VERONICA BARTELL (she/her)
BOARD PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR of MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, UC Berkeley, COLLEGE OF CHEMISTRY
What was your first concert? Menudo. I was around 10 and we saw them at the El Paso Colliseum with my cousins. We swooned the entire time.
Who is your favorite female-identifying musician? Rocío Dúrcal. She is also my mom’s favorite singer and her voice is legendary. I also love Madi Diaz, Lizzo, Yola, The Regrettes, Sleater-Kinney, Neko Case, and Billie Eilish.
What empowers you? My work, climbing mountains, playing music, my husband. I’m also empowered by the duality I experience as someone who was born in a border town. In the words of Selena Quintanilla’s father, “You have to know about John Wayne AND Pedro Infante... Anglo food is too bland and when we go to Mexico we get the runs...it’s exhausting!”
HEIDI STEVENS (she/her)
BOARD TREASURER
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE, CAlifornia DENTAL ASSOCiation
What was your first concert? Ozzfest, circa 1998. I had recently graduated high school and moved into my own apartment and started to branch out on my own. It was so different than what my parents would have expected or appreciated, which was part of the charm of the experience.
Who is your favorite female-identifying musician? I don't even know where to start with this question! My first albums were Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Amy Grant. Those three women were on repeat for at least a year in my tween years. I'm still a huge fan of anything I can belt out in my car!
What empowers you? Having a voice, being heard and seen. The quote, "speak your mind even if your voice shakes", (which I'm not sure who to properly credit, unfortunately) has always resonated with me. I have struggled in my growth as an adult and a woman to find my voice and feel like I'm showing up authentically. To find those moments and environments where you really feel seen and heard is powerful.
LORI HANLEY (SHE/HER)
BOARD secretary
Public Education Strategist, Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications
What was your first concert? Primus at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. The thing I remember the most from that night was looking out the back seat window on the way to the venue and seeing a station wagon full of clowns!
Who is your favorite female-identifying musician? Annie Lennox. I love an artist who has that brooding voice/vibe on lock, pushes boundaries and is engaged in activism and philanthropy.
What empowers you? Strong women, authenticity, passion, belonging, service to others, and the bravery, resiliency and creativity of youth.
Myki ANgeline (she/her)
BOARD MEMBER
On-Air Talent, 98 Rock / part-time, Women's International Music Network
What was your first concert? Olivia Newton-John at the old "Echo" Arena. 1981! John Travolta joined her onstage as a surprise guest.
Who is your favorite female-identifying musician? If I had to choose only one, I would pick Olivia Newton-John. Her music got me through the toughest times in my youth. I purchased nearly all of her vinyl back in the day. I love what she stands for, and how compassionate she is about animals and the environment.
What empowers you? That I have finally bodied self love and self respect. Setting boundaries has empowered me to shut out the negative noise in my head, recognize my own worth and go for what glows me up.
YOLANDA GAFFNEY (SHE/HER)
BOARD MEMBER
Associate Director of Philanthropy, Sacramento region community foundation
What was your first concert? My first concert was Genesis at Oakland in the 80s. I was so happy to be there. My best friend’s parents didn’t want us to take my unreliable car from Fresno to the Bay Area, and they rented a car for us to get there safely! Who does that!?! Such a nice memory.
Who is your favorite female-identifying musician? Tina Turner! What a powerhouse! She was dynamic, inspiring, strong, and distinctive—as a performer and as a person. That voice!
What empowers you? In past years, I thought that being strong and relentless was the goal, but have since learned that in connecting with others I feel most empowered. Recognizing our shared humanity, hearing their stories, giving witness to others’ journeys and just saying “Hey, yeah, I see you.” It’s when I can gaze into another person’s eyes and really see them, and be seen by them that I feel an electricity, an aliveness, an engagement.
COURTNEY MCKINNEY (SHE/HER)
BOARD MEMBER
SOCIAL IMPACT MANAGER, GOLDEN 1 CREDIT UNion / Writer
What was your first concert? Besides church concerts, John Mayer - Continuum.
Who is your favorite female-identifying musician? Tina Turner
What empowers you? Nature, movement, singing, seeing people be free✨