Annual Encino Chamber Gala Honors Two Valley Women

Two Valley women with very divergent careers will be recognized for their leadership and advocacy by the Encino Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 83rd annual gala dinner and officers' installation this Saturday, February 23rd. More than 150 San Fernando Valley business leaders will attend to see Van Nuys Airport director of public and community relations Diana Sanchez and pediatric health services advocate Tracy Ryan honored.

Outgoing Chamber president Mark Levinson will be turning over the reins to new president,

Karie Purcell, founder of KSA Management, Inc., a business management firm serving entertainment clients throughout the country.

The theme of this year’s event “Flashback to the 80’s”. The evening program will feature food,

Sanchez will be honored as Business Person of the Year and Ryan will receive the Diamond of the Community award.

According to Encino Chamber executive director Diana Duenas, “the Business Person of the Year award recognizes a Chamber member who has made significant contributions to advancing Chamber objectives. The Diamond award is intended to honor an individual outside the Chamber who has made a noteworthy difference not only in the local community but has also an impact on a larger stage.”

“Diana Sanchez oversees communications outreach for one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world,” said Duenas. “But she’s devoted extensive time and effort to establishing valuable partnerships with local chambers, schools and non-profits, and taking a hands-on leadership role. She’s donated countless hours of her personal time and money and as a result, she’s expanded the airport’s involvement in the community, forming it into one of the key organizations in the San Fernando Valley.”

Sanchez has been an Encino Chamber member for 15 years.

Diamond award winner Tracy Ryan has been a groundbreaker in the area of cannabis pediatric health.

“Ms. Ryan launched CK Sciences to provide pediatric human trials for cannabis medicine both in the U.S.

and around the world,” said Duenas. “She went on to found both CannaKids, which ensures medical cannabis products could be available to pediatric patients and then, Saving Sophie, a non-profit which provides educational resources and financial support to families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer, autism or epilepsy. All of this was inspired by her own daughter Sophie’s battle with cancer.

Her efforts have garnered national media attention and resulted in new awareness and successful medical usage of CBD oil.”

The Encino Chamber of Commerce has been serving the Encino business community since its founding by legendary performer Al Jolson and local citizens in 1936. With approximately 400 active members, it helps foster local enterprises by providing business networking, communications services and community events.