A panel of prominent women leaders from across the Monterey Bay region will headline the final installment of Cal State Monterey Bay’s President’s Speaker Series on Thursday.

The free event is open to the public as part of the series, which has taken place over this academic year. Titled “Strengthening Community: Local Women Leaders,” Thursday’s panel will consist of female leaders from various career paths that have made an impact locally and regionally.

“These remarkable women leaders exemplify the qualities we aim to foster in our students at Cal State Monterey Bay,” said President Vanya Quiñones in a news release. “Their diverse perspectives and powerful stories of success demonstrate how education and leadership create pathways of opportunity that strengthen the entire Monterey County region.”

The panel will be moderated by Nizhoni Chow-Garcia, CSUMB’s associate vice president for Community and Belonging. Speakers will be prompted to discuss how they got to where they are now, barriers they’ve had to overcome as well as advice for emerging leaders.

The panelists include:

Deneen Guss, superintendent of Monterey County Office of Education

Kathryn Avila, real estate entitlement, investments and special projects lead for Avila Construction Company and board chair of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Anna Velazquez, mayor of Soledad and district director for State Senator Anna Caballero

Mindy Carpenter, partner and vice president of finance for Axis Ag, Inc.

“I am truly honored to be part of this meaningful conversation that shines a light on the strength, resilience and success of women leaders across Monterey County,” said Guss. “Each of us has a unique journey and the CSUMB President’s Speaker Series offers a powerful space to share those stories in a way that inspires, uplifts and connects others.”

The first installment of the series was an Ocean Candidates Forum in October that included candidates seeking election such as Senator John Laird, D- Santa Cruz, and Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay. Those in the audience had the opportunity to ask the candidates about their positions on various environmental policy issues.

The series has also hosted an alumni panel led by alumnus and Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson. Guy Kawasaki, one of Apple’s earliest employees, gave the keynote address.

“I hope that the students, as well as our faculty and staff, find the discussions engaging and they find inspiration from these members of the community,” said Quiñones in a statement.

“There are many pathways to becoming a leader, and it is important for us to have many lived experiences represented because each person brings unique perspectives and innovative ideas with them.”“As a woman leader in education, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it is when we support one another, whether it’s through mentorship, encouragement, or genuine collaboration,” said Guss. “By sharing our experiences, we remind others that they are not alone and that success is possible, no matter the path. This event is a celebration of what’s possible when women come together to lift each other up.”

The event is open to the public and is free to attend, though a parking permit must be purchased for $5.

It will be held at the university’s World Theater located at 5260 6th Ave., Seaside from 4-5:30 p.m. To RSVP for the event, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyeIEI_QcN2Cyq1rxSdMWULSlrmX57HXQmwof3yPE21x7gyQ/viewform.