Lissa Provost is a lifelong learner, returning to SRJC with her kids as they reached adulthood, and taking classes to support her dream of starting a creative business that turns their writing, art, and other ideas into books and products they can sell. The result is New Alexandria Creative Group, and after graduating, she’s looking forward to turning her full energy and attention to building on the foundation laid during her season of learning. In the interim, she’s also become Director of the San Francisco Writers Conference and published a number of books. She’s graduating with an Associate's in Communication, Entrepreneurship and Drone Piloting Certificates, and the confidence and friendships she developed as part of the Forensics Speech, Debate & Performance Team.

Karissa Kruse is CEO of the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), where she leads efforts to promote and protect Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions. Under her leadership, the region has earned global recognition for its sustainability leadership. She launched the “Farm of the Future” initiative, positioning Sonoma County as a living lab for regenerative farming and innovation in partnership with Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology. She also leads the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation, supporting vineyard employees and their families. A marketer and storyteller, Karissa has expanded Sonoma County’s reach through partnerships with Landry's, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bears, Coachella Valley Firebirds, Food & Wine, and GuildSomm. Before joining SCW, she built a successful career in brand strategy with General Mills, Universal Studios, and Dairy Management Inc., experiences that shaped her innovative approach to connecting people, purpose, and place. Karissa has been named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink,” a Wine Enthusiast “Green Leader,” and CAWG’s Leader of the Year, and was honored as Congressman Mike Thompson’s Woman of the Year. With a B.S. in Economics and an MBA from The Wharton School, Karissa leads with vision at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and community.