Our Leaders
The Board of Directors at Woman Within Western USA collaboratively and strategically guide and lead the successful journey of our Woman Within Weekend, Circles, and other programs. Together they set and hold the vision, mission, and values of the organization and direct the operational delivery plan and policy. If you have comments or questions, please feel free to email them. Your input is appreciated.
Marie Bice
President
Marie is a mechanical engineer in the Los Angeles area. She has remained connected to Woman Within in various regions since 2006 and is a certified Woman Within Facilitator.
The President of Woman Within Western USA is the designated executive of the Corporation. She holds the organization’s vision, chairs the Board of Directors, and leads the organization.
Ania Mieszkowska
Vice President
An avid supporter of Woman Within for many years, Ania is delighted to serve on the board with so many strong, passionate women.
The Vice President is the Coordinator for the Woman Within Weekend and works closely with the President to support the organization. She supervises the tasks of the Supplies and Site Coordinators.
Beth Shipley
Treasurer
Beth lives in Northern California and is active in a Woman Within Circle in that area.
The Treasurer functions as the chief financial officer of the organization. It is her responsibility to keep the financial records up-to-date and accurate, and report the information when requested
Jasmine McDermott
Secretary
Jasmine is an entrepreneur who has been passionate about Woman Within since her Weekend in 2014. She recently moved to the San Francisco Bay area from San Luis Obispo.
The Secretary is the board member who is responsible for the oversight of the corporate recording of minutes, and the logistics of the monthly phone conference meeting. She is also responsible for limited general correspondence such as thank you notes.
Joanna Klein Stanfield
Director of Circles
Joanna is encouraging authentic, loving and inspiring connection for women through Woman Within Circles. She is also a 2016 Rose Award recipient and frequently leads Circle Trainings.
The Director of Circles serves as a resource for Woman Within Circles throughout the region by providing information, consultation, and counsel.
Ann DiLoreto
Director of Communications
Originally from California and now living in Maui, Hawaii, Ann is active in both Western and Hawaii Woman Within.
The Director of Communications is the Board member with responsibility for both the internal and external activities that communicate the organization’s mission, vision, and activities to others. She supervises activities of the Merchandise Coordinator and the Website Coordinator.
Veda Kaplan
Director of Development
Veda did her weekend four years ago in Santa Barbara and has been staffing every chance possible since. She’s interested in working on the Team Leadership Track
The Director of Development raises the fund vital to the growth of Woman Within in our Region and makes it possible for women with financial need to attend our Programs.
Marilyn Dugan
Director of Programs
Marilyn has been active in Woman Within since her weekend in 2008, a transformating experience that continues to this day. Marilyn resides in Vallejo, California.
The Director of Programming cultivates opportunities region-wide for women to continue their personal growth and sense of connection. She is responsible for coordinating community events, Staff Training, Facilitation Training, and is the liaison with Woman Within International for all additional Woman Within Programs.
Debra Spencer
Registrar
Debra has a great passion for Woman Within and been involved since 2005. Originally from Chicago, Debra lives in the San Diego area with her family and is the Western USA Community Contact for the San Diego area.
The Registrar is the main contact for participants and is responsible for all aspects of Weekend registration, from payment and records to questions before and after each Weekend.
Michelle Haglund Reilly
Registrar
Michelle is an artist living in San Diego and went through the Woman Within Weekend in 2005. She feels honored to be on this path with so many amazing women.
The Registrar is the main contact for participants and is responsible for all aspects of Weekend registration, from payment and records to questions before and after each Weekend.
Gail Battaglia
Site Coordinator
Active in Woman Within for many years, Gail lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her family.
The Site Coordinator helps our Team Leaders, Registrar, Staff Coordinator, and VP plan the use of our Weekend sites’ facilities. She help organizes delivery of supplies and plans menus including special diets.
Susan Stokes
Staff Coordinator
Though originally from England, Susan has called San Diego her home for many years. Active in Woman Within since 2007, she believes passionately in our organization.
The Staff Coordinator connects with women around the world who apply to staff a Woman Within Weekend in Western USA. She is responsible for staff registration, communication for staff members, and all associated paperwork.
Leyna Bookin
Merchandise Coordinator
Leyna is from Chico, California and is a 2015 graduate of Woman Within. She works as an accounting manager in the Bay Area and enjoys gardening and tending her farm animals.
The Merchandise Coordinator selects, manages, and coordinates the sale of logo-wear and merchandise at our Woman Within Weekends to help fund Scholarships for women with financial need.
Marilyn Watts
Circle Training Manager
Marilyn’s has a passion for helping women and strong organizational, time management, and analytical skills. She has worked with educators, administrators, and support staff.
As Circle Training Manager, she is responsible for logistics, budgeting, and scholarship requests for all Circle Training Workshops.
