PR O F ES S I O N A L WO M EN ’ S A S S O C I A TION

Newsletter Volume 11 Number 3 Summer 2004

SPECIAL EDITION

Unsung Heroines
A principal goal of the Professional Women’s Association
is to develop awareness throughout the campus community
of the contributions of women to the mission of UCSB.
With this goal in mind, for the sixth year, the PWA asked
for nominations of women who might not make headlines
but consistently make our campus a better place. We
received nominations from a broad cross-section of campus,
highlighting women working in many different capacities.
Some toil quietly behind the scenes, and others are widely
known. All share a firm commitment to the mission of the
University of California. Many volunteer outside their
departments; all pour their energies into their jobs and are
enthusiastic advocates for their constituents.
It gives us great pleasure to celebrate these unsung
heroines on our campus. Each woman was recognized at our
seventh annual conference on April 28, “Breaking Barriers:
The Many Faces of Women.” We would like to extend their
recognition to the entire campus by profiling each of them
in this special edition of the PWA newsletter. We hope you
enjoy reading these brief profiles of your colleagues and
appreciate the contributions they make to the campus and
community.

BELINDA BRAUNSTEIN
UCSB EXTENDED LEARNING SERVICES
Belinda Braunstein has been an instructor with
UCSB Extension’s English Language Program
for the past seven years. In the past two years,
she has served as the faculty’s lead teacher.
She is also a UCSB graduate with a major
in Slavic Languages and Literatures, with
an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of
Other Languages from the Monterey Institute
of International Studies. After receiving her
graduate degree, Belinda taught English as a
foreign language in Mexico for three years. A
native of West LA, she cannot imagine living
anywhere other than Santa Barbara, although
Belinda chose her profession based on a love
of traveling around the world and learning
languages and cultures of the countries she
visits. At the moment, Belinda is conversant in
both Spanish and Russian.
An outstanding classroom instructor, Belinda
consistently receives outstanding evaluations
from her students. She is an imaginative,
creative, and sensitive instructor who is
always willing to go the extra mile to ensure
that the international students feel secure and
comfortable and satisfied in and out of class,
and that they are pushing themselves to realize
their goals.
Upbeat, diplomatic, sensitive and charming
When asked about her passion, Belinda is most
enthusiastic about teaching. She describes
the moment when a light bulb goes on over
a student’s head as the magical moment of
sudden understanding that makes her work
most worthwhile. This in turn makes her feel
as though she makes a difference.
As lead teacher, Belinda has taken
on a bewildering host of additional
responsibilities. These include supervising
the English Language Program curriculum,
coordinating a conversation partner program
for the international students, organizing
extracurricular activities, and setting up and
administering UCSB Extension’s international
student information Web site. Over the past
two years, during a period of two major moves,
Belinda has also supervised the reorganization
of the ELP classroom space, the ELP faculty’s
facilities, and the ELP computer laboratory.
She teaches computer-assisted language
learning to both international and Extension
students.
In her spare time, Belinda enjoys cooking and
practicing the martial arts form of Aikido,
which she began studying in 1996 in Mexico
and now takes through the UCSB Recreation
Center. She refers to herself as a bit of a
computer geek since she enjoys everything
related to computers and electronics.
Belinda Braunstein’s work has been invaluable
to UCSB Extension, not least because she
is able to combine her extraordinary energy
and commitment with a personality that is
invariably upbeat, diplomatic, sensitive and
charming. She is a true pleasure to work with,
and very much an unsung heroine.
 TRACEÉ CUNNINGHAM
EDUCATION ABROAD PROGAM
Traceé Cunningham, a proud 1996 alumna, was
hired as a Regional Academic Advisor in the
UCSB Campus Office of the Education Abroad
Program (EAP) in September 2000. She studied
in Thailand while she was in high school, then
earned her BA at UCSB and her MA at San Jose
State University. At EAP, Traceé oversees the
application, selection, and preparation processes
for students aspiring to study in Barbados, Brazil,
Denmark, Egypt, Ghana, India, Ireland, South
Africa, Sweden, Thailand and most of the United
Kingdom programs. She has the highest student
caseload of any advisor in the office, but she never
complains. She’s organized, careful, and always
plans ahead. Traceé is a “people person” and is
justifiably proud of the rapport she has established
with a team of UCSB faculty members who
help her year after year with student selection
interviews.
Traceé’s generosity isn’t limited to the office. It is
Traceé who will stop her busy workday to help a
former student with the job application process.
One student in particular stated that not only did
Traceé “help with the résumé, cover letter, and
interview strategies, but she helped provide the
confidence I needed to believe that I was the right
candidate for the job. Now I can proudly say that,
like Traceé Cunningham, I too am a staff member
of EAP. If it weren’t for Traceé’s contagious love
of helping students like me, I would not have had
as strong of a desire to also help students going
abroad.”
Another opportunity where Traceé shares that
“you can do it” attitude is teaching for the Educa-
tional Opportunity Program’s STEP, a summer
bridge program for freshmen. Her experience,
optimism, and achievement coaching really work
their magic in helping encourage the next genera-
tion — a number of her former students have gone
on to study abroad. This shows her success in
welcoming, mentoring and preparing students to
expand their academic experience.
Traceé is an active member — and now co-chair
— of the Office of Academic Program’s Diversity
Committee. According to Carol Parsons, execu-
tive assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor of
Academic Programs, “In her capacity as co-chair,
Traceé has encouraged committee members to
work together to plan programs on a variety of
topics centered around educating our employees
about diversity. Traceé’s personal style is part
of her success in this role; she is approachable
and fair, open to different views, and an enthu-
siastic team member. This committee is itself an
‘unsung’ aspect of our program. Serving six units
(Education Abroad, Extended Learning Services,
Instructional Computing, Instructional Resources,
Office of Instructional Consultation, and Summer
Sessions), the Diversity Committee’s events are
the one place where all of these very different
units come together. I commend Traceé for accept-
ing the responsibility and applaud her efforts
to bring exciting, challenging, and educational
programs and discussions to the employees in our
division.”
2
SANDY CAMP
DEVELOPMENT
Sandy has served the University for over 25
years and has never received an award. She
definitely deserves one for the outstanding
job she has done over the years in a variety of
offices.
She began her work on campus in the
psychology department as a part-time
employee when her two sons, Matthew
and Justin, were small. She then worked
at Mathematics and Art Studio before the
Development Office. Sandy has worn many
hats in the Development Office in the 12 years
she has been here and she has worked in every
area, including commencement events. She is
now an assistant to Associate Vice Chancellor,
Gary Greinke. In addition to her many other
duties as Development Assistant, she schedules
and un-schedules appointments all day long
A “can do” attitude full of generosity and always meets the deadlines!
Traceé’s co-chair, Tony Mastres of Instructional
Sandy is always happy to assist other people
Resources, adds, “The thing that stands out most
in the office and outside the office as well. Her
about Traceé is her wonderful attitude. She
dedication to the University goes far beyond
always approaches things with a positive ‘can-do’
the call of duty. She enjoys working with a
demeanor that’s uplifting and inspirational to
wide variety of people and the fast pace. Her
others. The Diversity Committee is a volunteer
advice to other employees is to learn as much
group, and although it’s a labor of love, it’s not
as you can while you are at the University.
always easy to get properly motivated when
projects come around. Traceé, however, never When Sandy is not working in the office, you
has this problem and her wonderful personality might find her at night class getting a certificate
gives us all the inspiration we need and infuses the in Accounting at UCSB Extension, riding on
more mundane aspects of planning and coordinat- the back of her fiancé Terry’s Harley, or reading
ing with a sense of purpose and meaning (not to mystery novels. She also loves to vacation in
mention fun) that makes it all much easier to take Cabo San Lucas each year. Rearing her two
on.” sons has been her greatest joy and she spends
time with them whenever they are in town.
Traceé lights up the room with her smile, and
her genuine warmth conveys sincerity and a true Sandy is one of the founding organizers of
desire to listen and assist. Her nominator writes, the Santa Barbara Toys for Tots Motorcycle
“In a challenging year that has had numerous Run which delivers truck loads of toys and
transitions, Traceé has been a resilient ‘ray of thousands of dollars to the Christmas Unity
sunshine’ for all of us at the EAP Campus Office.” Shop each year.
One of Traceé’s biggest pleasures at work is
advising students. She says, “I am in the right
job, helping them succeed and go through these
amazing experiences. The rewards are huge. I see
them go through changes, mature and develop
a stronger sense of self. That gives me joy.” A
highlight for Traceé is working for her alma mater
and doing community building and diversity
awareness work on campus. She enjoys the
variety of her job, which allows her to work with
students, faculty and staff.
Traceé is passionate about getting the most out of
life and giving back to others. She is passionate
about the simple things in life, such as her partner-
ship with her husband, socializing with friends,
taking care of herself through fitness and travel
and having a new home in Buellton. Typically, she
never complains about the 30-minute commute
each way to and from UCSB, but describes it as
an opportunity to gather her thoughts for the day.
The simplicity and beauty of her life and career
work together. “I enjoy my job. I feel like I am
giving. It is like medicine. My life is complete
A person of many hats
— it is what I am supposed to do.”
 CHERYL DENT
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
Cheryl Dent’s calming influence permeates
the Office of the Chancellor and soothes the
frequent emotional situations that develop there.
She has the daunting task of keeping abreast of
the issues and people important to Chancellor
Henry Yang. Her nominator states, “Cheryl has
the impossible job of making sure everything
goes smoothly for the chancellor and in the
chancellor’s office.” It is evident that she does
just that with extraordinary grace and skill. She
has worked in the Chancellor’s office since
she relocated to Santa Barbara from the San
Fernando Valley in 1996, and has been in her
current position as management services officer
for the last two years.
Cheryl was born and raised in Iowa. Her
parents were supportive of her and her dreams,
encouraging her to move beyond the familiar
and take on challenges. She moved to Los
Angeles as a single parent with three young
children and worked as an executive assistant
for several companies. In addition to that career,
she has pursued several home-based enterprises:
selling home interiors, gift items, and cosmetics.
She later became a certified image consultant
and worked with many women in her church.
She has always enjoyed helping women feel
good about themselves and finds satisfaction
in building strong one-on-one relationships.
Honing her people skills in these prior positions
has enabled her to be so successful in her current
position.
CYNTHIA ELLESTAD
UCSB BOOKSTORE
It’s evident when you meet Cynthia Ellestad that she
knows how to take care of people. From her previous
career as a nurse to her current job as textbook coordinator
at the UCSB Bookstore, Cynthia goes above and beyond
to help others.
On a weekly— if not daily — basis, she works with
academic department staff making sure that the correct
textbooks for hundreds of classes are here when they’re
needed each quarter. She has a terrific staff of three full-
time workers and an additional 6-10 student employees
to assist in making sure that happens. Cynthia finds joy
in working with and around students, knowing that what
she does is important to their success in school. She takes
pleasure in being a part of her students’ lives, watching
them grow as students and people. Due to the intellectually
stimulating environment in the bookstore, there’s always
an interesting conversation going on outside Cynthia’s
door about politics, personal concerns, or other topical
issues.
Cynthia is an avid reader; so working in a bookstore
provides extra benefits. She has access not only to clas-
sic literature, but also to what is brand-new in the market
on almost every subject. Cynthia is inspired by the books
that are ordered for classes and makes sure she finds time
in her busy schedule to read those that catch her eye. She
has even audited English classes so that she can take part
in the discussions of books that interest her.
Cynthia starts most workdays by riding her bicycle to
Takes quiet pride in her accomplishments
Cheryl takes quiet pride in her accomplishments
in the chancellor’s office. She reviews his
e-mail and regular mail, researches information,
and is generally one or two steps ahead of the
chancellor’s next appointment. She especially
enjoys the broad perspective of campus issues
that she gains in her work. Since she took over
the position of management services officer, she
has enjoyed teaching and coaching a relatively
new staff. She acknowledges a debt of gratitude
to her mentors, John Tucker, previous executive
Tremendous knowledge and
ability to help others
assistant to the chancellor; Ann Sonstelie and
Susan Cochran, both of whom formerly held
Cheryl's position; and Martie Levy, director
of capital development. Her satisfaction
comes from knowing she has done her best
in supporting the chancellor while creating a
welcome and safe environment for people who
come to the office.
Cheryl is a devoted mother and grandmother
(three young grandchildren), and family
consumes much of her time outside the office.
She frequently uses her commute to and from
Santa Ynez to keep in communication with her
family via cell phone. Her nominator explained
that “when both her daughter and daughter’s
husband were serving in Iraq, Cheryl took
over caring for their young daughter.” Cheryl
confessed this even entailed night feedings as
her granddaughter was only six months old at
the time. Her home is her retreat, and she and
her husband recently finished remodeling their
kitchen, where she loves to spend time trying
new recipes. She is quite content to spend an
evening at home with her husband, watching a
video and eating popcorn.
PWA heartily agrees with her nominator’s
statement: “In every way possible Cheryl is an
Unsung Heroine. I am sure when you interview
her you will find even more reasons why she
deserves this recognition.”
work, a 10-mile trip from her downtown home. She ad-
mits that at times she’ll drive her car, but usually just on
the days she attends adult education courses at the Wake
Center. For the last year and a half she’s been taking a
woodshop class and loves every minute of it. She’s made
items that tie into her other hobbies: a wall cabinet for
her sewing supplies and a rack for rakes and shovels. In
the four years since she has moved into her house, the
yard has gone from barren to beautiful, and her interest
in gardening just keeps growing.
Her friends and co-workers know that basketball season
brings a special spark to Cynthia’s eyes. She’s an avid fan
of the UCSB women’s basketball team and has shared
that love with her co-workers. They’ve set up a special
display, signed by the players, commemorating the team’s
first-ever trip to the Sweet 16.
With all of the personal and professional goals that
Cynthia has achieved, she believes the highlight of her
“career” is being a mom. Her daughter will earn her degree
this year from Cal Poly. They enjoy the time they can
spend together, be it on bicycle treks to Ojai, or cheering
at a basketball game for their respective teams.
Cynthia is a wonderful example of an unsung heroine.
Her tremendous knowledge and ability to help others
in a very efficient way makes the textbook-ordering
process for academic department staff run smoothly.
Her hard work has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
Congratulations, Cynthia.
3
 ESTHER GONZALEZ
HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Esther Gonzalez’s grandmother taught her
the importance of life-long learning. As office
manager at Ortega Dining Commons, Esther
takes that belief and passes it on to others. She is
a role model who stresses the importance of self-
improvement both professionally and personally.
Esther’s career at UCSB began in the UCen,
where she processed student payroll. One of the
first goals she set for herself was making sure
that students were paid on time, something that
hadn’t always happened in the past. Esther was
so successful that she was recognized by Human
Resources for her organizational skills and
effort. From there, Esther moved on to Parking
Services in a similar capacity and continued to
master all the additional responsibilities that
came her way. After a move to Housing and
Residential Services, Esther was recruited to
take her present position. Her wonderful people
skills helped to smooth out personnel issues and
boost morale in the department.
As office manager, Esther is responsible for
personnel management for over 200 permanent
and student staff, including payroll and benefits
guidance. It is in this role that Esther really
shines. Her ability to speak fluent Spanish
allows her to serve as translator when necessary,
dealing with the chefs, cooks, bakers, and
managers. This was especially important
when Francisco Torres was transitioning to
IRMA GUENTHART
DEVELOPMENT
If you walk into the Development Office, the
smiling face of Irma Guenthart will greet you.
Irma has served as the receptionist for 18 years.
Her nominator notes, “She has never received
an award, although she is certainly deserving of
one. Many times Irma will be the first contact
donors, potential donors, and administrators
have with our office. Her beautiful smile and
friendly demeanor provide a warm welcome
to the office. Irma is also the first to volunteer
to assist other members of the office. She has
a wonderful sense of humor and is a joy to be
around. Her willingness to help others extends
beyond the office, from giving co-workers a ride
home to running errands for someone who is ill.
All in all, Irma is a blessing and she deserves an
Unsung Heroine award.”
Irma takes calls, greets donors, does computer
work, processes bills, orders and distributes
supplies, facilitates repairs, and more. All
are ordinary tasks done by an extraordinary
woman. Irma’s reception desk certainly feels
like the heart of the office. She handles frequent
interruptions with grace and professionalism.
The energy in the front office is friendly and
warm. Irma is well-versed on the purpose of her
department and answers questions and routes
inquiries with the knowledge, comfort, and skill
that comes from experience, confidence, and
love for her work.
4
A role-model who stresses the
importance of self-improvement
UCSB ownership and many of the staff needed
assistance. When some of the previous FT
employees were reticent about applying for
positions because of their English skills, Ester
made sure to encourage them and gave them
the support they needed to be successful. She is
constantly counseling others, pushing them to
improve and progress.
A keeper of knowledge who
keeps things running
One of Irma’s tasks is to run mail over to the
Hollister office on a daily basis. “They call
it the IRMA MAIL.” She says, “I take some
and I bring some back, kind of like a pony-
express-type-deal.” With a sense of humor and
efficiency, Irma delivers good cheer along with
the mail.
One of the most satisfying aspects of Esther’s
job is overseeing the Customer Service
Department. She strives to make all her clients
comfortable, not an easy task when serving
meals to over 700,000 customers over the course
of a year. She uses this venue as an opportunity
to serve as a mentor to her student staff, teaching
them the importance of listening and following
through on commitments.
Esther is a longtime Carpinteria resident; she
is a graduate of Carpinteria High School and
has been a member of the booster club for
over 15 years. Whenever there’s a need for
help at a fundraising barbeque, Esther and her
husband are there. She’s become an expert
cake-decorator in her spare time, and is always
being called on to make something special for
different occasions. The community is important
to her, and she’s thankful for the opportunity to
give something back.
Esther’s love of learning has been part of
everything she has done, from serving as a
liaison to migrant parents while working in the
school district to her present position at UCSB,
and the successes of her son and daughter are
points of pride for Esther. With the recent birth
of her granddaughter, Esther is looking forward
to her future retirement with plans to travel,
explore new places, as well as find some time
for rest and relaxation…and, most likely, new
ways of sharing her love of learning.
I asked Irma why she thought she was
nominated. Through misty eyes she offered that
this was her first award and that she thought that
it was due to her sense of humor, her laughter,
her ability to be the keeper of knowledge and to
keep things running. When asked what kept her
in one office for 18 years, she noted that there
had been other opportunities, but her love for
her job kept her rooted. She enjoys the freedom
that comes with knowing her job and being able
to “be your own boss because you know what
needs to be done.” Her colleagues are like her
second family. Socializing in the office is what
enriches her work experience and creates that
sense of family.
Witnessing her positive energy, I asked her
what kept her going. She mentioned her
family, spending time with her husband, caring
for her home, and her work with the Cancer
Foundation. What also came through was her
attitude about life. “Everyone has bad days,
yet every day is a good day still.” Eighteen
years ago she decided to make this job a career.
She learned from others, asked for help when
needed, picked up a few things along the way,
and now is trying to help others. As the public
face of the Development Office, Irma is a true
UCSB gem.
 PATTI GILBERT,
OFF-CAMPUS STUDIES
UCSB VENTURA CENTER
Patti is always pleasant, genuinely concerned,
and most importantly, very efficient. Patti is
a wealth of knowledge in regards to the BA
and MS offered at the Ventura Center, UCSB
Extension, and other Universities. A co-
worker said, “Facing stiff competition from
CSUN (Northridge) and CSUCI (Channel
Islands), Patti has gotten the message out to
the community that UCSB is an educational
choice of the very highest caliber.” So much
so that students have commented: “She makes
people realize that getting accepted to UCSB
is not impossible” and that “she is there to
make dreams come true” for everyday people.
Several students commented that had it not
been for her, they would have never applied
to UCSB. The advice given to them by Patti
helped them make the right choice of major
and accomplishing their degree in less time
than anticipated. Her giving heart and cheerful
uplifting perspective always make students feel
they can reach their goal.
Patti is an active member of the campus
Diversity Committee. She serves as a liaison
between the Disabled Students Program and
the Ventura Center. Incidentally, Patti began
her employment at the Ventura Center as a
volunteer and has worked at the Center for
almost 13 years. According to her co-workers,
she is reliable, supportive, puts in extra time
and effort, is always willing to go out of her
way to help, and contributes endlessly to the
There to make dreams come true
mission of the center. She is the epitome of a
team player.
Patti stays with each student from beginning
to end. She builds a trusting relationship with
them and makes sure to follow-up with those
students who haven’t committed to school or
are unsure of their ability to attend. She enjoys
watching every student have the boulders taken
off of their shoulders when they graduate. She
does not let them drop out without a fight!
Patti said she feels she is in the right job
because she has been helping people in ways
similar to this for most of her life. She loves
her job and what she does. She loves the
people she works with and says she could not
do it alone — it is a team effort. Pattie feels
one cannot accomplish anything without the
community and she appreciates the teamwork
she sees in her life every day.
Patti feels at one with everything in her
life, based on her experiences and her sense
of connectedness. She lost her husband to
Alzheimer’s and said that experience really
tested her patience and helped her get to this
place in her life.
Patti is also a portrait artist and attended the
Chicago Institute as a child. She volunteers at
local public schools and is well-known in the
community as a friend and neighbor.
She also works with UC Davis and the UC
Co-Op on creating a rainforest that will help
replenish the rainforest that has been destroyed.
She works with them on the experimental farm
using beneficial bug sites and alternatives to
harsh chemicals. In her own gardening, she has
lemons, avocadoes, and flowers. She enjoys
this in the same way she enjoys her “real” job.
When Patti retires, she wants to run a fruit
stand, wholesale. She will continue to be a
part of the Historical Preservation Society in
Ventura County as well.

NIKI DEWART
UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM
In the three and a half years that Niki Dewart
has held the Curator of Education position for
the UCSB Art Museum, her grace, integrity,
intellect, and commitment to others have
enriched the lives of students and the university
community. Niki truly enjoys curating
exhibitions and training undergraduates to lead
tours. She is responsible for the museum’s
education programs, which serve school groups,
university students, the academic community,
and general audiences. Her superb networking
skills, steady dedication, and compassionate
spirit make her an exemplary staff member. Her
commitment to community events is astounding.
She is a leader and team player, as well as a
responsible individual committed to giving
back to the community here at UCSB and in
the surrounding tri-county area. Niki gives
generously of herself and her expertise.
art exhibition and the “Redrawing the Map/
Conversations Beyond Borders” international
symposium in November 2002. She worked on
securing funding with a UCIRA (UC Institute
for Research in the Arts) grant and funded an
outreach project with girls and teens from Girls,
Inc. Her efforts are laying the foundation for
a brighter future, both for students and for the
University of California.
Niki Dewart also contributes her talents and
gifts as a rites-of-passage leader, assisting 13-to-
18-year-olds in the transition from childhood to
adulthood. It is rare that one can find someone
who is willing to spend time listening as a
means for active engagement. Her presence
alone is calming. She is extraordinary in her
wide range of interests, all noteworthy and
community-based. Niki participates in a broad
array of minority-outreach activities, all of them
interesting, worthwhile, and service-oriented.

Her creativity and her understanding of the
changing demographics in California have
helped her play a key role in initiating the
bilingual docent program at the UCSB Art
Museum for the “Just Another Chicano Poster”
exhibition. Niki also played a significant
role in putting together the “Women Beyond
Borders: The Art of Building Community”
Niki Dewart has worked with the UCSB Art Grace, integrity, intellect and commitmen
Museum to open the doors of the museum
with educationally enriching tours and didactic
materials — she goes above and beyond to
ensure that there is an active engagement for
first-time museum attendees. It would be hard to
find a more worthy role model in the university
environs.

5
 JUDY GUILLERMO-NEWTON
WOMENʼS CENTER
Judy first came to UCSB in 1976, and has
worked in several different departments,
ranging from the Placement Center to Human
Resources to the Ombuds Office and now the
Women’s Center. A theme runs through these
many different experiences, which is Judy’s
deep and abiding concern for others and a
passion for making a positive impact on her
community.
Judy was instrumental in establishing the
Academic and Staff Assistance Program, which
was the first of its kind in the UC system.
Judy saw a need and helped design a program
to meet that need — this program helps
UCSB staff and faculty to resolve personal or
professional problems through confidential
counseling. Judy was also the co-creator
of the UCSB National Girls and Women in
Sports annual event. This event, now in its
sixth year, brings a prominent national female
sports figure to UCSB for a reception and
keynote address. This program provides our
UCSB women athletes — and all women
on campus — with an opportunity to meet a
national role model. Judy has also brought
an e-learning program on the prevention of
sexual harassment to the campus. Despite tight
budgets, Judy found an innovative response
to an important campus need. These three
programs represent some of the hallmarks
of Judy’s involvement at UCSB, which are
innovation and creativity. As is typical of Judy,
DAWN FINK
EAST ASIAN STUDIES
Dawn started her long odyssey at UCSB
in July 1980 at the Institute for Theoretical
Physics, where she stayed for 10 years,
starting as a receptionist and then becoming
the personnel assistant. She valued her time
there, learning a lot and having interesting
interactions with co-workers and visitors.
She then headed to the College of Letters
and Science for the next 12 years, working
in Academic Personnel. The job changed
tremendously over the years; at the beginning
it was essentially checking to make sure the
paperwork was all there — now it’s mastering
the understanding of policies and providing
guidance to the dean.
One and a half years ago, she took over the
business officer position in East Asian Studies.
As one of her nominators said, “Dawn has
infused the office and our department with her
sense of fairness, openness, and consideration
for everybody she has contact with.” Even
with the challenges of learning about the
budget, advising, computer support and
development, Dawn also agreed to help the
College with their academic personnel cases
for four months. This entailed working nights
6
Cares deeply for the students,
staff and faculty
she spoke of these innovations with modesty
and a focus on how they meet the needs of
others.
The campus has again turned to Judy when
it needed creativity and an ability to work
effectively with the entire range of campus
constituents — faculty, staff, and students. The
Executive Vice Chancellor recently appointed
Judy to the temporary position of Campus
and weekends trying to keep up with the
workload of two demanding jobs.
Having survived a tough few months, Dawn
says she enjoys the diversity of her job. No
one day is the same as the rest. She especially
enjoys the wonderful faculty and staff who are
so appreciative of everything she does.
What is the highlight of her career? Surviving
24 years! She hopes to retire in about four or
five years, when she will be able to devote
even more time to her passion of gardening.
She finds it to be tranquil and cathartic,
adding color to all aspects of her life.
Her other passion is her family. Her husband,
Larry, and two daughters — Andie at UCSB
and Jess at SBCC — keep her very connected
and busy. Dawn’s family enjoys their ski trips
together and planning family events.
Another nominator says that Dawn deserves
to be an unsung heroine “because of the many
years of unselfish commitment she’s given to
the UCSB community, its staff, students, and
faculty.” We totally agree! Congratulations to
a real unsung heroine!
Conflict Mediation Officer. In this role, Judy
meets confidentially with any member of the
campus community who is involved in some
sort of conflict with which they want help.
When asked what she likes about her work at
UCSB and what she would consider a highlight
of her career, her response reflected her deep
passion. She wants to be a positive influence
on others. She is energized by working with
and for others, especially students. She stated
that she loves being on a campus: “I love the
energy. I love the fact that you are always
in touch with innovative ideas and thinking
people. It feels hopeful when you work with
students.” She especially enjoys knowing
that she has made a positive difference in
someone’s life.
In addition to her active life on campus, Judy
is very busy off campus as well. She has a
private practice as an MFCC, serves on the
board of Planned Parenthood as its secretary,
and is active with Trinity Episcopal Church as
a workshop presenter for parents of teenagers.
She also has two daughters and a thriving
relationship of 30 years with her husband,
Kent.
As her nominator wrote, “She cares deeply for
the students, staff and faculty here at UCSB,
and gives far more than a paycheck could ever
compensate her for. She is a great team player
and is always willing to pitch in when and
where she is needed.” Judy is truly a UCSB
Unsung Heroine!
Sense of fairness, openness and
consideration for everyone
 VISHNA HERRITY
GEVIRTZ RESEARCH CENTER
Dr. Vishna Herrity has worked at UCSB as
the executive director of the Gevirtz Research
Center, in the Gevirtz Graduate School of
Education (GGSE), for seven years. She
graduated with a Ph.D.from the Educational
Leadership and Organizations (ELO) program
in the GGSE in 1997. The doctoral program,
combined with her position at the Gevirtz
Research Center, fit perfectly because her
background is in educational administration.
The only position that Vishna has held at
UCSB is as the first executive director for the
Gevirtz Research Center. Her background in
educational administration as a school principal
and school district coordinator charted her
present career path. Vishna has also been
an assistant principal for two elementary
schools in the Los Angeles Unified School
District (Sharp Avenue School and Dyer Street
School); principal of Flory Elementary School
in the Moorpark Unified School District; and
district coordinator for the bilingual, Title
VII, migrant, preschool, and technology
programs in Moorpark. She also established
the Pediatric Wellness Center in Moorpark,
which provided free immunizations and health
screenings to children and families in the
community. Vishna believes that her 20 years
of experience working with predominantly
Hispanic communities both in Los Angeles
and Moorpark have provided her with valuable
insights in designing educational programs that
are beneficial to linguistically and culturally
diverse students.
Vishna’s position as the executive director
of the Gevirtz Research Center (GRC)
entails working with various community
representatives to establish new partnerships
that support education. The Santa Barbara
School Districts was the first school partnership
to be formed when the GRC was established.
Since then, numerous other school partnerships
have been formed in Santa Barbara, Kern, and
Ventura Counties. Vishna has the insight to
look at the needs of the community and work
in collaboration with all stakeholders to design
educational programs that fit those needs. For
instance, one of the programs that has been
designed, implemented, and researched for the
past four years is the Gevirtz Family Literacy
Project, which was the result of a broad-based
community effort that identified family literacy
as a major need in the community.
As the executive director of the GRC, Vishna
works closely with community partners,
university faculty, and donors to develop new
programs and implement them in schools.
The program is then researched by GGSE
faculty and graduate-student researchers that
are affiliated with the Center to determine the
impact of educational programs on improving
the academic achievement of students. Some of
the programs that have been developed through
the Center include the Gevirtz Homework
Project, the Academic Mentor Program, the
Summer School Academy, the Family Literacy
Project, the Secondary Literacy Program, and
the Youth Enrichment Adventure.
Vishna also develops and writes grant
proposals to obtain funding for current and new
initiatives within the Center. She frequently
works in collaboration with other departments
on the UCSB campus to develop proposals
for outreach initiatives. For instance, through
the Verizon OPTIONS Initiative, Vishna
successfully collaborated with five university
and community partners to secure funding from
the Verizon Foundation for a comprehensive
family literacy program in the Isla Vista
community.
After conducting longitudinal research (three
to four years), Vishna and the researchers
presented the findings of the studies at
national conferences — such as the American Makes a difference in the lives of diverse
Educational Research Association (AERA) individual
and National Family Literacy Conference — to
inform practitioners and policy makers about
the outcomes of the GRC programs. children have spent a year living with their
relatives in Croatia, learning the language and
Vishna enjoys creating innovative new the culture.
programs — starting with just an idea and
pulling together all the resources that are Vishna also likes to be involved in other
needed to enable that idea to grow and community-service organizations. She has
flourish into a major program that is beneficial served on the Community Investment Cabinet
to students and the community. She loves for The United Way of Ventura County (where
working with the diverse individuals that make she resides) for 10 years. She is the secretary/
our programs succeed, such as community treasurer for the Santa Barbara County Child
partners, faculty and student researchers in Care Planning Council. Vishna is also a
the GGSE, representatives from community- founding member of the Kiwanis Club of
based organizations, and numerous benefactors Goleta and an advisor for Circle K, the student
that help the Center to attain its goals through Kiwanis association at UCSB. Vishna strongly
funding that they provide. For instance, the believes in volunteerism and community
Youth Enrichment Adventure brought together service and tries to promote that in the work
representatives from more than 30 community that she does in the community.
agencies and institutions to design, implement,
and research a summer environmental Vishna’s passion is working with children.
Having spent 25 years in public schools as a
education program for middle-school students.
teacher and administrator, she loves working
Vishna feels that the highlight of her career is with schools to develop new programs that
being able to talk to students and parents and benefit children. She enjoys visiting schools
see that the programs she has instituted have and observing students engaged in meaningful
made a difference in their lives. She enjoys learning activities, or speaking with students
receiving letters or phone calls from former on the playground as they interact with one
participants in the GRC programs that indicate another. She states that the most exhilarating
how the student’s life has changed and how feeling is seeing a child’s eyes light up when
they attribute that success as being a result of they finally understand a new concept.
participation in a Gevirtz-sponsored program.
One mother, who had moved to Arizona, wrote
to Vishna several years later and described
how her daughter, who had participated in
the Gevirtz Homework Project, had helped
her daughter to achieve at the highest levels
academically. Those personal testimonials from
families inspire Vishna to continue to develop
new programs through the work of the GRC.
Vishna loves to travel and visit her family in
Croatia. She immigrated to the United States
as a child and continues to maintain close
relationships with her family. Both of her
7
 HSIU-ZU HO
GEVIRTZ GRADUATE SCHOOL OF
EDUCATION
Hsiu-Zu has been a member of the UCSB
community since 1981 and is currently
professor of education and psychology in the
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education. She
was born in Taiwan, and is one of 11 siblings.
She has lived in many places, including
Massachusetts, southern Virginia, Indiana,
Colorado, and Honolulu. She credits these
life experiences with providing her with a
multicultural perspective in both her personal
and professional life.
This perspective is evident in her research
interests, which are cross-cultural education
and psychology, including motivation and
academic achievement. She explores individual
differences in academic achievement with a
focus on cultural and gender variations in a
range of educational settings, both locally and
internationally. Dr. Ho is actively involved
in the International Studies Special Interest
Group of the American Educational Research
Association. She was distinguished as a
Helen Putnam Visiting Scholar in Behavioral
Genetics at Harvard University. She is also co-
founder and co-director of the Interdisciplinary
Human Development Emphasis here at UCSB.
Hsiu-Zu has also been very active on campus
regarding women’s issues, and her nominators
wanted to honor her for her “articulate and
able leadership” of the Chancellor’s Advisory
Committee on the Status of Women. She has
been chair of this committee for six years. It
is in this capacity that Hsiu-Zu has been very
influential in helping to focus the campus’
VIVIAN GUERRIER
A delightful, charming smile that makes
everyone feel welcome
8
Articulate and able leadership
attention on issues affecting female students,
staff, and faculty. As she stated, “Although I
need to say ‘no’ more often to committee work,
I enjoy looking out for the welfare of campus
women ... so I always say yes to serving on
this committee.” Through her leadership and
collaborations with others, this committee
has been able to contribute to changes in the
parental and care leave policies for faculty, call
for a career-equity review for faculty women,
help establish the work/life coordinator
position and extend the tenure of that position,
and to focus attention on Title IX issues
affecting female athletes.
GEVIRTZ GRADUATE SCHOOL OF
EDUCATION
It is a great pleasure to recognize Vivian
Guerrier as an Unsung Heroine. For the past
nine and a half years, Vivian has worked
with new and prospective students in the
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education
Teacher Education Program. In describing
Vivian’s presence in the office, her friends and
colleagues state, “Vivian’s warmth, sincerity
and receptiveness make everyone who enters
the doorway of the Teacher Education Program
feel welcome and important. Her delightful,
charming smile and openness are apparent
each time a student, staff, or visitor crosses the
threshold.”
As the Teacher Education Program assistant,
Vivian advises new and prospective students
about the one-year master’s and teaching
credential programs, informs students of
requirements, and tracks students’ progress and
enrollment in their program of study. When
asked what she enjoys most about her position,
While Hsiu-Zu clearly has a passion for
helping others, she also has a passion for
art. She is an artist who does mixed-media
collages, which she has also transformed into
beautiful cards. Shes talks about her art as
therapeutic and fulfilling, and she also shares a
love of the tenor saxophone with her son, with
whom she attended a summer music camp.
When asked what else she might like to
discuss, Hsiu-Zu immediately mentioned her
supportive spouse and two boys, ages 19 and
11. Her older son starts at USC this fall in film
studies, and loves to write scripts. Her younger
son fills her weekends with basketball and
baseball. She attributes her ability to juggle
her academic and family life to her life-partner
spouse.
Hsiu-Zu brings her multicultural perspective
to all that she does, and provides important
leadership to the campus on women’s issues.
As she said, she follows her heart in all that
she does. Thank you, Hsiu-Zu, for sharing your
heart and mind with UCSB. You are truly a
UCSB Unsung Heroine!
Vivian beams, “The people are just incredible,
whether they are faculty, staff or students.”
At least once a month Vivian will exclaim,
“Yahoo! All this and a paycheck, too!”
In addition to devoting so much of her energy
and support to the Teacher Education Program,
she shares her time with her family, including
her four grandchildren. She also enjoys
reading, playing duplicate bridge, and yoga.
Vivian lives in Lompoc and is a volunteer at
the Lompoc Police Department, where she is
active during special events that take place in
the city.
Vivian said that being recognized as an Unsung
Heroine is an honor and a “real highlight” to
her career. This is an honor she truly deserves.
Vivian is a professional, supportive, and caring
person who goes above and beyond what is
expected of her in the office — a true Unsung
Heroine.
 JULIE LEVANGIE
HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Julie works in the nerve center of Housing
and Residential Services as assistant to the
executive director. This position offers her the
unique opportunity to participate in a variety of
programs, services, and events. Her nominator
states that, “Julie ... is the hub of the wheel and
a juggler,” and the first name put forth when
there is a project that needs “an organized,
professional, detail-oriented person.” Julie’s
wide-ranging duties include overseeing the
front office, organizing events, coordinating
projects, managing the budget, editing
publications, assisting students and parents,
and being the invaluable right-hand person
to the executive director. Helping people and
easing their fears is an aspect of her position
that gives her great satisfaction. Her extensive
list of duties sounds exhausting; however,
Julie speaks with energy and enthusiasm when
talking about them. It is the variety of tasks
available to her that is the one aspect she
enjoys most about her current position.
Julie is a graduate of UCLA, where she
received her undergraduate degree in history.
She also worked in their facilities department,
thereby spending 10 years at UCLA before
coming to Santa Barbara. Her first job here
was in private industry, but she was drawn
back to the university setting based on the
trust and support she had experienced at
UCLA. Julie recently completed her master’s
degree in organizational management from the
Fielding Graduate Institute. She described that
experience as being extremely rewarding, both
professionally and personally.
Housing and Residential Services employs
over 300 career staff along with several
DEBORAH LUPO
DAVIDSON LIBRARY
The Map and Imagery Laboratory, a division
of the Davidson Library, has one of the largest
and most well-regarded geospatial data
collections and services in the country. MIL
serves the diverse and complex academic and
research needs of businesses, the government,
and the university, utilizing its maps, images,
and digital spatial data of over five million
objects. It is the public service and imagery
searchers who are responsible for fielding the
thousands of reference questions from around
the world — through email, phone, and in-
person visitors — that MIL receives.
Deborah Lupo exemplifies the ideal of service.
She is a bright spark, always extending her help
and insight into reference questions from such
fields as ecology, geography, oceanography,
geology, and history from consultants,
researchers, students, and institutions. She has
a gift for knowing what people need even when
they themselves do not. Often people come
unprepared, with little time to do extensive
hundred student and casual employees. Julie
has seen many staff people advance in their
careers after participating in the department’s
comprehensive professional development
program. Julie has assisted with this training
and acknowledges, “It is very rewarding to see
staff move up in the system.” Julie reveals that
a career highlight has been in organizing the
recent housing master-plan workshops because
university housing offers such hope to the
campus, and staff in particular.
Her life outside of work is no less busy than the
one here. She and her husband are in the midst
of remodeling their newly purchased condo.
They, and their two dogs, recently welcomed
her 13-year-old niece (and her cat) into their
home. Any parent of a teenager knows this
age to be especially challenging, but Julie is
quickly adapting to her expanded family and
new role as parent. Her nominator remarks, “It
would make sense that someone’s commitment
would decrease in one area while it increases Is the hub of the wheel and a juggler
in others, yet this has not happened with Julie.
also taken bicycling vacations in Europe for
She continues to give 100% in all areas of her
many years, pedaling their way through Ireland,
life.” Julie is quick to acknowledge the role
Scotland, England, and France. After a two-year
her husband plays in her success. “I really
lapse, while she was in graduate school, they
think he’s the hero, at least my hero, especially
are returning to Europe this summer and will be
with recent happenings. He is incredibly
cycling through Spain during the running of the
understanding and accepting.”
bulls and later in the Pyrenees at the same time
When asked what she does to restore herself, she as the Tour de France. This is a woman who
answers that biking has been a major part of her loves to explore life to the fullest, and uses her
life for years. Once or twice a week she bicycles skills and talents to benefit others.
around the community and frequently she will
PWA is thrilled to honor Julie as an Unsung
venture out on two- or three-hour rides through
Heroine for her remarkable skills and dedication
Carpinteria, Santa Ynez, or the Los Padres
to serving our many campus constituencies.
foothills. In past years she and her husband
have competed in local triathlons and ridden a
tandem bicycle (which she claims is great for
enhancing teamwork in a marriage). They have
research. Deborah will go out of her way to do
whatever it takes to make sure everyone is well
cared for, going above and beyond extending
into her own time to make sure that their
problems are solved. For the consultants and
co-workers who deal with her on a daily basis,
her bright lively spirit and her ability do to
everything that needs to be done with modesty
and speed have endeared her to everyone she
has met. Deborah Lupo is an unsung heroine
because she makes the world around more
positive, more comprehensive, and a kinder
place. This is little recognition for all that she
has given the rest of us.
Exemplifies the ideal of service
9
 BEVERLY LEWIS
REGISTRAR
Beverly began her journey in higher education
as an admissions clerk at Louisiana State
University. Within two years she worked her
way up to the position of registrar at LSU
Eunice, a satellite campus of LSU. Beverly
spent 20 years with LSU in various different
positions including that of Associate Director
of Records and Registration at the LSU main
campus. After 20 years at LSU, Beverly was
looking for a change. Based on a suggestion
from her son, who was attending college in
California, Beverly applied for the registrar
position at UCSB. Beverly found UCSB to be
wonderful place — she expected to be here
about five years, but is now in her 16th year.
As the registrar, Beverly frequently makes use
of her problem-solving skills. She loves change
and is always looking for better ways to serve
students. The registrar maintains the official
record and is responsible for enforcing policy
developed by the Academic Senate. Beverly
strives to perfect services and to create new
and innovative ways to serve students. Beverly
states that the highlight of her career was
“being made the registrar here at UCSB.”
Beverly has been a member of PWA since its
inception. She is also active in her church,
where she currently holds a position on the
finance council. She is also very active in
DEBBIE RICHARDS
UCSB EXTENSION
Debbie Richards has served UCSB Extension
in a variety of capacities since she started
here 14 years ago. In her primary function as
program manager, she has made immeasurable
contributions. Her performance over the
years has been exceptional, her dedication
exemplary, and her personality upbeat and
endearing.
“With all the negativity and conflict in the
world at this time, it gives me great satisfaction
to work in a positive environment with the
wonderful international students at UCSB
Extension.” Debbie enjoys travel, working in
her garden and collecting plants, as well as
spending time with her family, friends, and
two grandsons. Debbie enjoys being a part
of UCSB’s goal to internationalize, and is
especially pleased with Extension’s new alumni
Web site, allowing students to keep in touch
both with each other and UCSB.
Debbie’s most noteworthy characteristic is
her ability and willingness to take on any
challenge. Two years ago, during both a
worldwide economic downturn and a dramatic
change of leadership at Extension, Debbie
moved from the Education and Science
department at Extension — working with
10
Most significantly, Beverly has contributed
many hours of her time to these important
causes.
Beverly is a sophisticated and articulate woman
who quietly makes a difference. She is a role
model to young professionals and has served
as a mentor to many staff members. She is
pleasure to work with and is genuine in her
causes and concerns. She provides a level of
professionalism and character that one rarely
encounters. She is a jewel and has been of
tremendous help to the University for many
years. Sadly, Beverly is retiring this June. She
has plans to marry and travel the country with
her future husband. She will still maintain a
home in Santa Barbara but she will be missed
by all of us. Beverly’s passion for life is to
“look for good in everyone and everything.
Be especially optimistic that there is good that
can come from any things that are bad.” Truly
words to live by.
Looks for the good in everyone and
everything
Soroptimist International of Santa Barbara,
where she works to support needy women
and children. She is especially concerned
with family issues that are related to domestic
violence and lack of family support. Through
Soroptimist International, Beverly has
also been involved with raising funds and
awareness for the Breast Resource Center.
American students — to the new Language
and Culture department with an international
student body.
The challenge of managing a large portfolio
of programs in an unfamiliar context was
formidable, but true to form, Debbie got right
down to business. Over the past two years,
she has become well-versed in cross-cultural
communications and international business
practices, all the while applying her 14
years of experience at Extension to bring the
Language and Culture program to new heights
of organization and customer service. Her
contributions have played a very important role
in increasing student retention and starting new,
customized programs at Extension.
Though her workload is easily among the
heaviest at Extension, Debbie manages to get
all the pieces into place. On the rare occasion
when something does go awry, Debbie still
manages to maintain her calm and collected Ability and willingness to take on any
demeanor and focus on solutions.
challenge head-on
Debbie’s most endearing characteristic is that
despite her very heavy workload, she always In performing her role at Extension, Debbie
takes a moment to show her colleagues that does not solicit recognition and likely does not
she cares, and is very quick to offer assistance feel that any special recognition is her due. But
when co-workers are in need of help, be it despite those facts, Debbie is the true definition
professional or personal. of an “Unsung Heroine.”
 JILL LEVY
BUSINESS SERVICES
When Jill Levy began her UCSB career in
1976 as a senior typist clerk in the Purchasing
Department, she had no idea that she would
look back on her time with the University
with such pride. Now in Business Services
for the past 10 years as a senior analyst, Jill
dedicates her life to working behind the scenes
to make life at UCSB better for staff, faculty,
and students. Her “second family,” as Jill
says of her colleagues, say, “Jill excels at her
job, has a strong work ethic, superb office
skills, is dedicated to her department and the
University, and her loving spirit leaves its
mark on each project she’s involved with. She
is a remarkable woman who is often asked
to take on new feats because she can always
be counted on to use her astute intellect and
artistic eye to create a quality product.”
Jill began at UCSB, as she says, “before
computers were common in the workplace,”
and now they are “the most enjoyable part of
her job.” Her work is such that she must handle
multiple projects at once and she is masterful
at balancing the big picture of campus needs
with the details of systems work. Jill thrives
on the constant action of her office and the
camaraderie she builds with her colleagues.
She brings such enthusiasm and dedication to
each new product because of the diversity of
projects she gets to work with. The connection
she feels with her work is recognized through
the passion she feels when a project is
completed or when she sees how others have
benefited because of a new system which has
been put into place.
KIM PARK
DAVIDSON LIBRARY
Kim Park is an Unsung Heroine for the positive
impact she makes on the campus community.
For the past five years, Kim has worked as
the systems administrator for the Davidson
Library. In this position she manages 55
servers — each one with its own services. She
is responsible for making certain the library
network services are available to everyone.
Kim interacts with and provides assistance
to faculty and staff with computer problems.
Kim’s nominator describes her work as a
“juggling act” in that “systems administrators
have one of the most sensitive juggling
acts around — more complex worms, hack
attacks, viruses, backup concerns, storage,
data management, application updates, and
whatever else that basically relates to people
and computers interacting.”
Before working at UCSB, Kim was in San
Diego, where she earned a bachelor’s degree
in English and a certificate in Computer
Applications and Networks (CAN). She
worked at a veteran’s hospital as a computer
A strong desire to give back
But Jill’s dedication goes far beyond her vast
knowledge of computers and systems; she has a
strong desire to give back to this University all
that she’s been given. She says, “I’ve received
so much help in my life that I like to pass it
on.” The joy Jill finds in helping others through
her work is just one example of how she finds
joy in almost every aspect of her life. She is
a shining example of how to find fulfillment
and satisfaction through exploring what can be
accomplished in life. Her motivation to bring
support to the campus and to her colleagues
stems from one of her passions — the idea of
Gets you back on your feet with her kindness
mentoring others. She feels that her mentor at
UCSB had a great deal to do with her success
and she likes to help others be successful. It
is no surprise then that Jill says that one of
the most satisfying aspects of her job is that
she can help make the campus work more
efficiently and it is an easier place to be
because of the work she and her colleagues
accomplish.
Jill’s passion for life extends beyond UCSB
to her family, her many pets, and to her crafts.
She not only brightens up her office by sharing
her works with her colleagues, but also uses
her computer skills at home to enliven her craft
projects.
Jill’s dedication to the University is clearly
seen in her understanding of the University on
an organizational level. She has contributed to
its growth through her systems development
and feels proud to be part of such a strong
organization. The enthusiasm she displays for
her work comes from her heart as she eagerly
describes that she’s “never been bored in my
job, that’s the best thing after 28 years!” While
she states that she feels very lucky to be where
she is in her life and within this University, it
is evident that everyone at UCSB should feel
fortunate for Jill’s everyday contributions.
specialist and for U.S. Customs as a regional
trainer (software). Kim said the highlight of her
career is “being able to be successful in a male-
dominated field. It’s tough.” In some positions,
Kim was the only woman or was one of two
women in the office. At UCSB, there are quite
a few women working in her office. She says,
“I love the people I work with.”
When Kim is not inside working on computer
systems, she’s enjoying time with her two-year-
old daughter, Laurel, and practicing Kirtan.
She also enjoys nature hikes and she plays
soccer in the Santa Barbara Women’s Soccer
Organization.
Kim captures the spirit and meaning of the
Professional Women’s Association Unsung
Heroine award. Her nominator said, “She
solves the problems, gets you back on your feet
with her kindness and a few smiles, and goes
back to her juggling show — then you feel
prepared to do the same.”
11
 ANN WAINWRIGHT
HISTORY OF ART & ARCHITECTURE
Ann Wainwright contributes critical services,
advice, support and mentorship to UCSB
students in her capacity as the undergraduate
advisor to the History of Art & Architecture
Department, assuring their personal growth
and development in addition to contributing
to the development of a better campus
environment. She is a remarkable human being
with keen intellect, superb people skills, steady
dedication, and a compassionate spirit. She is
an exemplary staff member in her tenacity and
achievements of excellence, but her greatest
quality is that she is always ready to help
others. She is a leader and team player as well
as a responsible individual committed to giving
back to our community here at UCSB.
Ann Wainwright is praised by her nominator
for her ability to work with others. She started
the Art History Club four years ago and
serves as the staff advisor. In this capacity
she looks beyond art history coursework in
formulating survival skills by coordinating
practicum workshops, museum field trips,
and extracurricular activities that go hand-in-
hand with the undergraduate curriculum. She
is committed to diversity and works hard to
ensure that those students with the least means
have every opportunity for success. She is
extraordinary in ensuring that all students strive
to reach their full potential.
Ann is currently the 2003-04 co-chair of the
UC system’s academic advisor’s conference.
She has taken on a large task, in light of
PEGGY SANCHEZ
COLLEGE OF LETTERS & SCIENCE
Peggy came to UCSB in November of 1989
to work at EOP as a receptionist. Two years
later, she became the Records Manager at
the College of Letters & Science, Division
of Student Academic Affairs. The title of
“Records Manager” doesn’t do the job justice.
There are 25,000+ records in the office
and Peggy’s area is the hub of the office,
requiring complex processes in administrative
coordination and database and records
management. Literally every piece of paper
that comes into the office goes through this
area.
As her nominators wrote, “Peggy works behind
the scenes ... yet she plays a major role in the
daily functioning of the office.” Peggy says she
likes the atmosphere of the office. Even though
it’s stressful and busy all the time, she thinks
it’s a great office with great people, who care
about their coworkers both at work and outside
the job. Peggy also supervises many students
who work in her area, and she feels it keeps her
young. The students are fun and enthusiastic,
and it’s rewarding to see how they grow over
the years.
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as a steward in the union. It is rare that one
can find someone who is willing to spend time
listening and creating intelligent, innovative
solutions to facilitate problem resolution - but
Ann does so with ease and grace. Her presence
alone is calming. She is committed to fostering
personal growth and the challenges of helping
others.
And lastly, Ann has served as a snowy-plover
docent for our coastline reserve. She uses
every opportunity as an educational exercise
to ensure that our collective future has every
means of survival. She is extraordinary in
her wide range of interests, all of which are
noteworthy and community-based.
Ann has a remarkable quality of inspiring those
around her. Her words, actions, and deeds
leave an indelible mark. One could hardly find
a more worthy role model in the University
environs.
Inspires those around her
budgetary cutbacks and constraints, and has
worked selflessly with our sister UC campuses
in ensuring that this important conference
takes place in May. She has organized other
UCSB undergraduate advisors and has set up
committees to share in the responsibility of
scheduling the program, workshops, breakout
sessions, and keynote speakers (Prof. Howard
Giles and Prof. Ralph Armbruster-Sandoval
from UCSB ).
Ann also contributes to the Coalition of
University Employees and currently volunteers
She feels the highlight of her career here is how
she has grown in all areas of her life. She’s
dealt with a lot of situations that have made her
a stronger person.
The most important parts of her life away
from work are her family and her religion.
Her family includes her husband of 31 years,
John, who also works on campus, her three
daughters, and one precious grandson. It is
so wonderful to see John and Peggy walking
across campus holding hands! They also love
to travel together. Another of Peggy’s passions
is her religion. Her faith has taught her so
much, especially how to talk to people. She
feels it has helped her in all aspects of her life.
We believe Peggy deserves to be recognized as
an Unsung Heroine because of all she does for
everyone around her. As her nominators remind
us, “She is kind, forgiving and fun.” We’re just
glad she’s part of us!
Kind, forgiving and fun
 ERIN MCCARTNEY
EDUCATION ABROAD PROGRAM
Erin McCartney loves to explore. But she is no
ordinary explorer. Her adventures began when
she was a UCSB undergraduate and had the
opportunity to study abroad in Leeds, England.
This life-changing event illuminated a new and
exciting path for Erin—working with students
in the Education Abroad Program.
Erin’s role within the University community
during the past three years has allowed her
to help others achieve similar life-changing
experiences such as hers. After graduation
in 2001, she successfully obtained a position
within the EAP office as a Program Assistant
and since then has transitioned to Program
Representative and now to the role of Regional
Advisor/Reciprocity Coordinator. Erin’s
dedication to the UCSB Education Abroad
Program shows not only through her rapid
acceleration through the office, but also in the
genuine joy she finds in helping students shape
their EAP experiences.
In addition to managing those students who
travel abroad to countries in Asia and Europe,
she also works with incoming students who
travel to UCSB from various regions around
the world to pursue their degrees. The talent
she displays in working with both local and
international students stretches far beyond
coursework and advising; she helps them
understand new cultures, languages, and
communities. Her gentle yet enthusiastic nature
is key to helping all students understand how
learning about new cultures will help them
achieve a better understanding of the world
around them.
Erin has found a balance of excitement and
focus in her work and personal life. As one of
her nominators stated, “Erin loves challenges!
She is energized by the pressure of multiple
deadlines, and views complex policies and
procedures as puzzles to be solved.”
Erin’s passion for exploring the world is
evident in her lifestyle. An avid scuba diver,
Erin not only explores new places on land,
but also in the ocean. She learned through
her diving that “we must pay attention to the
worlds around us, to ourselves, and respect
the animals and people that we meet.” Diving
is a metaphor for her views on life, and her
passion for swing and salsa dancing also
shows her how things like “paying attention
to your partner’s movements, communicating
effectively, and using your creativity” can
all be important in how we learn about new
cultures and environments.
Erin sees studying abroad in England as one of
her biggest accomplishments and it has led her
to achieve things she didn’t know she could do.
Traveling abroad for a length of time requires
courage, a passion for learning, and a desire
to learn about the world beyond oneself — all
characteristics Erin possesses. Her role as an
advisor for students allows her to combine all
that she has learned with the excitement she
feels about the prospect of helping a student
begin the same journey. She gracefully brings
all these pieces together for students and is a
role model for those she works with.
Just as she explores and learns from the many
cultures of the world, she also recognizes
the joy of being right here in Santa Barbara.
She loves visiting the farmer’s market, likes
cooking and trying new cultural foods, enjoys
music (and even played the clarinet in the
UCSB Ensemble as an undergraduate!), and
has a passion for animals. UCSB is fortunate
to have someone like Erin to help bridge our
community to the world.
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 the many faces of women

BREAKING 2004 Conference

BARRIERS
the many faces of women

14
General Meeting

Holiday
Party

Fall Fashion
Luncheon Show

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 2003–04 PWA Officers 2003-2004 PWA Standing
CO-PRESIDENTS: CO-VICE PRESIDENTS: Committees and Chairs
Carolyn Buford Lupe Navarro-Garcia Community Service
Office of Student Life Education Opportunity Program The goal of this committee is to promote
buford-c@sa.ucsb.edu • x8749 navarro-garcia-l@sa.ucsb.edu • x4550 volunteer opportunities by designing and
Cecilia Becerra Kim Parent sponsoring projects of service to our campus
Financial Aid Orientation Programs
and the community.
becerra-c@sa.ucsb.edu • x3336 parent-k@sa.ucsb.edu • x3858
Chair:
SECRETARY: Barbara Byrge
Mary Rae Staton Instructional Reesources
Linguistics byrge@id.ucsb.edu
staton@linguistics.ucsb.edu • x8910 x4344

TREASURER: Membership
Mary Lum This committee supports the growth of PWA
College of Letters & Science through active recruitment within the UCSB
mlum@ltsc.ucsb.edu • x2206
community.
Co-Chairs:
PARLIAMENTARIAN Phyllis Gibson
Candace Stevenson College of Letters & Science
Office of Student Life pgibson@ltsc.ucsb.edu
stevenson-c@sa.ucsb.edu • x3480
x2807
Sarah Dillingham
PAST CO-PRESIDENTS: Graduate Division
Lisa Oshins
dillingham@graddiv.ucsb.edu
Office of Executive Vice Chancellor
lisa.oshins@evc.ucsb.edu • x2785 x4656
Carol Wilmoth
Gevirtz Research Center Programs
carol@education.ucsb.edu • x7905 The Programs Committee provides year-
round activities and events on topics
PWA Statement of Purpose Statement of Appreciation responsive to the members’ needs and
To develop awareness among faculty, staff, The PWA would like to thank the Affirmative interests. It researches possible activities and
and other campus constituencies of the Action Office for their financial contributions coordinates with other campus constituents.
contributions of women to the mission of and continued support of the publication of Co-Chairs:
UCSB. the Michelle Crawford
To provide activities and support to other bi-annual PWA Newsletter. Office of Research
campus constituencies that contribute to the crawford@omni.ucsb.edu
advancement of women. x3787
To serve as a networking and communications Kathy Davis
channel among women employees at UCSB. Budget & Planning
To provide a forum to influence decisions kathy.davis@bap.ucsb.edu
on campus and community issues that affect The PWA Membership Committee x3389
women at UCSB. co-chairs have been revising the
membership lists and labels. E-mail Publicity and Publications
reminders will be sent to you if your The members of the Publicity and
membership has expired. Publications Committee are responsible for
publicizing and informing members of PWA-
sponsored events and activities.
Yes! I Would Like to Join the Chair:
Brenda Reheem
UCSB Professional Women’s Association! Office of Student Life
reheem-b@sa.ucsb.edu
$10 Annual Dues (July-June) • Please Make Check Payable To: UC Regents x4568
Send To: PWA Treasurer, Mail Code 8627
❒ New Membership ❒ Membership Renewal Web Site Maintenance
Name: ________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ Chair:
Sue Kadner
Department: ____________________________________ E-mail: _____________________ Information Systems & Computing
I would like more information on the following committee(s). Please contact me! sue.kadner@isc.ucsb.edu
x2759
❒ Membership ❒ Community Service ❒ Program ❒ Publicity

16 16
 2004–05 PWA Officers
CO-PRESIDENTS: CO-VICE PRESIDENTS:
Kim Parent Barbara Byrge
Orientation Programs Instructional Resources
parent-k@sa.ucsb.edu byrge@id.ucsb.edu
x3858 x4344
Lupe Navarro-Garcia Shana Moran-Lanier
Educational Opportunity Program Educational Opportunity Program
navarro-garcia-l@sa.ucsb.edu moran-lanier-s@sa.ucsb.edu
x4040 x2558
SECRETARY: TREASURER: PARLIAMENTARIAN
Sandy Camp Kristen Burnett TBA
Development Sexual Harassment Complaint Resolution Office
sandy.camp@ia.ucsb.edu kristen.burnett@shot9.ucsb.edu
x3379 x5410

PAST CO-PRESIDENTS:
Carolyn Buford
Office of Student Life
buford-c@sa.ucsb.edu
x8749
Cecilia Becerra
Financial Aid
becerra-c@sa.ucsb.edu
x3336

NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2004 SPECIAL EDITION

For more information about PWA:
Web Site: http://www.pwa.ucsb.edu
Feedback
We want to hear from you! Please let us know if you would like
to see a particular topic or event covered in future newsletters.
Any comments positive or negative are welcome. Address all
suggestions to Brenda Bernu Reheem at reheem-b@sa.ucsb.edu.
Unsung Heroine Committee Co-Chairs: Rosa Arlington, Kori Stoltz
Design and Production:Brenda Bernu Reheem
Copy Editor: Vanessa Vance
Unsung Heroine Portrait Photographer: Kori Stoltz Photo Editor: Hunter Howatt-Nab
Event Photographers:Rosa Arlington, Barbara Bartolome, Brenda Bernu Reheem

PR O F ES S I O N A L WO M EN ’ S A S S O C I A TION

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