Prime Poway Woman No. 6: Katie Rooney

Katie Rooney may be known as the owner of the popular Poway Sushi Lounge to some, but the businesswoman has contributed much more to Poway.

Rooney, the mother of two young boys, is a member of the Poway Chamber of Commerce and volunteers for the National Charity League.

She said she found success in her business and community through support.

"I am very proud of what I have achieved so far in my life, but by no means was it a singular effort," she said. "I have had many people believe in me and drive me to achieve this dream."

But being the head of a bustling and fame restaurant didn't come without any challenges.

"I think being taken seriously has been my biggest obstacle professionally," she said. "It has taken me some time to find the balance between assertive and passive but I feel that it has been a great learning experience for me to find my voice and the role I want to take within my own business.

"I would advise other women to stay true to the individual you are, that it is possible to be strong and caring in business, and to never stop setting the bar for yourself. The only person stopping you is yourself. Failure is OK but never trying is accepting inevitable defeat."

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

"I think it very important to learn from people who have challenged the status quo. There have been some amazingly strong women, past and present, who have made it easier for women like me to succeed and given us the opportunities to advance in society. I have been blessed to know many creative, honest, loving, internally beautiful women who drive me to be the best woman that I can be."