{"id":11268,"date":"2026-03-03T14:11:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T22:11:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/?p=11268"},"modified":"2026-03-16T10:07:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T18:07:23","slug":"womens-history-month-celebrating-the-trailblazers-of-costa-mesa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/womens-history-month-celebrating-the-trailblazers-of-costa-mesa","title":{"rendered":"Women\u2019s History Month: Celebrating the Trailblazers of Costa Mesa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As we celebrate Women\u2019s History Month this March, we\u2019re spotlighting the incredible women who have influenced Costa Mesa\u2019s past, present, and future. From city government to entertainment, shopping, and hospitality, these women are true trailblazers making a lasting impact on our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paulette Lombardi-Fries: President, Travel Costa Mesa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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At the heart of Travel Costa Mesa (TCM)<\/a> is Paulette Lombardi-Fries, the first woman and longest-serving Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) CEO in Orange County. Paulette leads TCM’s all-woman team in sharing Costa Mesa\u2019s story while showcasing the economic impact tourism brings to the community. The organization plays a key role in supporting local businesses, promoting major events, and celebrating the restaurants, hotels, and arts that make Costa Mesa a must-visit destination. Beyond her work with TCM, Paulette serves as a board member of the Orange County Sports Commission<\/a>, contributing to local efforts connected to major global events such as FIFA 2026 and the LA28 Olympic Games. Paulette also serves as a CalTravel Association Board Member, advancing and advocating for the health and future of tourism throughout the state of California. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cecilia Gallardo-Daly: City Manager, Costa Mesa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The city of Costa Mesa is proud to have several women in government leadership roles, including Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, a 30-year veteran of local government. Since 2023, she has helped lead several major city initiatives, including long-term redevelopment planning and efforts to expand public parks and open spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Debora Wondercheck: Founder of Costa Mesa\u2019s Arts & Learning Conservator<\/strong>y<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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With a passion for music and a deep commitment to community, Debora Wondercheck has made the arts her life\u2019s work. She is the Chief Executive and Founder of Costa Mesa\u2019s Arts & Learning Conservatory<\/a>, a nonprofit dedicated to making arts education accessible and equitable for all children. In 2022, she organized the inaugural performance of \u201cGospel Voice of OC\u201d with the vision of establishing an annual Orange County tradition celebrating Black excellence in music, art, and history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costa Mesa\u2019s Hospitality Leaders<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Leading Costa Mesa\u2019s top hotels<\/a> are seven women General Managers who are raising the bar on hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n