The United Chambers Inspirational Women Awards annually recognizes women of outstanding achievement who have inspired others with their individual stories and accomplishments. They are highlighted not only for their successes, but for how they have inspired others, served as mentors and, through their contributions, made the San Fernando Valley a better place.
The 2026 award recipients are Pat Bates, Josie Casarrubias, Tessa Graham, Jordyn Grohl and Chantel Lopez.
Prior to her current environmental work, Pat Bates earned a PhD in Experimental Psychology/Biology at the University of Arizona, recycled to a 35-year CPA practice as a partner at a local Encino firm, continues forays into the art world, and is happiest working outdoors. The intersection of our fragile urban habitat and fire concerns in our community led her to a long relationship with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, whether helping with an LAFD native pollinator garden or advising on vegetation management to participating in disaster drills and preparation. In 2025, Bates was honored to be selected as the San Fernando Valley Fire Chief of the Year.
Bates is on the board of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society and is currently the chair of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Areas Steering Committee, which is advisory to the City on Sepulveda Basin environmental matters. A major recent SFVAS accomplishment was, with $15,000 of SFVAS funds and with the help of the Los Angeles Mayor’s office, Council District 6, the LAFD, Recreation and Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, underwriting a pilot goat grazing project in the Sepulveda Basin, within environmental constraints including protection of birds. Bates will take the reins as president of the SFVAS later this year, and plans to continue the hard work of her predecessors, and to strengthen relationships with the community and allied organizations, including the business community.
Josie Casarrubias serves as the Director of Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley and proudly holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead the organization in the San Fernando Valley. She leads with vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to restoring hope in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. With over a decade of nonprofit leadership and more than 20 years of experience in health and community service, Casarrubias brings both professional excellence and heartfelt dedication to her work.
As a wife and a mother, she carries a deep understanding of the challenges families face, which fuels her passion to serve with dignity, empathy, and purpose. Casarrubias’ leadership is marked by integrity, compassion, and a profound calling to uplift others. She oversees both a family shelter and a men’s life recovery program, where her and her team guide individuals from crisis to stability through holistic, faith-centered care. Casarrubias is committed not just to helping people survive, but to seeing lives fully restored and thriving—making her a truly deserving Inspirational Woman of the Year.
Tessa Graham, MS, LMFT is the President & CEO of Child Development Institute (CDI), a San Fernando Valley nonprofit dedicated to helping all children reach their full potential by nurturing the relationships, environments, and community connections that shape early development. With more than 25 years of experience working alongside high-risk infants, toddlers, and their families, Graham deeply understands the profound impact that early relationships have on development and remains deeply committed to ensuring every child has the support they need to grow, connect, and thrive.
Under her leadership, CDI provides a full spectrum of care to children of all abilities and backgrounds, regardless of income or circumstance, weaving together community partners across the Valley so that no family ever faces hardship alone. She advocates at the local and state level for policies that strengthen services for all children, grounded in the well-established understanding that communities are healthier and stronger when children and their families receive the support they need from the very start.
Jordyn Grohl is a Los Angeles–based community advocate known for her support of charitable initiatives addressing homelessness and food insecurity in the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area. Through her involvement in volunteer efforts and nonprofit events, often alongside her husband, Dave Grohl, she helps elevate awareness and encourage public engagement with organizations serving vulnerable populations. Her presence at community service activities reflects a commitment to using visibility to promote compassion, collective responsibility, and meaningful local impact.
Chantel Lopez serves as the Government Affairs Manager for Hope The Mission. She is the liaison between the organization and government entities to address and end homelessness throughout Greater Los Angeles.
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Lopez is the daughter of immigrant parents and a first-generation Latina working in the government affairs space. Her advocacy has meaningfully advanced housing solutions for those in need. Drawing from her lived experience, she is deeply committed to expanding access to housing services and strengthening support systems for her community.
Lopez brings authenticity, resilience, and compassion to her work, uing her role to drive meaningful policy engagement, mentor others, and ensure that vulnerable communities are seen, heard, and supported.
These five honorees were selected from a wide array of industries including, but not limited to, business, social services, health care and medicine, education, community advocacy, arts, government and non-profit.
The honorees were nominated by fellow community members and the finalists were chosen by a United Chambers committee composed of previous award winners and community leaders.
The 12th Annual Inspirational Women of the San Fernando Valley Awards lunch will be held on Thursday, May 7, at The Odyssey in Granada Hills. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit unitedchambers.org/2026-inspirational-women.html.
