2006 Stellar Women China Delegates
Jan Babiak
Managing Partner, Regulatory & Public Policy, Ernst & Young LLP,
London, UK, Northern Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (NEIMA)
Jan Babiak is the Managing Partner of Ernst & Young’s Information Systems Assurance & Advisory Services practice in the United Kingdom, Nordic, Africa, India, Ireland and the Middle East. Jan leads a team of some 800 professionals, providing security consulting, program management and assurance services designed to help companies address the ever increasing challenges of balancing information systems security and risk with the commercial needs of business today and in the future.
Her 24 years of experience advising senior management on the practical aspects of successful program delivery and information security and control, provide a perspective valued by clients, professional societies and the media. She is a frequent commentator on broadcast and press media on subject of IT, information security and diversity in the work place. Jan has been highlighted in interviews with Reuters, BBC, CNN, ITV, vnunet.com, The Times, the FT, and Computing etc.
Carol Bailey Medwell
Attorney & Founder, Carol Bailey
& Associates PLLC, Seattle,
WA, Advisory Board, Stellar International
Networks
Carol
Bailey Medwell, founder of Integrative Family Law, has been in private practice
in Seattle
since 1991. Carol was previously licensed to practice law in Texas,
which is a community property state like Washington.
She brings a unique perspective to the practice of family law.
For a decade Carol’s practice was serving as a Guardian ad Litem in complex family law cases. Having deeply studied the nature of conflict and the long-term impact of conflict on children and families in particular, she brings a unique perspective to the role of the legal professional in resolving transitions and difficulties in relationships.
Prior to immersion in children’s issues, Carol practiced law as a general family law attorney representing clients with complex estates and child custody issues.
For a decade Carol’s practice was serving as a Guardian ad Litem in complex family law cases. Having deeply studied the nature of conflict and the long-term impact of conflict on children and families in particular, she brings a unique perspective to the role of the legal professional in resolving transitions and difficulties in relationships.
Prior to immersion in children’s issues, Carol practiced law as a general family law attorney representing clients with complex estates and child custody issues.
Alta
Barer, Owner and Principal, Saltchuk
Resources Inc., Seattle, WA, Advisory Board, Stellar International
Networks
Alta is a businesswoman, philanthropist and CEO of the Barer family.
She is a co-owner of Saltchuk Resources Inc., one of the largest flag steamship
and tug and barge companies in the United States. Saltchuk-owned
companies provide steamship services to Alaska
and Puerto Rico and tug and barge services on the in the United States, Argentina,
Paraguay, and Uruguay. The
company also performs freight logistic services throughout the Pacific Rim, Russia and the Mideast.
Alta is a leader in many non-profit organizations and serves on the Seattle
Repertory Theatre's Board of Directors, is active with the Seattle Art Museum
and is a member of Achievement Awards for College Scientists (ARCS).
She is a trustee for Center for Women & Democracy and has served as a board member for nine years for the "Hope Heart Institute.” After college, Alta worked in the U.S. Senate for Senator “Fritz” Hollings. Since then she has maintained a keen interest in politics and has volunteered for many political campaigns. She is a Majority Council member of Emily's List. She is a philanthropist and has always had a commitment to helping women through non-profit organizations. Alta and her husband have established a foundation to support educational programs for K-12 students on international trade and transportation through the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center. Alta and her husband have endowed the "Stan and Alta Barer Center for Graduate Programs and International Law” at the University of Washington Law School.
She is a trustee for Center for Women & Democracy and has served as a board member for nine years for the "Hope Heart Institute.” After college, Alta worked in the U.S. Senate for Senator “Fritz” Hollings. Since then she has maintained a keen interest in politics and has volunteered for many political campaigns. She is a Majority Council member of Emily's List. She is a philanthropist and has always had a commitment to helping women through non-profit organizations. Alta and her husband have established a foundation to support educational programs for K-12 students on international trade and transportation through the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center. Alta and her husband have endowed the "Stan and Alta Barer Center for Graduate Programs and International Law” at the University of Washington Law School.
Rose Berg-Fosnaugh, Executive Vice President, Deputy General Manager, Edelman, Public Affairs Practice, Seattle, WA
Rose Berg is Executive Vice-President and Deputy General Manager at Edelman, and is responsible for leading its Pacific Northwest Public Affairs Practice. Rose services clients in both the public and private sector, identifying opportunities not only to position each of them, but to help shape healthcare, technology, and breakthrough science and medicine policies for the 21st Century. Rose has more than 20 years of experience in corporate reputation, crisis communications and political organizing. Her practice is proud to serve many Northwest institutions and brands including Boeing, Microsoft, Itron, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, The Puget Sound Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and many more. Before joining Edelman, Rose led the effort to launch the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as founding partner of Lucas, Bryant & Berg, Inc. Rose’s approach is to bring integrated and multi-disciplinary thinking to all communications, based in research, combined with an intuitive sense of future trends. Rose is an expert in issues management, image programs, and using communications to support legislative and regulatory objectives. She is a strong leader, facilitator and media relations strategist. She maintains ongoing relationships with key leaders in the media, government and with various constituency groups.
Betty Blount, Owner, Architect and Designer, Zena
Design Group, Seattle, WA
Betty
Blount is the owner of Zena Design Group, an architectural and interior design
firm which focuses on hospitality design. She has been working with the
Shangri-La hotel group and the Hyatt hotel group designing local and
international projects. Betty founded Zena Design
Group focusing on hospitality, specialty commercial and private residential
design. Her background began in art and architecture, with degrees in
architecture and business.
She has also worked in architecture and feasibility consulting, and then expanded into interior architecture and design. The firm concentrates on projects where attention to detail is critical to the outcome of the project. Recent projects have included clubs, hotels, restaurants, and private residences. A major element of design is to incorporate art, artistic elements, and local craft into projects, using materials and techniques that are unique to the area or fit within each setting. Also, a central concept is recognizing the challenge of using new materials, techniques, styles, etc., yet not compromising the element of timelessness of the space.
She has also worked in architecture and feasibility consulting, and then expanded into interior architecture and design. The firm concentrates on projects where attention to detail is critical to the outcome of the project. Recent projects have included clubs, hotels, restaurants, and private residences. A major element of design is to incorporate art, artistic elements, and local craft into projects, using materials and techniques that are unique to the area or fit within each setting. Also, a central concept is recognizing the challenge of using new materials, techniques, styles, etc., yet not compromising the element of timelessness of the space.
Katarina G. Bonde, Managing Director, Kubi LLC, Kubi, High
Tech Business Investors, USA
and Sweden
Katarina
G. Bonde is Managing Director at Kubi LLC, which engages in technology
investments and international board consulting focused on U.S. and
Scandinavian companies. Katarina was most recently CEO of UniSite Software
Inc., maker of internet and wireless software, which she financed through
venture capital and sold in 2003. Before this she was with Captura Software
Inc, as Executive VP and Managing Director of Captura International, Ltd.
She built up the company in the U.S.,
Europe and Australia
and helped raise over $100 M before merging with publicly traded Concur
Technologies (CNQR).
Other previous positions include: Director, Market Development, for Dun & Bradstreet Software, Atlanta GA; VP of Sales and Marketing for Timeline Software, Bellevue WA, during the company’s NASDAQ IPO; CEO of Programator Industri AB in Sweden, and sales and marketing positions with Digital Equipment AB, Sweden. Her current board positions include Chairman of the Board for Aptilo Networks, Director of the Board of LBI International (LBI on Euronext), Director of the Board of Orc Software (ORC on Nordic Stock Exchange). Katarina is President of Seraph Capital, in Seattle, WA and on the Board of Directors of the Swedish Venture Capital Association.
She serves on the Seattle Opera Board, the board of the Royal Swedish Opera and is the Vice Chair of Swedish American Chamber of Commerce-USA.Ms. Bonde holds a MSc from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.
Other previous positions include: Director, Market Development, for Dun & Bradstreet Software, Atlanta GA; VP of Sales and Marketing for Timeline Software, Bellevue WA, during the company’s NASDAQ IPO; CEO of Programator Industri AB in Sweden, and sales and marketing positions with Digital Equipment AB, Sweden. Her current board positions include Chairman of the Board for Aptilo Networks, Director of the Board of LBI International (LBI on Euronext), Director of the Board of Orc Software (ORC on Nordic Stock Exchange). Katarina is President of Seraph Capital, in Seattle, WA and on the Board of Directors of the Swedish Venture Capital Association.
She serves on the Seattle Opera Board, the board of the Royal Swedish Opera and is the Vice Chair of Swedish American Chamber of Commerce-USA.Ms. Bonde holds a MSc from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.
Senator Maria Cantwell, United States Senator, Washington State
Maria Cantwell was sworn in as a United States Senator from the State of Washington on January 3, 2001. As a U.S. Senator, Maria has worked hard to help boost Washington's economy and create jobs by supporting longtime state industries such as aerospace, trade, and agriculture, and by cultivating new ones, such as software and biotechnology.
She has fought for better education opportunities for our children and greater access to quality health care. Maria has been a steadfast supporter of environmental protection and a defender of a woman's right to choose. One of Maria's top priorities is improving Washington State’s economy.
She is also committed to working to protect businesses and consumers alike. She has also fought identity theft, the nation's fastest-growing crime, by seeking to empower victims and law enforcement to respond to this growing problem. Maria rapidly established a reputation as someone who could bring people together and make things happen.
Deborah Carstens, Principal, Gunslinger Political
Consulting, Paradise Valley,
AZ
After
retiring from a successful real estate career, which began in San
Diego and culminated in Telluride, Colorado,
Deb Carstens relocated to Arizona
in 2000 and began her political and philanthropic work. Within a year, she was selected by the
Phoenix Business Journal ‘Profiles’ magazine as a ‘person who makes things
happen.’ Identifying high-caliber female candidates, and encouraging
businesswomen to support these candidates, are Deb’s primary focuses. In this
capacity, she has served on the national boards of The WISH List, The White
House Project and currently serves on the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University.
Deb’s political and philanthropic efforts have earned her recognition from The Girls Scouts, The YWCA and several Arizona organizations. Two of her most meaningful awards were being selected ‘Distinguished Alum of the Year’ in 2004 by her alma mater, San Diego State University, and being named one of her state’s ‘Most Influential’ citizens by a high-profile magazine last year. Gunslinger Political Consulting is the organization Deb formed to connect women seeking appointed or elected office with the resources and contacts they need to be successful. She provides her services pro-bono.
Deb’s political and philanthropic efforts have earned her recognition from The Girls Scouts, The YWCA and several Arizona organizations. Two of her most meaningful awards were being selected ‘Distinguished Alum of the Year’ in 2004 by her alma mater, San Diego State University, and being named one of her state’s ‘Most Influential’ citizens by a high-profile magazine last year. Gunslinger Political Consulting is the organization Deb formed to connect women seeking appointed or elected office with the resources and contacts they need to be successful. She provides her services pro-bono.
Cynthia Chirot, Chief Executive Officer, Northwest
Entrepreneur Network, Bellevue,
WA
Cynthia Chirot is CEO of the Northwest Entrepreneur Network (NWEN),
the largest membership organization for entrepreneurs in the Puget
Sound region. NWEN’s offers more than 40 events per year and its
mission if to help entrepreneurs build businesses with high growth
potential. She came from a 25 plus year career as a marketing and
operations executive in the financial services industry, most recently as EVP
at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.
Cynthia is active in a variety of civic organizations include the downtown Seattle Rotary, where she has served as VP Service and chaired several committees. Her interests are in economic development, affordable housing and education. She currently serves on the board of governors for City University and the board Capitol Hill Housing and chairs the Emeritus Board of University of Washington’s Business and Economic Development Center. Cynthia holds an M.B.A from the University of Washington and a B.A. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow.
Cynthia is active in a variety of civic organizations include the downtown Seattle Rotary, where she has served as VP Service and chaired several committees. Her interests are in economic development, affordable housing and education. She currently serves on the board of governors for City University and the board Capitol Hill Housing and chairs the Emeritus Board of University of Washington’s Business and Economic Development Center. Cynthia holds an M.B.A from the University of Washington and a B.A. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow.
Anne
Cointreau, CEO, La Tour International Investments, International Wine Producer, Stellenbosch, South Africa
In
1992, Anne Cointreau created her own company, La Tour International
Investments. She invested and became a wine producer in South Africa. In the wine industry,
her innovative ideas created a model which others now follow.
Since 1994 she has also invested in the South African Tourism industry. She invested in the hotel industry in 1997, with Clearwater Lodges, a game reserve, now a member of the Relais et Chateaux in the Limpopo province. Anne also contributed to create in the minds of South African youth an awareness of the rest of the world, by assisting in organizing tours and sport events in France.
Anne’s commitment to the development of women in South Africa has also led her to help women from previously under-privileged communities to establish themselves in the new South Africa.
Within her own company, Anne employs a majority of women (70%) most of which are trained and promoted internally. Anne joined Harvard University’s Women Leadership Board of the John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2001.
Since 1994 she has also invested in the South African Tourism industry. She invested in the hotel industry in 1997, with Clearwater Lodges, a game reserve, now a member of the Relais et Chateaux in the Limpopo province. Anne also contributed to create in the minds of South African youth an awareness of the rest of the world, by assisting in organizing tours and sport events in France.
Anne’s commitment to the development of women in South Africa has also led her to help women from previously under-privileged communities to establish themselves in the new South Africa.
Within her own company, Anne employs a majority of women (70%) most of which are trained and promoted internally. Anne joined Harvard University’s Women Leadership Board of the John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2001.
Lizbeth Cooney, CEO, Guys & A Gal, LLC, Los Angeles, CA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Forbidden City Jewels
As a community leader dedicated to the betterment of life for persons with disabilities and impairments, Lizbeth Cooney co-founded the Children's Art Guild, a fundraising arm of the Children's Dance Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars for underprivileged and disabled children in Birmingham. In 1980, along with her husband, John Cooney, Lizbeth founded E&S Midwest Insurance Brokers, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, growing the firm and its successor, CRC, to one billion dollars in pre-tax revenue in less than 15 years. She presently remains active in Birmingham's, New York City's, and Lausanne, Switzerland's, Philanthropic endeavors, where she sits on the board of the Alabama Ballet, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, New York's The Advisory Council on the Study of Aging, and Christopher Reeves Foundation Gala, as well as Switzerland's Societe Fluer de Jardin de Suisse and Anglo Suisse Foundation for Young Musicians. Lizbeth’s latest business venture involves her collaboration with her son, John Cooney, a stage and film actor based in Los Angeles who has developed a conceptual jewelry line specifically made for electronic and television sales that will debut in mid-2006. She proudly serves as Chief Executive Officer of Guys & A Gal, LLC, her son's production and television sales company.
DeeDee Corradini, Senior Vice President, Corporate
Development, Prudential Utah Real Estate, Park City, UT
DeeDee Corradini
was elected first female mayor of Salt
Lake City in November of 1991 and was re-elected in
1995 to serve until 2000. During her
tenure, DeeDee stressed the need for more efficiency in government through the
application of good business practice and Total Quality concepts.
Mayor Corradini was instrumental in bringing the 2002 Winter Olympic Games to Salt Lake City and spent her eight years in office in preparation for the Games. In recognition of this effort, the city received the Quality Progress Award from the Utah Quality Council in 1995.
Prior to becoming Mayor, DeeDee ran a government relations consulting firm, representing corporate interests in Washington, D.C. Her firm was successful in influencing federal legislation in many areas representing her clients' interests.
Mayor Corradini was instrumental in bringing the 2002 Winter Olympic Games to Salt Lake City and spent her eight years in office in preparation for the Games. In recognition of this effort, the city received the Quality Progress Award from the Utah Quality Council in 1995.
Prior to becoming Mayor, DeeDee ran a government relations consulting firm, representing corporate interests in Washington, D.C. Her firm was successful in influencing federal legislation in many areas representing her clients' interests.
Linda
Coughlin, Chief Administrative Officer, Cendant
Corporation, New York, NY
Editor, “Enlightened Power - How
Women are Transforming the Practice of Leadership”
Lin
Coughlin is a seasoned general manager with more than 25 years of experience in
corporate America
including 10 years of for-profit board experience. Her experience in
recent years has focused on the development and implementation of large change
management initiatives involving re-visioning, planning and execution in
turn-around, merger and acquisition situations. Lin is Chief Administrative
Officer of Cendant Corporation, a Fortune 150 provider of travel, hospitality,
vehicle rental and real estate services serving businesses and consumers in
more than 100 countries and employing more than 85,000 individuals around the
globe. She is responsible for functions that interface with and support the
company’s 20 plus brands and business units, including the global contact
center operations, information technology, global procurement, human resources,
corporate marketing and corporate real estate.
Lin is the mother of three children. She enjoys a variety of athletic endeavors including tennis and long distance running, having completed five marathons. She is co-editor of “Enlightened Power: How Women Are Transforming the Practice of Leadership”, a collection of essays offering compelling insights into the ways in which 21st century leaders are transforming the practice of leadership in business, media, education, politics and cultures around the world. Lin is a graduate of Fordham University where she received her B.A. in economics, summa cum laude.
Lin is the mother of three children. She enjoys a variety of athletic endeavors including tennis and long distance running, having completed five marathons. She is co-editor of “Enlightened Power: How Women Are Transforming the Practice of Leadership”, a collection of essays offering compelling insights into the ways in which 21st century leaders are transforming the practice of leadership in business, media, education, politics and cultures around the world. Lin is a graduate of Fordham University where she received her B.A. in economics, summa cum laude.
Jan Davies McDermott, Chief Executive Officer, Echo Enterprises, Ann Arbor, MI
Jan Davies McDermott owns and operates Echo Enterprises, a company comprised of three divisions: Guiding Light Business Consulting, Echo Education and Echo Engineering, each dedicated to assisting small businesses realize success through implementing efficient and effective business practices. Jan has won numerous awards for small business excellence and community service. She is a founding member of the Women Business Owners of Southeastern Michigan and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. She created the Career Development Program for Displaced Homemakers for the Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan and also managed the Women's Initiative for Self-Employment Business Planning Institute for the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development, an SBA Women's Center and affiliate of WBEC. Jan is the roundtable facilitator for the Women Presidents' Organization, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, a member of Leadership Ann Arbor, an Ambassador of the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, and is the Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce Women's Council 2005 Athena Foundation Award Recipient.She is certified through the Academy of Professional Small Business Consultants at Grand Valley State University and holds a degree in Human Resource Management with an emphasis in training and development from Concordia College.
Mabry DeBuys, Partner, Commercial Litigation, Preston Gates & Ellis, Seattle, WA
Mabry DeBuys is a partner to the Business Litigation practice at Preston Gates & Ellis, Seattle. She maintains a practice in family law with an emphasis in complex financial issues.
Mabry is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She was President of the Washington Chapter of the AAML for 2002/2003. She has been named one of "Seattle's Best" family law attorneys, one of Washington's "Super Lawyers," one of the "Best Lawyers in America" and one of the Top 50 Washington Women. Lawyers. Mabry is a frequent speaker at CLE seminars.
She volunteers as a guardian ad litem and for the settlement program for the King County Juvenile Court System. She is also a member of the Junior League.
Mabry is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She was President of the Washington Chapter of the AAML for 2002/2003. She has been named one of "Seattle's Best" family law attorneys, one of Washington's "Super Lawyers," one of the "Best Lawyers in America" and one of the Top 50 Washington Women. Lawyers. Mabry is a frequent speaker at CLE seminars.
She volunteers as a guardian ad litem and for the settlement program for the King County Juvenile Court System. She is also a member of the Junior League.
Karin Forseke, Former Chief Executive Officer and President, Carnegie Investment Bank, Sweden
Non Executive Director, Financial Services Authority (FSA) Board, UK
Carnegie is a leading investment bank in the Nordic region with offices in 9 countries, listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Prior to being appointed Chief Executive Karin Forseke was the Head of International Sales and Sales Trading at Carnegie from 1998. She was Chief Operating Officer of the London International Financial Futures Exchange, LIFFE, from 1993 to 1998. From 1992 through 1993 she was responsible for sales and distribution in Westpac Banking Corporation’s Financial Markets Group, London. From 1989 to 1992, Karin was director of business development in establishing The OMLX exchange in London. She was appointed Non Executive Director of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) Board, UK in December 2004. She also holds the following positions since 2006: Non Executive Director of the Board of the Swedish Royal Opera, member of The Finansråd (Financial Advise Committee - a Swedish Government appointed committee to advise the Government on Financial markets) as well as being 2nd Vice Chairman of the Swedish American Foundation in Sweden since 2004. She was born in Sweden in 1955 and after 29 years in the US and UK returned to Stockholm in connection with being appointed Chief Executive of the Carnegie Group in 2003.
Renee
Fraser, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer,
Fraser Communications, Santa Monica,
CA
Honored by Advertising Age as one of the “Ten brightest women in
advertising”, Renee Fraser is a consumer psychologist who founded Fraser
Communications in 1992. It is a full service ad agency with $40 million in
billings; clients include Cedars-Sinai, Toyota, Flex Your Power, HealthAsure,
East West Bank, Los Angeles World Airport (LAX and LA/Ontario), UCLA Extension,
and United Way. The agency is the 15th largest independent in LA and the
largest woman owned agency in Southern California.
Throughout a career that has included being President and General Manager of Bozell Inc./Pacific Region, Renee has established a reputation as a brand builder. She has worked with Proctor & Gamble, MGM, Toyota, Rockwell, Asics, Sega, Merrill Lynch, Silicon Systems, Texas Instruments, Chrysler, Warner Brothers, American Airlines, and Kawasaki Motorcycles. Renee serves on several non-profit boards, recipient of the 2003 Los Angeles SBA “Women in Business Advocate of the Year” Award and the 2004 LA Business Journal “Woman CEO of the Year” Award.
Throughout a career that has included being President and General Manager of Bozell Inc./Pacific Region, Renee has established a reputation as a brand builder. She has worked with Proctor & Gamble, MGM, Toyota, Rockwell, Asics, Sega, Merrill Lynch, Silicon Systems, Texas Instruments, Chrysler, Warner Brothers, American Airlines, and Kawasaki Motorcycles. Renee serves on several non-profit boards, recipient of the 2003 Los Angeles SBA “Women in Business Advocate of the Year” Award and the 2004 LA Business Journal “Woman CEO of the Year” Award.
Dana Goldinger, Partner, Succession Capital, Los Angeles, CA
Succession
Capital resulted from a partnership relationship between CMS and a fortune 100
company, Succession Capital Alliance (SCA) was formed to address a void in the
understanding and communication of life insurance within the insurance
industry. In 1996, the CMS premium finance program was and continues to be a
nationally recognized as the largest and longest running premium finance
program in the industry and is utilized by the affluent client.
Today, CMS is endorsed by ten major life insurance carriers, and represents the multi-billion dollar placement of life insurance policies with a premium portfolio of over $1.7 billion. Dana Goldinger focuses primarily on advanced wealth and business succession planning.
A former attorney with more than 20 years experience in real estate and finance, Dana specializes in designing life insurance policies and capital transfer strategies that protect and maximize the assets of successful entrepreneurs and other high net worth individuals. In 2004, she was asked to join a group of extraordinary women by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.
Today, CMS is endorsed by ten major life insurance carriers, and represents the multi-billion dollar placement of life insurance policies with a premium portfolio of over $1.7 billion. Dana Goldinger focuses primarily on advanced wealth and business succession planning.
A former attorney with more than 20 years experience in real estate and finance, Dana specializes in designing life insurance policies and capital transfer strategies that protect and maximize the assets of successful entrepreneurs and other high net worth individuals. In 2004, she was asked to join a group of extraordinary women by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.
Dr. Julie R. Gralow, Associate Professor of
Medicine/Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) and the
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle Cancer Care Alliance,
Seattle, WA
Dr.
Gralow’s efforts are split between providing patient care, developing and
coordinating breast cancer clinical trials, and teaching and lecturing. She is
the Associate Program Head of the Breast Cancer Program at the FHCRC and is a
member of the Scientific Steering Committee of the Fred Hutchinson
Center. Dr. Gralow’s
clinical research activities focus on breast cancer prevention, treatment, and
survivorship. Dr. Gralow’s primary expertise is in the area of bone metastases
and bisphosphonates, and she is principal investigator for a 6,000-patient
North American study on adjuvant bisphosphonates for prevention of bone
metastases in breast cancer. Dr. Gralow is co-author of the book Breast Fitness: An Optimal Exercise and
Health Plan for Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer. She is Medical
Director, Team Physician, and co-founder of Team Survivor Northwest, an
exercise and fitness program for women cancer survivors. Dr. Gralow has a
strong interest in international breast cancer education and advocacy,
particularly in developing and emerging nations, and has coordinated recent
Eastern European breast cancer advocacy events in Lithuania
and Ukraine.
Kimberly Harris, Senior Vice President, Regulatory
Policy & Energy Efficiency, Puget Sound Energy, Bellevue, WA
Kimberly
Harris was named Senior Vice President Regulatory Policy & Energy
Efficiency for Puget Sound Energy in October 2005 with primary responsibilities
for federal and state regulatory activities and energy efficiency consultation
with Puget Sound Energy regulators.
Since joining Puget Sound Energy in 1999, Kimberly has held several key positions within the company, including Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs; Associate General Counsel and Director of Load Resource Strategies.
She previously served nine years as an attorney at Perkins Coie LLP and Wagstaff, Alvis, Stubbeman, Seamster and Longacre.
Since joining Puget Sound Energy in 1999, Kimberly has held several key positions within the company, including Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs; Associate General Counsel and Director of Load Resource Strategies.
She previously served nine years as an attorney at Perkins Coie LLP and Wagstaff, Alvis, Stubbeman, Seamster and Longacre.
Barbara Holland, Owner, Garvey Schubert Barer,
Attorney specializing in Maritime Law and International Trade, Seattle, WA
Barbara Holland joined the law
firm of Garvey Schubert Barer in 1981, and she has been an owner
since 1987. Garvey Schubert Barer is a 120-lawyer firm with offices in Seattle, Beijing, Washington, D.C., New York,
and Portland, Oregon.
Barbara represents businesses involved in international and domestic trade and transportation. She has served on the Board of Directors of the American Waterways Operators, and is active in issues affecting the maritime industry. Her law firm began its involvement with China nearly thirty years ago when it played a key role in negotiating the resumption of shipping relations between the United States and China.
Barbara has spoken at conferences in the United States and abroad, including the International Conference on Maritime Law in Shanghai in 1994 at which China introduced its new Maritime Code. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
Barbara lives in the Seattle area with her husband and teenage son.
Barbara represents businesses involved in international and domestic trade and transportation. She has served on the Board of Directors of the American Waterways Operators, and is active in issues affecting the maritime industry. Her law firm began its involvement with China nearly thirty years ago when it played a key role in negotiating the resumption of shipping relations between the United States and China.
Barbara has spoken at conferences in the United States and abroad, including the International Conference on Maritime Law in Shanghai in 1994 at which China introduced its new Maritime Code. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
Barbara lives in the Seattle area with her husband and teenage son.
Margaret Jurca, Managing Director, MJ
Pty Ltd., Queensland, Australia
After nine months recovery in
hospital from a tragic accident that took the life of her only child,
Margaret Jurca changed career directions starting from the ground up in real
estate. After gaining valuable experience, in 1987, Margaret established M
J. Pty Ltd. It became the first company to build
and sell for the highest price then recorded for a luxury
home on water on the Gold Coast Queensland. As Managing Director, she traveled
the world offering international clients the best luxury homes, real estate and
development opportunities in Australia.
With sales over a billion dollars, she has an international
reputation with people and companies looking abroad for real estate
investment including luxury homes, raising capital and meeting cross
border challenges. Margaret is also known as an expert in forecasting real
estate trends. Her honors include being awarded Leading Woman Entrepreneur of
the World in 2001, Top Australian Woman Entrepreneur by the International
Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (IFWE) and the Westpac Telstra Award as
Business Woman of the year for Queensland in the private Business Sector
Margaret also serves as Treasurer of the Woman's Leadership Board of
the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is also the
longest serving Gold Certificate member of the Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce
(since 1989), and a Justice of Peace. Today, she has affiliated with
Collier International PRD Nationwide, an internationally recognized real estate
firm. Margaret is a dynamic participant in promoting Australia as a
leading destination for business, tourism, and real estate around the world.
Sung-Joo Kim, Chairperson and Chief
Executive Officer, Sungjoo Group, Seoul, and MCM
Products AG, Germany
Sung-Joo Kim is the Founder of Sungjoo Group and Chairperson of MCM Products AG. Sungjoo Group currently operates more than 90 retail stores for MCM, Marks & Spencer, Lulu Guinness and Billy Bag, and also recently acquired MCM’s global business, German Leather Accessory Co., with a total revenue of approximately US$120 million.
She was selected as one of the “1997 Global Leaders of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has featured in numerous publications and media broadcasts including The Wall Street Journal where she was named as one of “Top 50 Women to Watch” in 2004.
Denise S. Kraft MD, Senior Partner, Eastside Family Medicine Clinic, Bellevue, WA
Dr. Denise Kraft, MD a family physician that has practiced at Eastside Family Medicine Clinic in Bellevue, WA for the past 24 years. Dr. Kraft received her undergraduate and medical training at the University of Washington. Her postgraduate training was also in the Northwest at Swedish Hospital Medical Center. She is the chairman elect of the department of Family Medicine at Overlake Hospital Medical Center. Some of the awards bestowed to Dr. Kraft include the People Choice Award and Best Doctors of America 2005-2006. She is also busy as a mother of two active teenage boys.
Renée
LaBran, Ph.D, Partner, Rustic
Canyon Partners, Santa Monica, CA
Renée
LaBran helped form Rustic Canyon Partners, a venture capital and private equity
fund with over $750 million under management, in 1999, following 15 years of
strategy consulting and hands-on operating experience. Renée’s investment focus
has been on software, digital media and business and consumer services.
Recently, Renée had led Rustic Canyon’s participation in Rustic Canyon / Fontis Partners, a later stage fund targeting businesses serving ethnic markets. Renée serves on the boards of IdeaForest, Intersperse, Meximerica Media, Inc, Mobileplay, and PC on Call. Prior to Rustic Canyon, Renée held a variety of executive positions with the Los Angeles Times / Times Mirror in the areas of digital media, advertising, investments and strategic planning. During her tenure, she managed revenues in excess of $300 million and oversaw more than 200 employees.
Her non-profit activities include serving as President of the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation, and as a Director of the Hathaway – Sycamores, a family services and mental health agency. She is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Board at the Harvard JFK School of Government. She has two school-aged sons and resides near Pasadena, California.
Recently, Renée had led Rustic Canyon’s participation in Rustic Canyon / Fontis Partners, a later stage fund targeting businesses serving ethnic markets. Renée serves on the boards of IdeaForest, Intersperse, Meximerica Media, Inc, Mobileplay, and PC on Call. Prior to Rustic Canyon, Renée held a variety of executive positions with the Los Angeles Times / Times Mirror in the areas of digital media, advertising, investments and strategic planning. During her tenure, she managed revenues in excess of $300 million and oversaw more than 200 employees.
Her non-profit activities include serving as President of the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation, and as a Director of the Hathaway – Sycamores, a family services and mental health agency. She is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Board at the Harvard JFK School of Government. She has two school-aged sons and resides near Pasadena, California.
Rosanne
Lapan, Attorney, Real Estate Developer,
Investor, Rosanne F. Lapan, Holdings, LLC, Mercer Island, WA
Rosanne
Lapan brings 26 years of experience in the areas of corporate and business law.
Rosanne’s expertise includes working with companies in business organization,
mergers and acquisitions, and negotiations.
Currently, she is a sole practitioner and a partner in one of the largest commercial retail owners in Southern Arizona. The company manages and leases 41 centers with a portfolio in excess of $178 million. Rosanne is deeply engaged in a variety of women’s issues and has served or is currently serving on a number of community Boards of Directors. They include the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, the Jewish Community Center of Southern Arizona, the Jewish Philanthropic Foundation of Southern Arizona, Women’s Studies Advisory Council at the University of Arizona, Chairman for Southern Arizona: 1994 First Governor’s Conference on Women and Business, steering committee member of the Cardozo Society (Jewish lawyer organization), the Foundation for Integrative Medicine (advisory board to Andrew Weil) and the Angel Charity for Children, Inc. She is also a founding Board member of the Center for Women and Democracy at the University of Washington. Rosanne was recognized as a local hero by the National Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1998. She authored A Resource Guide for Breast Cancer – Breast Cancer Network, Tucson Guide, which was first published by the American Cancer Society in 1999 and was the first Gift of Life recipient by the American Cancer Society, Southern Arizona Chapter, in 2000.
Currently, she is a sole practitioner and a partner in one of the largest commercial retail owners in Southern Arizona. The company manages and leases 41 centers with a portfolio in excess of $178 million. Rosanne is deeply engaged in a variety of women’s issues and has served or is currently serving on a number of community Boards of Directors. They include the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, the Jewish Community Center of Southern Arizona, the Jewish Philanthropic Foundation of Southern Arizona, Women’s Studies Advisory Council at the University of Arizona, Chairman for Southern Arizona: 1994 First Governor’s Conference on Women and Business, steering committee member of the Cardozo Society (Jewish lawyer organization), the Foundation for Integrative Medicine (advisory board to Andrew Weil) and the Angel Charity for Children, Inc. She is also a founding Board member of the Center for Women and Democracy at the University of Washington. Rosanne was recognized as a local hero by the National Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1998. She authored A Resource Guide for Breast Cancer – Breast Cancer Network, Tucson Guide, which was first published by the American Cancer Society in 1999 and was the first Gift of Life recipient by the American Cancer Society, Southern Arizona Chapter, in 2000.
Francine LeFrak, President, Television and Theatrical
Producer, LeFrak Productions, New York,
NY
Francine
LeFrak’s work has added to the history of our time and stirred the conscience
of modern society. Her movies have helped to turn the tide on a range of
crucial issues such as the scourge of AIDS, the price of intolerance, the
ravages of war, the injustices of our prison system, substance abuse, the peril
of neo Nazism and the lonely quest for identity and self-knowledge. The
achievements of her multi-talented career have been recognized with Tony, Emmy
and Peabody Awards; the “Leading Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” Award (in
2002), the 2003 “Human Spirit” Award from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis
Foundation, and winner of the 2004 Our Town Thanks You “East Sider of the
Year”.
Francine has received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Manhattanville College. Capping her intense involvement in these varied pursuits is a new business venture, LeFrak Access. Her philanthropic affiliations also include serving as a Co-Chairman of the Patrons Circle for the Guggenheim Museum; a member of the Contemporary Art’s Council at The Museum of Modern Art; a member of the Board of the Smithsonian Museum of American History; a member of the President’s Council of the Whitney Museum, and a member of the Women’s Board of the Kennedy School at Harvard University.
Francine has received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Manhattanville College. Capping her intense involvement in these varied pursuits is a new business venture, LeFrak Access. Her philanthropic affiliations also include serving as a Co-Chairman of the Patrons Circle for the Guggenheim Museum; a member of the Contemporary Art’s Council at The Museum of Modern Art; a member of the Board of the Smithsonian Museum of American History; a member of the President’s Council of the Whitney Museum, and a member of the Women’s Board of the Kennedy School at Harvard University.
Beth Leonard, Partner, Llurie Besikof Llapidus and
Company, LLP; Minneapolis,
MN
Beth
Kieffer Leonard joined the Firm in 1984 after spending two years with a
national CPA firm. She became LBLCO’s first woman Partner and is a member of
the firm’s Partnership Committee.
Beth was named a “Super Accountant” by Minnesota Law and Politics; has been a pioneer in the accounting profession; and has made an impact by leading by example. As a professional she has advocated for her clients, especially those who have traditionally been excluded from financing and access to capital avenues. Through her energetic approach to strategic thinking, business development successes, vast network of advisors, and valuable insight, Beth has consulted and assisted her clients with obtaining financing and positioning themselves for potential sales or acquisitions.
In her roles in both the firm and the community organizations for which she volunteers, Beth has always risen to a position of leadership.
Beth was named a “Super Accountant” by Minnesota Law and Politics; has been a pioneer in the accounting profession; and has made an impact by leading by example. As a professional she has advocated for her clients, especially those who have traditionally been excluded from financing and access to capital avenues. Through her energetic approach to strategic thinking, business development successes, vast network of advisors, and valuable insight, Beth has consulted and assisted her clients with obtaining financing and positioning themselves for potential sales or acquisitions.
In her roles in both the firm and the community organizations for which she volunteers, Beth has always risen to a position of leadership.
Janis Machala, Managing Partner, Paladin Partners, Kirkland, WA
Before
founding Paladin Partners in 1995, Janis Machala served as President and CEO of
Pinnacle Publishing, a leading provider of component software and technical
newsletters for developers.
After seven years of operating losses, Pinnacle achieved profitability for seven straight quarters under her leadership. Prior to Pinnacle, Janis held senior management positions in marketing and business development at major technology companies, including Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Wang Laboratories, often working in a mentoring or start-up capacity.
She also helped form Seraph Capital Forum, a woman's angel investing group, and FWE Seattle, which supports women entrepreneurs. From 1994-1998, she served on the board of the Washington Software Alliance and is currently on the board of the Northwest Entrepreneur Network, which helps advance entrepreneurship in the Northwest.
After seven years of operating losses, Pinnacle achieved profitability for seven straight quarters under her leadership. Prior to Pinnacle, Janis held senior management positions in marketing and business development at major technology companies, including Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Wang Laboratories, often working in a mentoring or start-up capacity.
She also helped form Seraph Capital Forum, a woman's angel investing group, and FWE Seattle, which supports women entrepreneurs. From 1994-1998, she served on the board of the Washington Software Alliance and is currently on the board of the Northwest Entrepreneur Network, which helps advance entrepreneurship in the Northwest.
Roxanne Mankin-Cason, Chair, Women's Leadership Board, JFK School
of Government, Harvard University, Chair and Chief Executive Officer,
Cason Family Foundation, New York,
NY
Roxanne Mankin-Cason
is a retired businesswoman who is devoting herself fully to the empowerment of
women and girls worldwide. Roxanne made her mark as a businesswoman in her
native San Francisco
area in the 1970s and 1980s, with a career in real estate that began as a real
estate investment agent and grew to encompass real estate syndication and real
estate development. Her company attracted investors from around the world and,
among other accomplishments, developed the first live/work loft project in San Francisco.
While building her business, Roxanne began her volunteer career in support of the economic empowerment of women. For her alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley, she created and implemented a program, “Women and Money”, which was the first program of its kind in the United States. She also served as a guest lecturer on women and business at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and UC Berkely Boalt School of Law, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, Mills College and at the California Society of Certified Public Accountants among others. Also during this time, Roxanne served as a founder of the San Francisco chapter of the International Women’s Forum, known as Women’s Forum West. In the area of non-profit work, her areas of expertise include strategic planning, leadership and fundraising. She believes that board membership must be tantamount to board involvement.
While building her business, Roxanne began her volunteer career in support of the economic empowerment of women. For her alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley, she created and implemented a program, “Women and Money”, which was the first program of its kind in the United States. She also served as a guest lecturer on women and business at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and UC Berkely Boalt School of Law, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, Mills College and at the California Society of Certified Public Accountants among others. Also during this time, Roxanne served as a founder of the San Francisco chapter of the International Women’s Forum, known as Women’s Forum West. In the area of non-profit work, her areas of expertise include strategic planning, leadership and fundraising. She believes that board membership must be tantamount to board involvement.
Diane McDade, Director,
WindowsLive Policy & Privacy Team, Technology, Care & Safety Group,
Microsoft, Redmond, WA
Diane McDade was named Senior Privacy Product Manager at MSN in
January, 2000 assuming responsibility for privacy policy development for MSN products
and services worldwide. In July 2004, she was named Director of the WindowsLive
Policy & Privacy team expanding her scope into management of policies
governing customer codes of conduct, customer-generated content, child and
family safety, geo-political differentiation, and online advertising. Diane is
a frequent speaker at industry conferences and has represented Microsoft on
numerous industry committees relating to the establishment of online policy and
privacy best practices. She joined Microsoft in 1998 after a long career in
politics.
For 10 years, she was the principle of Diane McDade Consulting, a political campaign and communications consulting firm based in Washington State. Her client base included private sector, non-profit and community organizations, political committees, and candidates for electoral office. Her firm specialized in conducting statewide initiative and referendum campaigns. She has also held positions with the Washington State Senate, the Massachusetts Office of Economic Affairs, the Massachusetts Environmental Lobby, and numerous electoral political campaign committees ranging from presidential to local school board races. Diane is a graduate of Smith College and the Buffalo Seminary.
For 10 years, she was the principle of Diane McDade Consulting, a political campaign and communications consulting firm based in Washington State. Her client base included private sector, non-profit and community organizations, political committees, and candidates for electoral office. Her firm specialized in conducting statewide initiative and referendum campaigns. She has also held positions with the Washington State Senate, the Massachusetts Office of Economic Affairs, the Massachusetts Environmental Lobby, and numerous electoral political campaign committees ranging from presidential to local school board races. Diane is a graduate of Smith College and the Buffalo Seminary.
Laurie McDonald Jonsson, President & Founder,
Stellar International Networks, President, Stellar
International, Seattle, WA
Laurie McDonald Jonsson is an American businesswoman who has
combined a successful professional career with a personal commitment to helping
promote women’s leadership on a global scale.
Laurie founded Stellar International Networks — a company with a focus
on building connections among women leaders around the globe — with the aim of
creating a more humane and compassionate world by expanding economic
opportunities.
In 2006, she is organizing and leading a women’s summit in Beijing and Shanghai, China that will bring together hundreds of women leaders from Asia, North America, Europe and Africa. Her past efforts include chairing groundbreaking women’s leadership delegations to central Europe, Scandinavia, South Africa, the Baltics and Cuba. Prior to founding Stellar International, Laurie co-founded and led successful businesses in the travel industry including Sundance Cruises and Admiral Cruises.
Other important business endeavors include serving as a founding director of Expedia.com, the Commerce Bank, and Puget Sound Bank. Laurie was the pioneering chair of the Washington State Governor’s Executive Women’s Council. In 2003, she was appointed by President Bush to the board of the National Women’s Business Council in Washington, D.C. She served on the board of the International Women’s Forum and was awarded the 2005 Women Who Make a Difference award, which is given in recognition of leaders whose vision, commitment, and contributions have opened doors and improved prospects for women. In 1999, she was honored with the Leading Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award in Monaco. Currently, Laurie is a member of the Committee of 200 (C200) and serves on the Women’s Leadership Board of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She is the founding chair of the Washington State Women’s Forum and the Center for Women and Democracy at the University of Washington. Laurie, her husband, Lars Jonsson, and their three children – Jonas, Marcus, Jenny – reside in the greater Seattle area in the state of Washington.
In 2006, she is organizing and leading a women’s summit in Beijing and Shanghai, China that will bring together hundreds of women leaders from Asia, North America, Europe and Africa. Her past efforts include chairing groundbreaking women’s leadership delegations to central Europe, Scandinavia, South Africa, the Baltics and Cuba. Prior to founding Stellar International, Laurie co-founded and led successful businesses in the travel industry including Sundance Cruises and Admiral Cruises.
Other important business endeavors include serving as a founding director of Expedia.com, the Commerce Bank, and Puget Sound Bank. Laurie was the pioneering chair of the Washington State Governor’s Executive Women’s Council. In 2003, she was appointed by President Bush to the board of the National Women’s Business Council in Washington, D.C. She served on the board of the International Women’s Forum and was awarded the 2005 Women Who Make a Difference award, which is given in recognition of leaders whose vision, commitment, and contributions have opened doors and improved prospects for women. In 1999, she was honored with the Leading Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award in Monaco. Currently, Laurie is a member of the Committee of 200 (C200) and serves on the Women’s Leadership Board of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She is the founding chair of the Washington State Women’s Forum and the Center for Women and Democracy at the University of Washington. Laurie, her husband, Lars Jonsson, and their three children – Jonas, Marcus, Jenny – reside in the greater Seattle area in the state of Washington.
Ellen McLaughlin, Senior VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, Boston, MA
Ellen McLaughlin serves as the Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, a $61 billion government sponsored enterprise serving 464 member institutions throughout the six New England states. Ellen joined the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston in 1990. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston is the wholesale bank for housing finance in the six New England states. Its mission is to support the residential-mortgage and community-development lending activities of its member financial institutions. She received a juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School and a Master of Laws in banking law studies from Boston University.
Barbara Morrison, President, TMC Development, San Francisco, CA
Barbara Morrison has assisted small businesses with SBA
504 real estate financing since 1981. She is Founder and President of TMC
Development, a Certified Development Company based in San Francisco. In the past 20+ years, TMC has financed over
$2.3 billion for more than 2,100 small businesses in the nine Bay Area
Counties. TMC ranks annually as the
largest SBA lender in the Bay Area. Barbara is also the Founder and Board
President of Working Solutions, an innovative nonprofit organization that
assists underserved micro entrepreneurs access the capital they need to start
and grow their businesses.
She has served as a Council Member for the City of Belvedere since 2002 and as Mayor since 2005. She is a member of a variety of organizations including Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), Women in Real Estate (WIRE), and the Financial Women’s Association (FWA). Barbara previously served as Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in San Francisco and worked for five years in investment banking. She received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Francisco State University and graduated with a B.A. in history and political science from the University of Vermont.
She has served as a Council Member for the City of Belvedere since 2002 and as Mayor since 2005. She is a member of a variety of organizations including Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), Women in Real Estate (WIRE), and the Financial Women’s Association (FWA). Barbara previously served as Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in San Francisco and worked for five years in investment banking. She received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Francisco State University and graduated with a B.A. in history and political science from the University of Vermont.
Lesley Nilsson
President, Eureka Group, Monterey, CA, Co-Founder, Napa Valley Brewing Company, Director, American Education and Health Foundation
Lesley Nilsson has previously served on the boards of Robert Louis Stevenson School and the College Women’s Association of Japan, among others. She has served as vice-chairman of the Stilwell Scholarship Committee of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, which provides scholarships for Chinese students at the Institute. A former educator, Lesley taught in the Santa Ana, California School District and holds a degree in English educations from the University of South Dakota. She has lived in Japan, the Philippines, Switzerland and Belgium, has traveled extensively in China, Central Asia, the former Soviet Union and Europe, and presently resides in Carmel, California and Friday Harbor, Washington.
Pamela Passman, Vice President, Global Corporate
Affairs, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond,
WA
Pamela Passman, Microsoft’s Vice President for Global Corporate
Affairs, oversees the worldwide organization’s four main missions: to
provide regulatory counsel to business groups and develop corporate positions
on public policy issues, to strengthen government and industry relations; to
develop partnerships with governments, international organizations, non-profits
and industry; and to oversee Microsoft’s community investments and
outreach.
Passman also has leadership responsibilities for the company’s global corporate citizenship efforts.From October 1996 through April 2002, Passman served in Tokyo as Associate General Counsel responsible for Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Peoples’ Republic of China, including Hong Kong.
Passman also has leadership responsibilities for the company’s global corporate citizenship efforts.From October 1996 through April 2002, Passman served in Tokyo as Associate General Counsel responsible for Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Peoples’ Republic of China, including Hong Kong.
Kim Pearman-Gillman, Vice President, Marketing, Itron, Spokane, WA
Itron, headquartered in Spokane,
Washington, USA,
is the world’s leading “smart energy” technology company, with over 3,000
utility customers in 65 countries. As a member of Itron’s senior executive
team, Kim has worldwide responsibility for strategic marketing and intelligence,
marketing communications, regulatory/government affairs, alliance partnerships,
and employee communications. Before joining Itron, she was Senior Vice
President of Avista Development, the economic development arm of Avista, a
large electric and natural gas utility in the Pacific
Northwest. She held several management positions at Avista,
including designing and leading the company’s demand-side management programs.
She worked at Berkshire Corporation in high tech sales, marketing and product
development; in pharmaceutical sales with Lederle Laboratories; and in consumer
products sales with the Pillsbury Corporation. She actively supports community
development by serving on the boards of directors for several technology,
educational and charitable organizations: Washington
Technology Center,
The Governor’s Economic Forecast Council, National Association Regulatory
Utility Commissioners, Gonzaga
University’s
Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and Whitworth College School of Global
Commerce and International Management.
Carol Perrin, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Lawyer and Chairperson, LA Tax Department, Los Angeles,
CA
Carol
Perrin opened Greenberg Traurig’s Los
Angeles office in January 2000 as its initial Managing
Partner, and has been practicing law with the firm since that time.
Carol’s practice includes representing clients in all business, tax and estate planning matters, both nationally and internationally, including individual, corporate and partnership tax. The focus is on structuring all business operations and personal inv. Carol also represents charitable entities and organizations, including their development, operations and compliance.
She is a member of the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, and Women’s Leadership Board.
Carol’s practice includes representing clients in all business, tax and estate planning matters, both nationally and internationally, including individual, corporate and partnership tax. The focus is on structuring all business operations and personal inv. Carol also represents charitable entities and organizations, including their development, operations and compliance.
She is a member of the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, and Women’s Leadership Board.
Margaret Rose
Director, Rosecorp Pty Ltd., Sydney
Australia
Quality,
tradition and excellence are founding principles of Margaret Rose’s vision. This
is apparent in her career evolution from spending 20 years in Public Relations
for companies such as Myer, Australian Wool Corporation and Revlon, to
identifying a market niche for luxury homes. This ignited a passion for
residential design and interiors, which led to the formation of Rosecorp with
her husband in 1983. Rosecorp has
advanced from developing single luxury homes to becoming the leader in building
planned residential communities in Australia today. “Surroundings
dictate behavior” is an integral element in Margaret’s design philosophy and a
principle the company uses when developing communities. As the Director responsible for detailed
design, fit-out and finish on every Rosecorp development, Margaret brings a
dedication to excellence. She also directs communications and corporate
relations for Rosecorp. Rosecorp came to
the attention of the International Network for Traditional Building,
Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU www.intbau.org) whereby in 2003 she was
invited on to the board. Consequently, INTBAU’s patron, his Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales, visited Breakfast Point in March 2005 to view the new urbanism
principles actively demonstrated in the harbourfront village.
Deborah Rosen, President, Co-owner/ Founder, Basic Education Tutors, Private Education Consultant, Mercer Island, WA
Deborah Rosen graduated Phi Bet Kappa, magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA, where she received her Elementary, Secondary and Reading Specialist Certification. Deborah received her M.E.D from Harvard University. Deborah is highly involved with Community and Board activities including The Seattle Repertory Theater Board, former president and chairman; Sustaining member, Junior League, Founder, and the Seattle Jewish Film Festival. She is a current member of the following boards: American Jewish Committee, former president, AJC National Board of Governors, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS), UW Medicine Board of Visitors, Seattle Public Library Foundation Board Jewish Federation Foundation Board, and the Seattle Rep Board of Advisors.
Nancy J. Russell, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer,
Krytar Inc., Sunnyvale, CA
Nancy Russell
spent 25 years at Western Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads as Director of
Risk Management. In 1994, Nancy left Southern
Pacific and took over leadership of Krytar, a family business founded in
1975.
Since she assumed control of the company, sales have increased over 100% and the company is preparing to move into a larger and more modern facility in Silicon Valley to accommodate increasing demand for its products.
Nancy has contributed countless hours of volunteer service to the San Francisco community and nonprofit boards including the San Francisco Food Bank, California Pacific Medical Center’s Pacific Vision Foundation, The San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park and Kara, a non-profit grief support foundation.
She is active in the Women Presidents’ Organization and Harvard University’s Women’s Leadership Board of the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Since she assumed control of the company, sales have increased over 100% and the company is preparing to move into a larger and more modern facility in Silicon Valley to accommodate increasing demand for its products.
Nancy has contributed countless hours of volunteer service to the San Francisco community and nonprofit boards including the San Francisco Food Bank, California Pacific Medical Center’s Pacific Vision Foundation, The San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park and Kara, a non-profit grief support foundation.
She is active in the Women Presidents’ Organization and Harvard University’s Women’s Leadership Board of the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Sarina Russo, Managing Director, Sarina Russo Group,
Brisbane, Australia
Sarina
Russo has made helping people her life’s vocation. Today, many tens of
thousands of Australians have a job due to the work and outstanding results of
Sarina Russo Job Access. Through Sarina Russo Schools | Australia, each
year thousands of Australian and International students benefit from Sarina’s up-to-date
and in-demand vocational and academic programs. Commencing in March 2006, Russo
Higher Education will provide both undergraduate and postgraduate education in Brisbane through a strategic alliance with James Cook
University. Sarina has
excelled in many domains both professionally and personally. Through dogged
determination, astute business acumen and an all-embracing Australian attitude
of ‘having a go’, she entered the business world by creating The Office
Business Academy in 1979. Under her stewardship it has evolved into one of Australia’s
largest, most successful and diverse training and employment entities. Sarina has
a strong sense of community, witnessed through her time that she gives to a
number of organization including the Women’s Leadership Board of the John F.
Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Melanie R. Sabelhaus
Former Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, Owings Mills, MD
Melanie
R. Sabelhaus was sworn in April 12, 2002 as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small
Business Administration. President George W. Bush nominated Melanie for the
post and she was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. She was
responsible for overseeing policy development and program supervision for the
SBA.
Melanie brings more than 25 years of successful business and corporate experience to her role at the SBA. The SBA is America's Small Business Resource, providing financial assistance, business education, training, counseling and procurement assistance programs to the nation's entrepreneurs.
Since leaving the SBA position, she has focused her energy to fundraising activities. Melanie was appointed to the American Red Cross Board of Governors and chairs the Women’s Majority Network.
Melanie brings more than 25 years of successful business and corporate experience to her role at the SBA. The SBA is America's Small Business Resource, providing financial assistance, business education, training, counseling and procurement assistance programs to the nation's entrepreneurs.
Since leaving the SBA position, she has focused her energy to fundraising activities. Melanie was appointed to the American Red Cross Board of Governors and chairs the Women’s Majority Network.
Pepper Schwartz Ph.D
Author, Lecturer, Television
Commentator, Professor of Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Pepper Schwartz holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Washington University
in St. Louis, where she was a Woodrow Wilson
Fellow, and an M.A. and Ph.D in Sociology from Yale University.
As the industry’s leading relationship expert, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D, has
created the Personality Profiler, similar to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator®,
exclusively for the committed adults seeking long-term relationships on
PerfectMatch.com.
As the most effective and sophisticated leading-edge romantic matching tool on or off the internet, the Personality Profiler significantly helps PerfectMatch’s members to identify their significant other’s “Similarity Factors” and “Complimentary Factors,” which will ultimately lead them to finding their perfect match.
Dr. Schwartz has received many awards, including the 2005 American Sociological Award for the Public Dissemination of Information, the Matrix Award for Achievement in Education and the International Women's Forum Award in Career Achievement in Washington State. She is the author of 14 books, including many popular books.
As the most effective and sophisticated leading-edge romantic matching tool on or off the internet, the Personality Profiler significantly helps PerfectMatch’s members to identify their significant other’s “Similarity Factors” and “Complimentary Factors,” which will ultimately lead them to finding their perfect match.
Dr. Schwartz has received many awards, including the 2005 American Sociological Award for the Public Dissemination of Information, the Matrix Award for Achievement in Education and the International Women's Forum Award in Career Achievement in Washington State. She is the author of 14 books, including many popular books.
Susan Shields, President, Airtex Design Group, Minneapolis, MN
Susan Shields, President of Airtex Design Group (ADG) is best described as a serial entrepreneur. Susan’s leadership and creative background in art, design and business has propelled ADG from a tiny company with a big vision in 1989 to becoming one of the leading textile-based producers in the Twin Cities area today. She has successfully launched multiple companies that have grown to nation wide prominence including Bags and Baggage, a travel accessories company that began in the basement of her home and grew to over 100 employees. As a conscientious business owner, Susan spearheaded a partnership with the City of Minneapolis in a project that expanded jobs and supported community revitalization efforts. She maintains an active role in various leadership and women's business groups.
Magdalah Silva
President and Chief Executive Officer,
DMS International Inc., Silver Springs,
MD
Magdalah Silva has over 20 years experience in the information
technology industry with extensive expertise in management, product development,
and operations management. Magdalah earned her M.A. in International Management
from the University of Maryland's School
of International Management and
Technology in 1995 and a B.A. in International Relations from Boston University
in 1982.
She is a member of Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's Business & Industry Committee, Maryland/D.C. Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Women's President Organization. Magdalah has received training and continuing education from the Business Executive Program at the Darden School of Business Administration at The University of Virginia, Entrepreneurial Development at Georgetown University, and Corporate Product Development from Citibank, N.A., Miami Training Center.
She was also admitted to the Harvard University Owners and President's Management Program. Magdalah is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of DMS International and is also an adjunct faculty in Business Administration at the University of Maryland, University College. She is a mother of two, collects Latin American Art and enjoys karate, tennis and reading biographies of successful people.
She is a member of Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's Business & Industry Committee, Maryland/D.C. Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Women's President Organization. Magdalah has received training and continuing education from the Business Executive Program at the Darden School of Business Administration at The University of Virginia, Entrepreneurial Development at Georgetown University, and Corporate Product Development from Citibank, N.A., Miami Training Center.
She was also admitted to the Harvard University Owners and President's Management Program. Magdalah is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of DMS International and is also an adjunct faculty in Business Administration at the University of Maryland, University College. She is a mother of two, collects Latin American Art and enjoys karate, tennis and reading biographies of successful people.
Ellen Sloan, Director, Philanthropic Management, Bank of America, Los Angeles, CA
Ellen Sloan works exclusively with non-profit institutions to deliver a comprehensive suite of investment, planned giving, and charitable management services to help clients build and sustain their missions. Ellen has developed and presented all over the country numerous speeches and financial planning seminars on such topics as new ways of thinking about charitable giving, engaging children in philanthropy, women and the investment market, financial parenting, and asset allocation. Among her many philanthropic endeavors Ellen will soon join the board of Academy of Business Leadership, a non-profit that teaches underserved teens business and investment principles and entrepreneurial and leadership skills through case studies, stock market simulations, and business plan preparation. Additionally, she belongs to the Women’s Foundation of California Los Angeles Donor Circle whose mission is to increase resources, solutions and opportunities for women and girls. She is also an advisor to the Red Lantern Foundation, a newly formed non-profit organization that will prepare older children in Chinese orphanages to be able to live on their own and support themselves when they are emancipated. Ellen is a single mother of two daughters adopted from China.
Lana Staheli, President, Staheli, Inc., Seattle, WA, President, Global-HELP Bounce Program
Lana
Staheli brings over 25 years of individual and couples counseling practice
experience as a Certified Mental Health Counselor, Certified Marriage and
Family Therapist, and Vice President of Global-HELP Organization-Humanitarian
organization which creates low-cost publications to improve the quality of
health care in transitional and developing countries.
Lana is the president of the Rainier Foundation, a non-profit organization that awards grants to grass root projects. She is involved with the International Women’s forum and is on the Women Leadership Board of Directors at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Lana is also the co-founder of the International Scholarship in Pediatric Orthopedics. She supported the training of children’s orthopedists from third world countries with Lynn T. Staheli, M.D., from 1988-94.
Lana is the president of the Rainier Foundation, a non-profit organization that awards grants to grass root projects. She is involved with the International Women’s forum and is on the Women Leadership Board of Directors at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Lana is also the co-founder of the International Scholarship in Pediatric Orthopedics. She supported the training of children’s orthopedists from third world countries with Lynn T. Staheli, M.D., from 1988-94.
Linda Strout, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel, Port of Seattle, Seattle, WA
Linda Strout was named deputy chief executive officer in February 2004. She provides oversight for the Port's legal, risk management, records management, health and safety services, corporate environmental, engineering, Port construction services and the Port Police Department.Linda joined the Port in January 1989 and served as the Port's general counsel from December 1991 through February 2004. Prior to joining the Port, she was a principal in the Seattle law firm of Skellenger and Bender, where she practiced general commercial and municipal law for nine years. Her practice consisted primarily of complex commercial and construction litigation, with an additional emphasis in real estate leasing and purchase and sales transactions. She also assisted in tax-exempt financings for a variety of Washington municipalities.Linda earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Washington and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Puget Sound, School of Law (now Seattle University). She has been a member of the Washington Bar since 1979. She served as president of the 5,000-plus member King County Bar Association in 1998 to 1999, and served on the Association's Board of Trustees from 1991 to 1998. Linda currently serves on several outside boards, including Artist Trust Board of Trustees, Columbia Legal Services Board of Trustees and Seattle University - School of Law Alumni Board of Governors.
Sandra Taylor, Senior
Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Starbucks Coffee Company, Seattle
Sandra
Taylor joined Starbucks Coffee Company in June 2003 as senior vice president of
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She succeeds Dave Olsen, senior vice
president of Starbucks Culture and Immersion and the first leader of the CSR
department. From 1996, until summer 2003, Taylor
served as Vice President and Director of Public Affairs for Eastman Kodak
Company.
As a corporate officer, she had overall responsibility for corporate relations and public affairs worldwide. She also directed federal, state and international government relations while leading the company’s Washington, D.C. government affairs office. Additionally, Sandra has held several senior leadership positions at top-tier organizations such as ICI Americas Inc., the American branch of Imperial Chemical Industries Plc., a British-owned chemical corporation.
She also worked as a Foreign Service officer for the United States Department of State and as an attorney for Colorado’s third largest law firm, Gorsuch, Kirgis, Campbell, Walker and Grover.
As a corporate officer, she had overall responsibility for corporate relations and public affairs worldwide. She also directed federal, state and international government relations while leading the company’s Washington, D.C. government affairs office. Additionally, Sandra has held several senior leadership positions at top-tier organizations such as ICI Americas Inc., the American branch of Imperial Chemical Industries Plc., a British-owned chemical corporation.
She also worked as a Foreign Service officer for the United States Department of State and as an attorney for Colorado’s third largest law firm, Gorsuch, Kirgis, Campbell, Walker and Grover.
Herta
von Stiegel, Company Director, Camco
International, London, UK
Herta
von Stiegel is an international executive with a consistent track record of
building profitable, highly regulated businesses. During her 16 year career in
banking she specialized in Structured Finance and held senior positions at
Citibank and JP Morgan and worked most recently as a Managing Director for AIG
Financial Products, the financial services division of American International
Group Inc. A US
tax lawyer by training, Herta practiced law before becoming a banker and
specialized in international tax and mergers and acquisitions.
She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and New York and serves on the board of several corporations and not-for-profit organizations, including the Prince’s Trust where she chairs the Women’s Leadership Group and Camco International, a market leader in the development of carbon credits with major operations in China and Russia, as chair of the audit committee.
She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and the Committee of 200, where she serves as International Vice Chair – Membership. Born in Transylvania, Herta is bilingual (English and German) and proficient in Romanian.
She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and New York and serves on the board of several corporations and not-for-profit organizations, including the Prince’s Trust where she chairs the Women’s Leadership Group and Camco International, a market leader in the development of carbon credits with major operations in China and Russia, as chair of the audit committee.
She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and the Committee of 200, where she serves as International Vice Chair – Membership. Born in Transylvania, Herta is bilingual (English and German) and proficient in Romanian.
Claudia Walters, International Lawyer, New York, NY
Claudia
Walters is an international lawyer and consultant in mergers and acquisitions
for Latin America and Europe. Claudia is an
expert in tax immigration issues, international lending, franchising, corporate
and government contracts. She has been an advisor in Latin American external
debt.
A native of Argentina, Claudia is fluent in six languages. She holds a juris doctor, summa cum laude, and a PhD in International Law from the University of Buenos Aires. Claudia was also one of 10 to be selected as the Outstanding Young Argentinean by the National Chamber of Commerce.
She is an active member of the community with her involvement in such organizations as the ASPCA and The Silver Shield Foundation, which provides for the education of children of Firemen and Policemen killed in the line of duty.
A native of Argentina, Claudia is fluent in six languages. She holds a juris doctor, summa cum laude, and a PhD in International Law from the University of Buenos Aires. Claudia was also one of 10 to be selected as the Outstanding Young Argentinean by the National Chamber of Commerce.
She is an active member of the community with her involvement in such organizations as the ASPCA and The Silver Shield Foundation, which provides for the education of children of Firemen and Policemen killed in the line of duty.
Leigh Wasson, Managing Director, Global Market
Manager, Citigroup Private Bank, San
Francisco, CA
Leigh
Wasson joined Citigroup Private Bank in 2006 to manage the High Net Worth
business for Citigroup Private Bank in Northern
California. Leigh coordinates the team of bankers
and specialists focused on providing a solutions oriented approach to the wealth
management needs of high net worth individuals and families. These services
include investment management, trust and estate planning, philanthropic and art
advisory, credit, and capital markets.
Prior to Citigroup, Leigh spent 16 years with J.P. Morgan where she was
a Managing Director in the Private Bank and Institutional Investment Management
divisions and worked in New York, Australia and London. She is a member of the Women’s
Leadership Board of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Leigh is on the Advisory Board of the Stanford Social Innovation Review, the
signature publication of the Center for Social Innovation at the Stanford
Graduate School of Business. She is on the Advisory Board of The Women's
Technology Cluster, an organization that helps women owned companies receive
venture funding. Ms. Wasson is a member
of the San Francisco Opera Corporate Committee. She is an active supporter of
the Lucille Packard Foundation for Children’s Health in Palo Alto, CA,
and microfinance organizations such as The Global Fund For Women. Leigh has a
B.B.A. in Finance from the University
of Texas and an M.B.A from The Wharton
School at the University
of Pennsylvania.
She resides in Sausalito, CA and enjoys hiking, yoga, horseback riding
and sailing.
Kyung
H. Yoon, Vice Chairman, Heidrick &
Struggles International, Menlo Park,
CA
Kyung
Yoon serves as a bridge between the United States and Asia Pacific in
her current position with Heidrick & Struggles. Since joining the firm in 1994, Kyung has
been one of the key drivers in Heidrick & Struggles' Asia Pacific
expansion, with management responsibility for the Singapore,
Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei,
Shanghai and Seoul offices. Prior to joining Heidrick
& Struggles, Kyung was President of Benten Investments, Inc. Previously,
she was President of Pacific Union Asset Management and Vice President of
Dillingham Development Company. Kyung started her career with Banque National
de Paris. Recently elected President of
the Asia America MultiTechnology Association (AAMA) for 2006, Kyung also serves
on Harvard University's
John F. Kennedy School of Government Women's Leadership Board and Stanford University's SPRIE Greater China
Networks Project Advisory Board. She has
been featured on CNBC in "Managing Asia," "Working Women in Asia" and "SmartMoney Asia." Kyung has
also been featured in newspaper and magazine interviews in the Sunday Times,
The Business Times in Singapore,
Han Kook Il-Bo, Business Weekly in Korea,
South China Morning Post in Hong Kong and
Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
Dorothy Shore Zinberg
Lecturer in
Public Policy, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard
University, Cambridge, MA
Dorothy Shore Zinberg, a member of
the Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University’s
Kennedy School of Government, is a lecturer in Public Policy. Formerly a
biochemist at Harvard
Medical School,
Dorothy later received a Ph.D. in sociology at Harvard where she has continued
to teach and conduct research. She has written on S&T for many journals and
books; lectured internationally; served on NATO's S&T committee; and also
holds a position at University College London. She was a Chinese Academy
of Sciences visiting Scholar in 1986.
Photo used under Creative Commons from gfpeck
