Describe any previous branch positions and years you served.
Glendale Branch President [2023-2025], VP Membership [2016-2017] CA Online VP Membership [2020-2022], VP Programs [2021-2022], chair, Tech Special Interest Group [2020-2023]. OR Online Branch VP Programs [2021-2023].
Describe any AAUW California positions and years you served.
At the national level, I served on the Membership Committee from 2017-2019; I served on the Review Panel for Community Action Grants 2023-2024. Member of AAUW CA Branch Development Peer Group 2023-2025.
Talk about any AAUW California conventions you attended in the last five years.
I attended and participated in AAUW CA Committee Days in San Diego [2024] and in San Jose [2023]. I also participated in the Annual Event 2024.
Talk about any pertinent community activities or connections and their corresponding dates.
I serve on the Board of Fellows for the graduate online program at Norwich University [2021-2025], also I am an advisor for the MBA program of same university. Was on the Board of the Glendale Education Foundation.
Describe your employment/professional experience, including current employment.
I am semi-retired. I currently teach part time in Educational Technology graduate courses for teachers in K-12. The course I helped create is called “Issues and Trends in Educational Technology”. Previously, I was the Distance Education Coordinator at a Citrus College where I trained college professors in using technology for engagement, measurement, and assessment. I am also certified in the State of California in Online Teaching. I authored a college textbook on College Reading Skills, and authored the Reading Road Trip, one of the first ED Tech tools available.
I taught at other schools like University of Pittsburgh and Norwich University in Vermont. My PhD is in Language Communications with a basis in Research Design and Statistics. I supervised student teachers in a project community and also supervised in a magnet school, both facilities located in the City of Pittsburgh, PA. I also have an MED and BS from Penn State University. I received the Outstanding Award for Students from the National Association of Developmental Education in Chicago.
Describe any other special skills or experience.
My strongest skill [superpower] is technology. I enjoy trying out various programs. My mantra is “Technology is like driving a Maserati or Lamborgini, I want to know what is under the hood and drive it very fast!” Working with tech is challenging because it is about constant problem solving and ever changing. Plus, I am a ‘gamer’ and follower of Dr. Jane McGonigle.
I enjoy helping branch members succeed, not only with technology, but gently encouraging when needed. The training we received from Barry Altland in the series, The Heart of our Volunteers, was exceptional. I enjoyed putting these tenets to work in my branch as I worked with the board. I am organized and a Type A personality. Ask any branch members who worked with me! While I am organized, that does not mean rigidity. My agendas are fluid and there is always time for discussion while respecting our volunteers’ time they share with us. Everything I have done in AAUW is because of mentors and leaders whose shoulders I stand on. I am fortunate to have strong mentors who are willing to share. Because of these wonderful leaders who were my mentors and models, with their encouragement, I am able to step up and do my part. It is time I pay it forward.
Explain how you will incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in your plans.
My professional experiences were all about diversity, equity and inclusion in educational settings. Whether that meant developing IEPs [Individualized Education Programs] at the college level or assisting non-readers to use technology. Helping teachers work with students with varied interests and challenges, while using technology, is fulfilling. Tech is not a panacea, but it can ‘help level the playing field.’ While tech brings its challenges with respect to AI and facial recognition, it also provides access for many. My background taught me to be inclusive and to be an ally. It also taught me to listen [which I work at daily]. Listening to some of our members when we had the advertising professionals evaluate AAUW’s brand and how we can become more relatable, was an incredible experience. Listening to statewide members gives one a more global perspective of the association and what we need to do. As a director, I would work to ensure that the mission and vision of AAUW CA in DEI would continue to provide safe spaces for all members. I would also take note on how we can do better.
Give your reasons for running for this office.
I am running for director because I have been in AAUW since my 20s and I loved the journey from Vermont, Colorado and California. Given the opportunity to belong to various branches, I am fortunate to cultivate a cadre of people I can call on to problem solve. A director needs to chair or cochair a committee. While my interests lie with membership, I would be pleased to take on any area that the president feels necessary to address. I enjoy collaboration and the process.