Describe any previous branch positions and years you served.
I am currently finishing 2 terms of 2 years as co-president of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista. I have been the branch Public Policy co-chair and Programs co-VP.
Describe any AAUW California positions and years you served.
I am currently on the state Public Policy Committee and subcommittee on School Board Project.
Talk about any AAUW National or California events you attended or participation in peer groups or webinars in the last five years.
I have participated in Lobby Day 2025 in Sacramento and enjoyed making contact with our legislators/staff members. I have been a participant/attendee the past two years on public policy webinars and peer group participations centered on public policy.
Talk. about any pertinent community activities or connections and their corresponding dates.
The past two years I have been involved with the national organization Red, Wine and Blue, along with its local branch of Temecula Resisters. A great deal of focus has been on school board activities, as well as involvement in peaceful protests, such as “No King.”
Describe your employment/professional experience, including current employment.
Retired Adjunct Professor at Palomar Community College teaching U.S. History 101 and 102. Retired teacher at Vista Unified School District and head of the Social Science Department at Vista High School. I taught IB and AP History classes and Govt/Econ classes.
Retired School Board Trustee at San Marcos Unified School District.
Retired Political Consultant within the San Diego region: multiple local campaigns
Describe any other special skills or experience.
I served as a volunteer on a number of local organizations and city positions. This included Carlsbad Planning Commission,
Carlsbad Library Board of Trustee and developing Carlsbad’s General Plan.
I was an officer in the League of Women’s Voters, North County San Diego, co-founder of the La Costa Youth Organization and a board member in the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation.
The skills learned from my community volunteer work has been life changing. I have learned to organize groups and acquired public speaking skills. Perhaps the most important learning experience was the acknowledgement of the team and what we can accomplish when focused on the issues.
Explain how you will incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in your plans.
As a former teacher, at the high school and community college level, I experienced very diverse populations in my classroom. AAUW’s position on DEI was one reason why I joined the organization almost 15 years ago. As an organization, we have promoted this by supporting legislation within our state that protects minorities and equity for women. We must continue to do so, especially at a time when these rights are being threatened at the national level. The one area that has been a challenge for AAUW, and other organizations, is to have our membership reflect the diversity within our communities. Creative solutions are needed for this to happen, and the advice of experts in the field would be helpful.
Give your reasons for running for this office.
These past two years has been an eye opener for me in regard to the work being done at AAUW California. Missy and Amy have been inspiring as Public Policy Directors, and Kathy’s leadership on the subcommittee on the School Board Project has moved all of us on a path to be active in responding to the school board crisis throughout our state. As someone who believes that being involved is an important part of citizenship, AAUW has provided me with the community support and direction needed in continuing my path in supporting our current and future generations of women. This is why I desire to be part of the California AAUW Board of Directors.