Meet Some Of The Women Who’ve Shaped San Diego Into One Of America’s Most Popular Destinations
Women's History Month might be coming to an end soon, but there’s no reason to stop celebrating how women are positively impacting our lives right now. Here, get acquainted with some of the dynamic women who’ve helped shape San Diego into one of the country’s most popular destinations today. San Diego is one of America's most popular destinations for Women's History Month, with Martha Gilmer, Martha Gilmers, Rita Vandergaw, Kathryn Kanjo, and Kathryn Kanja all making their mark on local museums. The city is home to 17 miles of coastline, endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, and a blissfully Mediterranean climate. Get acquainted with these dynamic women who have shaped San Diego into one of the country’s top destinations today.
Published : one year ago by Katie Chang in
What began as a weeklong celebration in 1978 in Santa Rosa, California, to commemorate the often-overlooked contributions of women to culture, history, and society eventually grew into Women's History Month. Though the end of March looms around the corner, there’s no reason to stop paying attention to how women all over America are positively impacting our lives right now.
While it might not immediately come to mind as a destination for Women's History Month, San Diego, in fact, has long been powered by women across all kinds of industries, from arts and culture to hospitality. Add to that fact 17 miles of coastline, endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, and a blissfully Mediterranean climate, and you’ve got all the makings for a trip you can plan any time of year.
Below, get acquainted with some of the dynamic women who’ve shaped San Diego into one of the country’s most popular destinations today.
As the CEO of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Martha Gilmer has juggled a full plate since coming on board in 2014—but it’s how she navigated the pandemic that really proved her grace and spirit. In addition to continuing performances led by Musical Director Rafael Payare, virtual early in the pandemic and distanced later, she oversaw the opening of Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in August 2021. The stunning, orb-like outdoor venue overlooking the water features state-of-the-art acoustics for incredibly rich, full, and detail-oriented sound. To promote accessibility, Rady Shell opens rehearsals to the public, and sells 100 $10 tickets for all live performances.
Women are also making their mark on local museums. As Executive Director of Balboa Park’s Comic-Con Museum, Rita Vandergaw manages rotating exhibits including the current one titled The Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels, which spotlights animation pioneers such as Art Clokey and Chuck Jones, and kid-friendly educational opportunities like Cardboard Superheroes. Since 2016, Kathryn Kanjo has served as Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s CEO. Her most recent accomplishments involve steering the dramatic, long-awaited renovation for La Jolla’s flagship location that was unveiled last year, nearly doubling the institution’s square footage.
Occupying a former pottery and crafts store and home to several women-run vendors, Old Town Urban Market—which was co-founded by Zoha Sakhavat and her husband Kevin Sadrieh—is the most exciting new addition to San Diego’s dining scene. Among the best bites are Flor’s Farm to Table’s crunchy shrimp flautas and Chef Priscilla Curial’s bone marrow-topped birria tacos at Tuetano Taqueria. Also, pop by Maura Reyes’ The Wine Shop SD, a well-curated nook stocked with sustainable and natural wines.
The serene views of the Pacific are just the beginning at Chef Claudette Zepeda’s Vaga, the elegant restaurant anchoring Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. Though the food proudly has Mexican roots, worldly touches inspired by Zepeda’s frequent travels abound, from a zippy Citrus & Yellowtail Crudo in a pool of coconut leche de tigre to Koji Aged Hanger Steak garnished with peanut mole and pickled shallots. The wine list, too, is equally globetrotting, with plenty of notable, lesser-known finds like Tresomm Chenin Blanc from Valle De Guadalupe.
For pristine sushi, head to Shihomi Borillo’s Azuki Sushi in Banker’s Hill—where the offerings go way beyond the standards with engawa (halibut fin), kamasu (barracuda), and aji (horse mackerel)—and the just-opened, ten-seat Kinme Omakase. A city stalwart since 2015, Coasterra marries a coveted bayfront location with contemporary Mexican dishes (think creamy White Corn & Poblano Soup, Ahi Tuna Tostada, and Bay Scallop Aguachile) by Chef Deborah Scott. With a growing mini-empire under her belt, Carol Roizen has set the standard for flavorful and nutritious casual eats—the best-selling, signature Parakeet Bowl is vegan and gluten-free—at Parakeet Café.
Consider You & Yours Distilling Co. for a far-from-ordinary drinking experience. The hip destination distillery tucked away in East Village launched by Laura Johnson in 2017 offers tours, cocktail-making classes, original libations like the seasonal Lavender Haze, and build-your-own-flights so you can familiarize yourself with the brand’s gins and vodkas.
After battling health issues such as hair loss, cystic acne, and debilitating food allergies in her twenties, Leah Kirpalani took matters into her own hands and dove into the world of holistic health. After witnessing her symptoms dramatically improve , Kirpalani became a Certified Holistic Health Coach and opened her first Shop Good location in 2017, and added another in Del Mar one year later. It’s not just a chic space to nab clean and effective beauty and wellness products from reputable brands including Botnia and Osea, it’s also home to reasonably-priced, results-driven facials. (First-timers should try the signature Botnia Facial, and request Giselle Grazia, a deeply knowledgable and empathetic aesthetician who’ll do wonders for your skin and soul.)
Despite opening in 2002, La Jolla’s The Lodge at Torrey Pines feels like it’s been around longer—in the best way possible. The classic design inspired by America’s Arts and Crafts movement sports clean lines and timeless materials like wood and stone, and the structure blends in with the surrounding namesake Torrey Pines, sandy cliffs, and verdant greens.
Though the iconic 170-room resort is most famous for its 36-hole Torrey Pines Golf Course—Tiger Woods won the Junior World Championship and eight PGA Tour titles here—it’s also important to note it’s owned by Evans Hotels, a portfolio of Southern California properties established by Anne and Williams Evans back in 1953. (Their daughter, Grace Evans Cherashore, is currently the company’s chairwoman.)
Fittingly, female leadership extends all the way to the signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien. After helping the restaurant emerge as one of the area’s most popular fine dining spots since her start in 2009, Kelli Crosson was at long last promoted to executive chef last year. Under her guidance, the kitchen continues to send out imaginative and responsibly-sourced dishes, from the breakfast “Bull’s Eyes” of creamy eggplant, sunny eggs, and rich tomato sauce to the signature Liberty duck prepared two ways (roasted breast and confit leg) accompanied by nutty freekah, spicy watercress, and crunchy Marcona almonds.
Topics: California, San Diego