Her defining moment came through her recovery after surviving a brain stem stroke and overcoming Locked-In Syndrome. It taught her that excellence isn’t about grand gestures - it’s about acknowledging and celebrating even our tiniest steps forward.
Brisa now channels this profound lesson as a speaker, author, and coach, inspiring others to find "Small Moves, Big Results" in their own lives. Her mission is to empower individuals who feel "locked in" by any life circumstance whether it be trauma, illness, or a career setback—by encouraging the belief that consistent, small efforts unlock a limitless future.
She is a senior hospitalist at Providence St Mary Medical Center. What drives her every day is her love for the work she does and the people she encounters through it. Meeting patients and supporting them through their challenges gives her a deep sense of purpose, and collaborating with coworkers who share the same commitment to care inspires her even more.
Stage IV Synovial Sarcoma, a terminal diagnosis, and its aftermath changed her forever. She was given 2 years to live. The diagnosis stripped her down to the rawest version of herself and forced her to decide what kind of woman she was going to be: defeated or determined. She learned that excellence isn’t about perfection or never falling, it’s about showing up, again and again, even when your body or your circumstances tell you that you can’t. For Candace, excellence is resiliency in action.
She is a nonprofit leader and advocate, and her passion for serving others, especially underrepresented populations, has always driven her. As a mentor and coach, she’s equipped young adults with career and life skills, watching many rise to C-suite roles in Fortune 100 companies. Their success is her greatest reward, and it inspires her to keep lifting others.
As the Executive Director for the Orenda Veterans Project, she is committed to service and the firm belief that supportive communities can change lives. She has been most inspired by the people she serves and advises other women not to underestimate the power of their voice and actions. For her, success is measured in experiences, relationships, and the people's lives you touch.
As a devoted community servant and humanitarian, her efforts have touched countless lives throughout the high desert. Beyond her work with special needs individuals, she runs a vital food pantry at her place of worship. She is a pillar of hope, compassion and action.
Unwavering integrity, compassion and resilience define her. As a small business owner she’s played a pivotal role in building a thriving company providing jobs across the country. She has long supported local nonprofits and faith based organizations filling gaps for those addressing issues like housing, education, healthcare and basic needs.
As President and Founder of the Apple Valley Sunrise Lions Club, she leads by example, building a service-driven organization that has made a powerful impact in its first year. She wants to inspire future generations to believe that leadership and service aren’t reserved for a few but are a calling for all.
She is a servant leader. Her community relations work included the start-up of the High Desert Food Collaborative, Victorville’s Homeless Solutions Task Force to support building the Wellness Center, SB County Vital Signs Initiative and more. She founded the Red Apron Society and clearly has a heart for serving others.
She serves as the Executive Director for the Victor Valley College Foundation. Her advocacy for community betterment is demonstrated through her volunteer work with organizations such as the Rotary Club and the Network for Community College Foundations. She is dedicated to economic development, social causes, and the empowerment of women.
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