2025-2026 Board Members
​
President
Julie Larrabee
I am thrilled to be serving as President this year for
Blackhawk Women! This year marks my third year on the
Board of Directors, and I have greatly enjoyed working with
so many talented and wonderful women!
I am originally from Orange County, but moved to Northern
California at a very early age. I grew up in Roseville and
moved to the Bay Area in high school, landing right here in
Blackhawk. I graduated from Monte Vista High and moved
on to Cal State Hayward obtained a BA in Mass
Communications. I spent time working in television and
radio, and eventually found myself in the technology sector, where I spent almost 30 years. During this time, I moved around the Tri-Valley only to find myself back in Blackhawk almost six years ago. I have since retired from my career in technology sales and settled into a quieter, slower pace. Fully immersed in our community and its accompanying lifestyle, over the last year, I have learned to play pickleball at our Sports Complex with a great group of women. That same group has motivated me to try my hand at golf, and why not try bocce, too?
I look forward to the coming year with Blackhawk Women! I am so happy to work with a wonderful board, a group of
women who are fully dedicated to delivering a great program for our members!
Vice President
Programs
Shelby Short
I’m thrilled to be serving my second year on the
Blackhawk Women’s Board as VP of Programs!
Planning events for this amazing group of
women is inspiring, energizing, and sometimes
a welcome challenge as I work to keep ideas
fresh, engage both new and longtime
members, and create gatherings that truly bring
us together.
Event planning has always been a passion of
mine, and it’s an honor to dedicate my time and
creativity to such a dynamic, welcoming
organization. Since entering what I like to call
my “soft retirement” in November 2024, I’ve
been able to pour even more energy into our
programs, and I couldn’t be happier.
I’m a California native, having grown up just
over the hill in Castro Valley, and a proud
graduate of Cal Poly University in beautiful San
Luis Obispo. My adventures have taken me
around the world and to several amazing
places to live, with my favorite being Hilton
Head Island, South Carolina. Still, in the end,
California called me back home. I’ve been
married to my husband, Jon, for 11 wonderful
years, and together we share a love for
exploring new places, wine tasting, and life as
devoted fur parents. I’m a self-proclaimed
champagne enthusiast, a golf lover, a traveler
at heart, and someone who treasures time with
fabulous friends.
The Blackhawk Women community is truly
special, and I’m excited for another year of
creating memorable, engaging, and joy-filled
events that celebrate the spirit of connection.
Vice President
Socials
Joy Tashjian-Castrilli
We moved to Blackhawk in 2004 and I joined Blackhawk Women at that time. Over the past 20 years, I have had
the privilege of serving on the board of directors several times and always have found it to be a wonderful experience. The power of women working together
and creating fabulous events, is a great combination.
I am a native San Franciscan. I have lived in many parts of the world from New York, Bel Air, Hong Kong, Germany, and France - there is nowhere like Blackhawk!
I have worked in the fashion, television and film business. I have had the opportunity to work with designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu, Bill Blass, Betsy Johnson and Laura Ashley. I have worked on many film and television projects. I have been married to my wonder-
ful husband, Joe Castrilli for 20 years. He is an expert in the wine and spirit industry. Known by many in the industry
to be funny and smart. We feel fortunate to have many wonderful friends that we have made in Blackhawk. We are grateful for all of the fabulous experiences we’ve had and hope to have more. Please make sure you join us
at our upcoming socials. I look forward to seeing you.
Vice President
Luncheon
Priscilla Moyer
After 20 years of living in Blackhawk, with a
demanding career that required frequent travel,
I knew very few people.
On retiring in the summer of 2019, I joined
Blackhawk Women, even though I was
skeptical it would be ‘for me’. At the kickoff
event that August, after repeatedly asserting
that I had not just moved into Blackhawk, I was
befriended by some ladies who invited me to
sit with them and gave me some advice about
BW and the activities. I started attending Book
Buzz and Movie Divas, and ultimately went to
Monday Mahjongg to begin learning the game
when the pandemic hit.
Going through the pandemic while dealing with
personal health issue, the Zoom sessions of
Mahjongg and Book Buzz was a godsend (as
was my new puppy, Nala)!
There is such a diverse community within
Blackhawk Women, and so many activities – it
is a really special organization and group of
ladies.
After three years as Book Buzz co-chair, I am
transitioning to my new role as Co-VP
Luncheons, and I look forward to meeting more
of you soon at the check-in desk!
the kickoff event that August, after repeatedly asserting that I had not just moved into Blackhawk, I was befriended by some ladies who invited me to sit with them and gave me some advice about BW and the activities. I started attending Book Buzz, Movie Divas, and ultimately went to Monday Mahjongg begin to learn the game when the pandemic hit. Going through the pandemic while dealing with a personal health issue, the Zoom sessions of Mahjongg and Book Buzz were godsends (as was my new puppy, Nala)! There is such a diverse community within
Blackhawk Women and so many activities – it is a really special organization and group of ladies. After three years as Book Buzz co-chair, I am moving to my new Co-VP Luncheons role, and I look forward to meeting more of you soon at the check-in desk!
Vice President
Luncheon
Ruth Swedlow
I have lived in Blackhawk for over 30 years and
have held many different positions on the
Blackhawk Women's Board. This is my favorite
one: Lunch Lady. I would love to have input
from the BHW members about what you would
like to see on the menu at our Luncheons.
My personal information is as follows: I am a
retired Social Worker, married to a retired
physician. We have two grown sons - one in
LA (he's a TV Producer) and one in Seattle
(he's an attorney). There are six grandkids, but
three are married and one is engaged, so our
family gatherings are crowded, noisy, and fun.
We have one great-grandchild who is the most
adorable person ever created! I love tennis, am
learning pickleball, play a LOT of mahjong and
canasta, and generally love the life and the
people here in Blackhawk.
Vice President
Membership
Michele Vezina
Born and raised in California, I bring a diverse
background and a passion for people to
everything I do. After spending over a decade
as a professional photographer, I transitioned
into the financial services industry, where I’ve
built a fulfilling career and continue to
contribute meaningfully as I approach
retirement next year.
Outside of work, I’m deeply committed to
family—celebrating over 26 years of marriage,
raising four children, and enjoying time with my
two grandchildren. I love traveling, spending
time outdoors, and expressing creativity
through interior decorating.
This year, I’m honored to join the Blackhawk
Women’s Board, a vibrant organization that
empowers women and strengthens our
community. I’m excited to collaborate with such
an inspiring group and contribute to its mission.
friends and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the club's vibrant community. I am excited to continue my journey with the Blackhawk Women’s Club as a new board member, and I look forward to contributing to our
community's ongoing success and camaraderie.
Treasurer
Julie Moore
I was born and raised in Auburn, California. My
love of California runs deep.
My college years were spent at the University of
Pacific, and my career years were spent in
various Bay Area locations. After receiving my CPA
license, I worked for a few years in Public
Accounting, followed by many years spent as
the Controller of our family business, Pacific Rim
Recycling.
My energy and interests now focus on spending
wonderful times with family, friends, and my 4-
legged sidekick, Jack. Most mornings find me
attending a local Jazzercise class, followed by
taking Jack on a walk through our beautiful
Blackhawk neighborhood. And afternoon time usually finds me spending time with my cutie-pie grandkids,
Brody and Brielle.
Secretary
Linda McColgan
Born and raised in Michigan, and a resident of
BLACKHAWK since 1989, I spent my career in
the fast lane as an automotive industry
executive working for Toyota, navigating highstakes
projects, building teams and driving
innovation forward before trading boardrooms
for fairways.
Retirement has opened the door to the
passions that make life truly rich—perfecting
my golf swing, outwitting opponents at the
bridge table, and exploring the nuances of a
great vintage.
When I’m not on the course or deep in a game
of bridge, you’ll often find me with my husband,
Mike, wandering through wine country. We
savor the beauty of the rolling vineyards, the
artistry of winemakers, and the joy of
discovering our next favorite bottle.
And because I’m just a little competitive, I love
nothing more than trying to beat my son, MJ, at
Fantasy football, Fantasy baseball, and—of
course—Fantasy golf.
Life now is about balance: staying active,
enjoying the people we love, and making
space for fun indulgences along the way.
Media Chair
Annette Costello
I am both honored and delighted to serve as
the Media Chair for Blackhawk Women. As a
lifelong Bay Area resident, I pursued my
education at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga
before embarking on a rewarding career in
Silicon Valley’s high-tech industry.
During my career, I was privileged to contribute
to the development of innovative technologies
while also supporting professional affiliations
such as Women in Technology, which fostered
community, mentorship, and advancement for
women in the field.
Now retired and residing in Blackhawk, I
remain active and engaged through meaningful
community involvement. Along with serving my
second term with Blackhawk Women, I enjoy
being part of the Blackhawk golf community, as
well as remaining active in organizations such
as the Saint Mary’s Guild. These connections
allow me to pursue my passions, give back,
and strengthen the sense of community that I
value so deeply.
Stepping into the Media Chair role is an
exciting opportunity to bring together my
background in technology, my passion for
communication, and my dedication to this
wonderful community of women.
I look forward to working collaboratively with
our talented board to highlight our members,
share our stories, and help create a memorable
year of programs and events for Blackhawk
Women.
Activities Chair
Sharon Wasik
I am a proud CT Yankee who has spent most of her
adult life living “away from home”. Henry, my husband of
45 years, and I moved to Texas immediately after we
married, for what we thought would be 2 to 3 years.
We eventually spent 26 terrific years living in Dallas,
Plano, and Fairview, TX, where we raised our three
active sons, Chris, Brian, and Daniel, and made lifelong
friends. Then, after Henry received an offer to head a
new tech company in Petaluma, we moved our family to
Santa Rosa in 2005.
Living in Sonoma County, we rapidly became wine
aficionados, enjoying countless wine events in both
Sonoma and Napa counties. Sadly, our Fountaingrove
home was destroyed in the Tubbs Fire of October 2017.
Since our sons were living in the East Bay at that time,
Henry and I decided to relocate and begin life anew in
this beautiful area. After quite some time
searching, I found our beautiful home here in Blackhawk
CC. We have lived within the gates since October 2019.
The timeframe of our move proved interesting, as by the
time our home renovation was completed, COVID-19
had hit, and the world shut down, isolating us in our new
community. Thankfully, since I had already joined
Blackhawk Women, I just kept showing up every time
we were allowed to have social activities. Over the past
few years, I have been awed by the friendship and
support I received as Henry and I navigated both his
Amyloidosis diagnosis and treatment, as well as the
tragic death of our gifted and talented youngest son,
Daniel.
As Activities Chair, I am looking forward to supporting
our fabulous group of Blackhawk Women.
Communications Chair
Emiliana Flemate Baker
In 2025, I’m honored to serve as
Communications Chair for the Blackhawk
Women’s Group. I believe in living your best life
now, and I’m passionate about homes and
community. Over the years, I’ve helped more
than a dozen families move into Blackhawk and
supported about six of them in becoming club
members.
As a working mom of two amazing boys, with a
rock-solid husband, three dogs, one horse, and
a tank of “monster fish,” my husband and I
enjoy the peaceful moments at the club that
help us recharge.
As a member of the Danville Chamber of
Commerce, I also champion local businesses.
While I usually lean on my team for
communications, this year I’m slowing down to
give back—listening closely, crafting messages
with care, and keeping our members connected
and inspired.
This year, I struggled with the loss of my father,
my other rock, and I found it lovely to have
support from the women here—just girls having
fun.
Most of all, I’m grateful for the incredible circle
of women who inspire me to stretch, show up,
and serve even more—thank you.
Parliamentarian
Kathleen Gibbons
Kathleen has been a proud resident of Blackhawk
since 1992. Originally from Midland, Michigan, she
moved to California as a teenager and graduated
from high school in Walnut Creek. While studying
at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she met her
husband, David.
The two have now been happily married for 44
years and share two children, Christine and David,
as well as three beloved grandchildren—
Skylar, Robert, and Ian.
Kathleen is an active and engaged member of the
community, participating in two book clubs and the
Blackhawk Bloomers. She also enjoys
playing Canasta and bocce, and she
never passes up an opportunity to
travel and explore new places.
Past President-
Janinne Franke
Janinne's journey through life is marked by a
series of adventures and challenges, beginning
with her upbringing in Harare, then known as
Salisbury, Rhodesia. Her education in South
Africa, where she studied Computer Science and
Accounting amid the era of floppy disks, reflects a
time when technology was rapidly evolving. Her
career in Cybersecurity at Abbott Laboratories has
been both demanding and rewarding, requiring her
to stay on top of technological advancements in a
field she describes as akin to daily battles.
Family plays a central role in Janinne's life, with
her husband Peter supporting her through multiple
transcontinental moves that required him to retake
medical exams. Their two children, Margaux and
Peter, have pursued careers in New York and San
Francisco, respectively, adding to the family's
cosmopolitan lifestyle.
The move to Blackhawk from Cape Town 16 years
ago was a significant transition for Janinne and her
family. Initially feeling like a "deer in the
headlights," she navigated the challenges of
adapting to a new country, from finding new
healthcare providers and schools to adjusting to
driving on the right side of the road. The
Blackhawk Women's Association played a pivotal
role in her integration, as she was encouraged to
join by Ruth Swedlow during a new member's
reception. This community not only provided
Janinne with friendships but also invaluable
support and advice on various aspects of life, from
medical recommendations to navigating the
educational system and discovering hidden gems,
such as the best restaurants and wine estates.
Janinne's love for her three cats underscores her
affectionate nature, earning her the endearing title
of a "crazy cat person." Her passion for activities
like playing cards, Mah Jongg, and pickleball
reflects her vibrant personality and zest for life.