Katharine Rosser poses with the Athena Award during the annual Day for Women event at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland on March 7. Photo Courtesy of Jackie Sillman

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Organizers of the annual Day for Women event, held March 7 at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland, have announced this year’s honorees, recognizing women whose leadership, service and entrepreneurial work have made an impact across the Yuba-Sutter region.

The awards highlight achievements in business, education, community service and personal resilience, while recognizing contributions that strengthen the community both publicly and behind the scenes.

Athena Leadership Award, Katharine Rosser

Among the top honors is the Athena Leadership Award, which recognizes professional excellence, community involvement and a commitment to helping other women achieve leadership potential. This year’s recipient is Katharine Rosser, whose work spans agriculture, education, business and nonprofit leadership.

Rosser serves as chief financial officer at Montna Farms, vice president of the Flying U Rodeo Company and co-founder and CEO of Bunkhouse Candle Co. She also serves as vice president of the Yuba County Board of Education and has held leadership roles with Women Executive Leaders, the Golden State Ag Foundation, Young Farmers and Ranchers, California Women in Agriculture and Sigma Alpha’s national leadership team. In 2024, she was named one of the Sacramento Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

According to organizers, Rosser is known for mentoring other women, particularly in financial literacy and business development, and for her approach to leadership focused on strengthening people and organizations.

Camille “Cami” Benner holds flowers after receiving the Women Who Rise Award at the annual Day for Women event at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland on March 7. Photo Courtesy of Jackie Sillman

Women Who Rise Award, Camille Benner

The Women Who Rise Award, presented by the Day for Women committee, was awarded to Camille “Cami” Benner. The award recognizes women whose service is consistent and rooted in helping others.

Benner was recognized for coordinating the Rural Rally project in Marysville, a Habitat for Humanity effort described as a first-of-its-kind rural initiative. Organizers credited her with helping move the project forward through site identification, cross-jurisdiction coordination, committee development and volunteer mobilization.

Her service also includes volunteering on an international Habitat for Humanity build in Mexico, experience organizers said has strengthened her local work.

Meraki Scholarship, Leilani Barnhart

The Meraki Scholarship, a financial award supporting women business owners in Yuba and Sutter counties, was awarded to Leilani Barnhart, founder of LunaLei Wellness. The top applicant receives $5,000 to support education and business development.

Barnhart was selected for building a business focused on holistic health and community care. Through LunaLei Wellness, she offers services and handcrafted herbal products that blend Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Organizers said her work reflects both personal experience and a commitment to serving the local community.

Leilani Barnhart of LunaLei Wellness poses with the 2026 Meraki Award during the annual Day for Women event at Hard Rock Live in Wheatland on March 7. Photo Courtesy of Jackie Sillman

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

The event also recognized recipients of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award, which provides financial assistance to women who are primary earners for their families while pursuing education and career goals.

Three Soroptimist clubs serve the Yuba-Sutter region: Soroptimist International of Marysville-Yuba City, Soroptimist International of Sutter Yuba and Soroptimist International of South Yuba.

This year’s honorees are Amanda, Shelly and Shawn. Organizers said the recipients represent strength, resilience and determination, reflecting the organization’s mission to improve the lives of women and girls through education and economic empowerment.