RANDI JONES
Candidate for President
I joined The Ebell in 2013 and am currently finishing my second year as Vice President of the organization. Before being elected to that office, I served as Director of the Rest Cottage Association for four years ending June 30, 2021. I continue to be an active member of RCA as well as the Finance Committee and Governance Committee and helped to draft the new Bylaws. Over the years I’ve served on other committees as well, including Social Services, Wine & Dine, the Strategic Planning Working Group, and our Executive Director hiring committee.
I earned a law degree from Columbia University and a master’s in clinical psychology from USC and have worked in both fields. Now retired, I spend much of my time doing volunteer work and serve on the Boards of Directors of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, St. Barnabas Senior Services, and the Maestro Foundation, as well as the Board of Advisors of the UCLA Division of Geriatrics. Along the way, I have learned a great deal about best practices for non-profit boards.
I have been married for 43 years to Richard Jones, who runs a large wealth management team at Merrill Lynch and loves The Ebell almost as much as I do. We have two adult children and four grandchildren (with one more on the way!), all of whom live in the Los Angeles area.
CATHERINE COLLINS
Candidate for Vice President
I have been a member of The Ebell since early 2019. I currently serve as Recording Secretary and am a member of The Ebell House and Finance Committees. I also serve on an Impact Evaluation Task Force to help measure the impact of The Ebell’s programs in support of telling our story for funders.
I spent 41 years in management consulting with Accenture (a global professional services company), where I focused on operational performance, process improvement, system capability implementation and organizational change, until I retired in 2018. Additionally, I oversaw local practice programs in inclusion and diversity, corporate citizenship, and employee engagement.
For the past seven years, I have been a Board member for the Downtown Women’s Center, a nonprofit that serves women experiencing homelessness. I currently chair the Governance Committee. I have served as Board Secretary and previously chaired the Social Enterprise Committee. I serve on several committees including Development, Housing, Audit, and Strategic Planning. I have conducted professional development training for the DWC staff in selected topics (e.g., project planning).
I have a degree in mathematics and statistics from Miami University (Ohio). I grew up near Cincinnati, Ohio, but I have lived in Los Angeles since 1982. I enjoy outdoor activities, travel, theatre/arts, Pilates, and quilting. I have been widowed since 2020 and live near the beach with two tabby cats. I have two adult children and two grandsons: my daughter, son-in-law and their two boys live in Nevada; my son lives in Orange County.
I joined The Ebell because I wanted to be a part of growing and preserving this unique treasure that reflects a long heritage of strong-willed women who uplift the community.
FAZIE YAKUB
Candidate for Treasurer
Attending a luncheon at The Ebell, with great inspiration and enjoyment, I joined as a member in 2018. Later that year, I joined the Scholarship Committee, there I collaborate with a group of very enthusiastic women. We strive to help students achieve their academic goals by giving them scholarships. I am an integral member of the team, reading applications and interviewing students. I was appointed Chair of the Scholarship Eligibility Committee. More recently, I participated as a team member of the implementation of the scholarship application platform. In addition, I’m involved in our annual awards dinner and breakfast where we host our Scholars and their families. It gives me great satisfaction and pleasure meeting the students and their families. I also served one term on the Nomination Committee.
In addition to The Ebell, I’m involved as a member of the Guyana Medical Relief, where I serve on the Advisory Board. We approve how funds are spent on Medical Projects in the Country. Keeping busy, I’m also a member of Soroptimist of Greater Santa Clarita.
My academic background in Economics entails professional positions held in the field of finance in New York City, Los Angeles and Kingston, Jamaica. I bring to The Ebell over twenty years of experience in the Financial World.
Currently, I’m retired, mother of three grown children and enjoying my granddaughter.
ROSA BRAVO
Candidate for At Large Director
I’m a purpose-driven transformational business strategist and trusted advisor with a keen understanding of the intersection between government and the private sector. In a career spanning three decades I have worked globally as a consultant and engineer enabling strategic growth and technical innovation while building strong organizational cultures. I have extensive experience delivering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion solutions and is an active member in The Ebell’s DEI committee. My commitment to lending my voice to a more equitable world and to the advancement of STEM education in underserved communities as a mentor has earned me a number of government commendations. In 2019, I was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Great Minds in STEM.
I’m known for rolling up my sleeves in support of my communities and is an active member of various service organizations in addition to serving on the boards of the LA World Affairs Council, the University of Southern California Latino Alumni Association and A Thousand Joys. I’m bilingual, and hold a Master of Science in Industrial and systems Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California. Most recently, I was appointed to Mayor Karen Bass’ Transition Team to provide advisory to the Mayor and the City of Los Angeles. An Ebell member since 2019, I’m a native Angelino and enjoys many interests including cycling, hiking, travel, film, music, and of course, Trojan football.
BEVERLEY CLARKSON
Candidate for At Large Director
After forty years with the Los Angeles Unified School District, serving in many capacities, such as Principal and Director of School Services Local District, I retired in 2009. I sing with the Hollywood Master Chorale, Athena Women’s Chorus of the L.A. Athletic Club, and The Ebell Chorale for over fifteen years. With Ebell, I participate in community outings by performing at the Hollenbeck Palm Retirement Community, the Kingsley Manor Assisted Living and Nursing home, and the Legacy Tea.
I have served on the Boards of the Athena Women’s Chorus, Hollywood Master Chorale, and the Opera League of Los Angeles, where I currently serve as President of the African Americans for LA Opera. We were recently honored at the Peter Hemmings Award Dinner for 30 years of volunteer service to the Opera League and LA Opera. Through this organization, we have partnered with The Ebell, providing recitals to the community and comraderies, in this welcoming, vintage environment.
Additionally, I participate in a writing group and a book club. I am the author of four published books: It’s of No Consequence, Rightfully Hers, Hold On Kids, and Love You. The last one is a fictional account.
I would be honored to support the women of The Ebell as a New At Large Director. I am open to new suggestions and willing to support the work of the organization.
LAURALEE GOOCH
Candidate for At Large Director
I originally joined The Ebell in 2012 to support opportunities for women and to nurture my love of Los Angeles history, and it’s an honor to be nominated to serve as a board member. Since re-engaging with The Ebell in 2019, I’ve enjoyed supporting The Ebell’s cultural and social events, and I worked with Director of Programs, Phyllis Hansen, in 2021 to produce a program on the history of Bullocks Wilshire featuring Los Angeles historian Eric Evavold.
I bring to this position my skills as a corporate lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience advising companies on commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. I have advised for-profit and nonprofit boards and have served on the board of the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation since 2021, where I spent my tenure as Nominating Committee Chair promoting board diversity across multiple categories. I am a certified Corporate Governance Professional and a life member of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles.
I have lived in Los Angeles for over 25 years, having originally moved here from Colorado to attend the University of Southern California. I later earned my law degree from Stanford Law School. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening and cooking with my husband, fellow Ebell member Mike Hjelmstad.
LATOYA HEARNS
Candidate for At Large Director
It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I present my candidacy. Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary Ebell women who have inspired me with their dedication and passion.
My journey with The Ebell began in 2017 and since then, I have been deeply involved in various leadership roles, including Membership Director from 2022 to 2024. My other leadership roles include Membership Strategic Working Group, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, (DEI) Task Force, Ebell Hospitality, Social Services, Ebell Juniors, and Nomination Committee. During my
tenure as Membership Director, I spearheaded initiatives that significantly enhanced membership engagement. Notably, I established a dynamic membership committee, developed an early career membership category aimed at recruiting and retaining a diverse cohort of young professionals, introduced monthly orientations for new members, and initiated an annual volunteer brunch to celebrate and acknowledge members invaluable contributions. Moreover, I prioritized inclusivity by launching supportive outreach efforts for members in recovery or facing grief and loss.
I am a California native who enjoys traveling the world, running marathons and competing in
triathlons. My professional experience includes 20 years in healthcare at UCLA and Cedars-
Sinai Medical Center. I hold degrees from USC Keck School of Medicine in Health Promotions
and Disease Prevention and USC Sol Price School of Public Policy in Health Administration,
which have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex issues and
drive positive change within our organization.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve and contribute to our growth and success.
CAMILLE LOMBARDO
Candidate for At Large Director
I think of myself as a marketing and fundraising professional who has experience in a variety of industries. My career combines over 50 years of corporate and non-profit experience with a strong entrepreneurial streak. Two key strengths are my ability to creatively blend business problem-solving with practical problem analysis and experienced business judgment and to effectively raise money for worthy causes.
Specifically, as Executive Director of Friends of The Observatory (now Griffith Observatory Foundation), I grew membership by nearly 100% and led Griffith Observatory’s fundraising activities, personally raising $63 million of the $93 million renovation and expansion project cost from individual, foundation, corporate, and government sources. As an entrepreneur, I founded Hour Color, Santa Fe, the largest independent, full-service photo processing lab in northern New Mexico, along with two other women. As a banking executive, I led First Interstate Bank’s successful bid to be the official bank of the 1984 Olympics. As an independent marketing consultant, I worked with clients like American Express (US, Mexico City, London and Canada) and J.D. Power and Associates.
In 2010, I worked with Stacy Brightman at the LA Opera to create a special planetarium show, Light of the Valkyries, for the “Ring” Festival LA. Her professionalism, commitment, and talent inspired me to follow her to The Ebell when I retired several years ago. The Ebell’s focus on empowering and promoting women across all demographics and in all capacities meshes with my own interests. I mentioned some of my accomplishments because I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the future of The Ebell right now, especially in terms of having been through the processes inherent in the upcoming architectural improvements, in the necessary capital campaign, and in the required relationship development. I’ve “been there before.” I’d like to help.
I was named Non-Profit Executive of the Year by Women in Business in 2014 and the 2017 Woman of the Year in Pasadena by Congressman Adam Schiff.
GERALDINE (GERRIE) MALOOF
Candidate for At Large Director
I’m a native Angeleno, who grew up in the Los Feliz area. I attended UCLA, where I received both her BA and MBA.
My long career as a Human Resources professional, with a particular emphasis on Labor Relations, began in the For-Profit Sector in companies ranging from high-tech electronics to retail and distribution. The latter years of my career were spent in the Not-For-Profit Sector as the senior HR executive for both LACMA and LA Opera.
I re-discovered The Ebell of Los Angeles several years ago. Impressed by its heritage, mission, and potential, I became a member in 2021. I’m currently serving on the Personnel and Development Committees.
In the past, I have served on the board of two small arts Not-For-Profit organizations and volunteered as business manager for Actors’ Co-op, a 99-seat theater company in Hollywood. I recently completed a term on the Board (Vestry) of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills and currently co-chairs its Climate Care committee. I am also an active participant of the Legislative Committee of a local chapter of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project.
For several decades, I have been a resident of Beverly Glen and is grateful that I didn’t wash away in the recent rains.
NELLIE SCOTT
Candidate for At Large Director
I hold a degree in Art History from Portland State University and Szeged University in Hungary, focusing on Indigenous Art and Social Practice. With art accessibility as a pillar of all of my professional endeavors, I spent the last decade developing exhibitions and art education initiatives geared toward democratizing art engagement. Prior to holding the position of Executive Director at Corita Art Center, I served as an independent consultant and art advisor for a variety of public and private foundations, institutions, artists, and estates.
I have an entrepreneurial spirit, so I have a history of successfully building nonprofits and businesses to meet mission and service. Currently, I serve on the Board of Councilors for the University of Southern California Roski School of Art and Design and Coquille Education and Culture Committee.
FRAN VARGA
Candidate for At Large Director
I have been an Ebell member for 5 years, and currently serve on The Ebell Board as Chair of the Development/Advancement Committee and Ebell Friends 501(c)(3). I serve as Secretary of Ebell Rest Cottage Association; also serve on the Governance, Social Services, and Ebell Cares committees. I am currently retired from a 38-year career in Computer Aided Design and global account management for technology sales. I have a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Detroit. I am an active supporter of the Assistance League of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Conservancy, Good Shepherd Center for Women and Children, The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, LA Center for Law and Justice, and KCRW public radio.
I am committed to the growth, stability, and sustainability of The Ebell of Los Angeles. I am a team player with skills in complex project management, collaborative team building, selling and making “the ask”. I am focused on mission, goals, and results. I am passionate about The Ebell and strive to share my enthusiasm and dedication with other members and the community at large. I believe that we should preserve what is special about our historic member-driven organization, while we become stronger and more dynamic as we address the challenges and opportunities of the next 100 years.
JILL BAUMAN
Candidate for Nominating Committee
I’m a seasoned entrepreneur and business executive. My nearly 40 years of experience includes nonprofit and political fundraising, business consulting, and launching five companies – three for-profit and two not-for-profit. I’m currently the Co-Founder of Social Benefit and the CEO Emeritus of Imagine LA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing the community to end the generational cycle of homelessness and poverty.
I have a Master’s in Public and Private Management MPPM / MBA from Yale and a BA in Economics from Smith College. I’m also an officer on the Yale SOM Alumni Advisory Board. I served as co-chair of The Ebell’s Governance Committee and organized several forums on homelessness. I’ve been a member since 2016.
CHERYL FINLEY
Candidate for Nominating Committee
I have been a member of The Ebell for six years. I joined a few months after a friend brought me to an RCA luncheon and I found myself moved by the stories of the women who had been helped by the RCA’s grantee organizations. I wanted to be part of the RCA. Little did I know what awaited me within The Ebell as a whole. Lunches, educational programs, outings and a fascinating group of women from all walks of life. I am having a good time at The Ebell, and I have tried to give back. I am an active member of RCA and spent 2 years as RCA Secretary. I also co-chaired the Social Services committee with Jo-Ann Rodriquez for 2 years and am still an active member of the group. I am now trying to get the fledging group, Hands Across the Ebell going. We are a subcommittee of Membership, and our goal is to maintain communication with members who do not use email and are unable to access the Newsletter and E-blasts.
I am a retired MSW social worker. I spent 35 years either directly providing vocational rehabilitation services to severely disabled adults, managing staff that provided the services or providing training and consultation services to the numerous non-profits that served their needs. I also sat on the advisory boards of many of those organizations and provided board training.
I retired 16 years ago and for a few years worked as a volunteer on the Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Hot Line. Additionally, I have been on the Advisory Board of Towne Street Theatre for several years. I am pleased to say that Towne Street is now in partnership with The Ebell and that my daughter became a member last year. In short, I love this organization and want to do what I can to help it thrive.
NATALIE NEITH
Candidate for Nominating Committee
I have a BA from the University of Memphis and an MA in Art Education from the University of Georgia. I’m currently a real estate agent specializing in historic homes and serve as the Architectural Director at Compass. I have strong marketing and sales skills. I have been a member of The Ebell since 2017 and currently am on both the Programs and Membership Committees. I’ve also been on the PR Committee.
DONNA RUSSELL
Candidate for Nominating Committee
An Ebell member since 2008, I am currently Treasurer and end my four-year term in June. I’ve chaired the Scholarship Committee for two terms and currently serve on the Historic Collections, RCA, Scholarship and Art committees. I have deep knowledge of The Ebell and its membership.
I’ve volunteered with California Hospital Medical Center (Archives) and Marlborough School (Alumnae Board). I also have a BA in English Literature from Chapman College (now University). It has been an honor and pleasure to serve on the Board and work with so many extraordinary Ebell women over the past 12 years. It would be a privilege to continue this collaboration as part of the Nominating Committee.
LAURIE SCHECHTER
Candidate for Nominating Committee
I joined The Ebell in 2012 and have been on the Board for eight (8) years, as President (2022-2024), Vice President (2020-2022) and Chair of Programs (2016-2020). My other Ebell leadership roles have included: Social Services Chair, RCA Treasurer and RCA Assistant Chair. I have participated in just about all The Ebell committees, including the RCA, Programming, Governance, Development, Finance, House & Grounds, Historic Collections and Audit Committees. These roles and experiences have afforded me an in-depth understanding of The Ebell and introduced me to a broad segment of our wonderful membership, which will be useful in the nominating process.
I was born in New York City and lived on the East Coast until 2010 when I moved to LA with my husband, a fourth generation Angeleno and physician. My professional experience includes 20+ years in senior management positions with global medical device and service companies in the areas of international business development, marketing, PR, special events, sales, and finance. I retired early in 2012 to help care for my ailing parents. I hold an MBA with a concentration in International Business from The State University of New York at at Buffalo and a BA from Franklin & Marshall College (Pennsylvania).
I have studied voice and been a member of the New Amsterdam Singers in New York City, The French/German Chorale in Paris, American Music Abroad and a Pennsylvania All-Collegiate Chorale. I speak Spanish and French and have studied Mandarin. I play tennis and enjoy classical music as well as travel and reading. I am a member, supporter and patron of various Los Angeles Cultural organizations.
Thank you for your consideration and support!
EMMA WELCH
Candidate for Nominating Committee
I graduated from Duke University and am currently attending law school. I hope to become a fundraising professional. As Chair of the Duke University Southern California Alumni Board, I collaborate with Duke’s Development office by facilitating connections with significant donors in Southern California. I am an Advisory Trustee and member of the Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society. I joined The Ebell in 2020 and been active in the Juniors program and the Program Committee.
