Candidate resumes immediately follow their video.
SNR Region Governor-Elect
Name: Tracey Edwards Club: SI Elk Grove
Name of Company & Position: Co-Founder of T&J Enterprises, Virtual Assistance. Cybertary Elk Grove, Virtual Assistant
International & Federation experience: I attended the SIA Conference in Florida in 2016 and plan on attending in Bellevue, Washington. In my personal travels, I have met with Soroptimist members in Huntsville, Alabama; Kihei, Maui; Mdina, Malta; Pretoria, South Africa, and London, England. We discussed membership recruitment and retention, local projects and fundraising. These opportunities helped me realize that clubs throughout the world struggle with membership recruitment but have unique ideas on how to raise funds. Sharing experiences is enlightening. I plan to continue to meet members around the world.
Region & District experience: 2018-2020 served as District 3 Director. Served on SNR Live Your Dream Award Committee. 2015-2017 attended SNR SDR as Club President. 2014-2018 served as SNR E-Blast Queen. I have attended most SNR Conferences since joining in 2013.
Club experience: I joined SI Elk Grove in 2013 and jumped right in! I have served my club as Newsletter Editor, President-Elect and was President for 2 years. I have co-chaired 4 of the 5 Martinis & Merriment fundraisers. For the 4th year, I am the Team Captain for the Big Day of Giving (24-Hours of fundraising in May). We raised over $7000, so far. I was the Live Your Dream chair in 2018-2019. I have facilitated Session 1 Dream It, Be It for 4 years and am photographer/videographer. 2017-2020 Public Relations Co-Chair; in the past 7 years our club has earned a fair number of Five Star awards. These activities have helped raise awareness in our community, which has brought us new members.
Education: Associate of Sciences Degree, Computer Information Technology, Pensacola Junior College.
Other experiences: Facebook Admin for multiple non-profits in my community. I was a licensed Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker from 2005-2013. I worked for the Department of Fish and Game as a Supervising Training Officer. Prior to that I was an Analyst in the Office of Spill Prevention and Response. I drafted regulations, held hearings and meetings with a variety of constituents and companies we regulated, as well as responded to comments. With my experiences and Governor Sarah’s mentoring, I look forwarding to serving you with enthusiasm and joy!
SNR Region Governor-Elect
Name: Lisa Fitzgerald
Club: SI Bidwell Rancho
Name of Company & Position: Big Chico Creek Resources, Owner
International & Federation experience: Attended the 2010 SIA Convention in San Francisco; received SIA Leadership certificate.
Region & District experience: 2018-20 District 1 Director, 2019-20 Annual Conference and SDR Marketplace Coordinator, 2017 Strategic Planning Committee Coordinator. As a member, District Director and Region Committee Coordinator attended many District Meetings, Annual Conferences and SDRs. Facilitated SNR’s Carr and Camp Fire Relief/Recovery efforts.
Club experience: 1973 Oakdale High School’s S-Club President, joined SI Chico 1982-83, rejoining 1996. Elected to almost all offices, and often served as a Committee Chair. 2016 joined SI Bidwell Rancho and have served as Club Secretary.
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American Studies; Minor in Spanish and a 4.0 post graduate, earning a Life Community College Teaching Credential in Food Service and Related Technologies, both from CSU, Chico.
Other experiences: Owner of a business providing Marketing, Advertising & Event Planning services, primarily to local nonprofits, such as CA Nut Festival, Concours d’Elegance, Patrick Ranch Museum and North State Symphony, as well as consulting services as a Workflow Analyst. 15 years was Marketing/Sponsorship Director for a radio group with 5 stations/formats in 2 languages. Community College Instructor, as well as Moderator/Lecturer at UC Berkeley Extension’s SF campus. Served on numerous boards of directors for nonprofits, and scholarship committees for large businesses such as Walmart. 10 years was a Restaurant Consultant, opening of “turn-key” restaurants.
SNR Region Secretary
Name: Sarah Lee
Club: SI Sacramento
Name of Company & Position: Guild Mortgage Company, Mortgage Loan Originator & Sales Manager
International & Federation experience: Planning to attend CSW (Commission on the Status of Women) in 2020. Local Arrangements Program Chair for the SI 100th Anniversary Celebration. Attended the SIA Biennial Conference in Yokahama, Japan in 2018 as a Delegate. Plan to attend the SIA Biennial Conference in Bellevue, Washington in 2020.
Region & District experience: I have attended most SNR Conferences and Development Retreats since joining Soroptimist International in 2015, representing SI Sacramento twice as a Delegate. I was a 2019 SNR Development Retreat Workshop Co-Presenter. I have served on the SNR Nominating Committee. I have been a consistent sponsor of the SNR Conferences. I have attended three District meetings since joining in 2015 and attended the Charter and Installation Dinner in 2019 of our Region’s newest club, SI South Yuba.
Club experience: I have served our Club on the Board as President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President and Corresponding Secretary. I have chaired the Live Your Dream Committee for three years, the International & Goodwill Committee and the Program Committee. I have served, at one time or another, on most of our club’s other committees and I have been a facilitator for multiple Dream It Be It sessions. I am an active participant in all Club Fundraising and an enthusiastic supporter of building deeper friendships within our club through our Club Social Events.
Education: Studied Music at California State University, Fresno
Other experience: I hold an NMLS license as a Mortgage Loan Originator. I have been a Loan Originator for seventeen years and a sales manager for five of those years. In 2018, I was nominated by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a Woman of the Year Candidate and with my team of twelve, raised $59,000 for cancer research in the span of 8 weeks.
On a final note, I would like to share my passion for issues impacting women and girls. In every area of my life, I strive to find opportunities to improve the lives of women and girls and educate others on the importance of a society where women enjoy equality. When I was introduced to Soroptimist International in 2015, I knew I had finally found my tribe. I will use every platform and resource at my disposal to continue to promote the Soroptimist ideals, which are so aligned with my own.
SNR Region Treasurer
Name: Sheron Box
Club: SI of Bidwell Rancho Chico
Name of Company & Position: Owner of Sheron Box CPA and Associates
International & Federation experience: Attended the 2010 Soroptimist International of the America’s Biennial Convention in San Francisco.
Region & District experience:
2018-2020 SNR Treasurer.
2012-2014 SNR Finance Chairman.
I have attended most of the SNR Conferences since becoming a member; also attended several SNR COTRs and SDRs as a member and presented two treasurer’s workshops. Previously, I worked with Region Treasurers Vicki and Gina and helped out various chairmen at conference when needed.
Club experience:
I have been a member of Bidwell Rancho Chico for 25 years and helped grow our club from 8 to 28. I have served my Club as President for a two year term, Treasurer for several years, and Director for 6 years. I have served on the Board of Directors for most of my years as a Soroptimist and have chaired our main fundraiser the Soroptimist MicroBrew Fest.
Education:
I returned to college after 25 years of raising children and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an option in Accounting from California State University of Chico and my CPA license from the State of California.
Other experience:
I purchased a CPA firm in 2018. This was the firm I had worked in for 30 years. We process all types of tax returns and financial data. My skills are strong in tax law, accounting and budgeting. I am a member of the AICPA, and the Cal Society of CPAs and a prior member of the Institute of Management Accountants and served as an officer of the local chapter. I served for 10 years as Treasurer of the Girl Scouts of Northern Ca Service Unit in Chico. I have had 15 years of experience using QuickBooks. And, equally as important to me, I am a mother of 3, grandmother of 7 and great grandmother of one beautiful little girl.
District 1 Candidate
Name: Kerri Cobb
Club Name: SI Susanville
Name of Company & Position: Mortgage Loan Originator, Axia Home Loans, Susanville
International & Federation experience: Attended the Soroptimist International Convention in San Francisco 2010 as our club President.
Utilization of the Federation Web Site to educate and manage the Susanville club.
Region & District experience: Region Chair for the Violet Richardson Award, District Meeting Host and Attendee since joining in 2007.
Club experience: Vice President Soroptimist International of Susanville 2007-2008
President Soroptimist International of Susanville 2009-2010 and 2013-2014
Parliamentarian Soroptimist International of Susanville 2018-2020
S Club Advisor, Margarita Fest Chair, Girls & Teen Self Esteem Chair, Career Fair Chair
Live Your Dream Award Chair, Violet Richardson Award Chair, Ruby Award Chair
Education: Lassen High School Graduate 1989, Some Community College 1989-1991
Other experience: Retail Management, Business Bookkeeping, US Bank Management 16 years, Mortgage Loan Originator Axia Home Loans, Lassen County Chamber of Commerce Board Member 4 years, 2018 Candidate for Lassen County Supervisor, Lassen County Fire Safe Council Board Member
District 1 Candidate
Name: Julie A. Curl
Club: SI Red Bluff
Name of Company & Position: Tri Counties Bank, Vice President Branch Manager
International & Federation experience: Attended SIA Conference in Florida in 2016
Currently Federation Fundraising Chair for the Sierra Nevada Region
Region & District experience: District 1 Nominating Committee, have attended SNR Conferences since 2016. Attended and participated in Fall District meetings for the past 2 years.
Club experience: I joined SI Chico in 2012 and during my time in the Chico club I served on each committee in some way or another. I service SI Chico as President and President Elect. Due to a job change in 2018 I transferred from SI Chico to SI Red Bluff.
Education: Associates of Arts Degree in Fashion Merchandising
Other experience: I have always been a volunteer person, starting with Rainbow Girls from the age of 12 until 18, then to Rotary, Kiwanis’s and Exchange Club until I found my forever home in Soroptimist. I have sat on various business boards and have held key positions on those boards. I have also been my class reunion co-chair for my 30th and 35th reunion and am currently in the midst of planning the 40th.
District 2 Candidate
Name: Gale J. Pylman
Club: SI Grass Valley
Name of Company & Position: Hidden Valley RV Rentals – Co-Owner , Angels & Alchemy – Co-Owner
International & Federation experience:
Traveled to Friendship Clubs in Germany (1996) and both Germany and Austria (2005). Presented a fundraising idea used by Historic Auburn to newly-chartered club in Austria. Very successful for them!
Attended SIA Conventions: 2000, 2002, 2012
Region & District experience: SDR (COTR) Registration Committee Chair, SDR (COTR) Presenter on SOLT
Newsletter Award Committee, Attended many Conferences
Club experience: Joined 1993 Member of SI Auburn
1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Delegate, Service and Fundraising Committees, Member of SI Historic Auburn, Delegate, Service and Fundraising Committees
Member of SI Grass Valley, President 2011-12, President-Elect 2010-11, Service, Technical and Fundraising Committees, Currently I serve on Grant Funding Committee, SOLT, and Community Outreach
Education: B.S.: Ornamental Horticulture, CSU, Chico, 1983, A.A.: General Agriculture, Butte Community College, 1981
Other experience:
I started my path of community service at the age of 13, joining the Int’l Order of Rainbow for Girls in Weaverville; appointed as a State Officer in 1979-80. After college, I moved to Woodland, and served on the adult advisory board for 5 years. In 1995 I was the Chair of the Mandarin Festival, in Newcastle. Through a large public relations campaign, my team and I were able to bring over 15,000 people to the event, the largest crowd up to that time. 2014 saw me talked into running in the M3 Pageant, where I became Ambassador and won the Miss Congeniality award. This opened more doors into community service and several radio interviews and FaceBook videos. I joined Toastmasters International in 2010, and currently am the Treasurer of Timberline Toastmasters Club. In 2011, I was Co-Director of Area 64 (Nevada County clubs), and was again elected in 2019 to be the Director. The duties include; training at local clubs, chairing speech contests, and liaison between District 39 and my local clubs. I have also held the club offices of: President, VP Education, VP Membership, VP Public Relations.
District 2 Candidate
Name: Emily Ziser
Club: SI Davis
Name of Company & Position: UC Davis, Training and Marketing Specialist
International & Federation experience: Attended the SI Convention in Malaysia.
Attended the SIA Convention in Japan and I will be attending this summer’s SIA Convention in Bellevue, Washington.
Region & District experience: Attended all SNR conferences, including SDR, since becoming a member. I have also attended all District meetings as President and President-Elect of my club.
Club experience: President, President-Elect and Secretary. Membership Committee Chair, Dream Awards Night Chair and have served on numerous committees as a member.
Education: Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Sacramento State College. Bachelor of Arts in Evolutionary Anthropology, University of California, Davis. Currently in UC People Management certificate program.
Other experience: I have traveled extensively and lived abroad. I love being exposed to different cultures and learning how Soroptimists support women and girls in their own regions. My varied personal and professional background provides me a unique set of skills for communicating effectively. From designing and implementing a wide array of marketing materials, to teaching diverse students, I under-stand the importance of knowing your audience. As a District Director I will be dedicated in supporting and motivating clubs to be their best.
District 3 Candidate
Name: Idelle Claypool
Club: SI Sacramento
Name of Company & Position: Lyon Real Estate, Realtor
International & Federation experience: None
Region & District experience: I have attended many District meetings. My first experience at the Regional level was the SNR Development Retreat in 2014. Since then I have attended most Conferences and Development Retreats and have served as a Delegate and a Teller. I have enthusiastically encouraged Club participation at Regional events and promoted Regional projects and direction.
I attended the chartering and installation dinner of the newest SNR club SI South Yuba and it was at that event that I decided to commit to being a candidate for District Director. The excitement for the Soroptimist mission from this club and all of the other clubs in attendance was infectious. I would like to work with other clubs in our District so we can all share our passion and ideas and make connections because of our common goal.
Club experience: I joined SI Sacramento in 2010 and have served as President, 1st Vice President, Recording Secretary, Parliamentarian and Board Member. I have Co-Chaired our See’s Fundraiser since 2015. I have Chaired or Co-Chaired the following committees one or more times: Attendance & Hospitality, Finance, Program, Project Selection and Scholarship. I participate in all fund-raisers, have lead DIBI sessions, regularly attend meetings and have recruited many new members.
Education: BS in Business, CSU Chico
Other Experience: Realtor for 29 years, CPA license 1987
District 4 Candidate
Name: Connie Pool
Club: SI of Lincoln
Name of Company & Position: RobbJack Corporation, title: Vice President of Finance
International & Federation experience: None
Region & District experience: 2019-2020 Celebrating Success Chair, have attended several conferences and development retreats. Was on SI Lincoln’s Charter Committee to help establish the new SI South Yuba club. Have attended all District Meetings since I’ve been a member.
Club experience: Joined Soroptimist in 2012 and was delegate my first year. I have also served as Recording Secretary and Club President. I have chaired several fund-raising committees, our awards committee, and actively serve on several planning committees each year.
Education: BA degree in Accounting from Golden Gate University.
Other experience: Have had several life experiences that have helped me develop business and personal skills including planning a community walk-a-thon for multiple sclerosis. As vice president of my company I have been involved in community events and have helped develop an ownership communications committee for my company that is 100% employee owned. I have helped fellow employees grow by serving with them on the committee and helping them develop business knowledge. I have volunteered to help make the SIA 100 Year celebration.
District 5 Candidate
Name: Roberta Benvenuto
Club: SI South Lake Tahoe, CA
Name of Company & Position: Practice Administrator for Kevin J. Cassidy. DDS
International & Federation experience: SI Istanbul 2015
SIA Conference-Orlando 2016
SI Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2019
Club experience: I have been an active member since 1988. I have served as Corresponding Secretary, Vice President, President Elect, President, and Past President. I have served on our big fundraiser, An Evening of Food and Wine for over 30 years, as well as part of our scholarship committee.
Education: I graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, as a Dental assistant. I have been in the field of Dentistry my entire adult life. Not too many people look forward to seeing their dentist, but I make it a fun experience for them! They even are happy to pay me with their new beautiful smiles!
I love being part of this International organization and hope you will trust me with representing District 5!
District 5 Candidate
Name: Susan Horst
Club: SI Truckee-Donner
Name of Company & Position: Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus, Artistic Director and Conductor
Truckee Tahoe Youth Chorus, Conductor
Tahoe Regional Arts Foundation, Ambassador
International & Federation experience: Commission of the Status of Women, United Nations attendee 2017. SIA Conventions, Vancouver and Orlando attendee
Region & District experience: SNR Endowment Fund Coordinator 2018-20
SNR Conferences and District Meeting Attendee, dozens
District 5 Fall Meeting, 2017, presenter
District 5 Fall Meeting, 2019, coordinator
Club experience: Member of SI Truckee-Donner since 2007 SITD Past President 2017-18; SITD Board of Directors, seven years
Designed our Celebrating the Best for Women Awards Banquet. Currently coordinator of our annual wine tasting fundraiser and restaurant faire.
Spearheaded our trafficking poster project
Held most club positions excepting treasurer
Education: 1976 Western State College, Gunnison, CO
Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Instrumental Music Education
2005 University of Nevada, Reno, NV
Master of Music, Choral Conducting
Other experience: I am a third generation Alaskan and came to California in 2002 to let my children pursue their dream of competitive ski racing. Sadly, my husband died very unexpectedly in 2003. In Alaska I was involved in music education, assisted my late in operating our remote fishing lodge and run a successful construction company. For sanity and diversion after my husband’s death, I earned my graduate degree which ultimately opened the door for me to teach at Sierra College. Once I decided to make Truckee home, I looked for volunteer opportunities and elected to join Soroptimist. I have had absolutely no regrets being part of an organization with a beautiful mission, resourceful and fun members and a collective impact touching the lives of women and girls worldwide.
District 6 Candidate
Name: Stacey Yurmanovic-Sawyer
Club: SI Metropolitan Las Vegas
Name of Company & Position: Customer Success Manager, N.R.T. Technology, Offer Craft Division. Also work as an Emcee/Host for Music BINGO and Pub Trivia with Ultimate Trivia Las Vegas at various locations in Las Vegas and Henderson Nevada.
International & Federation experience: None
Region & District experience: SNR District III Director before re-alignment. Took over District III Director duties in Feb 2010 to 2014. Chair/Host for District III Fall Meeting Oct. 2009 as Club President. SNR SOLT (Soroptimist Orientation Leadership Training) Coordinator from 2017-2018. SNR Weekly E-Blast Coordinator from 2011 to 2013. I have attended several SNR Conferences and Soroptimist Development Retreats (formally COTR) since 1995 as club officer, member and SNR board member. 2017 SNR Conference Lip Sync Battle MC. Currently serving as the District 6 Director for the 2018-2020 biennium.
Club experience: Joined SI Elko in 1995. Have served as Secretary, Treasurer, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Delegate as well as Club President for two terms. Chair for various projects such as SI Elko’s Wine Tasting Event, Cowboy Poetry Concessions Event, Saturday of Service Project and BUNCO for Boobs Fundraiser. After relocating to Southern Nevada transferred membership to SI Metropolitan Las Vegas in 2016 – as an active member and have participated in several club project or events since moving back home to Las Vegas. Club Projects include: Teddy Bear Breakfast, Women Veterans Breakfast/Christmas, Club BUNCO, Boos Bags & Bubbly Event and the Southern Nevada Live Your Dream Awards Luncheon.
Education: Born and raised in Las Vegas Nevada attended UNLV and Southern Nevada Community College before moving to Elko NV and attended Great Basin College. Currently on-going courses in Voice Acting in Las Vegas, NV.
Other experience: Past President of the Nevada State Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce). Past President of C.A.D.V – the Committee Against Domestic Violence serving Northeastern Nevada. Past Board member of Elko Area Chamber of Commerce as well as the Silver Stage Players Community Theatre Company. Past member of Elko Lions Club and Elko Rotary Club. Participated in the Las Vegas production of the Vagina Monologs in 2017. MC for Break These Chains Event/Flash Mob January 2017 and most recently I have taken on admin duties with several social media pages with my hobby and addiction to for various planners.
