Congratulations to our
2025 WITH Honorees!
These women are role models, high achievers, women who combine extraordinary imagination and generosity with realism and action. women game changers, rule breakers, and trailblazers. Women who are WITH it!
deborah Szekely | lifetime achievement honoree
Deborah Szekely has built bridges both locally and abroad for over seventy years. In 1940, Szekely and her husband Edmond founded Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico and in 1958 she established the Golden Door in Escondido, California.
In addition to her health and wellness work, Szekely was President of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), an independent foreign-assistance agency of the United States government that awards grants directly to grassroots organizations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Szekely headed the Inter-American Foundation from 1984-1990 and was co-founder and co-president of the U.S.-Mexico Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange. She is an internationally recognized fitness expert and serves on boards of directors locally and nationally.
Babett Hirzel
Babett Hirzel serves as General Manager of Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, where she leads all aspects of hotel operations, from strategic planning to guest experience and team development. With over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including more than two decades with Hilton, Hirzel brings a wealth of leadership expertise spanning five Hilton brands and a diverse range of international properties.
Before joining Carté Hotel San Diego, Hirzel served as General Manager at the Four Diamond AAA Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and previously led the team at Embassy Suites San Diego La Jolla. Her career also includes key leadership roles at properties such as the Hilton Atlanta, Hilton Austin, and Hilton St. Louis.
Claudia ludlow
Claudia Ludlow’s story is deeply rooted in San Diego, a city she proudly calls home. Her upbringing spanned the vibrant neighborhoods of Barrio Logan, Coronado, Imperial Beach, and South San Diego—each shaping her perspective and passion for community.
Currently the General Manager of the historic Glorietta Bay Inn in Coronado, Claudia is leading her third historic property in the city. Her hospitality career began at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, followed by the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. With 32 years in the industry, she has become a devoted ambassador for San Diego, showcasing its charm to visitors worldwide.
Kim Sidoriak
Kim Sidoriak is the President and CEO of Visit Carlsbad and is responsible for overseeing the destination marketing organization promoting Carlsbad, California, as a premier travel destination. During her three years at Visit Carlsbad, she launched a free visitor transportation program called Carlsbad Good Ride, deployed a new destination brand, and spearheaded the development of the organization’s first 3-year strategic plan.
Under Kim’s leadership, Visit Carlsbad was recently recognized as the Best Place to Work (Small Business) in the Carlsbad Business Achievement and Distinction awards. Kim’s 20-year career in marketing includes roles at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles.
mary cheeks
President and General Manager of Jamul Casino Resort®, Mary Cheeks, is an industry veteran with 30 years of experience in casino management and casino finance. Ms. Cheeks joined the Jamul Casino Resort team in May 2018, initially tasked with helping lead the team through an ownership transition and re-branding.
In a few short months, the casino was officially rebranded, and she had recruited a world-class management team, optimizing the skills of existing team members and supplementing with additional talent. Her strong leadership and passion for delivering the best guest experience serves as an inspiration to her team. She also works closely with the community to ensure the casino is a welcome presence and a good corporate citizen in Jamul.
Check Out Our Past Honorees!
