Exceptional Women Awards Brunch

The Annieglass Exceptional Women Awards Saturday March 28, 2026

In honor of International Women’s Month, Annieglass is proud to recognize four exceptional women in our community who have dedicated themselves to uplifting others. Their selfless commitment, tireless efforts, and unwavering focus on the greater good have made a meaningful and lasting impact. Congratulations!

Please join us for a brunch reception at Annieglass on Saturday March 28 from 11am to 1pm to honor the following exceptional women.

Consuela Alba of the Watsonville Film Festival, Angela Chesnut of Janus Santa Cruz, Patty Fernandez of Girls Inc. and local activist Peggy Flynn.

Consuelo Alba is a documentary filmmaker, programmer, and cultural organizer. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Watsonville Film Festival, a nonprofit arts organization offering year-round programs and support for local filmmakers since 2012. For more than a decade, she has curated bold, community-centered film programs while championing emerging storytellers and amplifying underrepresented voices. Consuelo served on the Arts Council Santa Cruz County Board for six years, two of them as Board President. She currently serves on the Visit Santa Cruz Board.

Angela Chesnut has lived in the community for over 20 years and has served as a prolific fundraiser and community organizer for a myriad of non-profit organizations, most recently was the Senior Director of Community and Government Relations at the Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. She is currently the Chief Development Officer for Janus of Santa Cruz that ensures access to care for substance use treatment is available for all members of our community in need. Angela also has an extensive public sector history serving with the Department of Justice combating human trafficking in Washington, D.C. Her two children are her pride and joy.

Patty Fernandez-Torres is the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of the Central Coast, where she has dedicated 25 years of service to empowering girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Throughout her tenure, she has led the organization’s strategic growth, fundraising, and program expansion across the region, ensuring girls have access to life-changing opportunities and mentorship. Patty is deeply committed to youth development, elevating youth voice, and building strong community partnerships to advance equity so every girl served can achieve her full potential and thrive in school, career, and life.

Peggy Flynn is President of the Democratic Women's Club of Santa Cruz County, and Vice Chair of the SC Arts Council Board. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Botswana for three years--as a "Boomer"! She is a former lobbyist for Computer Sciences Corporation, co-founded Above the Line, and currently is a fund developer for community organizations, a published writer and essayist and most fun of all, a current auctioneer for community groups. She spends most of her energy organizing for good trouble!

Tickets for this event are available here.