Congratulations to our
2025 WITH Honorees!
These women are role models, high achievers, women who combine extraordinary imagination and generosity with realism and action. women game changers, rule breakers, and trailblazers. Women who are WITH it!
deborah Szekely | lifetime achievement honoree
Deborah Szekely has built bridges both locally and abroad for over seventy years. In 1940, Szekely and her husband Edmond founded Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico and in 1958 she established the Golden Door in Escondido, California.
In addition to her health and wellness work, Szekely was President of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), an independent foreign-assistance agency of the United States government that awards grants directly to grassroots organizations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Szekely headed the Inter-American Foundation from 1984-1990 and was co-founder and co-president of the U.S.-Mexico Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange. She is an internationally recognized fitness expert and serves on boards of directors locally and nationally.
Babett Hirzel
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Babett began her career in Frankfurt, Germany, as a Housekeeping Manager, where she gained a strong foundation in service excellence, teamwork, and operational efficiency. After moving to the United States, she built an impressive career within the Hilton brand, guided by her personal values of Care, Value, and Respect.
Throughout her tenure, Babett has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, especially during times of transition and change. At our hotel, she has shown unwavering dedication to her team—stepping into any role as needed, making herself available around the clock, and prioritizing the well-being of her staff above all else.
Claudia ludlow
Claudia Ludlow’s story is deeply rooted in San Diego, a city she proudly calls home. Her upbringing spanned the vibrant neighborhoods of Barrio Logan, Coronado, Imperial Beach, and South San Diego—each shaping her perspective and passion for community.
Currently the General Manager of the historic Glorietta Bay Inn in Coronado, Claudia is leading her third historic property in the city. Her hospitality career began at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, followed by the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. With 32 years in the industry, she has become a devoted ambassador for San Diego, showcasing its charm to visitors worldwide.
Kim Sidoriak
Kim Sidoriak is the President and CEO of Visit Carlsbad and is responsible for overseeing destination marketing organization promoting Carlsbad, California as a premiere travel destination.
Kim’s 20-year career in marketing includes roles at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Hilton Hotels Corporation and Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles. She serves on the California Travel Association’s Board of Directors and earned the Certified Destination Management Executive credential from Destinations International.
mary cheeks
President and General Manager of Jamul Casino Resort®, Mary Cheeks, is an industry veteran with 30 years of experience in casino management and casino finance. Ms. Cheeks joined the Jamul Casino Resort team in May 2018, initially tasked with helping lead the team through an ownership transition and re-branding.
In a few short months, the casino was officially rebranded, and she had recruited a world-class management team, optimizing the skills of existing team members and supplementing with additional talent. Her strong leadership and passion for delivering the best guest experience serves as an inspiration to her team. She also works closely with the community to ensure the casino is a welcome presence and a good corporate citizen in Jamul.
mandi graziano
Mandi Graziano brings fun to business. Over the last twenty-plus years, Mandi has held executive leadership roles for companies such as Hospitality Performance Network, Hard Rock Hotels, Caesars Entertainment, and Starwood Hotels. Mandi is currently a board director for the California Hotel Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation and an active member serving MPI Southern California.
She’s the co-founder of Adventures in Business Live weekly podcast, where she interviews CEOs, Founders & Thought Leaders on their trips, triumphs, stumbles, and successes in business. This weekly live show consistently has multiple monthly viral videos and delivers compelling content to help her listeners level up their business savvy.
Check Out Our Past Honorees!
