Ms. Bowman holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. Following a successful corporate career spanning over twenty-five years, Kathi joined the YWCA South Orange County as Executive Director in 1996 and saw the facility through its transition to WISEPlace in 2000. For more than twenty years prior to joining the YWCA, Ms. Bowman contributed her time and talents to numerous non-profit and church organizations in advocacy of women and children. She brings her considerable corporate expertise and business acumen to the position of Executive Director of this community based social service agency. Kathi has worked with the Board to bring fiscal accountability to the agency, and upgraded the office systems and equipment as well as made many capital improvements to the facility.
Terri Galvan, Director of Fund Development
Terri received a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Southern California, specializing in urban and social policy, and a B.A. from Chapman University where she majored in Social Science. She has been involved with WISEPlace on and off for the past 8 years, acting as both the Program Manager and the Financial Empowerment Manager. For over 12 years, Terri has been involved with organizations that work to improve the lives of women and children. Terri is a proud Army wife and mother of two.
Lorna Dantuma, Bookkeeper
Lorna joined the YWCA staff in 1992 and has progressed from Bookkeeping Assistant to Bookkeeper. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting and spent twenty-five years in various accounting functions prior to joining the YWCA staff. Lorna aided in the transition to QuickBooks computer accounting system in 1999, and a merchant card electronic transmission system in 2000. She also adds many decorative touches to WISEPlace as she puts her creative gifts to work for special events.
Ana joined the WISEPlace staff in late 2006. Ana is a CalState University Fullerton graduate with a B.A in Sociology. Her objective is to service the women and adolescent population, or work with those who are physically or mentally different in the community, by making a positive impact through working with them and helping them overcome challenges. As Financial Empowerment Manager, Ana provides the primary support for the homeless women in obtaining employment, providing financially focused counseling, and coordinates next-stage housing.
Gloria Ruiz, Facilities Manager
Gloria was promoted to the full-time position of Facilities Manager in November 1996 after having worked part-time for the YWCA since January of the same year. She worked for Marriott Corporation for a number of years and has had her own catering business. Her experience includes Banquet Captain, Certified Server, ROP Trainer-Restaurant Training, and she has worked at the Center Club for over three years as a Server/Bartender, training bartenders for the Club. Her gift for catering is evident everywhere at WISEPlace, from festive buffet tables at events to floral arrangements in every room. Gloria handles the challenges posed by a 50-year-old building well.
Cindy Ruiz, Office Manager
Cindy has been involved with WISEPlace since January 2003. She began as a volunteer and soon, thereafter, hired as a receptionist. Cindy left WISEPlace in August 2006 to attend college full-time and now holds B.A. in English and a teaching credential from Biola University. Her goal is to one day use her education to serve underprivileged and underperforming teens to gear them towards college. Currently, Cindy provides administrative support and operational services to the staff in addition to overseeing volunteers.
