Meet Alisher, the lead hair artist at Genna Ellis Bridal, known for his refined artistry and ability to create effortlessly stunning, custom hairstyles. With a strong foundation in color and extensions, Alisher blends technical mastery with an eye for elegance—designing looks that elevate each bride’s natural beauty.

His calm presence, warm professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail make him a trusted favorite among our brides. Whether it’s soft waves, a sculpted updo, or a seamless extension blend, Alisher ensures every bride feels radiant, confident, and beautifully herself on her wedding day.

Genna’s journey in the beauty industry has always been guided by a deep love for creativity and connection. After training at the prestigious Make-Up Designory in SoHo, NYC, she refined her artistry and began crafting a career that blends her passion for the arts with the honor of serving brides on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

As the founder of Genna Ellis Bridal, she is devoted to delivering a luxurious and deeply personalized beauty experience. Genna specializes in timeless, refined bridal looks that enhance natural beauty while celebrating each bride’s unique style and spirit. With a signature approach rooted in professionalism, intentionality, and exquisite attention to detail, she ensures every bride feels effortlessly confident and radiant from first look to last dance.

Tony Savo is an award-winning writer, director, and visionary creative from Sacramento, California. He is best known for producing Shape of Things to Come — the groundbreaking first AI-generated film ever to premiere in IMAX. His work merges storytelling, technology, and innovation, pushing the boundaries of how artificial intelligence and cinema intersect.

Beyond filmmaking, Tony is the founder and creative force behind Sactown Famous, a Sacramento-based technology brand pioneering in artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Through Sactown Famous, he explores the intersection of art, digital media, and immersive experiences, empowering creators to reimagine the future of entertainment and communication.

A trailblazer in both film and tech, Tony Savo continues to redefine creative expression in the digital age, inspiring a new generation of storytellers and innovators.

Inna Minina is an internationally recognized beauty industry judge, licensed California cosmetologist, professional makeup artist, hairstylist, beauty educator, and Founder & CEO of Beauty Team CA. With more than seven years of professional experience, she specializes in bridal, evening, editorial, television, fashion, and beauty looks, combining technical expertise with a strong understanding of image, styling, and camera-ready presentation. Her professional achievements include recognition in international and industry beauty competitions. In 2026, she earned 1st Place in Evening Makeup, 2nd Place in Bridal Makeup, and 3rd Place in Bridal Makeup, and was named a Semifinalist in the 2026 IBI Awards. Inna’s professional background includes work as a makeup artist and hairstylist for a music television channel, where she prepared television hosts and artists for filming and on-camera appearances. She has also worked with a modeling agency and has experience creating professional looks for public figures, performers, models, brides, photo shoots, television productions, and fashion and beauty projects. Beyond her work with clients, Inna has developed a significant presence as a beauty educator, content creator, and influencer, with an audience of more than 27,000 followers. She has served as an official Schwarzkopf influencer, collaborated with international beauty and fashion brands, and participated as a guest beauty expert for Golden Apple, including special Beauty Days. She also provides professional beauty education and individual “Makeup for Yourself” lessons. Her professional journey and expertise have been featured through television interviews and projects in Kazakhstan, where she has appeared as a beauty expert discussing her career and the beauty industry. She has also been featured in multiple Russian-language print and online publications through professional profiles and interviews focused on beauty, image, and her work within the industry. For the Miss California International 2027 Grand Finale, Inna serves as Beauty & Image Expert Judge and Director of Beauty & Image. In this specialized role, she is personally responsible for the professional evaluation of the finalists’ overall image, professional presentation, grooming, styling, stage readiness, and visual presentation. Drawing on her professional expertise, Inna personally assesses each finalist according to established professional standards and provides expert evaluation within her field of specialization. In addition to her judging responsibilities, Inna leads and oversees the professional beauty and image team responsible for preparing the finalists for the Grand Finale. She provides professional direction and oversight to hairstylists, makeup artists, estheticians, and other beauty and image specialists, ensuring that each finalist’s preparation and presentation meet the professional standards established for the Miss California International 2027 Grand Finale. Her appointment as Beauty & Image Expert Judge is a specialized expert judging role and is separate from the competition’s Official Jury Panel.

Paul Suchanek is a respected automotive industry leader with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as General Manager at Niello BMW / MINI and Elk Grove BMW. Since 2018, Paul has driven growth and excellence at these premier dealerships, earning recognition for both customer satisfaction and operational success. His extensive expertise also encompasses managing Niello Audi, Niello Maserati / Alfa Romeo, and Niello Jaguar / Land Rover Sacramento.



Known for his visionary leadership, Paul excels not only in business performance but also in talent development. He has recruited, trained, and mentored numerous emerging leaders within the Niello Company, many of whom now hold high-level positions across the automotive industry, including several general managers and department heads. This emphasis on cultivating talent has reinforced Niello’s reputation as a place for professional growth and industry innovation.



Paul’s dedication has led to numerous industry awards and accolades. Most recently, under his guidance, Niello BMW placed #4 in USA Today’s top dealerships in California. Paul Suchanek’s commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and leadership development continues to set the standard for automotive achievement in Northern California.

Michelle Dina Silver is a professional choreographer, studio founder, and lifelong dancer with over 23 years of experience in the performing arts. Her journey began in early childhood and evolved into a multifaceted career that blends dance, choreography, modeling, and education.
At one point in her career, Michelle performed as a dancer in the circus — a unique experience that sharpened her stage instincts and deepened her understanding of performance as storytelling.
Today, Michelle leads three thriving dance studios across Northern California — located in Roseville, Pleasant Hill, and San Jose — where she teaches both children and adults a wide range of styles, including contemporary, ballroom, Latin, hip-hop, jazz, and high heels.
Her studios have been repeatedly recognized as the Best Dance Studio in Sacramento, Roseville, and the greater Northern California region — a reflection of the quality, passion, and community spirit she brings to each location.
Michelle has collaborated with leading choreographers across the United States and around the world. Her choreography has been featured on major stages, in competitions, and at cultural festivals. She is best known for combining technical excellence with emotional storytelling, turning every movement into a narrative.
Through her studios, Michelle also coaches professional and competitive teams, helping her students grow in confidence, creativity, and stage presence.
As the Official Choreographer for the Miss California International pageant, Michelle brings her signature vision to the stage — a belief that dance is for everyone, and that movement has the power to tell stories, build unity, and transform lives.
She is deeply passionate about helping each contestant feel empowered and expressive — not only as performers, but as individuals.

Her mission is simple yet powerful: to share her love of dance with the world and to show that, withthe right guidance, anyone can shine on stage.

Marietta Saribekyan is a California-based entrepreneur, financial professional, speaker, business builder, and Co-Founder of Infinite Light Capital Group. Through her work in business development and leadership, she has built and expanded an organization of more than 200 licensed professionals across 25 states and has helped over 3,000 families and businesses make more confident financial decisions. Marietta is passionate about entrepreneurship, financial education, and developing the next generation of leaders. A strong advocate for women’s leadership and personal growth, she believes true success is built through confidence, purpose, and the courage to create a bigger vision for your life.

Katya Rich is an internationally recognized, award-winning makeup artist and hairstylist, beauty expert, and founder of Rich Beauty Studio in San Francisco. Throughout her career, Katya has gained extensive international experience across the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries. She has worked with fashion productions, theaters, opera, film and television projects, as well as renowned performers, celebrities, and public figures. Her professional portfolio includes international fashion events, runway shows, editorial productions, and beauty pageants.
Katya is the recipient of numerous international awards in makeup artistry and the beauty industry. Her work has been repeatedly featured in leading global publications covering business, art, fashion, and beauty, including Vogue, L’Officiel, Forbes, Maxim, TIME, Glamour, OperaWire, ELLE, and Harper’s Bazaar. She is also a beauty expert and columnist for Red Hot Monde Magazine, where she shares her professional expertise, industry knowledge, and perspective on beauty and emerging trends. With years of experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, professions, and styles, Katya brings to her role as a judge a highly trained artistic eye, exceptional attention to detail, and a deep understanding of aesthetics, stage presence, personal image, and overall presentation.
For Katya, beauty is not only about appearance: it is about confidence, individuality, charisma, and the ability to make a powerful and lasting impression.

Iryna Voskerician is the Founder and Managing Partner of MachX, a venture capital firm focused on frontier technologies, including biotech, space, artificial intelligence, and consumer innovation.
She is a graduate of Venture University’s highly selective VC/PE Investor Accelerator, where she received formal training across the full investment cycle from world-class investors and mentors, including J. Skyler Fernandes, a Top 100 Powerlist VC and early investor in OpenAI, Beyond Meat, and Figure AI, and Andrew Zalasin, former General Partner at RRE Ventures and an early investor in Facebook, Uber, Twitter, and Venmo. At Venture University, Iryna sourced and evaluated more than 3,000 startups, conducted rigorous due diligence, and participated in real-world investments with shared upside. Iryna is recognized as a value-add venture capitalist, bringing an extensive network of senior executives and domain experts from leading companies, including NVIDIA, Google, Meta, and others. She leverages these relationships to conduct deep, industry-validated due diligence and open strategic doors for portfolio companies, providing access not only to capital, but also to partnerships, specialized expertise, and market opportunities that can accelerate growth. Most recently, Iryna was appointed Venture University’s Strategic Partner for the GCC region, where she is spearheading efforts to expand venture capital education across all six GCC countries. In this role, she collaborates with governments, sovereign wealth funds, and royal families to bring world-class investor training and entrepreneurial development to the region. By connecting Silicon Valley investment practices with the Gulf’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem, she is helping cultivate the next generation of investors and founders, expand access to capital, foster international partnerships, and contribute to economic diversification across the Middle East. In parallel, Iryna is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Red Hot Monde Magazine, a boutique media platform spotlighting entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers across fashion, art, wellness, real estate, and finance. Through Red Hot Monde, she has established herself as a publicist and brand amplifier for CEOs, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and luxury brands seeking sophisticated storytelling and high-impact visibility. As a creative venture, Iryna also serves as Co-Executive Producer of Silicon Valley Stilettos, a new reality television series co-created with Emmy Award-winning producer Rick Borjas. The series chronicles the lives of five entrepreneurial women in Silicon Valley, exploring the intersection of business, ambition, beauty, lifestyle, and cultural influence.

Nadezhda Ganicheva is an accomplished appearance and fashion designer with extensive expertise at the intersection of fashion, aesthetics, and image consulting. As a faculty member at West Valley College, she combines her professional experience with academic knowledge to educate and inspire the next generation of industry professionals. Founder of Nadine Style Studios and a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), Nadezhda specializes in personal styling, professional branding, and visual identity development, empowering individuals and brands to cultivate a distinctive, polished, and sophisticated presence.

Fiona Ma, CPA is California’s 34th State Treasurer. She was first elected on November 6, 2018, with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state's history and reelected on November 8, 2022. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position. The State Treasurer’s Office was created in the California Constitution in 1849. It provides financing for schools, roads, housing, recycling and waste management, hospitals, public facilities, and other crucial infrastructure projects that better the lives of residents. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker. Presently, her office processes more than $3 trillion in banking transactions. She provides transparency and oversight for the government’s investment portfolio and accounts, as well as for the state’s surplus funds. Treasurer Ma oversees an investment portfolio that currently averages over $200 billion—a significant portion of which is beneficially owned by more than 2,200 local governments in California. She serves as agent of sale for all State bonds and is trustee of billions of dollars of state indebtedness.

Porsche Middleton is a two-term City Councilmember representing District 5 in Citrus Heights, California. First elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, she is recognized for her principled leadership and dedication to public safety, housing, and community development. She has served on several regional and state boards, including the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission, and as a governor’s appointee to the California Housing Partnership Corporation. Porsche is also the past President of the Cal Cities Sacramento Valley Section and the Cal Cities African American Caucus. A military family upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for service and community. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and an MBA in Project Management. Porsche and her husband, Ben, are proud parents of two sons.

Victor Migalchan is an award-winning film and television director, Emmy Awards Judge, five-time World Martial Arts Champion, and published bestselling author. He is the Founder of Movieverse Entertainment, a film and television production company, a Media & PR Agency, California LIVE Podcast, and the National Clean Water Institute.

Azizza Davis Goines is the President and CEO of the Capital Black Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of the Capital Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Bringing over 30 years experience in Association Management, her experience includes working previously as the Community Relations/Development Director for the Northern California HIV/AIDS Healthcare Center, President and CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association. Her expertise can be found in fund development, program development, community relations, event planning, board development, public policy, strategic planning, collaboration and strong facilitation skills. Educated at George Williams College, of Aurora University in Illinois, the one thread woven throughout all her education, work and extensive volunteer experience, is her commitment to finding parity for all people through economic development, healthcare, education and social justice. Azizza has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Rosa Parks Award, Woman of Inspiration Award, Woman of Excellence Award, Woman of Influence Award (2021), Community Service Award (Sacramento Asian Chamber of Commerce) and California Chamber of the Year Award from the California Black Chamber of Commerce. Azizza is a Board Member at the Stainberg Institute and Breathe California, and has been a Pathfinders Mentor at Howard University. For eight years she hosted a radio program called Here’s to Your Health, focused on providing valuable information to the African American community and beyond. In her leadership role and through the day-to-day responsibilities of running the organization, Azizza believes strongly in building networks and supporting CAPBCC members, and takes her responsibility seriously as a spokesperson for the African American small business community. Her work reaches well beyond California’s borders, and includes visits to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana and Turkey, where she identifies opportunities for trade, investment and agriculture.

Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and media personality who has founded or funded a portfolio of 50+ Sacramento-based companies across various industries including new media, tech, consumer products, real estate, construction, transportation, distribution, and security. Mark’s accomplishments include successfully exiting a Rocklin, CA based enterprise that maintained hundreds of employees and generated over $200M in annual revenues. Having scaled the entrepreneurial mountain and achieved many of his lifelong dreams, Mark has turned his attention and resources to helping entrepreneurs succeed. He is currently CEO for HaneyBiz, an investment platform designed to help entrepreneurs be entrepreneurs by providing one-stop access to capital, expertise, and a strong community. Mark is also founding partner of the Growth Factory, an economic engine with early-stage venture capital fund and an accelerator. When Mark is not company building, he can be found in his studio igniting the Entrepreneurial Revolution as host of The Mark Haney Show podcast and radio program. Mark also serves as Past President of the Sacramento chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and on various corporate and non-profit boards. He and his family also devote time to helping military veterans through his “Allegiant Giving” non-profit. You can learn more about Mark at www.HaneyBiz.com.

Annah Rulon is an environmental engineering professional specializing in waste reduction, sustainability, and environmental compliance. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Environment and Society from San Diego State University. Based in Northern California, she is passionate about environmental stewardship and developing practical solutions that promote sustainability. In recognition of her professional contributions, she was named the National Recycling Superstar for her company in 2017 and currently holds her Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Annah works for Republic Services in Sacramento, where she collaborates with municipalities throughout the Greater Sacramento Area to develop and implement waste reduction and recycling programs. Her work focuses on educating residents and business leaders about sustainable waste management practices while helping local governments comply with California’s environmental regulations related to waste diversion and landfill reduction. Through her expertise, she supports communities in achieving long-term sustainability goals. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Annah has extensive knowledge and interest in alternative energy and fuels, green building and design, water resources, water treatment, and ecosystem restoration. She is committed to advancing environmental awareness and encouraging responsible stewardship of natural resources through education and community engagement. In addition to her environmental career, Annah is an accomplished author who has written and self-published two works of fiction. Her literary influences include Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Khaled Hosseini, and Jonny Rulon, whose works have inspired her creative writing. Outside of her professional and literary pursuits, Annah enjoys reading, writing, mathematics, Sudoku, trivia, and spending time with her two children. She believes that curiosity, lifelong learning, and a commitment to serving both people and the environment are the foundation of a meaningful and impactful life.

Alex Konanykhin is an entrepreneur, investor, author, and technology innovator with more than four decades of experience spanning finance, venture capital, technology, and digital assets. A graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, he is the founder of SafeBets.world and has been featured by leading international media outlets, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CBS’s 60 Minutes. Konanykhin first gained international recognition as one of the pioneering entrepreneurs of post-Soviet Russia. By his mid-twenties, he had built one of the country’s largest private banking and investment enterprises, becoming one of Russia’s first successful private millionaires during the economic reforms of the early 1990s. His rapid rise in business attracted worldwide attention and established him as one of the most prominent young entrepreneurs of his generation. His extraordinary journey—from entrepreneur and financier to global technology innovator—has been documented by major international media, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Times, and CBS’s 60 Minutes, highlighting his resilience, entrepreneurial vision, and lasting impact on business and innovation. Today, Konanykhin is focused on advancing financial technology, digital assets, and secure investment platforms. As the founder of SafeBets.world, he is developing technologies designed to enhance transparency, security, and trust in modern financial markets. He is also the author of UNICOIN: War on Crypto & Future of Money, in which he examines the evolution of digital finance, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and the future of the global monetary system. Throughout his career, Alex Konanykhin has consistently combined entrepreneurial vision with technological innovation, building companies and pioneering ideas that challenge conventional financial models. His work continues to shape conversations surrounding venture capital, blockchain technology, digital finance, and the future of entrepreneurship on a global scale.

Fred Millar is an accomplished attorney, business leader, and community advocate with a strong commitment to serving Sacramento’s diverse business community. Through his legal practice, he provides professional counsel while helping individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations navigate legal and business matters. Beyond his work as an attorney, Fred has demonstrated a longstanding dedication to civic and economic development. As former Board Chair of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he played a leadership role in supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening relationships among business and community leaders, and advancing opportunities for local businesses throughout the Sacramento region. Fred is also a passionate wine enthusiast with years of involvement in Sacramento’s wine community. He previously served as President of the Sacramento Wine Club, bringing together fellow wine lovers and promoting a deeper appreciation for California’s winemaking traditions. His knowledge and enthusiasm for wine have also led to his annual participation as a wine competition judge at the California State Fair, where he has helped evaluate wines from producers across California. Fred’s combination of legal experience, business leadership, community service, and appreciation for California wine reflects a personality that is both professional and deeply connected to the people and culture of the region he calls home.

Emmy Award Winning Producer, Television and Film Personality, Entrepreneur, and Author

Mark S. Allen is an eight time Emmy Award winner, television host, film producer, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. He currently hosts and executive produces Take a Look, an Emmy Award winning movie interview series reaching 177 countries and territories worldwide. His recent entertainment coverage includes Christopher Nolan and the cast of The Odyssey, as well as Tom Holland, Zendaya, and the cast of Spider Man: Brand New Day. A Cannes award winning producer and member of the Producers Guild of America, Mark has produced and cowritten nine feature films. His latest film, Don’t Answer, remained among Prime Video’s Top 10 horror movies for 18 weeks. He is also the cofounder of Smart Axe and the author of 100 Things to Do in Sacramento Before You Die. For the past 10 years, Mark has served as Master of Ceremonies for the Miss California International Grand Finale, bringing his signature energy, professionalism, and stage presence to the event. He now brings his extensive experience in media, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community service to the Miss California International 2027 Jury Panel.