Ultimate Ladies in Business Award Winners 2026

Congratulations to élite Magazine’s 12th Annual Ultimate Ladies in Business Professionals! These are the best of the best in their field voted on by thousands of community members and our readers. \Be sure if you see them to say you saw it in élite Magazine. See our website to vote on the next ultimate awards at www.scvelitemagazine.com/ulitmate-awards.

Ultimate Dentist
Dr. Lilly Khabbaz
Santa Clarita Valley Dental Care
www.scvdentalcare.com

Dr. Liliana Khabbaz is a general-dentist at Santa Clarita Valley Dental Care. She earned her DDS Dental Board License from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1996. Patients describe her as kind, attentive and detail-oriented — with one calling her “the queen of dentistry.” Known for treating patients of all ages, she focuses on personalized care, whether for routine cleanings, cosmetic work, implants or restorative dentistry.

Ultimate Small Business Executive
Steffanie Stelnick
Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick
www.stelnicklaw.com

Steffanie Stelnick, founder of the Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick, is a Santa Clarita-based real estate expert. Holding a Real Estate Broker’s License and a Juris Doctor, she combines legal expertise with deep local knowledge. Affectionately called the “Real Estate Queen,” Steffanie provides skilled, trusted representation for all real estate matters.

Ultimate Community Spirit
Kim Kurowski
A1 Party Balloon
www.a1partyscv.net

Kim Kurowski, owner of A1 Party Balloon in the Santa Clarita Valley, is known for her creative balloon artistry and decades of dedicated service to the community. A proud Santa Clarita Woman of the Year honoree, she continues to support countless nonprofits and local events with heart, generosity, and unwavering commitment.

Ultimate Restaurant Owner
Candice Maginn
Maginns Pub
www.maginnspub.com

Candice Maginn, co owner of Maginn’s Irish Pub in Old Town Newhall, brings a touch of Irish warmth and charm to Santa Clarita. Under her guidance, the pub serves traditional fare — like award winning fish and chips — and fosters a welcoming, cozy atmosphere that’s become a go to gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Ultimate Fitness Professional
Jaime Annett
Thermal Horizons Yoga and Wellness Center
www.thermalhorizons.com

Thermal Horizons Yoga and Wellness Center offers a peaceful space for healing, movement and community. Led by Jaime Annett and Ben Benedetti, the center provides yoga, wellness programs and stress reducing modalities designed to support balance and personal growth. Every class encourages mindfulness and connection, helping individuals strengthen both body and well-being.

Ultimate Veterinarian
Dr. Evelyn Vega
Happy Pets Veterinary Center
www.happypetsveterinary.com

Happy Pets Veterinary Center delivers high quality, compassionate care for pets in a friendly and supportive environment. Dr. Evelyn Vega provides personalized wellness plans, advanced diagnostics and gentle treatment for every stage of a pet’s life. The team is committed to keeping families informed and pets healthy, comfortable and thriving.

Ultimate Young Entrepreneur
Dr. Maria Cristina Cisneros
Dentists on Sand Canyon
www.dentistsonsandcanyon.com

Dentists on Sand Canyon provides compassionate, comprehensive dental care for all ages. Dr. Maria Cristina Cisneros focuses on comfort, prevention and personalized treatment that helps every patient feel confident in their smile. From cleanings to advanced restorative services, her team creates a warm environment that supports long term oral health and overall wellness.

Ultimate Medical Doctor
Amanda M. Woodworth
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
www.henrymayo.com

Amanda M. Woodworth, MD is a board certified breast surgical oncologist and the Director of Breast Health at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital / Keck Medicine of USC. Known for compassionate, patient centered care, she provides advanced breast cancer treatment — from genetic risk assessment to oncoplastic surgery — while championing women’s health and early detection across the Santa Clarita Valley.

Ultimate President, CEO & Director
Tamara Gurney
Mission Valley Bank
www.missionvalleybank.com

Tamara Gurney is the founding President and CEO of Mission Valley Bank. Since launching the bank in 2001, she has guided its growth into a community-focused business banking institution serving thousands across the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Gurney champions “relationship banking,” emphasizing personalized service, small-business support and community & development reinvestment. She is a respected banking leader, honored among Los Angeles’s “Top 100 Bankers” and active on multiple nonprofit, economic-development, and community-banking boards.

Ultimate Performing Artist
Shannon McNey and Carrie Pumilio
Dance Studio 84
www.dancestudio84.com

Shannon McNey and Carrie Pumilio, owners of Dance Studio 84, are passionate dance educators and performers. Renowned for their creativity, skill, and dedication, they inspire students of all ages, foster artistic growth, and bring energy and innovation to every performance, leaving a lasting impact on the dance community.

Ultimate Medium Business Executive
Mitzi Like
LBW Insurance and Financial Services – A Foundation Risk Partners Company
www.lbwinsurance.com

Mitzi Like of LBW Insurance and Financial Services is an award-winning professional recognized with our Ultimate Award for her outstanding contributions to the Santa Clarita community. Known for her expertise, integrity, and dedication, Mitzi helps clients protect their futures while inspiring others through her leadership and commitment to service.

Ultimate Marketing & PR
Marlee Lauffer
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
www.henrymayo.com

Marlee Lauffer, President of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and Vice President of Marketing and Communications, is a dedicated community leader committed to advancing healthcare in the Santa Clarita Valley. Her strategic vision, philanthropic leadership, and strong partnerships have helped expand critical services and strengthen the hospital’s impact on local families.

Ultimate Political Leader
Supervisor Kathryn Barger
www.kathrynbarger.lacounty.gov

Kathryn Barger — public servant and longtime Los Angeles‑area leader. She represents the 5th District on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, covering 2,785 square miles, including the Santa Clarita Valley. Barger began as an intern in a Supervisor’s office, rose to chief deputy in 2001, then was elected Supervisor in 2016. She advocates for public safety, mental‑health services, support for seniors, veterans, foster children, and economic growth.

Ultimate Commercial Realtor
Pamela Verner
SCV Commercial Real Estate
www.scvcommercial.com

Pamela Verner is president of SCV Commercial Real Estate Services in Santa Clarita, where she specializes in leasing and selling office, retail, industrial, and land properties. A longtime valley resident (since 1981), she brings decades of escrow and brokerage experience to clients across SCV. Pamela is widely recognized, including as a repeated “Power Broker” — for her sharp market insight and commitment to serving local business owners. She balances professional work with community service through board roles such as at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley and the Circle of Hope Cancer Support Center.

Ultimate Injury Lawyer
Darlene Trevino
Trevino Law Firm
www.trevino.law

Trevino Law Firm is dedicated to protecting clients with skilled legal guidance and a personal touch. Attorney Darlene Trevino focuses on family law and related matters, offering clear communication and strong advocacy. Her commitment to fairness and problem solving helps clients navigate difficult situations with confidence, clarity and trusted professional support.
‘
Ultimate Community Leader
Di Thompson
SCV Chamber of Commerce
www.scvchamber.com

Di Thompson, a Realtor with Prime Real Estate, is a trailblazing community leader and real estate professional with over 25 years of service in the Santa Clarita Valley. Di was elected to Chair the SCV Chamber of Commerce , appointed to serve on the City of Santa Clarita Parks Commission, and champions economic growth. She is a fierce advocate for women, mentoring young women and holding leadership roles in Soroptimist International, SCV Zonta Club, and Wewil Collaborative, .

Ultimate Non-Profit Leader
Nikki Buckstead
Child & Family Center
www.childfamilycenter.org

Nikki Buckstead is the President & CEO of Child & Family Center, leading with compassion, vision, and a deep commitment to strengthening families. With decades of nonprofit leadership experience, she champions mental health, collaboration, and community empowerment, ensuring vital, life-changing services reach those who need them most every day in our community.

Ultimate Residential Realtor
Bri King
Prime Real Estate
www.briking.com

Bri King, a lifelong Santa Clarita resident and veteran real estate broker, has served the community for over 25 years. As founder of Prime Real Estate, she’s known for a calm, client first approach, guiding buyers and sellers through seamless transactions — and building long-term relationships long after escrow closes.

Ultimate Family Lawyer
Denise Lite
Denise Placencio Law Office
www.dacorsi.net

Denise Lite, managing partner at the law firm of DaCorsi Placencio in Santa Clarita, brings over 25 years of experience in complex family law and divorce matters. Committed to her community, for decades she has supported nonprofit causes—especially breast-cancer awareness and assistance for single mothers—providing legal guidance with empathy, advocacy, and integrity.

Ultimate Tax Professional
Lori Goodwin
Stern, Kory, Sreden and Morgan
www.sksm.cpa

Lori Goodwin is a seasoned CPA at Stern, Kory, Sreden & Morgan, known for her expertise, professionalism, and commitment to client success. With a strong accounting background and a passion for problem-solving, she provides trusted guidance, navigates complex challenges, and consistently delivers results that make a meaningful impact.

​ 

Comments