My Professional Journey

Education

• A.B. in Political Science, University of Michigan
• M.S. in Library Science, Simmons College, Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences
• CPCC, The Coaches Training Institute
• Additional coursework through the Technical Writing and Communication Program of the University of California at Santa Cruz Extension

Library Life

I worked as a professional librarian for twelve years in a wide variety of organizations and companies:

• Enoch Pratt Free Library
• The White House and Executive Office of the President Information Center
• The Sugar Association
• The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
• E-Systems, Inc.
• SRI International

I have also had several temporary stints in some of the country's best public libraries in Montgomery County, MD; Redwood City, CA; and Palo Alto, CA.

The Shift

In 1990, I changed careers and became a technical writer and editor for The Dialog Corporation. When I was laid off from that job at the end of 1994, all I knew was that I wanted to continue writing in some way. Since a permanent, full-time job didn't come my way, I started doing some freelance technical writing in 1995.

Once I got a taste of working independently, I finally knew I was on the "right" track for me. I didn't know what was coming next, but I knew it was going to be a new adventure. With the support and encouragement of my outplacement counselor, my family, my friends, and, of course, my husband, I welcomed the challenge.

My life has become richer since that time. I've had a wide variety of opportunities that may not have been available to me in my previous professional career. I look forward to working with you as you achieve your life and business goals.

Honors

Because of my work, I was featured, along with other people who are working outside of the traditional 9-5 corporate environment, in an article entitled "You, Inc." in the October 28, 1996 issue of U.S. News & World Report.

You'll find an abridged version of "You, Inc." in the Special 75th Anniversary Issue of the Reader's Digest, published in July 1997.

In May 1997, I was chosen by Pacific Bell as one of six "Outstanding California Work at Home Professionals." in Northern California in recognition of the first annual "California Work at Home Day," May 7.

---

Other Service

CompassPoint Nonprofit Services
In the summer of 1996, while serving as a member of the Information Committee of the Nonprofit Development Center (NDC) in San Jose, CA, I was asked to serve as a Board member. In October 1998, NDC merged with the Support Center for Nonprofit Management in San Francisco.

With offices in San Francisco and San Jose, CompassPoint is a consulting and training organization with a regional focus and a national reach. Through consulting, workshops, publications, and special management programs, it seeks to help nonprofits utilize the best management tools and concepts to help them best serve their communities.

Women in Networking
If you're a woman who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and are interested in personal and professional networking with a dynamic group of women, you're invited to the monthly Women in Networking (WIN) - San Mateo meetings. For details, please . If you're interested in attending the WIN - Santa Clara group, write to excited3@aol.com.

East Palo Alto Sanitary District
I was elected to a four-year term as a board director for the East Palo Alto Sanitary District in November 1999. I currently serve as the board president. The district is responsible for the maintenance and upgrading of the area's 32 miles of collection pipes while ensuring that taxpayers are paying a fair price for sewer services.