Writing a grant for $400,000 that was funded in 1985, Joanne graduated from her studies and began her career in the non-profit arena. Working with volunteers as well as negotiating with state agencies, vendors and providers began the base for working on behalf of her individual and business clients.
Once the program was absorbed by the local Area Agency on Agency a move to San Francisco was in order. Working with Services for Seniors which serviced homebound seniors in the Tenderloin, provided a true appreciate of the diversity of the city as well as the amazing wealth of knowledge and the human power that is available.
In 1987 when funding cuts ended the program, my insurance career began. I began by getting licensed and working in Palo Alto and then Sacramento agencies. These agencies specialized in property owners and contractors. In 1992 her San Francisco stay began. Working with non-profits, as well as the emerging technology industry allowed her client base to flourish. The early exposure to the non-profit sector as well as learning curve for technology helped provide her clients with a knowledge base that comes only with experience.
My beliefs in community service and community involvement are important to me as an individual. Having a degree in community services from CSU, Chico allowed me to see all the different ways an individual as well as an organization can make a difference. Passion for human rights for all, educating our children to compete in this open global economy as well as doing what we can to help make our city be model for other is my overall appraoch. This is exercised through political involvement, encouraging social change and education.
