MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nia Symone Photography

  • Patricia Gilles, Vice President

    Patricia is a Director in the hospitality industry who firmly believes in delivering excellence and leading with compassion. With over a decade of experience, her expertise spans various sectors, including transient and global corporate sales within boutique and full-service hotels. She successfully opened and managed collaborative flex office and community membership spaces, while consistently driving revenue growth and optimizing sales processes.

    Patricia’s forte is leading cross-functional teams to achieve targets and implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency. Other specialties include business development, forecasting, and CRM systems. She strives to maintain a fulfilling work/ family life balance and make each day count!!

    Patricia resides in Los Angeles County with her husband and their two teen daughters.

  • Kristin Murray, Secretary

    Kristin is an HR professional who excels at helping people and businesses find solutions to people issues. With over 17 years of Human Resources experience in the entertainment and hospitality industries, Kristin has managed professional development programs and internships, and spearheaded many diversity recruiting initiatives including employee resource groups. Kristin believes in the power of a diverse workplace and the creativity it brings to any industry.

    Kristin holds an HR Professional Certification and has taken several Diversity & inclusion leadership courses.

    When she’s not developing people leaders, Kristin can be found out walking her two dogs, David Vickers and Bogey or on a long weekend near a beach with her family.

  • Monica Smith, Treasurer

    Monica Smith has over 15 years of experience within the consumer products and entertainment space holding various Brand, Licensing and Partnerships roles. In her current position, Monica manages long-term strategic partnerships with a focus on collaborating across her organization to execute mutually beneficial co-marketing programs. She is adept at identifying white space, building relationships and engaging new partners.

    Monica attended New York University earning a B.S. in Communications with an emphasis in Media Studies and earned her MBA from Pepperdine University with a concentration in Marketing. While at Pepperdine she was the co-president of Challenge for Charity, a 501(c)(3) charity run by MBA students. Monica is a self-described lifelong student and an avid reader. She lives in Sherman Oaks, CA with her husband and two children.

  • Catrina Richardson, Board Member

    Catrina is a confident, optimistic manager with a talent for inspiring and leading others. She has over 2 decades of corporate insurance experience specializing in private company, nonprofit, and for-profit company D&O, EPL, Cyber and E&O coverage. She currently serves as an Area Assistant Vice President for the Executive Lines Division of Risk Placement Services.

    Catrina is highly strategic and results-focused in tackling challenges that others shrink from, with an uncommonly high level of persistence and commitment.

    She has passionately served as a Parent Volunteer in the Performing Arts Community, cultivating a valuable network dedicated to promoting the educational and career development of youth.

  • Dr. Lucero Chavez, Board Member

    Lucero Chávez, a first-generation Mexican American originating from Boyle Heights in Los Angeles, has dedicated over three decades to education, spanning from TK to 12th grade. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership from U.S.C, Lucero currently directs her efforts towards supporting educators in bolstering multilingual student achievement.

    As a co-founder of Flores de Juanita, Lucero's initiative is driven by a heartfelt mission: to provide women of color with easily accessible natural products specifically tailored to alleviate the effects of perimenopause and menopause. This endeavor is not just about offering relief; it's about recognizing and addressing the unique needs of women from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that they have access to effective solutions that promote their overall well-being. Through Flores de Juanita, Lucero seeks to empower women to navigate this significant life transition with comfort, dignity, and support.

    Beyond her professional pursuits, Lucero finds fulfillment in her passions for fitness, and family time. Recently retired from a distinguished 30-year teaching career, Lucero's retirement has opened the door to indulging in her love for global travel, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures and landscapes worldwide.