Gail Friedt, Chair

Gail Friedt has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry with leadership experience in pharmaceutical drug development from early development through commercialization. Her areas of expertise include nephrology, critical care, solid organ transplant, hepatology and rare diseases. She has maintained certifications as a Critical Care Registered Nurse and Certified Research Associate. Ms. Friedt is also a retired Captain in the United States Navy Reserves. She earned her B.S.N. from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and her masters from the University of California, Dominguez Hills. Ms. Friedt is a resident of Hillcrest. She will be serving a two-year term ending April 5, 2024.

Wendy Urushima-Conn, Vice Chair

Wendy Urushima-Conn is president and chief executive officer of the Epilepsy Foundation. She has more than 25 years of experience in community outreach, fundraising and marketing. Previously, she served as president and CEO of the Asian Business Association and associate executive director of the Center for Community Solutions, where she was the chief fundraising and marketing officer focusing on sexual assault/domestic violence intervention and prevention. Ms. Urushima-Conn also worked for over a decade at KGTV/10News as a community affairs manager, promotion manager, and a weather and traffic reporter. Ms. Urushima-Conn is a resident of Rancho Bernando. She will be serving a two-year term ending April 5, 2024.

Marlyn Carrillo, Secretary

Marlyn Carrillo is the Communications Director at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Before holding this position, she served as a Press Secretary in the U.S. House of Representatives, News and Social Media Director at KTDO Telemundo, and News Editor and Social Media Director at KRUX 91.5 FM. She brings extensive experience as a press and digital media specialist and has also founded a women's art collective with members in over 30 cities. Ms. Carrillo earned a B.A. in Mass Communications and a B.A. in Spanish from New Mexico State University. She also holds an M.P.A from San Diego State University. Ms. Carrillo is a resident of Normal Heights. She will be serving a two-year term ending April 5, 2024.

Dr. Lakeya Cherry

Dr. Lakeya Cherry is an executive leadership coach who has dedicated her career to the growth and development of individuals and the organizations they serve. Dr. Cherry is a Partner at Evolution, Silicon Valley's premier coaching, consulting, and investment firm for start-ups & high-growth companies to drive long-term, holistic success, and CEO of Lakeya Cherry LLC, an executive coaching and consulting business. Previously, she was the Chief Executive Officer of The Network for Social Work Management an international organization dedicated to strengthening and mobilizing diverse social impact leaders through education, leadership development, networking, and community building for nine years. Dr. Cherry earned a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California, an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, and a B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Dr. Cherry is a resident of North Park. She will be serving a two-year term ending April 5, 2023.

Susan Davis

Susan Davis is a former U.S. Congresswoman, who represented the City of San Diego in the House of Representatives for 20 years. Prior to her service in Congress, she served as a member of the California State Assembly and a member of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. Throughout her public service career, Ms. Davis has been a champion for education, veterans and womens rights. She earned her B.A. from the University of California Berkeley and a masters degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Davis is a resident of Kensington. She will be serving a two-year term ending April 5, 2023.

Brandee Joyner

From a young age, Brandee J knew she was called to make an impact. Raised in San Diego, CA, she drew strength from her father's military discipline and her mother's unwavering work ethic as a teacher and bank teller. Overcoming personal challenges, Brandee earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management while working full-time and becoming a mother at 21—proving early on that resilience and vision would define her journey.

Her path began in media, where she quickly made a name for herself. In 2015, Brandee became Executive Editor of Manik Magazine and went on to create NWFW+—the first New York Fashion Week event exclusively celebrating plus-size women. That same visionary energy led to the launch of Luxe Kurves Magazine, the first luxury lifestyle publication spotlighting curvy women of color, featuring major talents like Rick Ross and Torrei Hart.

In 2018, she expanded into digital media with The Brandee J Show on YouTube, inspiring audiences with authentic conversations, bold storytelling, and a mission to empower others to chase their dreams. Whether on the BET Awards red carpet or behind the scenes at NYFW, Brandee built a platform rooted in representation, purpose, and passion.

But in 2023, her mission evolved.

Seeing a gap in the visibility and marketing of women in sports—especially in professional tackle football—Brandee transitioned from media to sports, launching J Impact Marketing & Management Agency. Focused on elevating women in sports through brand strategy, athlete representation, NIL management, and team marketing, J Impact is breaking new ground. As the Director of Marketing and Brand Partnerships for the Cali War Women's Football Team, Brandee has helped grow the team's reach by over 120%, while securing high-level sponsorships, media exposure, and brand collaborations.

Now, with J Impact, Brandee is not just telling stories—she's building platforms for women to thrive in sports, business, and beyond. Her work bridges culture, impact, and innovation, proving once again that when Brandee J shows up, change follows.

Sorayda Santos

Sorayda Santos is a Vice President, Project Manager at Banc of California, a premier relationship-focused, full-service business bank. In her role within the Enterprise Project Management Office, she leads the launch of innovative technologies and platforms that enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer satisfaction. Sorayda holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Management from Drexel University and a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. She is deeply committed to empowering Latina youth and recently served as Co-Chair of the Hermanitas Program at MANA de San Diego.

Carla Nesbitt-Stokes, CPTD

Carla Stokes is a dedicated learning and development consultant, educator, and community advocate with more than 15 years of experience designing programs that empower individuals and strengthen systems. As the founder of CNS Consulting, she partners with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies to deliver workforce development and leadership initiatives that promote equity and access—especially for women, youth, and underrepresented communities.

Carla holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). She also serves as a university instructor and regularly leads workshops on topics such as career readiness, emotional intelligence, and navigating the workplace with confidence.

A passionate advocate for vulnerable populations, Carla proudly served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), providing consistent support and mentorship to foster youth navigating the child welfare system. This hands-on experience grounds her work in real-world challenges and fuels her commitment to ensuring all women and girls—regardless of background—have the opportunity to thrive.

She is honored to bring her lived experience, professional expertise, and community voice to the San Diego Commission on the Status of Women.

Sophie Tarazi

Sophie Tarazi is an attorney and San Diego native with experience in civil litigation and human rights research and advocacy. She earned her law degree with academic honors from Columbia Law School, where she served on the editorial board of the Columbia Journal of Race and Law and conducted research on fair trials for the Clooney Foundation through Columbias Human Rights Clinic. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis in Political Science and Anthropology. She previously worked for the International Rescue Committee in San Diego as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. Ms. Tarazi is a resident of Tierrasanta. She will be serving a two-year term ending April 5, 2023.

Natasha Wong

Natasha Wong is an international law attorney who began her career in San Diego as the Executive Director of the Chinese Service Center. She is the co-founder of San Diegos first fully licensed Chinese bilingual preschool and is the current Superintendent and former Principal of the Chinese School of San Diego. She holds law licenses in the State of California, the District of Columbia and is also on the Roll of Solicitors for the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Ms. Wong was also appointed by the County Board of Supervisors to serve as a trustee of the San Diego County Employees Retirement Association. She holds a bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley and a Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School, and a Master of Law in International Law from the University of San Diego, School of Law. She will be serving a two-year term ending April 5, 2023.