Meet our members and find out why they joined
One of the strengths of the League is the varied backgrounds, skill sets and interests members bring to the organization. Each person has a unique contribution to make and each member has a different reason for joining. Here are a few of their stories.
Equity of under-represented
Raeena Lari first learned of the League while a student at Bryn Mawr watching Geraldine Ferraro’s campaign to be the first female vice president in the U.S. She remembered the League years later when she was alarmed by the rhetoric and direction of American politics. She joined in 2021 and has participated in legislative interviews, the annual Program Planning session, and various webinars. A passionate advocate for increased funding for lyme disease research and a member of the Santa Clara County Health Advisory Commission, she also signed up for the statewide League health interest group.
“I am very focused on equity for the under-represented, especially women and immigrants,” she said. “The League has been very welcoming to me and I am learning so much. It is helping me feel I have a voice.”
Nonpartisan approach
After a 40-year career heading up human resources for some of Silicon Valley’s best known tech companies, such as Adobe and eBay, Rebecca Guerra felt she owed a debt to the region that has given her so much. In addition to part-time consulting, she agreed to sit on several boards including the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Santa Clara University Board of Trustees. And, in 2020, she joined the League.
“I was struggling with the strong partisan divides in our country and was aware that the League – by charter, reputation and history – does not play the game on either side of the fence,” she said. “It is relied on as an important source of factual information on candidates and measures.”
As she met other League members, Rebecca was impressed with their long engagement and experience and their deep knowledge of local government and issues. “I plan to make a deliberate effort to get more involved.”
Voter registration
Jennifer Tonnis grew up with hearing about the League from her mom, an active member in the Monterey area. Jennifer followed national League activities while pursuing a career in public administration consulting and her involvement in local political races and ballot issues made her very familiar with our League.
“I am passionate about voter access and rights, and want to do what I can to increase voter participation,” she said, adding that she is looking forward to the League resuming in person voter registration events now that pandemic restrictions have eased. She is also closely following the work of the Housing & Homelessness Committee, another priority interest for her.
Respected reputation
After her husband’s job transfer brought Vickie Mueller Olvera from Texas to San Jose, she looked for ways to make connections with the community. On her own, she picked up voter registration forms from the Registrar of Voters and set up a table at the flea market and other popular locations to encourage people to vote.
“I realized to be most effective I needed to be part of a larger effort that has a recognizable name and reputation,” she said. “The League is well known and respected. Its name makes people stop and listen.” She looked up contact information for the local League and joined us in 2018.
Since then Vickie has helped with Pros & Cons sessions, legislative interviews, and attended several Lunch With League events. She also joined the League’s statewide health interest group and would like to get more involved in efforts to get money out of politics.
Voting rights
For Linda Marquez, retiring from her career as a technical director in the semiconductor industry this year meant she has time to pursue other interests. At the top of her list was joining the League.
“I wanted to do something about protecting voting rights,” she said. “We must be sure that there is every opportunity to vote and I am concerned about increasing voter turnout.”
She was familiar with the League as a source of nonpartisan information from her own personal use of Voter’s Edge to be a “one stop shop” for background on issues, candidates, where and how to vote. As one of the League’s newest members, she is already committing to a big role in getting the Voter’s Edge website ready for the Primary Election in June.
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Fundraising campaign coming to a close
April is the final month your gift to our League’s current fundraising campaign will be matched 100% by a generous anonymous donor. If you haven’t already, please consider making a donation before April 30, online or by sending a check to LWVSJ/SC, P.O. Box 5374, San Jose, CA 95150.
As we approach primary and general elections in June and November 2022, your support of LWVSJ/SC helps inform local voters through Candidate Forums and Pros & Cons presentations on complicated ballot measures. Our local League also contributes to LWV activities at state and national levels, where we have an enormous impact on public policy decisions and civic education. Let’s make our voices heard!
Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. Donors in February and March include:
Susan Devencenzi
Sherle Nan Frost
Joan Halperin
Kathleen Haydel & Sharon Jackson
Katherine Horowitz
Beth Hughes
Sara Malaun
Sally Pyle
Sandra Remmers
Shirley Young
Anonymous (2)
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Learn more about committees - attend a Zoom meeting
Membership Committee
The next meeting will be held in person on Monday, April 11, 1:30-3 p.m. at a home in South San Jose. For details contact Chair Marie Arnold.
Climate Change/Natural Resource Committee
Voter Service Committee (Candidate Forums, Voter Registration)
The next meeting is Monday, April 25, 10 a.m. via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, contact Chair Sandy Mory.
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Sign up for League state, national updates
Membership in the League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara also includes membership in LWV of California and LWV of U.S. If you would like to receive online updates about the League's work statewide and nationally, sign up for monthly contact from LWVC or twice a month briefings from LWVUS.
The League's biennial national convention will take place June 23-26 in Denver, Colorado and online. Learn more or register as an in-person or virtual observer HERE.
