2025-2026 Board Members
President
Shelby Short
It is truly an honor to serve as President of Blackhawk Women through 2026-2027. What makes this organization so special isn't just the wonderful events we enjoy together—it's the friendships, connections, and sense of community we create along the way. My goal this year is to ensure every member, whether you've been with us for years or are joining us for the very first time, feels welcomed, included, and inspiredto find their place within this amazing group. Many of you know me from my time as Vice President of Programs, where I had the
privilege of planning events that brought us together to laugh, learn, and celebrate. Event planning has always been a passion of mine, and I love creating experiences
that help turn acquaintances into friends and friends into lasting connections. I am a California native, having grown up just over the hill in Castro Valley, and a proud
Cal Poly graduate. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to live in several wonderful places, with Hilton Head Island holding a special place in my heart, but I
always seem to find my way back to California.
These days, I especially enjoy golf, traveling, spending time with friends, and spoiling my four cats. I believe Blackhawk Women is at its best when every member feels seen,valued, and connected. I am excited for the year ahead as we continue to build an
engaging, welcoming community filled with meaningful friendships, memorable experiences, and plenty of fun. I can't wait to share this journey with all of you.
Email: shelbyshort14@gmail.com
"I feel so fortunate to be working alongside Suzanne. She has so many wonderful ideas for our monthly speakers and events. Together, we have planned an exciting lineup of programs for the entire year, including a Fall/Winter Fashion Show in October and a Spring/Summer Fashion Show in March."Suzanne & Judy promise to bring you not only fun, interesting, and engaging programs, but educational ones as well. You can also expect plenty of surprises throughout the year, so be sure to reserve the third Wednesday of each month for Blackhawk Women's Programs!
Vice President
Programs
Judy Kiersey
Vice President
Programs
Suzanne Fletcher
I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. After earning my nursing degree from Syracuse University and becoming a registered nurse, my husband and I moved to Orange County, California, with our two young children, where we began the next chapter of our lives.
Nursing opened many doors for me, and my career was both interesting and challenging. As Regional Director of Managed Care for 13 hospitals throughout California, I traveled extensively. While I enjoyed the position, I eventually chose to leave it in order to pursue what became the most rewarding role of my career—serving as a hospice nurse. Over the years, both of my children relocated to Northern California with their families, and I
eventually followed. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Today, I am fortunate to live near my son and his family in Diablo, as well as my daughter and her family in Davis. One unexpected blessing came a few years after I moved north when I met my future husband, Bob, through a dating site. We were married at the club nearly five years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed our life together in Blackhawk. Since moving to Blackhawk in 2020, one of the greatest joys has been the friendships we have made. I truly believe those friendships would not have been possible had I not joined Blackhawk Women.
It is a privilege to once again serve on the Board of this wonderful organization alongside Judy Kiersey as Co–Vice Presidents of Programs. I look forward to helping bring engaging, informative, and enjoyable programs to our members in the coming year.
VP of Socials
Mary Plissey
I am excited to be working with Blackhawk Women this year. As a former President and after holding several positions, I continue to recognize the value of being a member and of serving on the Board. I love participating in our events, programs, and activities. Most importantly, I love our members and the friendships developed over the
years. I am looking forward to another great year and working with Bronwyn on Socials
It’s an honor and a privilege to once again serve on the BHW Board with so many talented and dynamic ladies! This year, as Co-VP of Socials, Mary and I have big
shoes to fill and look forward to the party challenge! We hope our Galas are well attended and that a lot of fun is had by all!
VP of Socials
Bronwyn Cosgrove
Vice President
Luncheon
Suzanne Jacobus
Suzanne Jacobus is a lifelong Californian and graduate of California State University, East Bay. She has called Blackhawk home for more than 25 years, where she raised her daughter and is now a proud grandmother. A realtor, avid bocce player, and bocce commissioner, Suzanne remains actively involved in the community she loves.
Her commitment to giving back is reflected in more than 15 years of service with the Blackhawk Women’s Scholarship organization, including serving as President
and helping support educational opportunities for local students. She has also been a member of Bloomers for over 20 years. Suzanne values the friendships and strong sense of community that make Blackhawk such a special place to live and looks forward to connecting with fellow members through Blackhawk Women.
Vice President
Luncheon
Sally Klein
I was born and raised in New York City. After graduating college and obtaining an M.S in Education, I taught elementary school and was operative in developing programs to meet the educational needs of preschoolers, while raising our two sons in a suburb north of New York.
My husband’s career brought us to Danville in 1989.
Needing more stimulation than driving car pools and attending PTA meetings, I returned to school for a second Master’s Degree focusing on Speech and Language. I worked in Castro Valley as a Speech-Language Pathologist, where I specialized in early intervention with
preschool children, mainly those with special needs. I led workshops that equipped parents and district personnel with practical strategies to foster and strengthen a child’s
communication skills, while working directly with children to develop those skills. That definitely kept me on my toes!
I joined Blackhawk Women in 2005. Soon, I found myself needing to limit my work hours because I was so busy with all the activities Blackhawk Women had to offer. Finding this vibrant and supportive community of women was the best thing that had happened to me since moving to California! In 2008, I retired and moved to Blackhawk. I’ve chaired Day Away, Culinary Group, Booz Buzz, and served as Secretary on the Blackhawk Women Board. I am
honored to be back on the Board and look forward to working with this inspiring group of ladies. I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones at the check-in desk for Luncheons. I would love hearing from you if there is something you would like to see on the menu. My passions include reading, exercising, mah-jongg, canasta and other games, traveling, food, shopping, and forging friendships with interesting women (not necessarily in
that order).
Treasurer
Priscilla Moyer
After 20 years of living in Blackhawk, but with a demanding career that involved a lot of 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 explaining that I had not just moved to Blackhawk, I was welcomed by a wonderful group of ladies whom invited me to sit with them and shared advice about Blackhawk Women and its many activities. I began attending Book Buzz, Movie Divas, and eventually. Monday Mahjongg to learn the game before the pandemic hit. Going through the pandemic while also facing personal health challenges, the Zoom sessions of Mahjongg and Book Buzz were truly a godsend, along with my new puppy, Nala. There is such a diverse community within Blackhawk Women and so many opportunities to connect. It is a truly special organization filled with remarkable women. After serving as a Book Buzz Chair for the past three years, I am excited to step nto my new role as Treasurer.
Secretary
Lil Giovanzana
I have been a member of Blackhawk for six years and enjoy the wide variety of activities
the club offers. I golf with the Niners and currently serve as their Membership Chair. I also play pickleball regularly, belong to a bocce group, and spend a good amount of
time in the fitness center. I was born and raised in San Francisco and am married to my husband, Tony. We
have two daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom live locally. Professionally, my husband and I owned a wine and spirits store as well as a restaurant. I also spent five years managing events at a private high school on the Peninsula. Prior to retiring, I worked for Sybase and SAP for 17 years in purchasing and facilities management. I truly appreciate the diversity of activities and opportunities available at
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 my 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, an
organization that empowers women and strengthens our community. I’m excited to collaborate with such
Parliamentarian
Sandy Cosgrove
I grew up in Louisiana before making California my home more than 35 years ago. Since then, I have lived in the beautiful community of Blackhawk, where I’ve built lasting friendships and become actively involved in community life.
I served as President of BHW during the terrible events of September 11, 2001—a time that called for strength, compassion, and bringing people together. In addition to that troubling time, the Blackhawk CC Ballroom was being built and we had to have our Luncheons and Socials at Crow Canyon Country Club and other places until it was finished. Those experiences reinforced my belief in the importance of community, service, and supporting one another during both joyful and challenging times.
Over the years I served on many different Board positions within BHW and enjoyed every moment.
My Southern roots have always influenced my love of hospitality and making people feel at home. Whether organizing community events, welcoming friends, or planning special gatherings, I believe some of life’s greatest joys come from bringing people together.
After almost three decades in Blackhawk Women, I remain grateful for the friendships, opportunities, and sense of community that have made it such a wonderful place to call home.
Media Chair
Annette Costello
I am both honored and delighted to serve a second term 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 had the privilege of contributing to the development of innovative technologies while
also supporting professional organizations such as Women in Technology, which fostered community, mentorship, and career advancement for women in the field. Now retired and living in Blackhawk, I remain active and engaged through meaningful community involvement. In addition to serving my second term as Media Chair for Blackhawk Women, I enjoy being part of the Blackhawk golf community and staying involved with organizations such
as the Saint Mary’s Women's Guild. These connections allow me to pursue my passions, give back, and strengthen the sense of community that I value so deeply.
Continuing in the role of Media Chair is an exciting opportunity to combine 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 time frame of our move proved interesting, as by the time our home
Renovation was completed, COVID-19 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 events and activities. Over the past few years, I have been awed by the friendship and support I received as Henry and I have 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
Serving as Communications Chair for the Blackhawk Women Group for a second year is truly an
honor. I honestly cannot believe how quickly the past year has flown by. What started as a way to
give back has become one of the greatest blessings for both my family and me. I still remember my
dear friend Cindy, along with my mother-in-law Karen (mom), encouraging me to volunteer, get
involved, and simply say "yes" to trying something new. I had no idea that one little yes would lead
to so many incredible friendships and unforgettable experiences. As a California native, born and raised in the Bay Area, moving to the East Bay was an exciting new
chapter for our family. We originally joined Blackhawk Country Club because my husband and our older son love to golf, and with my wonderful in-laws already being members, we found ourselves spending so much time here that Blackhawk quickly became home. This year brought another exciting milestone for our family. We officially moved to Danville and recently closed on our
beautiful new home! We are so excited to truly call this community home, spend even more time at the club, and yes, I am looking forward to learning bocce and joining in on even more of the fun. A fun fact about me is that our family has always loved animals, especially the unique ones! We have had many exciting and unusual pets over the years, including our beautiful horse Daan(BTW, he
speaks Dutch). Life is always an adventure in our house, and I wouldn't have it any other way. One of my favorite surprises this past year has been learning to play Chinese Mahjong. While I certainly don't win every game, I've been lucky enough to have a few winning streaks! More
importantly, I've discovered that it isn't really about winning. It's about the laughter, the conversations, and the friendships built around the table. Like many of you, life is wonderfully busy. Between raising two amazing boys, building my real estate business, volunteering in our community, & supporting local small businesses, I treasure the moments that allow us to slow down and connect.
Your patience, grace, encouragement, and kindness as I've grown into this role have been truly humbling. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and giving me the privilege of serving this incredible community. I am still learning every day, and I am so grateful to be on this journey with all of you.
Past President-
Julie Larabee
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 obtaining 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 have settled into a quieter and slower pace. 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 deliver a great program for our members!