San Diego Women’s Week 2019

Empowering and Inspiring Women for 10 Years

Celebrating 10 Years of Inspiration and Leadership for Women in the Region

This year’s speakers are bright, articulate, successful and their messages are empowering and inspiring to everyone. The 2019 San Diego Women’s Week is focused on leadership with speakers that will be sharing their journeys and success.  

Women such as Gretchen Rubin, Starla Lewis, Rosemary Watson, Tracy Warren, Guen Garrido and others are preparing to speak at the 10th annual San Diego Women’s Week between April 1 and April 5 at various venues and events around the region. They will be sharing lessons and journeys that have shaped their lives and careers.

This year’s exciting kick off on Monday, April 1, will be a luncheon at Sony Electronics Inc. in Rancho Bernardo. The theme this year, Against All Odds, will feature four individuals who have succeeded against all odds. They will share their journey, determination to go on and the outcome of their fierce desire to prevail.

Back by popular demand, Wednesday, April 3, Women and Wine at the Bernardo Winery. Join hundreds of women that have come together for camaraderie, wine and food tasting and making new connections. This is a popular evening to catch up with friends and meet new ones. 

The grand finale is the Friday Leadership Conference, April 5, held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center.

This year’s featured conference keynote, Gretchen Rubin, is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She’s known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity, in a way that’s accessible to a wide audience. She’s the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers “The Four Tendencies,” “Better than Before,” and “The Happiness Project.”

Gretchen’s presentation, “Outer Order, Inner Calm” will focus on getting rid of things we don’t use, don’t need, or don’t love, to free our minds (and our shelves) for what we truly value.

Other powerful speakers will include:

Starla Lewis, her daughter Ishe and granddaughter YahYah

Three women, three generations within the same family, offering three unique perspectives on what it means to be a woman!

Utilizing poetry, storytelling, and music during the presentation to bridge the gap between mothers and daughters and inspire all women to have more honest and authentic conversations with each other about womanhood.

 

Tracy Warren, Breaking Barriers

From broadcasting to the boardroom, Tracy has been breaking barriers in male dominated industries from the onset of her careers as a sportscaster and an employment attorney.

Noting that, “Sometimes the locker rooms are better than the courtrooms,” because she was always treated with civility.

Breaking Barriers challenges women to focus on how they can utilize their individual skills and talents to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries and realize that the only true barriers we face are those we create for ourselves.

 

 

Rosemary Watson, Busting Out of Your Comfort Zone and Going For it

When Rosemary Watson came to a block in her career, she did what anyone would do. She got up in the middle of the night and penned a letter to her idol, comedy legend Carol Burnett. It was a nutty idea but, as the saying goes . . . when life hands you nuts. No, wait, that’s lemons!

The point is, Carol ended up calling Rosemary and she’ll tell you all about it in this hilarious talk on busting out of your comfort zone, owning your power, letting go of your fear and just going for it!

 

 

 

Guen Garrido, Against All Odds, She Paid Off $68,000 in Debt

Guen is just like many people out there who found themselves buried in student loans, credit card debt, personal loans, and car debt. It became a heavy burden on her, but it felt impossible to tackle and people assured her it was “normal” anyway.

It wasn’t until a series of events that turned her life upside down did, she finally felt fed up and wanted to do something about it. She started doing research and took action, and in March 2017, Guen became debt free. Hear her tell her story and the things she did to reach her goal to pay off over $68,000 in 3 years and 3 months.

Conference Panels:

The Conference will also feature panels featuring topics that women face daily at home or in the workplace.

One panel, “Having Those Difficult Conversations,” will focus on conversations women are faced with, whether it is with our children, significant other, friends or colleagues.

“Each of this year’s speakers were invited because of their success and the knowledge that they bring from their journey’s, successes and often failures. Their stories will inspire women to face challenges and empower them to become stronger leaders and go after what it is, they desire,” said Rosen, President and CEO of the North San Diego Business Chamber. 

San Diego Women’s Week is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and is produced by North San Diego Business Chamber, which considers women important in the region’s changing business environment. “Our focus for the week is to connect women, share stories, and empower them to reach higher,” says Debra Rosen, President and CEO of North San Diego Business Chamber.  “More companies than ever have implemented women’s leadership programs as part of their diversity and women’s leadership initiatives.  

San Diego Women’s Week Events

Monday, April 1:

Opening Kickoff-Against all Odds

Sony Electronics Inc.

16535 Via Esprillo, San Diego

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Enjoy lunch and an inspiring panel discussion with local San Diegan’s that have achieved greatness against all odds.

 

Wednesday, April 3:

Women and Wine

Bernardo Winery

13330 Paseo Del Verano, San Diego 92128 

Attendees will receive:

• Five Wine Tastings

• Food Tasting

• FREE Souvenir Wine Glass

• Wine Bag

• Unique Shopping

•Free Parking

 

*details subject to change per weather  

Friday, April 5:

Leadership Conference

Town and Country Resort and Convention Center

500 Hotel Circle North

San Diego  92108

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

Attendees receive:

• Powerful leadership presentations and two panel discussions

• Swag Bag with two autographed books by speakers

• Luncheon

• Coffee Bar in the morning

• Dessert Bar in the afternoon

 

For additional information: www.sdwomensweek.com

_________________

The Team Behind Women’s Week 

Denise Visconti- Littler — Chair of the Board, North San Diego Business Chamber

Debra Rosen, North San Diego Business Chamber — President/CEO

Brianna Eltzroth, North San Diego Business Chamber — Vice President Operations

Anne-Marie Jewel, North San Diego Business Chamber — Events Manager

Janelle Lucero, North San Diego Business Chamber — Member Relations Manager, North San Diego Business Chamber

Dylan Fisher, North San Diego Business Chamber — Economic Development/Advocacy Specialist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coco Privé bird’s eye view

The Maldives: Travelers’ Paradise

By Marlise Kast-Myers

Off the coast of India are 1,192 islands that make up the Maldives, of which 200 are inhabited, 120 are dominated by registered resorts, and one — just one— is privately owned. If the name “Coco Privé” is unfamiliar, well, that’s intentional. No larger than two soccer fields, this gumdrop of paradise caters to Saudi royals and Hollywood celebrities who have managed to stay off the radar.

Its island clandestinely at it’s best, with five villas tucked behind a canopy of palms, hedged by white-flowered frangipani, and ringed by blinding-white “where are my sunglasses?” sand. Spilling from the powdery shores are turtle nests and a protected reef where neon fish nibble at coral and pylons.

Its here that a luxury yacht docks after whisking guests from Malé airport (35 min), and then parks beside a traditional dhoni boat, designated for sunset cruises, fishing excursions, and diving adventures.

As the ultimate all-inclusive experience, a buyout at this disk of paradise costs a mere $45,000 a night. Nope, that’s not a typo . . . But before you click or scroll away, hear us out. When you break down the cost of the perks, you might be surprised what $45,000 a night will get you, other than a ridiculous amount of pampering.

The Why

Well, why not? Beyond that, you have this single property to thank for changing the face of hospitality in the Maldives. As part of the three-resort Coco Collection, this island getaway embodied a much larger vision to transform the Maldives from a backpackers’ destination into a honeymooners’ paradise.

The master plan started in the early 90’s when the Maldivian owner (we’re sworn to secrecy) acquired several islands. One by one, he built over-the-water bungalows with plunge pools, spas, butler service, elevated cuisine, and a price tag to match. Other resorts followed suit, turning the Maldives into one of the most prestigious destinations for elite travelers.

As the ultimate labor of love, Coco Privé was born in 2012, becoming the jewel of the Indian Ocean. It also became the Maldives first private island available for exclusive hire. This speck in North Male Atoll tucks its treasures within a labyrinth of white sandy pathways that meander between plunge pools and sunken lounges.

Strategically situated for privacy are five villas and a master residence, the last of which houses the dining room, cocktail bar, wine cellar, and library. This split-level retreat also has three private terraces overlooking a 40-meter glass-walled pool.

The surrounding five villas boast floor-to-ceiling windows, plunge pools, indoor-outdoor showers, bespoke furniture, and iPad-controlled curtains, lights, televisions, and surround-sound stereos.

The mastermind behind the refined elegance is award-winning architect, Guz Wilkinson who seamlessly blended the property into nature (and not the other way around).

A committed staff of 30 will meet your every desire even before you know it exists. This includes Chef Neil who whips up the day’s catch into Maldivian curries, tuna tartar, ceviche, and chili-and-peanut crusted fish with garden vegetables and sweet pepper sauce. Here, fine dining-meets-family style banquets, with over a dozen local dishes bringing color to white linens.

Since you can’t take this Sri Lankan culinary genius home with you, he’ll kindly teach you secrets of the kitchen during private cooking classes. By day two, you’ll stop counting calories. Simply burn off pastries and cakes with canoeing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling (with marine biologists), diving, and yoga — all part of the bottomless island amenities.

Tipping the scales are unlimited spa treatments, catamaran sailing, an indoor-outdoor gym, sauna, and an open bar (literally). Dream it, and they’ll deliver. The “your wish is our command” staff has even been known to fly in customized gym equipment and engineer a temporary helipad for A-list guests.

Expect at least one daily surprise, like breakfast on the beach or a cinema under the stars. At low tide, you can walk around the island in less than 10 minutes, or snorkel the glassy perimeter with resident turtles, black-tip reef sharks, and manta rays that flap on the ocean floor like underwater birds.

Less than 15 minutes by boat are half a dozen dive spots, and 30 minutes away are surf breaks off Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll. If micro-island fever kicks in, you can kayak to Coco Privé’s sister property, Coco Bodu Hithi, with six restaurants and 32 over-the-water bungalows.

When

There isn’t really a bad time to visit the Maldives, since temps bobble between 74 and 88 degrees. If you can handle short-lived tropical storms and monsoons, May to October will be your best bet to save on airfare. Ideal temps are November and April, and high season runs December to March.

How

With a $45k rack rate, clearly this self-sustainable utopia caters to a niche market. Factor in the 3-night minimum, and a stay here would soak up nearly three years income for the average American. Since you’re clearly not “average,” you’ll want to bring along nine of your closest friends (vs. your family) and prepare to split the cost, brining it down to $4,500 per person.

While that’s still an absurd amount to pay for a vacation, it’s worth taking a moment to do the math.

Estimated cost of unlimited island inclusions during a three-night stay:

• 24-hour dining with all your meals and snacks exquisitely prepared by your own private chef = minimum $50/per meal x 9 meals = $450
• Unlimited beverages, including top-shelf alcohol from your cocktail bar and wine cellar with 150 bottles selected by your sommelier = $1,000 +
• Unlimited spa treatments by your personal therapist = $500 +
• Unlimited diving and use of diving equipment = $800 +
• Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, etc. = $400 +
• Private luxury yacht transfer to/from Malé International Airport = $350
• Island buyout = priceless
• Estimated value of island inclusions and amenities = $3,500 +/-

So maybe you wouldn’t capitalize on the unlimited diving, spa treatments, and open bar (yeah right), but even if you just napped in a hammock for three days on your own private island, well that might just be worth every penny.

For more information, visit cocoprive.com.