The Santa Clarita Man and Woman of the Year organization presents their 2026 Woman of the Year recipient, Missy Carter.

Missy Carter’s has been a dedicated board member at Carousel Ranch since 2018, she currently serves as the board president and chair of the annual Crystal and Cowgirls event. From the moment Missy first arrived at the Ranch, she embraced its mission with passion, energy, and commitment. Missy has been a multi-year Copper-level sponsor as well as offering invaluable support for our events and fundraising campaigns year after year. Her contributions extend well beyond her leadership role; she has been instrumental in securing new donors and sponsors, and her advocacy has been vital in raising awareness for Carousel Ranch. Through her efforts, the Ranch has expanded its network of supporters and built stronger community connections. Together with her husband, Matt, Missy also volunteers for our annual Heart of the West event. It’s not uncommon to find her at the Ranch, feeding the horses alongside her family. Missy’s deep love for Carousel Ranch, and the students and animals it serves, is evident in everything she does. She is one of the Ranch’s biggest champions, tirelessly working to ensure its continued success. She has a dedication and willingness to do whatever it takes for the good of the program.

Whether supporting local causes, organizing events, or leading charitable initiatives, Missy consistently steps up to make a meaningful difference in her community. In honor of those who serve, Missy founded the Ryan Osler First Responders Memorial Golf Tournament, paying tribute to a local hero who gave his life in the line of duty. In just a few months, she organized an event that not only provided vitalfinancial support to the Osler family but also united the community in compassion. Jennifer Osler, Ryan’s widow, shared, “I’m overwhelmed by what I experienced. To know that all of this is the result of one woman’s heart is extraordinary.” Missy’s generosity gave the family something beyond financial help—it reminded them they were not alone. Missy also led “Solid Contact,” a charity event supporting Brad Uptgraft following his ALS diagnosis. Her service extends further as chair and emcee of the Henry Mayo Hospital Fashion Show and as a dedicated member of Soroptimist International of Valencia for over a decade. As co-chair of Bras for a Cause, she helped grow fundraising from $14,000 to over $100,000 each year. As VP of Fundraising at Oak Hills Elementary, Missy exceeded goals for two consecutive years, raising over $60,000 annually. She has also supported the Boys and Girls Club, SCV Youth Project, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, and Junior Chamber International.

Born and raised in Santa Clarita, Missy Carter’s commitment to her community shines through every aspect of her life. Married to Matt Carter, an Air Ops First Responder for LAFD, and mother to Reese and Paige, she loves as fiercely as she works, fueling her passion to empower others and inspire meaningful change in her community. For over 27 years, she has excelled in the golf industry, now serving as director of membership and marketing at The Saticoy Club, but her true passion lies in giving back. Guided by the strength of her father, a retired LAPD/Veteran, and the resilience of her mother, Missy developed an early passion for public service. As a Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Silver Rose Debutante (1996- 1998), she devoted countless hours to community service, later co-chairing the Silver Rose Debutante Ball & Fashion Show (1999-2000) to guide other young women in giving back. Missy joined the board of directors for Carousel Ranch in 2018 and now serves as the board president. Missy has also been actively involved with the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation, SCV Boys and Girls Club, SCV Youth Project, California Siamese Rescue and is a member of Soroptimist International of Valencia since 2015. Missy’s advocacy has earned her numerous accolades, including the Forty Under 40 award, The Signal’s Top 51 Most Influential People, and LA Weekly’s Inspiring Women.