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Welcome to PWG

Helping women discover their wings.

Invest in the women of Modesto and watch as the city thrives with their limitless potential and drive."
  • The Professional Woman's Group of Modesto

WELCOME TO PWG

PWG is a professional networking group for businesswomen in our community. We were founded in 2010 by Lynn Telford-Sahl and Vicky Johnson to support women in business with networking, education, support, and to have FUN! 

Our dedicated group of Professional Women offers a place to learn, ask for advice, and develop skills and expertise. 

Women business owners in Modesto, CA are making waves in the business world and paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs. With a focus on Entrepreneurship, Professional Development, and Networking Opportunities, women in the area are breaking down barriers and carving out successful careers for themselves.

Through PWG monthly meetings and events, female business owners are able to connect with like-minded individuals and develop strong, supportive relationships. This network also provide valuable Leadership opportunities and Mentorship opportunities, allowing women to learn from more experienced business owners and grow in their careers.

Collaboration is key in the business world, and women in Modesto are embracing this principle, working together to achieve common goals and drive success. Empowerment is at the forefront of these collaborations, as PWG support one another in their careers and help one another to reach new heights.

Career Advancement, Innovation, and Diversity and Inclusion are all important components of success for women in Modesto. By continuously developing their Skills, engaging with their Community, and operating within a Supportive Environment, women in the area are ensuring their continued Growth and Success.

Women business owners in Modesto are making a significant impact in the local economy and serving as role models for future generations. Their passion, drive, and determination are an inspiration to all.

About Us

Little girls with Dreams, become women with Vision!

Women with vision are also leaders in their communities, inspiring others to believe in themselves and their abilities. By sharing their stories and experiences, they demonstrate that anything is possible with hard work and persistence. Women with vision also serve as role models for the next generation of girls with dreams, showing them that their aspirations are achievable and that they too can become women with vision.

Celeste Zupancic of HomeSmart PV & Associates

Celeste Zupancic

With nearly three decades of experience as a business leader, Celeste has built a reputation for excellence, dedication, and integrity. Her extensive background in business has not only sharpened her skills in negotiation and client relations but has also instilled in her a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to those she serves. She brings a results-driven approach to real estate, ensuring that every client receives personalized service tailored to their unique needs.

As a proud member of the National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, California Regional Multiple Listing Service, and Metrolist, Celeste stays at the forefront of industry trends and market insights. She holds the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation, which equips her with the expertise to assist individuals aged 50 and older with their real estate needs. Whether it's downsizing, relocating, or exploring retirement living options, Celeste is passionate about guiding her clients through every step of the process with care and professionalism.

Specializing in the Central Valley and East Bay markets, Celeste has a keen eye for identifying opportunities and maximizing property value, whether you're buying or selling. Her passion for real estate is evident in her dedication to making every transaction smooth and successful. If you're considering selling your home or searching for the perfect property, Celeste looks forward to partnering with you and making your real estate goals a reality.

Homesmart PV & Associates
305 Banner Ct
Modesto, Ca 95356
Dre #02088598
SRES® Senior Real Estate Specialist, serving the Central Valley and East Bay

Flor Tataje of The Law Office of Flor A. Tataje

Attorney Flor Tataje

The Law Office of Flor A. Tataje is a minority woman owned law firm that focuses in the area of consumer bankruptcy law and debt relief. Attorney Flor A. Tataje has been practicing law for more than 10 years and opened her own firm as a solo practitioner in March 2020. Combining her knowledge of financial matters with her experience in bankruptcy and other areas of the law including family law, she provides clients with effective representation and financial solutions to resolve client matters quickly and at a reasonable cost.

Attorney Flor Tataje received her Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Irvine School of Law in 2012, graduating with distinction as part of the inaugural class. Prior to that she earned her Master’s in Business Administration from California State University, Stanislaus in 2006. She graduated Cum Laude from California State University, East Bay in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an Option in Finance.

Having worked for a bankruptcy judge as a law clerk for two years, Attorney Flor Tataje is very knowledgeable of the bankruptcy code and how the provisions and distinctions will apply to your personal matter. Flor is bilingual and offers services in both English and Spanish.
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About Tataje Law

Tataje Law offers clients legal services in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and debt negotiation. The attorney provides free consultations where she will review your assets and debts, provide a financial analysis, and discuss the options available to you and your situation. She will also go over the legal requirements and bankruptcy process with you. If you retain her services, Attorney Tataje will gather the necessary information and documents, prepare all legal forms, and file the required documents with the bankruptcy court. She will attend the meeting of creditors with you, where she will represent you against your creditors. Attorney Flor Tataje will represent you until you receive your discharge. Filing bankruptcy with Attorney Flor Tataje can help you get rid of your debt and give you a financial fresh start.

Tataje Law’s goal is to treat each client with the respect they deserve and help them get through a difficult financial time. The firm provides flexibility to meet the needs of each client through attorney fee payment plans and time-saving communication options, as well being available for appointments when the situation arises.

Attorney Flor Tataje is a hands-on attorney who takes the time to get to know her clients and their specific needs. It is her priority to keep her clients fully informed throughout their representation. She will provide straight-forward advice and in-depth explanations to ensure that all her clients understand the bankruptcy process and how it affects their case. As your attorney, Flor Tataje will always have your end goal in mind: to eliminate your debt. You deserve a fresh start and you can have one with Attorney Flor Tataje.In need of a fresh start, contact Tataje Law, an attorney with heart

Gina Leguria of The Law Firm of Gina Leguria

Gina Leguria devotes her practice to estate planning, probate and trust administration. Her primary focus is protecting families from the devastating legal effects of disability and death. Gina learned firsthand the effects of failing to plan when her rancher father was killed in a tragic vehicle accident, and her family suffered through probate for four years. She is determined to help others, especially women, avoid the added devastation of a complicated and expensive legal process.

Raised on a cattle ranch, Gina graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where she majored in Agriculture Business Management. Gina earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and was awarded a Juris Doctorate from University of Pacific Mc George School of Law in 1999. Gina’s diverse background includes work in law enforcement, higher education, and county government. Gina is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Outside the office, Gina enjoys activities with her husband, Jack, and two daughters, Rosa and Sofia.

Jovanna Mukaddes of Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor

Jovanna Mukaddes

Understanding your life priorities is an important part of how I work with the clients I serve. It’s not just about markets and returns, it’s about what matters most to you. I welcome the opportunity to show you how we can work together to create a financial approach designed around you, your goals and your aspirations.

Jovanna has been in the financial services industry for more than 18 years and joined Merrill in 2003. She has dedicated herself to thoroughly understanding the needs and priorities of high-net-worth individuals, families and businesses, providing them with personalized attention and disciplined, customized financial strategies and services. 

She provides access to the investment insights of Merrill and banking convenience of Bank of America to help address the various aspects of clients' financial lives. She works with clients to help identify their primary goals and needs - including asset allocation, education funding, retirement planning, tax minimization strategies, and estate planning services - and then commits to crafting and delivering strategies designed to help clients pursue desired outcomes, while building, managing and preserving their wealth for current and future generations.
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She is one that welcomes environments and situations when the noise around us is confusing and uncertain because navigating through these unveils leveraging opportunities. With all her relationships, she's focused on managing emotions and sustaining a disciplined approach that provides opportunities for more favorable outcomes.

Jovanna follows the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives her interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in her community.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Jovanna Mukaddes
Vice President
Senior Financial Advisor
CA Insurance Lic.# 0L48499
Merrill Lynch Life Agency CA Lic. # 0522776     
NMLS ID 1521210

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
The Mukaddes Group
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
801 10th Street, Flr 7, Ste 1 Modesto, CA 95354

Kathryn Kim Ramos of Sisbro Innovation

Kathryn "Kim" Ramos – The “Sis” in Sisbro Innovation

Kathryn Kim Ramos, co-founder of Sisbro Innovation, is a digital marketing strategist and business growth expert dedicated to helping local businesses thrive online. As the “Sis” in Sisbro, she has spent the last 10 years developing affordable, results-driven digital marketing solutions that empower businesses to succeed in their local communities.

Founded in December 2015 by Kathryn and her brother Daniel, Sisbro Innovation was built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and trust. After hearing countless stories of business owners being over-promised and under-delivered by marketing agencies, Kathryn set out to create a company that guarantees real results—not just sales pitches.
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Our Services: Helping Local Businesses Grow

Sisbro Innovation has evolved from website design into a full-service digital marketing agency offering:

  • Website Design & Development – Custom-built, SEO-optimized websites
  • Pay-As-You-Go Website Program – Budget-friendly, in-house financing with 0% interest
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – Get found online and rank higher on Google
  • Google AdWords & PPC Advertising – Targeted, high-converting paid ads
  • Social Media Marketing & Management – Build engagement and brand awareness
  • Reputation Management Tools – Affordable solutions to manage and improve your online reviews

In 2024, Sisbro Innovation was voted "Best of 209" for Digital Marketing, a testament to the company’s dedication to helping local businesses succeed online while maintaining affordability and integrity.

A Business Built on Family & Community

Kathryn’s passion for small business success comes from her own entrepreneurial roots. As a proud mother and grandmother, she understands the hard work and sacrifice that business owners put in every day. Inspired by her foster mother’s values, she believes that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about supporting and lifting each other up. That same belief is what drives Sisbro Innovation, where clients aren’t just customers—they’re family.

Kathryn’s journey with her brother Daniel has been fueled by a deep understanding of what it means to be a business owner—the struggles, the goals, and the need to reach more customers without breaking the bank. This is why Sisbro Innovation prioritizes transparency, fair pricing, and marketing strategies that actually work.

Kathryn is proud to continue helping businesses build, grow, and thrive through AI-driven marketing solutions, lead generation, and reputation management. Her mission is to ensure that local businesses have access to the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed—without the stress and uncertainty that often comes with digital marketing.

Want to grow your business online with a trusted partner?
Let’s chat over coffee (or a call)! 

Contact Sisbro Innovation today and let’s build something great together! 

Marisol Fernandez of Rooted Movement LLC.

Mari Fernandez

Mari is on a mission in life to empower individuals to find their inner strength to combat and debunk social standards. She helps people get into the best shape of their life, physically and mentally. She is the co-owner of Rooted Movement, a personal training and yoga studio. Mari has been in the fitness industry for 15 years and has traveled all over the United States to teach kettlebell techniques with Strong First worldwide. She firmly believes that food is medicine for the body, and knowledge and desire for proper nutrition have been evolving for the past 12 years. She works closely with her members to design eating plans that best fit their needs. Mari also has a whole-body aspiration that has led her to her newfound love of yoga.
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Mari is a loving wife to her favorite traveling buddy, David; and celebrate together over 17 years together. She is also a boy mom to an animal-loving, autistic superhero, Maximus. Her son was born at 1 pound and 11 ounces. This time in her life, while completely worth it, was also very traumatic for a first-time mom. A deeper appreciation for compassion, gratitude, and patience were some of the beautiful by-products of that less-than-ideal situation. Mari’s experiences allow her to relate to, and teach, trauma-based yoga. She is also a plant-loving, travel-obsessed sun child who loves camping, dancing, and eating.

Michelle Gallagher of Gallagher Gatewood

Michelle Gallagher

I am one of the owners of Gallagher Gatewood, A Professional Accountancy Corporation. I became a CPA in 2001 and finished my Masters in Taxation in August 2015. My firm works with small to medium size business from tax planning and consulting, to preparation of tax returns and financial statements. What makes me different and our firm, is that we are not becoming like other firms that do not meet with their clients or it is really hard to get a hold of your CPA/EA. My business partner and I are committed to make sure clients are treated well and they understand what they are getting.
220 Standiford Ave Suite H, Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 526-3091
Email Michelle Gallagher
Visit Gallagher Gatewood

Miranda LaRee of Dawn Healing

Miranda LaRee

Miranda LaRee, a Trauma Specialized Life Coach and Clinical Hypnotherapist opened her private practice, Dawn Healing, LLC., after a decade of research, personal application, and earning nine high-level certifications in the health & wellness realm. Since then, Miranda has been successfully helping her clients overcome their emotional traumas so that they are free to regain their physical and mental health.

In order to reach her goal of helping people all over the world, she began creating and leading in-person retreats and workshops, including the Heal Your Shit Transformational Experience, created a virtual healing community; The Shit Healer’s Circle, and wrote more than a dozen workbooks, e-books, and prompted journals.

In just the last year, Miranda has been commissioned to create a workshop and workbook for Girl Scouts Heart of Central California, has had the privilege of speaking on several stages, been featured in 209 Magazine, as well as The ShePowered Podcast, and the Connected Soul Network.

4135 Laurel Walk Lane, Turlock CA 95382
(209) 652-9502
Email Miranda LaRee

Michelle Thomasser of Ability Mortgage

Michelle Thomasser

I’d love the opportunity to help you with your home loan mortgage for your next purchase or refinance. Honesty, integrity, trust, knowledge… because I feel that those words truly describe me and therefore the level of service I promise my clients. I’ve been in mortgage lending since 2003 and feel fortunate to be able to do what I love. And above all, I promise the highest level of customer service and to always go that extra mile to do what’s in my client’s best interest.
136 N Maag Ave., #B1, Oakdale, CA 95361
220 Standiford Ave., #J, Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 914-6166
Email Michelle Thomasser
Visit Ability Mortgage

Tami Rae of Tami Rae Coaching

Tami Rae 

Tami Rae is a Certified Professional Coach. She has over 25 years of experience as an educator teaching Leadership, Life Skills, Communication, and Mindfulness. She has led hundreds of participants through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, workshops, and her personal favorite: transformational retreats. She is living her passion every day!

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"Empowering women, elevating careers." 

Embrace your unique talents and skills, take bold steps, and turn your dreams into a thriving reality.

About Us

The Professional Women's Group of Modesto aims to provide a supportive network for women in their professional pursuits.  

We strive to inspire and empower our members to reach their full potential through mentorship, educational events, and community involvement. 

Together, we work towards creating a dynamic and inclusive community where women can succeed and thrive in their careers.

Contact Us

(209) 648-2009
518 12th St, Modesto, CA 95354
Copyright © 2023 Professional Women's Group of Modesto, All rights reserved.                                                                                                                                                                              Hosted by Sisbro Innovation
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