Featured Member
Denise Caldwell
President, Heffernan Elite Benefits Insurance Services LLC
Dr. Zehra Murthy holds a PhD in molecular biology and genetics and spent 40 years as a research scientist at UCSF. At the age of 70, she turned a lifetime of science into a thriving business. Belfiore Herbal makes botanical skincare for the face, body, and hair, formulated with plant-based ingredients like lavender, turmeric, aloe, sunflower and grapeseed oils, rosemary, calendula, orange, and carrot — each chosen for its high levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Zehra pairs the right botanicals with science-backed formulas so her products work at the cellular level, helping skin synthesize healthy cells while reducing discoloration and fine lines.
What sets Belfiore apart is that Zehra doesn't just source her ingredients — she grows them. In 2022, she and her family cultivated an 11-acre, USDA-certified-organic lavender farm in Northern California, east of Mount Diablo and nestled between Zinfandel vineyards and cherry orchards — today home to more than 4,000 lavender plants. Everything is free of synthetic chemicals, because as a scientist she knows exactly what she wants to leave out.
In the years since, Belfiore has grown from a handful of hand-poured oils into a full line of skincare, haircare, essential oils, and hydrosols. What started as a direct-to-customer brand now also serves a growing community of spas, salons, and estheticians through wholesale, private-label, and custom formulation — professionals who want to offer their clients something genuinely different. Through all of it, Zehra still formulates and hand-pours every product herself, keeping quality in her own hands from seed to skin.
Zehra has loved being part of MDBW. Through the organization she has sharpened her marketing skills, gained new clients, grown more involved in her community, and made many wonderful friends. She inspires other women by proving that deep expertise, honesty, and hard work lead to success — and that age is never a barrier to following a dream.
In her free time, Zehra enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. Good referrals are spas, salons, estheticians, health-focused retailers, and anyone who wants healthier skin at the cellular level. Learn more at belfioreherbal.com or connect on Instagram and Facebook @belfioreherbal.
Past Featured Members
Denise Caldwell
President, Heffernan Elite Benefits Insurance Services LLC
Denise Caldwell is president of Heffernan Elite Benefits Insurance Services LLC, which creates customized benefits packages that allow businesses to control costs while offering their employees the benefits they need, including medical insurance; dental and vision plans; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; long-term care plans; accidental death & dismemberment; 401(k)s; and health savings, health reimbursement, and flexible spending accounts. Heffernan Elite also provides access to personal and commercial insurance and assists with the transition to Medicare.
Denise is proud that her company provides services and tools to ensure that her clients and their employees receive the most value from their benefits programs. She especially likes that her company serves the small business community and is always there for its clients, handling their needs quickly, correctly, and courteously.
Clients of Heffernan Elite benefit from the white glove service the company provides. The company advocates for its clients and negotiates with insurance carriers on their behalf. When clients have claims, Heffernan Elite ensures that they get fair, prompt payment and service. At renewal time, Heffernan Elite works with major health plans and insurance carriers to offer clients the most competitive rates.
Good referrals for Denise include bookkeepers, accountants, human resource providers, payroll providers, business attorneys, and commercial insurance brokers.
Denise has been a member of Mt. Diablo Business Women for many years and values her membership because it has expanded her networking sphere. Denise inspires other women in her field by providing mentorship and training.
Denise gives back to her community by providing her expertise in employee benefits to small businesses in the area. She also volunteers at the Lindsay Museum in Walnut Creek. Denise is a native Californian, was raised in the East Bay, and bought the Walnut Creek house she grew up in!
In her free time, Denise enjoys Sunday brunch; live music concerts; traveling; hanging out with her family, friends, dog, and guinea pig; and “staycations.” Her favorite local getaway spots are Lake Tahoe, Carmel, Santa Barbara, and Yosemite.
You can learn more about Heffernan Elite by visiting the company’s website at http://www.heffelite.com. You can also connect with Denise Caldwell on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/denisepcaldwell).
Steve Adams
Owner, Creative Space Interiors
It’s appropriate to say that Steve Adams is a Renaissance Man. With degrees in Theater Arts, Transformative Arts, Studio Art, and Dance, Steve is a consummate artist who brings joy to those around him. As an interior designer and owner of Creative Space Interiors, Steve provides residential interior design aimed at supporting professional women in transition—post-divorce, empty-nester, downsizing—who want a home that reflects who they are today. His company provides a variety of residential interior design services, including space planning renderings, furniture, decor, artwork, custom window treatments, and color consulting. And as we saw at a recent presentation to Mt. Diablo Business Women members, Steve is not afraid of color when it comes to interior design!
What Steve likes best about his business is working with the infinite creative options that can transform a space into a home someone treasures and that reflects who they are. While doing his work, he abides by his motto, “Beauty Without Overwhelm.”
Steve’s clients benefit from having a space that nurtures, supports, and envelops them with beauty and surrounds them so they can feel a sense of peace and comfort whenever they are at home. Good referrals for Steve include professional women in life transition who want a home that reflects who they've become and who want a place to share with others, a sanctuary in which to relax and a space in which to feel nurtured and cared for.
Steve is a valued member of Mt. Diablo Business Women. Through MDBW, he enjoys meeting dynamic business owners who value connection, collaboration, and relationships. Steve also gives back to his community by donating to local and international communities that bring food to those in need and by supporting wildlife causes to protect our planet's animals.
In his free time, Steve enjoys painting, hiking, socializing with friends, meeting new people, networking, listening to music, and spending time in nature.
You can learn more about Steve Adams and Creative Space Interiors by visiting the company’s website at http://www.creativespaceinteriors.biz. You can also connect with Steve on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/selfexpress101), on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/creativespaceinteriors21/), and through LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveadamscso/).
Julie Derby Jaecksch
End of Life Doula, Final Season Doula
As an end of life doula with Final Season Doula, Julie Derby Jaecksch provides services to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives, as well as the people who support them. Julie’s holistic approach includes planning for death, estate planning, practical help, and spiritual work, including life review and legacy exploration. She continues to support loved ones with grief processing after their loved one has died. What Julie enjoys most is having the opportunity to provide guidance and compassionate support to people during a difficult time.
Julie’s clients benefit from her services because she reminds them that they have choices about how they want to live the remainder of their lives and advocates for them. She handles many tasks for them so that they do not feel as if they are a burden to their family and friends.
Good referrals for Julie include senior care managers, hospice companies, home care/home health companies, trust attorneys, fiduciaries, and anyone who is nearing the end of life or who has a progressive illness and needs extra help and compassionate, holistic support. She can also help individuals after the sudden death of a loved one.
Through MDBW, Julie has met amazing women who are serving their communities with passion. She has learned how other women approach their businesses and manage their work-life balance. MDBW has also given her the opportunity to educate members about what an end of life doula does. She also inspires other women who are interested in becoming end of life doulas.
Julie gives back to her community by speaking to groups at no charge about the role of end of life doulas and the importance of advance care planning. She attends senior resource fairs during the year to provide education and resources to the community. She also works with clients at a reduced or pro bono rate when needed.
In her free time, Julie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking and baking, photography, attending movies and comedy shows, hiking, and gardening.
You can learn more about Julie Derby Jaecksch and Final Season Doula by visiting the organization’s website at https://finalseasondoula.com/.
Diane Kaplowitz
Agent/Broker, R.C. Fischer & Co. Insurance Brokers
Diane Kaplowitz is an agent/broker at R.C. Fischer & Co., a company that provides a variety of insurance solutions to its clients. Diane and her team at R.C. Fischer have combined experience of over 100 years in the insurance industry. Diane is a licensed broker in property, casualty, life, and health insurance and is a subject matter expert in the insurance industry.
Diane’s favorite thing about her business is getting to know her clients on a personal level and providing them with solutions to protect their assets. Unlike captive market insurance agents, Diane has multiple carriers through which she can find the best options for excellent coverage and competitive premiums for home, auto, and excess liability insurance.
Diane works in an industry that has been dominated by men. In fact, she is the first successful female broker that RC Fischer & Co has had since its inception in 1939. Other women in the insurance industry have told Diane that she has helped them become more confident when speaking with clients and sharing their knowledge.
Diane is an active member of MDBW and has served as on the board in some capacity for the last seven years. She is currently serving a President. She finds the organization to be made up of friendly and encouraging women and finds the meetings to be both informative and social.
As a way to give back to her community, Diane and her husband open their home to young children so that their parents can enjoy an evening out. Many of their young friends are first- or second-generation Americans and do not have family members who live nearby, so on Friday evenings their children can drop by for nutritious food and fun activities.
In her free time, you will find Diane in her garden, on a local trail, or on the golf course. Diane also loves to travel and finds rest and relaxation, usually on some beach somewhere in the world. Her favorite beaches are Cannon Beach in Oregon and Palm Beach in Aruba.
You can learn more about Diane’s company by visiting its website at https://www.rcfischer.com/.
Misha Safran
Speaker, Leadership Trainer, Coach; Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence (CEEQ), LLC
Misha Safran founded the Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence (CEEQ), an organization that supports leaders, teams, and organizations in strengthening communication, trust, and emotional intelligence. Through leadership coaching, workshops, retreats, and speaking engagements, Misha helps people transform conflict into connection, lead with clarity, and build cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued, and understood. She is also the author of a book, as well as three conversation card decks, Joy & Play, Empathy, and Judgment. What Misha loves most about her work is watching people shift in real time from feeling stuck or reactive to feeling grounded, clear, and capable.
CEEQ’s clients benefit by gaining communication tools, especially for high stakes conversations, team tension, and leadership challenges. Organizations benefit through healthier team dynamics, stronger collaboration, reduced friction, and a culture where accountability and empathy can coexist.
Great referrals for Misha include HR leaders, learning and development teams, DEI leaders, executive assistants supporting senior leaders, business owners who want healthier leadership and communication in their organizations, therapists, mediators, attorneys, organizational consultants, event planners, and conference organizers.
Being an MDBW member has helped Misha build relationships with local business owners who are both accomplished and genuinely supportive. She also values being part of an organization that celebrates growth while staying grounded in service and connection. To inspire other women, Misha strives to model a leadership style that is both compassionate and direct.
Giving back is woven into Misha’s work. She supports community organizations through workshops, coaching, and service-oriented partnerships. She also offers scholarships and sliding scale pricing for greater access. And she and her wife often carry food in their cars to give to the unhoused.
In her free time, Misha loves hiking, being outside, reading, good conversations with friends, exploring new places, and anything that brings laughter and real connection. She is also a singer songwriter; music and creativity are a big part of her life.
You can learn more about Misha Safran and CEEQ by visiting the organizations website at https://www.ceeq.org/ and connecting with Misha on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/misha-safran/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@MishaSafran). You can also learn about her book here: https://www.ceeq.org/shop-resources/p/a-teachers-companion-centering-empathy-and-emotional-wellbeing-for-yourself-and-your-students-by-misha-safran.
Dr. Irina Kolomey, D.O.
Physician, Health In Focus
Dr. Irina Kolomey is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with Health In Focus, an Internal Medicine practice dedicated to providing personalized care for adults by combining evidence-based medicine with a whole-person approach. Dr. Kolomey’s focus is on comprehensive primary care, weight and metabolic health, and midlife and menopause support. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Hospice and Palliative Care; and she holds certification from the Menopause Society. She also practices osteopathic manual therapy.
What Dr. Kolomey loves most about her practice is having the ability to truly connect with her patients and care for them through the different stages of life. She values building long-term relationships and partnering with patients to help them achieve their health goals in a realistic and sustainable way. She says that building enduring relationships with her patients is a source of great joy.
Dr. Kolomey’s patients benefit from getting highly personalized, accessible medical care that is designed around their individual health goals. Health In Focus offers unrushed visits, direct communication with their physician, urgent appointments, and telehealth. Dr. Kolomey, provides comprehensive care for all adults, age 18-100+, so just about anyone would be a good referral for her.
Dr. Kolomey says that being a member of MDBW has connected her with an inspiring community of women entrepreneurs and professionals and has allowed her to learn more about various businesses and organizations in the health and wellness space in her geographic area. Dr. Kolomey inspires women in her field by teaching and mentoring students and sharing what she has learned about starting and running a private practice.
Dr. Kolomey gives back to her community as a member of the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA), where she serves on the ACCMA Council as an active member of the Legislative, Membership & Engagement, and Community Health Committees. In these roles she advocates for physicians and patient-centered care at both the local and state levels.
In her free time, Dr. Kolomey enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, reading, and running marathons.
You can learn more about Dr. Irina Kolomey and and Health In Focus by visiting the practice’s website at https://www.yourhealthinfocus.com/. You can also connect with Dr. Kolomey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctorkolomey.
Marlene Bartlett
Co-Owner, Uplift Home Care
Marlene Barlett and her husband Adam are co-owners of Uplift Home Care, a relationship-focused senior home care agency that provides nonmedical in-home support to help aging adults remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home. Their services include personal care, companionship, household tasks, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, and specialized support for their clients, many living with dementia.
What Marlene loves most about her business is the impact they have on families every day. She also appreciates the relationships they build with both clients and their dedicated caregivers. Their clients benefit by being able to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes while receiving the support they need for daily living.
Good referrals for Marlene are aging adults living with dementia who want to remain at home but need support with daily living; individuals who are discharging from a hospital or skilled nursing facility and aren’t yet strong enough to manage safely on their own; and residents in independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities who need one-on-one attention beyond what the community staff can typically provide.
MDBW has connected Marlene with a community of supportive, driven women who genuinely want to see each other succeed. She has benefited from the relationships, advice, and encouragement that come from being part of such a connected group. As an inspiring role
model and mentor, Marlene speaks with women across the country who are considering or are in the process of launching their own home care agencies, sharing both the joys and the challenges of running such a business.
Marlene gives back to her community by actively supporting local organizations that serve older adults, participating in community events, and advocating for resources that improve senior care. She also makes a point to connect families with alternative resources if they cannot afford her services, ensuring that everyone has options for care.
Marlene’s nonworking time revolves around her three girls, ages 9, 7, and 21 months old. She and her family enjoy walks, reading together, baking, and family meals; and they are active in their church and school communities.
Learn more about Marlene Bartlett and Uplift Home Care by visiting the company’s website: https://uplift-homecare.com/.
Brie Ford
Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Conquis Financial
As a wealth advisor and CFP® professional with Conquis Financial, Brie Ford offers financial planning and investment management designed to deliver clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for her clients’ financial futures. With her experience in cash flow, retirement planning, and investment management, she provides structured, personalized guidance rooted in her clients’ values and goals. What Brie loves most about being a wealth advisor is the human element of the work. Her passion lies in providing clarity and structure, ensuring that every client has a personalized roadmap tailored to their financial goals.
Brie’s clients benefit because Brie is able to guide them through a process of defining their most meaningful life goals; she then strategically uses financial resources and tools—from investment accounts to tax strategies—to ensure their wealth is purposefully aligned with their future. She also specializes in simplifying complex financial topics and empowering her clients to make informed decisions about their future. Good referrals for Brie are individuals who are asking questions such as, “Can I retire?,” “Are my investments working hard enough?,” or “How much can I spend worry-free in retirement?”
Through MDBW, Brie finds it rewarding to connect with other women who are focused on building their networks and driving their businesses forward. Brie also inspires other women in
the financial industry, which is historically male-dominated. Brie makes a proactive and strong effort to uplift and champion the women she works with. She says, “We need more voices at the table, and I am passionate about driving that necessary change.”
Brie is currently training to offer pro bono financial planning through the Financial Planning Association (FPA) to those in the community who are in need.
For Brie, life outside the office revolves around her husband and their two daughters, Clementine (9) and Nova (4), who keep her busy and thriving! To stay centered, she prioritizes her mental health by working out consistently. And when she can sneak away, she loves socializing with girlfriends and says that “Nothing beats connecting with friends.”
Learn more about Brie Ford and Conquis by visiting the company’s website (https://conquis.com/) and connecting with Brie on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brie-ford-cfp%C2%AE-513185149/).
Anita Pereda
Founder and Owner, Anita Pereda Leadership Coaching
Anita Pereda Leadership Coaching helps leaders and organizations thrive through leadership coaching, keynote speaking, and holistic practices that support the whole person. Anita’s work blends results-driven strategies with mindfulness, yoga, and energy work to help people reduce stress, build resilience, lead with emotional intelligence, and show up authentically. Anita loves that her business allows her to bring together both strategy and soul. Seeing clients realize they can achieve results without sacrificing their well-being is the most rewarding part. And through speaking, she is able to amplify that message to larger audiences.
Anita’s clients benefit by gaining practical tools to lead more effectively. Whether through coaching or speaking engagements, Anita gives leaders the skills to not just manage tasks, but to inspire people. Great referrals for Anita include HR leaders, business owners, associations, and event organizers looking for an engaging speaker on leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence. She also works with women who want to deepen their impact and with young professionals stepping into leadership for the first time.
Anita values her membership with MDBW because it has connected her with an inspiring network of women who support, challenge, and cheer each other on. She has built meaningful relationships, collaborated on opportunities, and gained visibility for my business. Anita inspires other women by showing that leadership doesn’t have to look one way. Through her coaching,
speaking, and writing, she encourages women to embrace resilience, emotional intelligence, and authenticity as powerful leadership assets.
Anita gives back to her community by leading free or low-cost and no-cost workshops for nonprofits, teens, and women’s organizations. She also hosts meditation and wellness events that provide accessible tools for stress relief an
d well-being. Service is not separate from her business—it’s at the heart of it.
Outside of work, Anita loves being outdoors—walking her dogs, tending to her garden, hiking, and spending time with her family, especially her grandson and granddaughter. She also practices yoga and travels to recharge and gather inspiration.
Learn more about Anita and Anita Pereda Leadership Coaching by visiting the company’s website (https://anitaperedaleadership.com/) and Anita’s LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-pereda-915676a9/),TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@anitapereda222), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/apleadershipcoaching/).
Barbara Irias
Partner, Pacemaking Group
If you are a business, organization, or individual seeking new leads and interested in increasing customer engagement, the custom websites built by Barbara Irias and her Placemaking Group team of designers, writers, ecommerce, and programming experts will help you to achieve these goals. From exceptional graphics and smart technology solutions, to surprising yet solid marketing strategies, your experience with Placemaking Group will be a positive and rewarding one. The websites and marketing programs Barbara and her team create generate interest, establish credibility, engage target audiences, and increase revenue and profits. The professionals at Placemaking Group treat each business they work with as though it is their own, so they are well-vested in the end results.
Placemaking Group serves clients primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area and works with a variety of industries including business-to-business, construction and real estate, governments, including city economic development departments, manufacturing and distribution, nonprofit organizations, and professional services.
Almost any business or individual is a potential referral for Barbara. Companies that have been a good referral source for Placemaking Group include IT professionals and other businesses such as CPAs, consultants, and sales trainers. Other great referral relationships have resulted from creative and multimedia professionals -- videographers, photographers, and designers.
Barbara joined Mt. Diablo Business Women (MDBW) a few years ago and has found that it has helped her to expand her network. She enjoys the fact that MDBW members have diverse backgrounds and experiences which helps to fuel new ideas.
As part of her work, Barbara has helped other women understand the need to wear many hats in the web/marketing agency world. She has offered internships to college students and helped young new hires to inspire success in their own future enterprises. She also actively gives back to the community and has volunteered at the Alameda Food Bank and Open Space Groups and has contributed to arts programs.
When not working, Barbara enjoys photography, painting, travel, and hiking with friends and family along with her Yorkie, Sophie.
Learn more about Barbara and the Placemaking Group by visiting the company’s website (https://placemakinggroup.com/) and its Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/placemakingWeb) and LinkedIn pages (https://www.linkedin.com/company/placemakinggroup/).
Dale Marie Golden
Vice President, Bridge Bank
Dale Marie is vice president at Bridge Bank, which provides financial services to companies “at every stage in their life cycle, from startup to IPO and beyond.” Dale Marie specializes in small businesses, nonprofits, and commercial lending. What she enjoys most is that “We are a relationship bank, not a transaction bank, so you know we truly care.”
Dale Marie’ clients benefit by gaining the ability to expand their services through best financial practices and credit products. Dale Marie says, “I am the silent partner in your business who will not be silent. After over 30 years in banking, I am happy to help take your business to the next level.” Good referrals for Dale Marie are nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, women-owned businesses, trust and estate lawyers, and fiduciaries.
Dale Marie is an active member of MDBW and enjoys being with other professional women each month. We all look forward to when Dale Marie introduces herself at our meetings: “Golden Like Your Money!” Dale inspires other women through her enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to her community.
Dale Marie has served her community for over 30 years, and her work is extraordinary. She says, “I am here to serve the community and to advocate for your business in this complicated financial world.” Because of this work, Dale Marie won the EBWIBR Trailblazer Award, was named one of the Eight Most Powerful Women in the East Bay, and won the League of Women Voters’ Making Democracy Work Award. She has been nominated three times for Best Person in Oakland by Oakland Magazine. And she is known in her community as the “Purple Lady” and “Mama Dale” because she takes care of everyone.
In her free time, Dale Marie loves to read and has been in the same book club for over 35 years. She also enjoys bringing orchids back to life, swimming, and being the event chair for two professional networking groups, BNI and ProVisors. She most enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and celebrating her mom and day. Family and giving back are her passions.
You can learn more about Dale Marie and connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalemariegolden/).
Pam Bayer
Owner and CEO, Bayer & Associates
Pam Bayer is owner and CEO of Bayer & Associates. Based in Concord, Bayer & Associates provides bookkeeping services for sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, S and C corporations, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, her firm provides tax services for individuals and small businesses. What Pam likes best about her business are the people connections. She finds the work she does to be quite fulfilling, and the client connections are what create a true trust relationship. Pam also notes that clients sometimes bring her plants as thank-you gifts, which she enjoys as well!
Pam’s clients benefit from her bookkeeping and tax services because she makes sure that her clients’ accounts are current. She reconciles all bank and credit card accounts, which ensures compliance with IRS rules and regulations, thus “keeping them out of hot water with the IRS.” Good referrals for Pam are business bankers, financial planners, and realtors.
Pam is a valued member of MDBW and serves as treasurer on our board of directors. Pam says that through her membership with MDBW, she has established connections with other professional women, giving and receiving referrals. Because she has been in business for 37 years, she is able to inspire other entrepreneurial women by showing them what is possible and by encouraging them to follow their own wisdom.
One way that Pam gives back to her community is by going to the homes of her elderly clients instead of their having to come to her office. In addition, at Christmas she solicits donations from her clients to give to Mary Kay’s Adopt A Grandparent program, which gives gifts to people living in convalescent homes.
In her free time, Pam is a member of a 120-voice choral group called Cantare Con Vivo, a nonprofit that serves the Alameda and Contra Costa County communities by “sharing the power and beauty of choral music through adult choirs, youth programs, and concert performances.” In addition, Pam takes vocal jazz classes and is part of a storytelling group. She also loves to travel, mostly out of the country, and enjoys hanging out with her family.
You can connect with Pam via LinkedIn