Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date
No Virtual Events Found
CWLA on YouTube
Series 1 Hold My Coffee, I’ve Got An Election To Win
Sonja Shaw, Candidate for California State Superintendent
Sonja Shaw is running for California State Superintendent. Sonja Shaw was elected to the Board of Education in November 2022. Born and raised in Chino, Sonja was educated in Chino Valley schools, and graduated from Ayala High School. Sonja is a mom of two Chino Valley students, and lives in Chino with her husband, Chris, and two fur family members, Jaxx and Kooper. Before serving on the school Board, she owned and operated two small community businesses: training women in fitness and health and running a professional photography business. She also previously held a California Real Estate License. Additionally, Sonja leads a community-based Bible study. She was motivated to run for school board to give parents a seat at the education table. Sonja served as President of the Board of Education in 2023 and 2024 and will continue her presidency in 2025. She represents the District as city of Chino liaison, and as a representative to the Baldy View Regional Occupational Program Commission.
More From this series
Sara Weber
Nooshin Meshkaty
Whitney Bokosky
Series 2 HerStory, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Hayley Marting, Founder and President of WINNXT
Hayley Wade Marting is an experienced political staffer with a demonstrated history of working in public service. After years of working in the public and private sectors, she found her passion: political communication. She has a knack for turning complex political issues into digestible messaging. Hayley founded WINNXT, your political communication experts, and exactly what you need to win your next race. WINNXT is a cutting-edge, straight-to-business firm that does not believe in the fluff– because neither will your voters. It is simple: in today’s fast-paced political landscape, communication can make or break a campaign. Luckily, WINNXT knows how to bring your political communication from your biggest stress to your biggest asset. Hayley also volunteers with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Read Across America. She is also heavily involved in local politics in San Diego County. Additionally, Hayley serves as a UCSB Alumni Ambassador and received her Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In her free time, she can be found at the beach with her dog, picking up a good book, or conquering yet another DIY home project.
More From this series
Nicole Pearson
Katie Quesada
Series 3 Civic Matters
Ballot Propositions with Sara Catalan, Orange County Taxpayers Association
In the next episode of “Civic Matters”, we’re joined by Sara Catalan, President and CEO of the Orange County Taxpayers Association. With ballots dropping on October 7th, this episode is a must-listen! Sara breaks down each state proposition on your ballot, offering detailed insights and recommendations from a taxpayer and business owner’s perspective. Don’t miss this chance to get informed before you cast your vote—knowledge is power!
More From this series
Conservative Voices of Vista
San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan
Tama Lundquist
Series 4 Women to Watch
South Dakota State Senator Amber Hulse
Amber Hulse is a rising Republican leader and lawyer, and one of the nation’s youngest legislators serving as a State Senator in South Dakota. Growing up on a hunting ranch in Hot Springs, South Dakota, her commitment to patriotism and service has been profoundly influenced by her father, a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran. Amber graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Dakota and went on to Georgetown Law, where she served as President of the Federalist Society. Her political experience includes an internship at the White House during the Trump Administration and clerking for Senator Josh Hawley on the Senate Judiciary Committee. She has also served Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs, U.S. Senators John Thune and Cynthia Lummis, and Governor Kristi Noem. Amber’s dedication to public service extends beyond her legal career. As Miss South Dakota 2019 and Miss South Dakota USA 2023, she became one of only four women to earn both titles, showcasing her commitment to serving the Rushmore State. Currently, Amber is an associate at Dhillon Law Group, the law firm of renowned conservative lawyer Harmeet Dhillon. She is the youngest Republican female State Senator in South Dakota’s history. Amber is passionate about empowering conservative women by offering her expertise in legal and policy matters and supporting efforts to inspire and elevate young women into leadership roles.
More From this series
Tina Ghazimorad
San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones
Andrea Mew
Past Events
Women's Public Leadership Network 4th Annual National Summit








We were proud to represent the Golden State at the Women’s Public Leadership Network 4th Annual Summit in Orlando, Florida!
We believe women belong in every room where decisions are made: from city halls to Capitol Hill and beyond. This summit wasn’t just about showing up, but about leveling up, sharpening our leadership, expanding our networks, and lifting as we climb.
When women lead, communities thrive. Let’s keep building tables of power where women aren’t just present, but heard, respected, and leading the charge.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Reception at the White House









The California Women’s Leadership Association was honored to be represented at the White House Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Reception by our President Dr. Parmis Khatibi and Executive Director Cynthia Kaui.
In a room filled with trailblazers and decision-makers, we heard from Second Lady Usha Vance, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, and Brette Powell from the Office of Public Engagement, voices that are shaping the future of this nation.
We showed up not just as women, not just as AAPI, but as leaders grounded in principle, faith, and a commitment to elevate the next generation.
We’re not just watching history happen: we’re part of it.
Newport Beach Candidate Forum








CWLA and Elite OC hosted a non-partisan candidate forum in Newport Beach!
We appreciated the opportunity to engage with these city council and school board candidates on the key issues that mattered most for the November 2024 election.
South Orange County Candidate Forum









May Happy Hour








Women connecting over politics and life in a casual setting at the Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar in Irvine!
Book Signing and Discussion with Author Ashley Hayek









Most Americans just want to have good conservative policy implemented and for the government to run effectively to protect our liberty. After all, preserving and protecting our liberty for future generations is fundamentally about being an American. Thank you to America First Works Executive Director, Ashley Hayek, for joining us for a conversation with our President to discuss her 5 step plan to protect America for generations to come and how to make your voice heard!
Margarita Wilkinson








Together with Hispanic 100 FED PAC, we co-hosted a fundraiser to support CWLA PAC endorsed Congressional candidate Margarita Wilkinson (CA-49). We are proud to support her with Hispanic 100 Chairman and co-founder Mario Rodriguez and Vice Chair of Hispanic 100 PAC Manny Ramirez. Margarita is a conservative, a Republican, businesswoman and a political outsider who will fight for our country. In Congress, Margarita will secure our border, crack down on crime, and stand for parental rights in education. We need someone who will help enforce national security, stand with law enforcement, and empower parents as the ultimate stakeholders for their childrens’ future.
Lunar New Year 2024









We had an incredible Lunar New Year event to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. There was a stellar line-up of speakers with Congresswoman Young Kim, Congresswomen Michelle Steel, Assemblyman Tri Ta, and Lake Forest Councilmember Benjamin Yu who shared about their work serving the Asian-American community and the community at large. We also had a cultural performance from the University of California, Irvine Hansori Group that showcased traditional dance and sounds of Korea. We are grateful to the Korean American Federation of Orange County, the Korean American Center, Southern California Edison, and Kairos Academics for helping make this event possible!
August 2023









In August, we celebrated Orange County women in leadership roles who are working on policy and legislation to bring meaningful change to our community. We express our gratitude to Congresswoman Young Kim, OC Board of Education Trustee Mari Barke, President/CEO of OC Taxpayer’s Association Sara Catalan, Association of CA Cities-OC Director Kris Murray and Chairwoman, Newport Beach Foundation Antonella Castro for joining CWLA to share their personal stories and discuss their hopes and aspirations for more women to be in roles of public leadership.
July 2023









In July 2023, we co-hosted (with the OCGOP) Presidential Candidate and US Senator Tim Scott to discuss his vision for America! Senator Scott has experienced moments and mentors that have defined who he is today and taught him how to turn obstacles into opportunities. Senator Scott wants to restore hope, create opportunity, and protect America. He is living proof that the American dream is alive!
June 2023









In June 2023, we had the pleasure of hosting Orange County Board of Supervisors Don Wagner, Newport Beach City Councilwoman Lauren Kleiman, and Orange County Business Council Senior VP of Advocacy Jennifer Bullard to discuss the state of affairs of women and economic/workforce development. Orange County is truly an economic powerhouse. We are first in medical device manufacturing, have the fifth most educated county in the U.S., and have the second largest workforce in California. Thank you to all our policymakers on the panel who think broadly and inclusively when it comes to supporting opportunities for women’s advancement, fair compensation, and economic security.
Other Past Events








