Meet Our Speakers
Inspiring women who bring their expertise, passion, and lived experience to every stage they grace.
Dr. Kim Barber
Co-Founder & CEO, Unlock Your Power
Keynote Speaker | Elected Official | Author | Community Leader
Dr. Kim Brown Barber is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. A visionary changemaker, published author, and elected official, she has made history as the first woman of color elected to the Monterey City Council, where she served as Vice Mayor and continues to champion affordable housing, economic opportunity, and women's leadership. She sits on multiple boards and brings transformative impact to every room she enters — from the council chamber to the national stage. As CEO and Co-Founder of Unlock Your Power, Dr. Barber has built a global movement inspiring women to live with purpose, confidence, and power. A sought-after keynote speaker, she has addressed audiences at the BOOST Conference, Kentucky Women's Forum, American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, and coordinated the White House Hispanic Initiative Visit. Guided by integrity and a fierce belief in collective progress, Dr. Barber is not just a changemaker — she is the change.
Frederica Jones
Co-Founder & CFO, Unlock Your Power
Keynote Speaker | Public Servant | Community Leader
Frederica Jones is a powerhouse in our community — a visionary co-founder whose impact is felt in every room she enters and every life she touches. As CFO and COO of Unlock Your Power, she brings financial acumen, strategic leadership, and an unmatched dedication to building stronger communities. A seasoned public servant with over 30 years of experience in the criminal justice system, Frederica retired as a Probation Services Manager after a distinguished career in both adult and juvenile probation — leaving a lasting mark on public safety, case management, and rehabilitation services. Since retiring, she has continued to serve in multiple civic and nonprofit leadership roles. Since 2020, she has served as an Administrative Hearing Officer for the City of Del Rey Oaks, and previously served as Campaign Manager for a successful mayoral campaign. Frederica currently serves as Vice President of the Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps Advisory Board, Vice President of the Democratic Women of Monterey County, and Vice President of the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County. She is also a former Executive Board Member of the Monterey Bay Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. As a co-founder and community advocate, Frederica remains deeply engaged in advancing social equity, housing security, and women in leadership.
Tammie Jones
Speaker & Financial Empowerment Leader
Financial Advisor | Community Advocate
Tammie Jones is a passionate financial empowerment leader who believes every woman deserves financial freedom and confidence. As a dedicated Financial Advisor, she brings practical wisdom and heart to every conversation, helping women in our community build wealth, break financial barriers, and take control of their futures. Community-focused to her core, Tammie consistently shows up where it matters most — equipping women with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.
Dr. Laura Dalton
Chief Medical Operating Officer, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
Visionary Healthcare Leader | Women's Health Advocate
Dr. Laura Dalton is a visionary healthcare leader and the Chief Medical Operating Officer of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte — the nation's largest Planned Parenthood affiliate — where she oversees strategic clinical operations and drives innovation in sexual and reproductive healthcare delivery. A champion of equitable access to high-quality care, Dr. Dalton brings a powerful blend of medical expertise and executive leadership to every stage she graces. Previously serving as Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of Arizona, she has consistently expanded patient access and improved clinical outcomes wherever she leads. Dr. Dalton holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and an MBA in Healthcare Leadership — combining clinical depth with strategic vision to advance women's health at every level.
Hon. Marla O. Anderson (Ret.)
Retired Judge | Mediator, Arbitrator & Neutral Evaluator, JAMS
Judicial Leader | Community Leader | Women's Advocate
Hon. Marla O. Anderson (Ret.) is a trailblazing jurist and community leader who served nearly 30 years on the Monterey County Superior Court, including as Presiding Judge. A respected legal scholar and educator, she served as Dean of the B.E. Witkin Judicial College of California and for a decade served on the Judicial Council of California — the policymaking body of California's court system — where she chaired both the Litigation Management and Legislation Committees, driving key judicial reforms statewide. Prior to the bench, Judge Anderson served as a Deputy District Attorney in Monterey County and began her career as an associate attorney in Sacramento. Now with JAMS, she brings her unparalleled depth of experience as a mediator, arbitrator, and neutral evaluator. She holds a J.D. from UC Davis School of Law, an M.A. from USC, and a B.A. from Loma Linda University. A recipient of the Judicial Excellence Award, Champion of Justice Award, and the Lady Justice Award for Lifetime Achievement, Judge Anderson is a powerful force for justice, equity, and community impact.
Giovanna & Giselle Villanueva
Real Estate Professionals & Emerging Leaders
REALTOR® Sisters | Bailey Properties
Giovanna and Giselle Villanueva are sisters and business partners who took a leap of faith together — earning their real estate licenses in just four months and launching their careers side by side at Bailey Properties. Giovanna holds a Bachelor's degree in Design from San José State University and found her path in real estate as a natural fit for her goals of growth, financial stability, and helping others. With the guidance of mentors who believed in their potential, she and her sister proudly closed their first seller-represented transaction within their first few months in the industry. Giselle, 25, holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from San José State University. Real estate wasn't originally part of her plan — but when her sister introduced the idea, it quickly became an unexpected blessing. What began as an unforeseen opportunity has grown into a rewarding journey filled with mentorship, meaningful connections, and community. Together, Giovanna and Giselle are proof that when young women are supported, encouraged, and given the right tools, there is no limit to what they can build.
Dr. Courtney Musser
Health and Wellness Expert, DTCM, L.Ac, Dipl. AHM
Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine | Community Acupuncturist
Dr. Courtney Musser DTCM, L.Ac, Dipl. AHM believes all people deserve access to health care. Born and raised in Monterey County, she always wanted to be able to give back to the community that raised her. She received her doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, helping to start a community acupuncture clinic while in graduate school. After graduating in 2020, she opened her private practice in Monterey and six years later, brought community acupuncture back to Monterey on a sliding scale. She works to combine eastern and western medicine in a way that is approachable for everyone. Her practice focuses on women's health, fertility and orthopedics — while tending to any issues that arise as we navigate the world. Her goal is to bring grounded, research based information to the public to improve well-being for all.