As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, we’re spotlighting the incredible women shaping Costa Mesa. From city government to entertainment, shopping, and hospitality, these women are true trailblazers making a lasting impact on our community.
Paulette Lombardi-Fries – President, Travel Costa Mesa
At the heart of Travel Costa Mesa (TCM) is Paulette Lombardi-Fries, leading an all-woman team that’s passionate about sharing Costa Mesa’s story. As the city’s official destination marketing organization, TCM showcases the best of Costa Mesa while highlighting the valuable impact tourism brings to the community. Under Paulette’s leadership, this powerhouse team has played a key role in supporting local businesses, promoting major events, and showcasing the incredible food, hotels, and arts scene that make Costa Mesa a must-visit travel destination.
Lori Ann Farrell Harrison – City Manager, Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa’s city government is proud to have several women in leadership roles, including Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, the city’s first female city manager. Since 2019, her contributions have helped drive the city forward, inspiring others to embrace leadership and make lasting change. Here her thoughts on women in leadership.
Michele Richards – CEO, OC Fair & Event Center
Michele Richards, CEO of the OC Fair & Event Center, has spent decades bringing year-round events to Costa Mesa. With over 150 events and 2 million visitors annually, her impact on the community is immeasurable. As Michele steps into retirement, we celebrate her incredible contributions and thank her for leaving a lasting mark on the OC Fair & Event Center and the people it serves.
Costa Mesa’s Hospitality Leaders
Leading Costa Mesa’s top hotels are six women general managers who are raising the bar on hospitality.
- Susan O’Brien Moore – Ayres Hotel
- Nimisha Solanki – OC Hotel Costa Mesa
- Annie Hsu – Crowne Plaza
- Jeannie Blue – Hampton by Hilton Costa Mesa Newport Beach
- Patricia Obert – Ramada
- Sue Cooke – Residence Inn by Marriott
Their unwavering commitment to service is a key reason Costa Mesa continues to attract visitors from all over. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and for making Costa Mesa a standout destination for travelers!
Teresa Reynoso de Gonzalez – Northgate Market
Teresa Reynoso de Gonzalez, matriarch of Northgate Market, was the quiet force behind one of Southern California’s greatest immigrant success stories. While her family built their first Anaheim store in 1980, she raised 10 children alone in Mexico before reuniting with them. Her wisdom kept the family united as Northgate grew to 42 stores, including the beloved Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa. A mother, mediator, and pillar of strength, Doña Teresa’s legacy lives on in every Northgate aisle and family meal it brings together.
Norma Hertzog – Former Mayor of Costa Mesa
Norma Hertzog made history as Costa Mesa’s first women mayor. Her dedication to public service is honored by the community center named in her memory, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations of women leaders in the city.
Linda Sadeghi – Owner, The LAB
Linda Sadeghi is the visionary behind The LAB, Costa Mesa’s most unique retail and dining destination. With over 30 years in business, she transformed a former night-vision goggle factory into an artsy, urban space that challenges retail monotony and supports creativity. Today, The LAB stands as a beacon for female entrepreneurs and a must-visit stop on any Costa Mesa itinerary.
Molly Unger – General Manager, South Coast Plaza
For the first time in over 50 years, a woman is leading South Coast Plaza—Molly Unger. With years of experience managing high-profile retail destinations like Westfield Century City and Westfield UTC, she now oversees the West Coast’s largest shopping destination. Her deep knowledge of luxury retail and customer experience keeps South Coast Plaza at the top of its game.
Bessie Nell Lounsberry – Civic Leader
Bessie Nell Lounsberry was a dedicated civic leader in Costa Mesa, contributing to the city’s growth through her volunteer efforts. She played a key role in creating the city directory, promoting voter registration, and leading a beautification campaign that resulted in planting over 1,000 trees. Her tireless work earned her the Costa Mesa Historical Society’s Living Memorial Award in 1973.
Heidi Zuckerman – CEO & Director, Orange County Museum of Art
Heidi Zuckerman has been leading the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) since its opening in October 2022. With her extensive experience in the arts, she continues the legacy of leadership set by the museum’s 13 female founders. Under her guidance, OCMA has broadened its impact, focusing on groundbreaking art while highlighting the vital contributions women have made to the art world.
The women shaping Costa Mesa are not only leading, but also redefining industries, inspiring change, and strengthening our community. Thank you for your passion, hard work, and the positive impact you bring to our city.
