Blackhawk Women
2022-2023 Board Members
I love Blackhawk Women and I have the greatest memories of events and adventures, and the utmost respect for our members. I have spent a few years on the Board assisting various roles. I am thrilled to act as your President this year and we have a fantastic team. This group offers all of us the benefit of friendship, learning, and fun. I “officially” moved to Blackhawk, October of 2019, and I am proud to be a member of this community. I give many thanks to Sandy Cosgrove, for introducing me to Blackhawk Women and additional kudos to all of the women of Blackhawk who have made my transition to California the best decision we ever made. Here’s to another great year!
President-
Mary Plissey
Vice President-Programs
Janinne Franke
Sometimes I sit on my terrace at sundown and can’t believe I got here. I am so grateful for how blessed my family and I are. I have lived in Blackhawk for 14 years and I am living in what I consider my last home. I was born in Zim- babwe, went to college in South Africa and was transferred to the USA by Chevron. I have worked in the Technology Industry for over 33 years and I have lived in the UK, Pakistan, Kenya and Cape Town. Peter Wisniewski is my wonderful and rather patient husband. My daughter Margaux, 24, is now working in New York in Public Relations in the Pharmacy Industry. My son Peter, 22, is in his final year at Berkeley’s College of Chemistry. It is impossi- ble to have a conversation with me without talking about my other children – my two blue-eyed cats: Ignatius and Indigo Jimmy Chew. I love cooking, gardening, MahJong and playing cards. I recently retired from Chevron and am enjoying what this wonderful lifestyle has to offer.
Vice President-Membership
Cassandra Boyer
I love telling people that moving to Blackhawk eight years ago was one of the best decisions I ever made because I couldn’t ask for a better place to live! Also, Blackhawk Women continues to surprise me with amazing experiences that I was not anticipating prior to moving here. I love interacting with such smart, successful and fun women and am excited to greet new members as the VP of Membership!
Born and raised in Canton, Ohio, I graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in Medical Technology. I began my career as a Medical Technologist at the University of Michigan Pediatric Hematology Clinical Lab. My career path also took me to Chicago, Minneapolis and Danville and includes the following milestones: CEO and Co-Founder of a software company that helps advance medical research via fluorescent microscopic applications; a Fortune 500 commercial executive in the medical, in vitro diagnostics and life sciences markets; a consultant; a guest lecturer for the San Francisco State MBA program and most recently, I began working as a Venture Partner at Tern, PLC, focusing on funding and advising young, yet promising, life sciences and medical device companies.
Family has always been my #1 one priority. My eldest daughter, Dr. Alix Boyer and son-in-law, Dr. Dan Skinner are both chiropractors who live in Victoria, Canada. They are also entrepreneurs who started Third Space Movement. Closer to home, my youngest daughter, Jenni Boyer lives part time in San Francisco and Blackhawk. Jenni graduated from U.C. Davis with a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and GIS. She now works as a sales executive for Honeycomb.io, specializing in helping software teams find bugs in seconds.
Giving back to the community and mentoring has always been important to me. I am a member of the California Life Sciences Institute FAST Advisory Board and Stanford Medical School SPARK Advisory Board, where I mentor entrepreneurs and help accelerate the commercialization of new medical devices so these more advanced medical tools can help mankind. I also volunteer with my daughter Jenni at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco.
Vice President-Socials
Bonnie Glennon
I was born in Seattle and grew up in Bellevue, Washington, we lived in a small golf course community called Tam-O-Shanter. Having grown up in a golf course community, I often look back and laugh at fond memories of attending the Father Daughter Golf tournament, swim meets, teen dance nights at the Club House (I am sure the homes near the Club House loved it too). I still have many friends and family in the area. In my mind, it was the best way to grow up surrounded by activities that involved team sports and active families to socialize with.
The lifestyle of Washington made it easy to participate in water skiing, boating and snow skiing. I became a ski instructor at Alpental, Snoqualmie Pass then a year at Alta in Utah. I still have a passion for skiing and plan a trip to the European Alps every year! What to join us???
In 1984 I moved to California for a Job opportunity with Family Fitness Centers to Open Health Clubs in the Bay Area. I previously spent a summer of college working in Yosemite National Park as the Valley Floor Tour Guide (the open-air trams are still in use). Knowing I would be close to Yosemite National Park, I could not refuse!!!
I have been in Danville since 1999. My 2 daughters attended elementary, middle school and High School at Monte Vista. They are both my pride and joy! Nicole went on to attend University of Perdue, USC Medical School and is now a Physician Assistant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is L.A. She established her own 503C Non-Profit in 2014 – Kids Can L.A. helping underserved children. Danielle attended DVC and is now a Regional Sales Director for Pepsico in Washington State. Both survived the pandemic and I am so proud of them!!!
I am a part of Blackhawk and want to participate in keeping the active Lifestyle and Community a place that everyone can enjoy themselves in team and individual sports, socialize with likeminded friends, build memories and friends to share a lifetime with!
I have been in Real Estate since 1990, obtained my Brokers license in 2004. I was with the Blackhawk Real Estate Company from 2000 to 2017 when we merged with another company. I have worked with and learned from all the great talents in the area! In 2017 I also became a licensed Rea Estate Agent in Nevada, always striving to challenge myself in learning more!
I am up for the Challenge to learn from the diverse and amazing group of Blackhawk Woman and can’t wait spend more time getting to know about each and everyone of YOU!!!! You always bring out the best in me, I appreciate being a part of this powerful group of amazing woman that make miracles happen everyday!
Secretary
Cynthia Schaeffer
I am a bay area native and have been fortunate to live in some of the best communities around the bay. In 2009, my family and I moved from Willow Glen to Blackhawk. Every morning as I gaze over the beautiful horizon or drive through the gates, I think what a special community I live in and call home. As a new board member of Blackhawk Women, I am excited to work alongside this special, dynamic group of women and am look- ing to help bring more exciting women together to share in all that our group has to offer.
Graduating from San Jose State University, I studied Advertis- ing and Marketing and worked in technology corporate market- ing, then high tech magazine publishing before getting my real estate license in 2003. While living in Silicon Valley, I special- ized in selling luxury properties in the area and when we moved to Blackhawk in 2019, the transition to selling luxury properties in this area was a natural progression in my business. Current- ly, I am affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Danville.
I have two children, who both reside in San Francisco. They are both working in their chosen field and I could not be prouder. My husband and I are now officially “empty nesters”. We have two rescue dogs, and we love taking them for walks around the community. With a bit more time on my hands, I am looking forward to meeting new friends, trying new things and partici- pating in more of the Blackhawk Women events. I am honored to be your new secretary for this year.
Co-Vice President-Luncheons
Lorrie Harris
My favorite things are swimming, gardening, studying Italian, playing piano, playing Bocce with my Bocce Babes team, and learning how to
play golf. Of course, I enjoy shopping and going to lunch and dinners with my friends!
I have a daughter who lives in Napa with her husband and their two daughters and a son who lives in Los Altos with his wife and their three sons. It’s always such a joy to be with them.
I look forward to traveling to Italy again with my husband, Milo, and taking long weekends in Carmel with our dog, Piper.
I am honored to be part of the BHW 2022-2023 Board and to share the VP Luncheons position with Suzanne.
Co-Vice President- Luncheons
Suzanne Fletcher
After being born, raised, and educated in Syracuse, New York, I moved with my young family to Orange County. We all fell in love with the California weather and lifestyle.
In 2015 I moved to Walnut Creek to be near my two children and their families, which has proven to be the perfect decision for me.
Recently retired as an RN, and newly married, I joined Blackhawk Women in 2021. Through this organization I have met many out- standing women. They have invited me to participate in fun activities, and the programs have been interesting and educational.
Heading “Movie Divas”, and now Co-VP of Luncheons with Lorrie Harris, I am looking forward to getting to know many more wonderful women in Blackhawk Women.
Treasurer
Shelley Foster
I was born and raised in San Jose and lived there until moving to Danville in 2005 with my husband, Steve, and our 2 kids. After many years of volunteering, both in the community and at our kids’ schools, it was time to do something different. I joined Blackhawk Women and quickly found that it could keep me very busy with all that there is to do. Shortly after joining Blackhawk Women I started participating in the activities and met many wonderful women in the process. Before I knew it I was volunteering once again – this time for Blackhawk Women. It’s an honor to serve on the Board with so many passionate women volunteering their time to make this organization what it is today.
Activities Chair
Marcia Beersdorf
I joined the Blackhawk Country Club in 2012 as part of my “Retirement Plan" after serving as a Project Officer for a Federal Government program for over 25 years. My plan was to learn the game of golf and make a few friends along the way after retirement. This decision opened doors for a variety of social activities in Danville which keep me very busy. I am also a member of the Blackhawk Bloomer's Garden Club of which I served as President for two years. In addition to my current position as Activities Chair for Blackhawk Women, I continue my Philanthropic and Social involvement in other organizations such as, SF Sympho- ny League, SF Opera Guild, The Junior League of SF, AAUW, Safe and Sound, The American Heart Association, Alamo/Danville Newcomers Club and other Bay Area philanthropic endeavors. I am pleased to return to the Blackhawk Wom- en’s Board (for the 4th time) and look forward to a year of great fun among wonderful Blackhawk Women friends.
I have lived in the great Bay Area forever. cannot imagine living anywhere else. Moved to the Blackhawk area in 2000 and have been enjoying membership in Blackhawk Women since 2010. I have served in many positions since joining this great organization: 2012/2013 as VP Programs; 2013/2014 VP Membership; 2014/2015 President; 2015/2016 Past President; and in 2018 & 2019 I was happy to co-chair the Holiday Boutique. Somewhere in there I was the editor of the Newsletter for 2 years. Now the job is called Communication Chair and once again I said yes. Love our group and am always happy to help when asked.
Communications Chair
Julie Wolfe
Media Chair
Deborah Lazar
I was born in the East End of London within earshot of the Bow Bells from the Church of St Mary Le Bow. And that makes me a “true” Cockney.... yes just like Eliza Doolittle!
After graduating in Mathematics from Bristol University I took a year off to travel around “The Colonies” before starting my career in London. At the end of the years’ adventure I didn’t want to return to England so accepted a job with a com- puter company, Burroughs, in Orlando Florida. It was a big decision settling in a new country with my family across the “Big Pond” living in the Cotswolds in the West Country and also the East End of London (which is very different and much classier now than it was 60+ years ago).
A few years later I met Rich at work while living in Detroit. He was a notorious flirt so I decided to ignore his adorable sense of humour and irresistible charm. Finally I broke down and we had our first date on a Monday. On our fourth date (Thursday the same week) he proposed and I accepted. And the rest is history!
Rich had two teenage sons living at home so I had an immediate family We’ve now been married for 38 years and have lived in Jacksonville, Atlanta twice, Philadelphia, Austin and Blackhawk twice.
Obviously Blackhawk is our favorite place as we returned here in 2007 when I retired from an Austin based software company.
The Blackhawk community, more importantly our wonderful friends, drew us back here. We cannot imagine living anywhere else.
Parliamentarian
Anne Wiedenmann
I am a California native, born and raised in Southern California. I graduated from UCLA as did my parents and all four of my siblings. Needless to say we are big Bruin fans! I began working with Pacific Bell/AT&T out of college and continued there until I retired in 2013. I was transferred to Northern California with Pacific Bell in 1995 where my family (husband Eric and son Willie) luckily landed in Blackhawk. Retirement is wonderful! I enjoy anything family, gardening, reading, exercising, entertaining, spending time with friends and traveling. As for Blackhawk Women, I have served on the Board in a variety of positions and am looking forward to a great Board experience this year. The fun, friends and surprises make the BW women adventure very unique and a wonderful part of my life!
Past-President
Joy Tashjian-Castrilli
From Hollywood to Blackhawk, I have spent the last decade living in beautiful Blackhawk and working in Hollywood. I work in television & film and have the pleasure of working on many great productions from Academy Awards, Emmy Awards to television programs like The Office, Deal or No Deal and many others.
Recently, I added to my work, working in Milan with Italian Designers. We focus on designer and corporate collaborations with designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino and Bulgari. My husband, Joe is an expert in the wine industry. He has and thus we have quite a robust life between fine wine, wonderful friends and exotic travels. When we are home, we enjoy
entertaining and tennis. I look forward to bringing my creative talents to our Programs this year.