Costa Mesa, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris marked Women’s History Month by honoring Linda Sadeghi, Noelle Smiley, and Amy Nakamoto as the 2026 Women of the Year. The 8th Annual Women of the Year Celebration honors and elevates women whose extraordinary leadership, entrepreneurship, and volunteerism have made a lasting impact across Orange County.
“It is an honor to celebrate women who lead with purpose and serve with heart,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “Each of the honorees has made a meaningful and lasting difference in our community. They are entrepreneurs and cultural visionaries who create opportunity for small businesses, law enforcement leaders who protect and safeguard our communities, and volunteers who uplift students, seniors, and women in need. Their work not only addresses today’s challenges, but also builds a stronger, more inclusive future for Orange County. They embody the very best of what community leadership looks like—and their example continues to inspire us all.”
This year’s event was hosted by the City of Costa Mesa in partnership with Girls Inc. of Orange County, Girl Scouts of Orange County, and Health Net.
About the Honorees:
Linda Sadeghi is a Costa Mesa-based designer, entrepreneur, and cultural visionary best known as the owner and operator of The LAB Anti-Mall, one of Southern California's most distinctive and enduring independent retail destinations. Over more than three decades, she has helped reshape the commercial landscape of Orange County, championing small businesses, local artists, historic preservation, and a philosophy of creative community-building that stands in sharp contrast to mainstream retail culture. Linda has helped give Costa Mesa its identity as a city where independent culture, local business, and artistic community genuinely thrive.
Noelle Smiley serves as Assistant Chief for the Irvine Police Department, where she is the second-in-command and a key leader in overseeing departmental operations, strategic initiatives, and community safety programs. Her leadership has contributed to Irvine’s reputation as one of the safest cities in California, with an emphasis on community-oriented policing and partnership with residents. Her work reflects a deep commitment to public safety, integrity, and the collaborative values that define the Irvine Police Department’s mission to protect and serve all who live, work, and visit the city.
Amy Nakamoto is a longtime resident of Tustin, widely recognized as one of the city's most dedicated and quietly impactful community volunteers. Since 2010, Amy has served on the City of Tustin's Community Services Commission, advising the City Council and Parks and Recreation Department on parks, recreation, community services, and special events. Her decades of service across multiple organizations reflect a deep and consistent commitment to improving the lives of Tustin residents — from students and seniors to homeless women and their families.
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Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris represents California’s 73rd District including Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin. She is the Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee. She is also a member of the Budget Committee; Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee; Insurance Committee; and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. After working her way through Yale University, where she double majored in Economics and English, Cottie had a successful 20-year career in finance and technology. She helped to build businesses and led teams at Fortune 500 corporations, small companies and start-ups. Follow the Assemblywoman on Instagram (@asmcottie) and Facebook (AssemblywomanCPN).