Chamber team
We're grateful for the opportunity to serve the Claremont community and the businesses that help make it so special. At the Chamber, we believe strong communities are built through relationships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping one another succeed.
Whether you're a member, a local business owner, a community partner, or simply exploring what Claremont has to offer, we're here to connect people, share resources, and support the continued growth and vitality of our community.
We're glad you're here and look forward to connecting with you.
Kathleen Fariss, CEO
Kathleen Fariss is an ICF-certified coach with a passion for facilitating personal and professional growth. She graduated with a B.S. in Organizational Management and an M.S. in Leadership and Management, both with a focus on Organizational Development from the University of La Verne in Southern California, and brings over 30 years of invaluable experience as a change agent and fundraising expert.
Kathleen has a proven track record in leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational growth. She has coached executives, led transformative workshops, and served as a strategic advisor for numerous organizations.
Over the course of her career, she has impacted multiple industries within Southern California, including higher education, local government, entertainment, and more. She has held positions within the Claremont community at Claremont Graduate University and the Drucker School of Management, as well as partnered with multiple local businesses in the Claremont area and beyond.
Shannon Soran, Director of Marketing & Events
Shannon holds a BA in Graphic Design and a Marketing minor from the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA. With over ten years of experience in design, marketing, and event coordination, Shannon has had the opportunity to consult for a variety of clients across Southern California, including country clubs, medical professionals, and small businesses with a focus on digital marketing, branding, and local SEO.
Outside of work, Shannon has a deep passion for community-building and creativity. They spent four years teaching comedy improv to children, where they helped foster confidence and joy. Shannon has also performed improv comedy in Los Angeles. They have mentored high school students interested in film and editing and the arts.
Shannon has designed board games focused on creating social spaces for neurodiverse children and adults, aiming to promote critical thinking and meaningful connections. At the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, Shannon is grateful to contribute to projects that make a positive impact on the Claremont community
Natalia Estrada, Administrative Assistant
Natalia is a dynamic, forward-thinking business professional with over 7 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Natalia on an ongoing basis helps fundraise & garner donations for several non-profits, i.e., Starts With One Today, The Precious Dreams Foundations, Lotus House Women’s Shelter, and organizations who aim to assist women, men, teens and children experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and Miami counties. She brings a passion for building relationships to the Chamber and her love for Southern California outdoors. Natalia attended Barry University in Miami Shores, where she received formal training in Business Management and Marketing.
Annisa Herrero, Membership & Operations Manager
Annisa Herrero brings a diverse background in administration, project management, and community engagement to the Claremont Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Columbia University with a degree in Sociology, Annisa has experience supporting businesses, nonprofits, and creative industries through strategic communications, event coordination, and research-driven insights.
Most recently, Annisa worked as an executive assistant at EPIC Notes, LLC, where she managed operations ranging from bookkeeping and scheduling to marketing campaigns and real estate project coordination. She has also gained professional experience in public relations, event planning, and outreach through roles with Style PR and CLD PR in Los Angeles.
Annisa’s career has been rooted in Claremont, where she contributed to the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology and The Webb Schools’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Her skills in communication, organization, and relationship building support the Chamber’s mission of advocacy, education, and economic growth for the Claremont community.