Photo contributed by RPM PR | Sarah Rafferty (center, in white) who played Donna Paulsen in the legal drama Suits, posed for photos during a VIP reception at the Central California Women's Conference on Sept. 16. The Central California Women's Conference board is pictured here, from left: Jenny Pardini (member-at-large), Tracy A. Kiritani (secretary), Victoria Bernhardt (legal counsel), Teri L. Amerine (board president/treasurer) and Danielle Bacon Parnagian (vice president).

Thousands of people came together last week to celebrate and support women of the Central Valley. 

The 36th annual Central California Women’s Conference took place on Tuesday, Sept. 16 with 3,500 people in attendance. The conference included a vendor fair with 160 exhibitor booths with freebies, gift basket raffles and more. 

There were also a variety of different sessions that people can attend, from “To Laser or Not to Laser: A Modern Woman’s Guide to Skin Confidence at Any Age,” by Dr. Rohini Shantharam to “Leading with Confidence: Overcoming imposter syndrome in leadership” by Latisha Akines.

During the lunch, the conference hosted a key note speaker, actress Sarah Rafferty. She is best known for her role as Donna Paulsen in Suits and Katherine Walter in My Life with the Walter Boys.

Rafferty spoke about her experiences growing up surrounded by women. She has many aunts, two daughters and a large group of female friends. She was preparing to return back to her home state of Connecticut after the conference for the wedding of her niece, who is named after her.

The actress spoke about how playing the role of Donna in the show Suits helped her with her own confidence as the character was a woman who knew what she wanted and was very self confident. 

One of Rafferty’s favorite lines from the show was when Donna said “I am not going to apologize for who I am.” She went on to say that many times women over apologize for just existing. She joked about apologizing to doorways for accidentally running into them.

“I really loved the way that she talked about not apologizing for who you are and really motivating us to own who you are as a person and as a woman, and really becoming comfortable in your own skin,” said Deborah Rush, co-founder and CEO of Breaking the Chains, about Rafferty’s talk. 

Master of Ceremonies Margot Kim also sat down for an on-stage Q&A with Rafferty.

The Central California Women’s Conference was founded in 1988 by Ken L. Maddy, a late state senator. The nonprofit has raised over $1.75 million for nonprofit organizations that support women and children.

“This year alone, the CCWC Board of Directors awarded $110,000 in grants to 72 community benefit organizations,” said Teri Amerine, CCWC Board President. “It’s one of the most meaningful parts of the conference. It’s not just about one day, it’s about making a lasting difference in our community.”

Now, the conference is run by a group of local women alongside Amerine, including: Danielle Bacon Parnagian, vice president; Tracy A. Kiritani, secretary; Victoria Bernhardt, legal council; Jenny Pardini, member at large; Nene Casares, emeritus board member.

The 2026 Central California Women’s conference is scheduled for Sep. 15 for the 37th year.