2025 WGC Advisory Board

The Women's Giving Circle Advisory Board is made up of a diverse group of women from all sectors who live, work and/or volunteer in Howard County and are working to promote philanthropy among women in order to give grants to programs that focus on women and girls. We are proud that 100% of our 2025 Advisory Board does not only give time and talent, but also gives financial support to further the WGC's mission. 
The WGC Advisory Board is committed to transparency in every aspect of our organization and our funding.

Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz
Executive Director, *Ex Officio

is a philanthropic leader whose professional career, volunteer efforts, and activism have been focused on women’s issues, human rights, and social change through philanthropy. She is co-author of the award-winning book Women & Philanthropy: Boldly Shaping a Better World, has written articles on women’s giving, and is active with national giving circle groups. She began her career working for an international human rights organization in Washington, DC, and has served as Director of the Baltimore Giving Project, Communications Director at the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers (now Maryland Philanthropy Network).
She is active in the community and has served on numerous Boards of Directors including the Community Foundation of Howard County, Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, Hope Works, Sobar, Our Maryland, and the Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System, and is involved in gun violence prevention efforts. She also represents the WGC on the national Philanos Board of Directors and co-Chairs the Marketing & Communications Committee, and she's on the Steering Committee for the Global We Give Summit. She has a BA in Russian History from the University of Maryland and has lived in Howard County  for 35 years. She and her husband Howard have four children ranging in age from 33 – 18 and two young granddaughters.

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Lee Draminski
​Secretary

was raised in Howard County, MD and graduated from Mt. Hebron High School. She began her career as an intern at The Rouse Company, and then went on to work at the Howard County Chamber of Commerce in several different capacities. For the past 27 years, she has actively worked in the local, regional and national association world, working for Homebuilders Association of Maryland (now MBIA), Howard County Dental Association, Retail Packaging Association, and more. Lee switched industries and currently manages Partnerships for Vectorworks, Inc.  She is a graduate of Shippensburg University where she was a four-year swimmer. She lives in Howard County with her husband and three children.

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Kashonna Marrow 
Chair, Membership & Development Committee

is an engaging keynote speaker, an inspiring coach, a motivational author, and an insightful corporate trainer. Kashonna is the President & CEO of Simply Kashonna, a business built to promote BOLD, FEARLESS and COURAGEOUS living. She goes beyond surface issues to address the pink elephants that inhibit personal, professional and spiritual potential. Kashonna has helped many people walk through the ambiguity of their lives and on to defining their life’s purpose by discovering their authentic self. Both, in the corporate arena and in the nonprofit world, strategic growth and development of people have always been the focal point of her service. Corporately, she has held positions in both Human Resources, as well as the Staffing industry. Additionally, Kashonna spent years in an executive pastoral role where crisis intervention and spiritual guidance were her primary responsibilities. Understanding that leadership training and development is essential to any corporation or organization’s growth, Kashonna launched SK Leading Forward, which is dedicated to enhancing employee engagement, performance, productivity and morale. Kashonna is a member and currently serves on the WGC’s Membership & Development Committee.

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Lynne C. Schaefer
Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair

retired in 2022 after serving as Vice President for Administration and Finance at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) since 2005. In that role she was responsible for financial management of nearly $500 million, facilities, human resources and other business functions. She has also previously served as Interim CEO of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, and as Budget Director and Vice President for Administrative Services at Wayne State University in Detroit.  She was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women, and one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Metropolitan Detroit.  

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Paula Seabright

has been involved with the Women’s Giving Circle for many years, was an inaugural member of the WGC’s Big Give and participated in the WGC’s Big Give 2023, served on the WGC’s Big Give Committee, and is active in the WGC’s Emergency Response Network. 

She and her family have lived in Howard County for almost 25 years where she has been an engaged member of the community, volunteering in schools and for numerous nonprofits. Paula will retire soon from almost 30 years of work in different aspects of security. She looks forward to doing more gardening and traveling, as well as giving even more time to the WGC.

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Barb Van Winkle
Immediate Past Chair

is President of Nancy Adams Personnel in Columbia, where her company has been for over 40 years. Her business specializes in providing top-notch candidates to all size companies for Administrative, Customer Service, Accounting and Office Support positions, both permanent and temporary. Her company has helped many clients hire long time permanent employees, and her candidates stay an average of over 6 years in their permanent jobs.  She has a BA degree in Sociology from Goucher College and served for 8 years on the Goucher Board of Trustees.  She participated for over 20 years in area triathlons, now she loves golfing, practicing yoga and walking with her wife Joan. They both love spending time with their young granddaughters and grandson! Barb has served on many nonprofit boards including the Community Foundation of Howard County for 9 years, and she continues to serve on the HCCEF board, where she served as Chair for 2 terms, and is now current Chair of the annual Silas Craft Collegian Dinner.  She loves the Women’s Giving Circle and she is very proud to be Chair!  Barb has been a strong supporter of WGC since its inception in 2002!  

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Beverly White-Seals, President & CEO
Community Foundation of Howard County Liaison *Ex-Officio

joined CFHoCo as President and CEO in May 2012, bringing broad experience in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. She positioned the organization as a hub for connecting philanthropic residents with local nonprofits to improve the lives of those living in Howard County, while also building a new leadership team and investing in better processes and systems. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Beverly earned a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University and a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law. Beverly also donated her time and talent to serve on over 30 nonprofit boards while pursuing a career as a practicing attorney. Beverly enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandson as well as with her large and exceedingly close extended family.

Jennifer Woods
Chair

is the President & CEO of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the largest career and technical student organization, which connects education and business communities to prepare over 200,000 students annually for success in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the global economy through hands-on experiences and industry partnerships. In 2014, with a significant multi-year investment from the Women’s Giving Circle, Jennifer was instrumental in launching JA Rising Women, a program designed to foster entrepreneurship among high school-aged young women across Howard County. She also serves on the board of the Technology Advancement Center (TAC). Jennifer has been recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in both 2012 and 2020 and received the Brava award in 2016. She earned her B.S. in Education from Virginia Tech and resides in Ellicott City with her two sons.

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Laura Bacon

is the Founder and CEO of The 3rd, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, co-created, community of Women of Color entrepreneurs. The 3rd believes Women of Color need a space to build, execute, and thrive: “We need access. We need skill building. We need funding. We need collaboration. We need accountability. We need sister friends. We need a community that understands our unique gifts and the unique challenges we face.” Laura creates spaces where people can show up as the best version of themselves. Her life and work centers around community building. For 14 years, she channeled that through her work in education. She’s also worked as company manager in theaters, an artists' manager at an opera, a mentor teacher, and most recently she’s settled into her passion, entrepreneurship and community building. Her talent is in putting all the right people in a space to make something special. Laura is a member and currently serves on the WGC’s Events Committee.

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Shaundra Turner Jones

is Principal and Founder of STJ PR, Communications & Consulting, LLC. As an outcomes-driven strategic communications leader with extensive corporate communications, public relations, media relations, crisis management, public affairs, foundation and reputation management experience, her inclusive approach to problem solving consistently produces top-tier results for clients. This proven PR maven leverages relationships, strategic communications and effective public relations to support business growth. As a trusted partner to chief executives and senior leadership, she brings a keen sense of audience understanding, creativity, an ability to see blind spots, discretion and sound judgment to successfully navigate challenges and grow the business. Shaundra is an advocate of positively impacting the community through service. She and her family take pride in giving back and helping others.

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Mary Jordan

has been in business for 16.5 years and own’s Bra-a-la, a full service bra fitting boutique in Maple Lawn. Before being a small business owner, Mary worked in biotechnology for 15 years as a contractor selling antibodies, enzymes, cytokines and growth factors to the science community. She worked at the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University for 6 years after graduating from Virginia Tech University with a degree in Biology and Community Health. She has also worked in pharmacology and radiation medicine as a laboratory technician and lab manager. Mary is a long-time donor to the WGC and has held several fundraisers at Bra-la-la to support the WGC. Mary has resided in Howard County for 30 years. She has two daughters, ages 27 and 24 and is happily married to her husband of 33 years.   

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Jessica Moreno

​Jessica Moreno is an HR professional currently serving at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Jessica has embraced Maryland as her home for more than a decade. Her journey brought her to Howard County in 2014, where she promptly engaged herself in diverse volunteer opportunities. Notably, she took part in the inaugural Women’s Giving Circle’s Big Give in 2022, and participated in the Big Give 2023, contributing to the betterment of her community. Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, Jessica finds immense joy in nurturing her passion for coaching. As a dedicated mother of two, she invests her time and energy in coaching her son and daughter’s baseball teams. This endeavor seamlessly combines her love for sports, leadership, and fostering growth in young minds.

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Yolanda F. Sonnier

is the Administrator at the Office of Human Rights and Equity for Howard County Government. She also serves as the President of the Maryland Association of Human Relations/Rights Agencies (MAHRA). In this leadership role she serves on the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention out of the Office of Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown. Yolanda feels strongly that human rights and equity is only accomplished in communities where all persons are engaged. She is passionate about engaging with the next generation, believes that we need the strength, innovation, passion, and excitement of our young people, and  believes that teaching human rights and equity transforms our communities for the better.

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Nette' Stokes

founded and currently works at JustLiving Advocacy, Inc. as the Executive & Community Engagement Director. She has a heart for all people, especially for women heading up their households alone as single parents. She believes in giving and creating opportunities for those who have a strong personal desire to lift themselves out of impoverished circumstances. Nette has strategic and executive management experience combined with a solid vision for operations and providing a creative approach to organization operations, marketing and development and community outreach. She worked for 15 years at IBM and 10 years in the government at the US Department of State and the Department of Justice as a Senior Program and Project Manager.

Candace Dodson-Reed
Vice Chair
Chair, Grants Committee

is an experienced executive with a 20 plus year successful career in the public, education, and nonprofit sectors. Skilled in media relations, grassroots organizing, government relations, crisis communications, inclusion and equity work, public policy and community/public affairs, Candace currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Executive Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). In 2012, Candace founded the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County and the twentyfivefortyfive Giving Circle at the Community Foundation of Howard County. Candace also co-hosts a podcast—Elevate Maryland. In 2020, she was named a Maryland Top 100 Woman by The Daily Record. Candace is the very proud mother of a college student.

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Dr. Maxine Clark

began her career almost 30 years ago, specializing in the correction of spaced and crowded teeth, and also jaw malformations and dysfunctions. She credits her success to her parents: Her father, a railroad engineer, and her mother, a construction pioneer, always stressed the importance of higher education. A U.S. Army veteran and recipient of several awards, Dr. Clark mentors young adults in dentistry and serves on the advisory boards for Maryland State Medicaid and Women’s Giving Circle in Howard County.

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Alison Canning

has worked in financial services for more than 15 years. Alison has lived in Howard County most of her life, and is a graduate of Howard High School. Involved with the Circle since 2011, Alison has served as the Chair of the Donor Development Committee, Vice Chair, and Chair of the Advisory Board from 2016-2018. Alison lives in Silver Spring with her husband Michael and their two children, Lillian and Thomas.​

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Cheryl Gray

is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive coach, and mentor with a mission to support women to live authentically and be their best. Her deep expertise in leadership, organizational development, and business strategy has equipped her to coach executives and leaders through the most challenging transitions. As founder of C. Gray & Associates, she teaches Fortune 100 corporations, federal agencies, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs that leadership integrity is the foundation of stellar business performance. She is the author of the personal development book In Support of Myself: A Woman’s Guide to Asking for and Accepting Help from Others. Cheryl is on the WGC’s Membership & Development Committee.

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Kim Lightfoot

is a dedicated servant leader with over twenty-five years in human services who wants to encourage and grow others. As the Chief Executive Officer of First Balcony Consulting LLC, she has coordinated with organizations to develop critical human resource strategies that align with their professional human capital vision.  She also works with the Montgomery County Police Department Special Victims Investigations Division. Kim has served in an appointed capacity with the Maryland Department of Human Services for over ten years as the Deputy Chief Learning Officer and Deputy Executive Director. She is originally from New Jersey and earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Montclair State University, and a Master’s in Human Resource Management Science from the University of Maryland University College. Kim has resided in Howard County since 2007 with her husband, James and son, J.W.  Kim enjoys reading, cooking, walking trails, and golfing in her free time.

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Jade McClary, Esq. 
Chair, Events Committee

​is an attorney for the Home Preservation Project at the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland. Jade is responsible for training and mentoring volunteer lawyers to help homeowners with estate planning and homeownership loss prevention issues, such as tax sale and foreclosures. She is committed to helping low-income homeowners preserve their intergenerational wealth, which oftentimes, is the family home. Previously, Jade practiced family law in Howard County, drafted bills for the Maryland General Assembly, and clerked for the Honorable Cathy H. Serrette in Prince George’s County. Jade has a degree in Mass Communications from University of South Carolina and a law degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. She currently serves as a member of the Carey Law Alumni Board and is committed to mentoring students interested in public interest law. Jade is a member and currently serves on the WGC’s Events Committee. From 2020 to 2021, Jade also served on the WGC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee where she carefully analyzed the Events Committee’s practices. She is continuing her DEI work by helping the Events Committee implement the initiatives she and her team recommended.  

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Robin M. Stimson

 is the Community Engagement Manager at Columbia Association (CA). In her role, she spearheads initiatives that position the organization as a leader and key partner in Columbia, Maryland. Robin is passionate about advancing the CA mission and vision by helping to develop and maintain policy, service standards and protocols around programs and outreach. Robin has a Bachelor of Arts and Humanities in History from the University of Maryland College Park, as well as a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland Baltimore. She credits her social work experience as key in her ability to advocate, educate and facilitate connection. Robin believes in the power of community to cultivate essential resources and programs for those in need, which includes educational workshops, grassroots advocacy, multimedia content, tailored peer support and innovative workplace change initiatives at local, state and national levels.

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WGC Advisory Board 2002 - Present

Kim Agnor, 2015-2022
Dee Athey, 2015-2018
Laura Bacon, 2022-Present
Diana Bailey, 2009-2019
Kathy Barnett, 2011-2015
Lauren Barr, 2006-2007, Youth on Board
Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, 2002-2010, Past Chair, Current Executive Director 
Elizabeth Bobo, 2003-2007
Kathryn Brod, 2011
Adora Brown, 2022-2024
Maggie Brown, 2002-2004
Megan Bruno, 2009-2015, Past Chair
Yolanda Bruno, 2002-2008, Past Chair
Danelle Buchman, 2015-2017
Sue Buswell, 2008-2010
Alison Canning, 2010 – Present, Past Chair
Dr. Maxine Clark, 2019 – Present
Alison Curry, 2011-2012, YWGC
Jillianne Crescenzi, 2017-2021
Melissa Curtin, 2020-2023
Candace Dodson-Reed, 2021-Present
Colleen D’Agrosa, 2008-2018
Jackie Dawson, 2009-2011, Youth on Board
Bita Dayhoff, 2011-2012
Lee Draminski, 2019-Present
Maura Dunnigan, 2008-2010
Julie Factor, 2011-2013
Kim Flyr, 2008-2010
Beverley Francis, 2009-2010
Penny Friedberg, 2008-2013
Lori Fuchs, 2005-2010
Alice Giles, 2019-2022
Mickey Gomez, 2013–2015
Mireille Grangenois, 2021 
Cheryl Gray, 2023-Present
Pamela Gruver, 2013
Cindy Hankin, 2011-2015
Beth Sandbower Harbinson, 2002-2007
Dorothy V. Harris, 2002-2007, Past Chair
Norma Hill, 2009-2010
Elizabeth Horowitz, 2002-2004
Kirsten Jacobson, 2007-2008, Youth on Board
Shaundra Turner Jones, 2024-Present
Mary Jordan, 2024-Present
Trent Kittleman, 2008-2012
Beverly Koren, 2006-2010
Rae Lapine, 2003-2007
​Barbara K. Lawson, 2002-2007
​Jean West Lewis, 2008-2010
​Cathy Lickteig, 2002-2004
​Kim Lightfoot, 2024-Present
​Cindy Lifson, 2013 – 2015

Carole MacPhee, 2009-2013
Malynda Madzel, 2003-2005
Kashonna Marrow, 2022-Present
Missy Mattey, 2005-2010
Jane Vance McCauley, 2002-2004
Jade McClary, 2022-Present
Christine Meket, 2018-2021
Darlene Miller, 2002-2003
Jean F. Moon, 2002-2008, Past Chair
​Jessica Moreno, 2024-Present
Pam Sorota Mowery, 2006-2009
Shelly Mulitz, 2002-2003
Hina Naseem, 2019-2021
Lynne Nemeth, 2003-2006
Barbara Nicklas, 2008-2013
Linda Odum, 2002-2008, Past Chair
Courtney Odum-Duncan, 2009-2011
Mary Patton, 2003-2006
April Force Pardoe, 2018-2024
Barbara Peart, 2011-2024
Kimberly Prescott, 2019-2020
​April Renee Randall, 2015-2016
Laurie Remer, 2005-2007
Migsie Richlin, 2002-2006
Susan Rosenbaum, 2008-2009
Joanne Saltzberg, 2002-2004, 2006-2008
Lynne C. Schaefer, 2021-Present
Mary Ann Scully, 2004-2008
Joan Webb Scornaienchi, 2011-2013
Kathleen Sheedy, 2013–2016
Arlene Sheff, 2002-2007
Caroline Sherman, 2008-2014
Mary Kay Sigaty, 2003-2007
Paula Seabright, 2024-Present
Beth Singleton, 2009-2011
Judy Smith, 2020-2023
Yolanda Sonnier, 2024-Present
Robin Steele, 2003-2007
Robin Stimson, 2024-Present
Nette' Stokes, 2021-Present
Sabina Taj, 2011-2012
​Cynthia Taliano, 2006-2015, Past Chair
Betty Thacker, 2003-2005
Mary Thompson, 2020-2023
Karen Titus, 2017-2019
Liz Watson, 2008-2010, Youth on Board
Barb Van Winkle, 2011-Present, Immediate Past Chair 
Alexis Wales, 2013 – 2016, YWGC
Kira Westbrook, Youth on Board
Beverly White-Seals, 2022-Present
Jennifer Woods, 2017-Present, Current Chair
Courtney Workman, 2013-2017

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WGC Founders

Founding Donors: 

​In 2001, the following 16 founding members of the WGC proudly began a year-long journey – from conceptualization to implementation – to develop, launch, nurture and sustain the WGC.

Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz
Maggie J. Brown
Yolanda Bruno
Beth Sandbower Harbinson
Dorothy V. Harris
H. Elizabeth Horowitz
Barbara K. Lawson
Cathy Lickteig

Jane Vance McCauley
Darlene Miller
Jean F. Moon
Shelley Mulitz
Linda Odum
Migsie Richlin
Joanne Maria Saltzberg
Arlene Sheff

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- Barb Van Winkle, Immediate Past Chair

​"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving.​"