March 6, 2026 — Influence, inspiration, and impact took center stage on Wednesday in Camarillo as people from across the region gathered to help Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) mark its 35th anniversary year with a special luncheon in honor of International Women’s Day. The event celebrated women whose leadership has strengthened local communities, including Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Celina Zacarias, who received WEV’s 2026 Trailblazer award.
“I’m so fortunate to work alongside amazing and inspiring women such as our Port CEO Kristin Decas and CSUCI President Susan Andrzejewski, who are trailblazers in their respective careers,” Zacarias said.
Ventura County CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson presented the award to Zacarias, who drew on her own life experience to explain how resilience, dedication, and community have come to define her life and work. The daughter of migrant farmworkers, Zacarias was born in Michoacan, Mexico and came to the United States when she was three years old. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara before amassing formidable business experience over 25 years at GMAC Mortgage, Wells Fargo, and Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. In those roles, Zacarias leveraged her influence to help underserved individuals and businesses secure funding.
Today, she brings resources and support to students at California State University Channel Islands while serving as Executive Director of Community and Government Relations for the institution. “My story is a reminder of what is possible when women support women and when communities invest in opportunity,” Zacarias said. “I stand here because of the many people who lifted me up on my journey. Today, let’s each find someone we can lift up, too.”
In 2020, Zacarias became the first Latina elected as Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner where she helps set policy and guide activities at the Port of Hueneme. “We’re grateful to have Commissioner Zacarias’ tireless leadership and have seen first-hand the many ways her efforts have brought tangible benefits to those living in and around the Oxnard Harbor District,” said CEO and Port Director Kristin Decas.
As Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates 35 years of empowering entrepreneurs, Zacarias stands as a fitting example of what’s possible when women create pathways for themselves and generations to follow.
