Summertree Interior’s co-owner; Cristy Alvarez was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. She loved education, wanted to understand the framework around the scientific study of human learning, and received a B.S. Degree in Educational Psychology from a private University. Cristy has always had an eye for design. Her creativity and artistic vision for color, design, and fashion drew crowds! It was those traits that catapulted her furniture manufacturing business, capturing the eyes of many including executives on HGTV and celebrities from around the world. Cristy was able to do this with the love of her life; Mr. Pockets Alvarez. Pockets was the builder, and Cristy was the designer. Together for 26 years, they grew their business from their home garage at which Cristy became pregnant with her first of three sons! Full time mother, wife, and business owner, Cristy and Pockets expanded their company to what it is today. She will be the first person to tell you that “you can do anything that you want to do, just put your heart and mind to it”.

Kathleen McIntyre’s 40 year career in manufacturing management with a focus in Operations, Lean Manufacturing, Engineering Design and Manufacturing, Global Strategic Planning, allowed her to work with many Fortune 100 manufacturing companies throughout the world. Kathy understands the frustrations and sacrifice involved in running a small business; and has lead companies to successful entrepreneurial growth. Kathy has worked in manufacturing industries including Bio/Med, Aerospace / Defense, Food Process, Apparel, Consumer Goods, etc. She has a B.S. from Villanova University with Graduate Studies in Operations Management from Drexel University. Kathy received numerous awards from Honeywell Industries where she worked in Operations Management. Kathy has experience as a company owner and holds a Six Sigma Greenbelt. Her current role supports manufacturers throughout the state of California through the Department of Commerce’ NIST, MEP Program.

Leena Nasrallah has been in love with airplanes before she ever stepped foot on one. She joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school and naturally became an F/A-18A Airplane Mechanic. After she left the military, she continued her career in the Aviation Industry as a Service/Test Engineer; traveling the world, supporting airlines and suppliers. As she became familiar with the challenges of maintaining an aircraft in the field, she was moved to learn more about the manufacturing, regulations and costs that drove the design in the first place. With the ever growing technology at our fingertips today, becoming a Value Engineering Lead was the perfect fit for her to not only help research and inspire change, but take advantage of new design opportunities that not only help drive efficiency but help create a more comfortable and fun approach to flying for generations to come.

Marilyn Peters is the fourth President and Owner of Aluminex Incorporated (an 82 year old company based in Riverside, CA) that manufacturers high end custom skylights, solariums, and greenhouses. Her team has in-house capabilities to design, manufacture, and install systems in all shapes and sizes including walkable and automated skylights. Working in a male dominated construction industry, Marilyn has faced the pervasive stereotypes and loves to challenge the traditional gender role conversations. She encourages women to pursue career paths that make them happy, and supports women in manufacturing.