In celebration of International Women’s Day, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, donors, and partners to honor women’s leadership and the power of investing in women’s economic opportunity.

WEV's Trailblazer awardee Celina Zacarias, holding flowers, gathers for a photo with colleagues from the Port of Hueneme, WEV CEO Nicki Parr, and Ventura County executive officer Sevet Johnson. (Courtesy photo)
WEV’s Trailblazer awardee Celina Zacarias, holding flowers, gathers for a photo with colleagues from the Port of Hueneme, WEV CEO Nicki Parr, and Ventura County executive officer Sevet Johnson. (Courtesy photo)


 
The gathering, held at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, highlighted WEV’s mission to support women facing barriers to financial self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship and financial education.

The program also recognized the organization’s 35th anniversary and the ongoing impact of investing in women and women-led businesses.

“Our community understands that when women are financially empowered, the benefits extend far beyond one business owner,” said Nicki Parr, CEO of WEV. “Families thrive, businesses grow, and communities become more resilient.

“Together, we are creating opportunity that multiplies across generations.”
 
The event featured remarks from community leaders and business partners, including Delphine Pruitt, vice president/business access advisor at U.S. Bank, the event’s presenting sponsor.

“Every woman who comes to WEV arrives with a vision,” Pruitt said. “With the right support — education, financial tools, and trusted partners, that vision can become a thriving business that strengthens families and communities.”

WEV client Alina Sharafutdinova also spoke at the event. Originally from Uzbekistan, Sharafutdinova is the founder/CEO of Village Venture, a consulting firm that supports community programs and first responders across the country. She talked about how WEV has helped her business.
 
“WEV didn’t just give me tools, it gave me the confidence to grow,” she said. “When women receive the support they need to build businesses, the ripple effect reaches families, communities, and entire systems.”

At the event, WEV presented its Trailblazer Award to Celina Zacarias, recognized for her longstanding leadership in Ventura County.

Zacarias serves as executive director of Community and Government Relations at Cal State University Channel Islands, and was elected in 2020 as a commissioner for the Oxnard Harbor District, becoming the first Latina to serve in that role.

Sevet Johnson, Ventura County executive officer, presented the award and praised Zacarias for her dedication to strengthening the region through public service, education, and civic leadership.

“Trailblazers create pathways for others to follow,” Zacarias said. She stressed that when women lead with purpose and vision, systems are challenged, opportunities are expanded, and lasting change is created.
 
During the program, Parr also issued a call to action aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme Give to Gain, encouraging attendees to invest in WEV’s work and support women across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Women’s causes continue to receive only 2% of charitable donations in the country and Women’s Business Centers like WEV continue to face an uncertain funding landscape, WEV said.

Since its founding in 1991 by Marsha Bailey, WEV has supported more than 10,000 people through business training, consulting, financial education, and access to capital.

The International Women’s Day event was made possible through the following sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: U.S. Bank; Empower Sponsors: Amgen, Nicholson & Schwartz; Innovation Sponsors: La Arcada, Port of Hueneme; Thriving Sponsors: Athens Services, Banks Coaching, County of Ventura, Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at CSU Channel Islands, Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co., TileCo, Ventura County Credit Union.