The Marjaree Mason Center is honored to announce Nichole and Jim Schmidt, the mother and stepfather of the late Gabby Petito, as keynote speakers for the 43rd Annual Top Ten Professional Women Awards Luncheon, returning next year to the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center.
Gabby Petito’s story captured the hearts of the nation — a vibrant 22-year-old whose promising life was tragically cut short in 2021, later chronicled in Netflix’s American Murder. Her death not only shocked the world but also ignited critical conversations about domestic violence, missing persons, and the urgent need for community awareness and action.
Through unimaginable heartbreak, Nichole and Jim have transformed their grief into a mission of purpose. As founders of the Gabby Petito Foundation, they have dedicated themselves to raising awareness, supporting families affected by domestic violence and missing persons cases, and advocating for stronger resources to prevent tragedies like Gabby’s. Their journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of turning personal loss into meaningful change.
