and purpose can live in every note.
Kelsey Markham
Marketing Director, Desert Capital Management Group | Community Connector
With a background in environmental science and sustainability, Kelsey Markham brings both insight and heart to her role at Desert Capital. She’s a key voice in the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and Valley Young Professionals, where she helps bridge generational gaps in business leadership. Kelsey believes in building brands that serve people—and in creating community wherever she goes.
Vivian Welsh
Co-Founder & CEO, Vivians.io | AI Strategist | Advocate for Human-Centered Tech
Vivian Welsh is redefining how we think about technology. As co-founder of Vivians.io, a women-owned AI consulting firm, she helps small businesses streamline workflows with automation and CRM tools. Her mission: make AI feel human. She designs systems that remove the noise of busywork so people can focus on what matters—connection, creativity, and impact.
Celeste Ducharme
Vice President, Self-Storage Development | Founder, Choose to Be Restored | Author
Celeste Ducharme leads with both strategy and soul. As Vice President at The Rancon Group, she’s driven growth and led major real estate projects. But her deepest calling is Choose to Be Restored, a nonprofit she founded in 2023 to support women facing grief, addiction, and trauma. A bestselling author and ministry leader, Celeste is living proof that transformation happens when faith and resilience meet.
Shareen Harding
NICU Nurse | Founder, Kenai’s House, Inc. | Animal Advocate
As a NICU nurse, Shareen Harding provides lifesaving care for the smallest among us. As founder of Kenai’s House, she extends that care to rescue dogs in need of rehabilitation and placement. Named after her beloved dog, Kenai, the nonprofit matches dogs to families with a focus on second chances. Her impact reaches from hospital cribs to backyard kennels, reminding us that love is powerful in every form.
Jennifer Hunter
Founder, The Learning Project | Educator | STEM Advocate
With over 20 years in public education, Jennifer Hunter is transforming how kids experience learning. She founded The Learning Project, a STEM-focused program for homeschool and charter communities centered on creativity, equity, and curiosity. From classrooms to boardrooms, Jennifer supports families, trains educators, and inspires students to learn boldly and live confidently.
Dr. Jessica C.H. Smith
President & Founder, MALHY Community Outreach | Youth Advocate | Chamber Leader
As founder of M.A.L.H.Y. Community Outreach, Dr. Jessica C.H. Smith leads programs in mental health, human trafficking prevention, and crisis support for youth ages 10–25. As President of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Valley, she champions economic growth in underserved communities. Her faith-driven leadership has saved lives and sparked lasting change.
Impact takes many forms.
In lives saved, in songs sung, in second chances given. This November, we honor the women who rise with purpose and lead with grace.
Here’s to the visionaries, the restorers, the Women of Impact.
Here’s to continuing the work.
Here’s to being restored.