The 2024 wINC will be announced on Oct. 3

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Atascadero’s chapter of the American Association of University Women, has announced three women as their 2024 nominees for Woman of Influence North County (wINC). This is the second year the wINC luncheon will take place, but this will officially be the fourth Woman of Influence. Over 35 women were nominated this year before being narrowed down to the top three.

The selection of the top three contenders was made with a blind vote by a committee of around 10 people. All the defining identifiers, including names, dates, and business names, were excluded from the women’s stories so that no bias could be part of the voting process.

“There was a committee that got together and voted and then it was an hour discussion after we voted,” said Julie Matthews, the Chamber’s VP of membership and special projects. “These three women literally rose to the top.”

This year’s three nominees impact the community around us in huge ways, and North County wouldn’t be what it is without them.

Young Won is the CEO of Angels Group Home in Paso Robles, where she provides a supportive place for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive. She started the group home after giving birth to a daughter with Down syndrome. The residential care facility gives residents the space to improve their quality of life and gain independence in a safe space.

“I am very honored and surprised at being nominated and being in the top three nominees for the wINC Recognition Award. I did what I had to do out of necessity for my daughter; my love for her and the grace of God is what has motivated me through the years,” said Won. “It has not been easy for several reasons. There was the language barrier: English is my second language, Korean being my first. Also, I had to leave all my friends in Korea when I married Vanessa’s father and came to the United States in 1996. However, God is faithful, and He eventually brought some of my friends and relatives to the States, and I have been able to employ them. It has become a group effort. I get great satisfaction seeing my daughter thrive because of my efforts and those of others, knowing that we are empowering my daughter and other young women by giving them opportunities for work, recreation, and socialization. But most of all, they can live in a safe and accepting environment in one of our homes.”

Elissa Williams is the owner and a broker at Remax Success in Templeton. Not only does she impact those around her through being their broker, but she also makes sure that her professional achievements bleed into her charity efforts, which bring positive changes to those in the community around her.

“What an incredible honor to be nominated for such a prestigious award and recognition. To bring attention to the accomplishments and impact women have in our communities is amazing. Last year’s nominees do such incredible work to improve the lives of others,” stated Williams. “This is quite humbling and rewarding at the same time to be included in their company. I am proud of the work women do to further our communities and, mostly, as we just go about our lives. And that others notice and would go through the effort to actually nominate. Yes, quite an honor.”

Yessenia Echevarria is the founder of Mujeres de Accion (Women of Action), which focuses on advocacy concerning ethnic studies, bridging language barriers for those in our community and building inclusivity with her grassroots organization. She also advocated for the Latino community and providing spaces for her culture to thrive. Now,Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the Paso Robles City Park and has been for the last three years because of her commitment to her community. Echevarria’s mother and the way she interacted with her own commmunity while she was younger had a strong impact on what she does now.

“I feel so humbled in just knowing that I’m on the right track. To see the impact we made and how lives are being touched. I think that’s the real measurement of the actionable work that is being done. To see how the impact is being made for individuals and, most importantly, the community as a whole,” said Echevarria. “There’s moments like this today where it’s like, I get to hear how the work is impacting others and it feels good to recognize that it’s working.That it’s motivating and inspiring others.”

The second annual wINC Luncheon will be held on Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m. at Springhill Suites and Marriott in Atascadero. All three of these fantastic women will share their hearts with the audience, and other speakers will be there as well. At the luncheon’s conclusion, the 2024 Woman of Influence will officially be announced.

“We are honored to recognize these exceptional women who are making an impact not only in the industries in which they work, but also making a difference in the lives of others. Their contributions of service in our community embody the spirit of leadership and empowerment. We invite the community to celebrate with us at the Women of Influence North County luncheon and get to know these women who are driving positive change,” added Matthews.

To find out more about wINC, buy tickets to the luncheon, or learn more about the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, go to atascaderochamber.org/women-of-influence-north-county

Featured Image: From left: Elissa Williams, Yessenia Echevarria, and Young Won are the three finalists for the Woman of Influence North County. Photo by Hayley Mattson/ATN