Describe any previous branch positions and years you served.
Laguna Beach Branch: President 2021 through 2025.
Gov Trek: 2023-2024
Public Policy 2021-2023.
Member of the Scholarship Committee supporting the scholarship program for Estancia High School, a Title I school in our areas where we have awarded three $1000 scholarships each year for the past 5 years.
Newport-Mesa-Irvine Branch: President 2016 through 2020, Treasurer: 2010 through 2016.
AAUW Orange County Interbranch Council Member for 15 years.
Served as Branch representative, Treasurer, Vice President and am now on a rotating basis as President of the IBC
Describe any AAUW California positions and years you served.
AAUW CA Board of Directors 2023-2025.
Vice President of the Board 2024-2025.
I was on the AAUW California Membership and Marketing Committee for four years 2018 – 2022.
Talk about any AAUW California conventions you attended in the last five years.
I was on the Membership and Marketing Committee for 4 years before joining the Board.
Branch Development Peer Group Meeting producer 2023 – 2025 – 12 events
Attended Project 2025 Public Policy Peer Group Meeting
Participated in the AAUW Cailfornia Annual event 2024 and 2025
Talk about any pertinent community activities or connections and their corresponding dates.
I have been my branch’s representative to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce; for four years I am a member of the Orange County League of Women Voters and the Orange County Women in Leadership (a PAC that supports Democratic women candidates for office). I represent AAUW Laguna Beach at all City of Laguna Beach functions such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, State of the City Luncheons and the annual Patriot’s Day Parade. I am a member of the Laguna Playhouse Women, a support group for the Laguna Playhouse.
I have been active in my college sorority alumnae group for the past 12 years. I currently serve as Treasurer and am part of a 4-person team that produces a monthly broadcast called “Virtual Thetas” were we highlight alumnae members of distinction and interesting careers. I am twice past president of this group and part of the National leadership. We also raise money for scholarships for local college student members at U C Irvine.
Describe your employment/professional experience, including current employment.
I am retired. Previously I was Vice President of Consulting for Oracle Corporation for 10 years and prior to that I was Vice President of Consulting for IBM Corporation for 15 years. In both capacities I managed consulting organizations of over 100 personnel. In addition, I was the primary customer contact for many large customers such as Dolby Sound, Sony, Nike, Boeing, and many Silicon Valley tech companies.
Describe any other special skills or experience.
I am a Certified Project Planning Professional. I am also a Certified Financial Planner. For fun, when I retired, I went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles for 2 years. I have a Certificate/AA degree from that school. I have a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from the University of Illinois and a Professional Certificate in Change Management from the Stanford School of Business.
Explain how you will incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in your plans.
The Branch Development Committee has been producing Leadership Development programs for two years around increasing our diversity and inclusion in new members and in leadership at the branch level. Our committee includes members who are Asian, Hispanic Caucasian and Jewish. The committee members represent branches from Petaluma to Redlands with various professional backgrounds in business, politics, education and human resources.
Give your reasons for running for this office.
AAUW has been my passion for 17 years. Whatever positions or work I can do to assist in our mission I am always ready and available. I believe AAUW California is in a unique position to pivot our focus and direction to become the premier organization representing women and girls’ interest in California. Our branches need strong support from AAUW California to sustain their membership and their leadership talent pool. Caring about and connecting with our members is the best way to develop strong branches and emerging leaders for our organization. Supporting and recognizing the value of our volunteers and their contributions to our mission is critical. I hope to help lead us into this next chapter of our organization.