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Date: 3/14/2022
Subject: LWVSC 2022 Board Nominee Introductions Newsletter
From: League of Women Voters of the Space Coast



LWVSC bi-monthly Newsletter Header
Special Edition 
2022-23 Board and Nominating Committee Nominees Background

LWVSC Annual Meeting
April 9th
10:30 am to 1:00 p.m.
on zoom
 
AGENDA INCLUDES
 
Elect New Board Members

Budget  

LWVSC Programs of Work

 

 
Many thanks to our 2022 Nominating Committee:  

Yvonne Minus, Chair
Lee Sorensen
Hilah Mercer
Anna Maria Curry
Terry LaPlante

Suzanne Taylor
Suzanne Taylor
Nominated for President (1 year term)
 
A Little About Suzanne:  I’ve been married to Jon, an engineer at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, for 21 years and we have 2 sons. Jackson is 21, Mac (McCartney) is 14. I’ve been a lawyer for more than 28 years. I started in the Public Defender’s Office, moved into private practice, worked for the Department of Children and Families and the Guardian ad Litem Program, where I’ve been since 2014. I took about a year-long break when I had each of my children, then returned to work part-time, then full-time as they entered school. I seldom turn down a chance to play tennis or travel.
League Experience: I’ve been a member of the League only since May 2021. My involvement coincided with the local chapter losing several high-performing members, so I’ve tried to step up when called upon to do so. I’ve been Chair of the Voter Services Committee since the summer and have agreed to accept the role as President. I didn’t ask for either of these positions so quickly after joining the League but have and will continue to do my best at them. I’m always open to ideas and information from all members to help me overcome the gaps in my knowledge from my short tenure. I enjoy engaging with members of the public to provide information on voting and legislative actions. I try to observe local council meetings whenever possible, as I think our legislators do a better job when they recognize that people are paying attention to them. I love all the information, trainings, and webinars provided by the League on so many issues, and the League’s willingness to provide testimony, engage with legislators, and even file suit when needed to ensure all citizens are able to exercise the right to vote.
 
My Dream for Our League:  My primary goal for my tenure as President is to help build up our membership so we can staff all the tasks we’ve chosen for our chapter and do a good job of preparing citizens for the upcoming 2022 election. The excellent work of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee has made clear to me that we can only achieve this goal by rounding out the membership so that we are representative of the Space Coast.
 
What is your mantra… the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again? I found a sign while on vacation in North Carolina a few years ago that says “Everything is figureoutable.” That’s my core belief. Don’t give up. Persist. I also believe strongly that “it takes a village” refers to more than just child-rearing.
 
Formal Education:  I graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in Pre-law. I attended the Institute for Paralegal Training in Philadelphia and graduated with a certificate in Employee Benefit Plans. After working for several years in Hartford, Connecticut, and South Florida, I attended and graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1993. I’m Board Certified by the Florida Bar Association in Juvenile Law.
 
What Would You Like Everyone to Know?  I really believe that everyone has something to contribute. We are all busy, but we can all find a few minutes to make a phone call, send an email, or speak to someone new. We can all mull a problem or issue and contribute our thoughts at a meeting. No organization can survive with just a small handful of people doing all the work. I strongly urge all members to find the small ways we can each help the organization meet its goals 


Susan Little
Nominated for First Vice President (1 year term)
 
A Little About Susan:  I was born in Norwich, New York and raised in Oxford, New York, with my two younger brothers, until leaving to attend college in SUNY at Oneonta at the age of 18.  After college, when my parents moved to Florida, I moved to St. Croix, USVI with a friend who had a teaching job there. 
 
After 8 years, my husband, Gary, and I moved back to Florida to help take care of aging parents and to start a family.  All 3 of our children attended Brevard County Schools and are now successful, engaged citizens in their own lives.
 
My favorite pastime is reading--anything.

League Experience:  I originally joined the League because my children were graduating, and I needed something to occupy my time.  Also, I had always missed the great conversations with other students in the dorm at college and I found a great group of people in the League with whom to have those stimulating conversations again.  

 

 With the League, I first occupied the office of Secretary for several years after the previous Secretary moved out west.  After that, I have been a member and co-chair of the Natural Resource Committee and helped with the formation of the Sustainability Committee.  I strongly believe that we need to make sure all citizens are registered to vote and have the knowledge to research the candidates and issues to make an informed choice at the polls.

 

 My Dream for the League:  I would like to see the League in Brevard become a bridge between the partisan factions in the community and bring common sense back to politics.  Oh and world peace!!!(Channeling my inner Sandra Bullock).



Open
2nd Vice President
(2 year term)
 
A Little About the Position:  The Second Vice President is responsible for managing the Voter Registration Committee and the Voter Forums.  In addition, the Second Vice President is a member of the Board and the Executive Committee of the Board and assists the President on projects as requested.  If you are interested in learning more about the position, contact any current Board Member.  

Kathy Ebersberger
Nominated for Secretary (1 year term)
A Little About Kathy:  I am a retired attorney, who moved to Brevard four years ago. I was very happy when my sister and my niece joined me here three years ago.
 
I adopted a puppy named Ruffles about six months ago who keeps me busy but happy.
 
I am very interested in history, social justice, and equity issues. 

League Experience:  For the past three years, I have been chair of the Social Justice Committee. I am also the Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. I enjoy participating in the International Relations Great Decisions group and am a member of the Education Committee.

 

 My Dream for Our League:  I would like to see us make substantial progress toward a more diverse League and toward equity in our community, especially with reference to our schools and voting. 

 

 What is Your Mantra... the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again?  This came up in the context of American history that we’re not proud of, but applies in all areas of my life. 'Once you find out, you’re responsible for what you know."

 


Bob Rupe
Nominated for Treasurer (2 year term)
 
A Little About Bob:  I’ve been Married to wife Maureeen for 40 years.  I have 1 stepson, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  I'm retired from the Air Force with a 24-year career as- Missile Systems and Space Launch.  I then worked 12 years as a contractor Technical Writer, then hired full time as project analyst, and then Project Manager at the NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot (NSLD) with United Space Alliance.  After Space Shuttle was decommissioned in 2011, was hired by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs as a Software Project Manager, where I formally retired August 2021.

League Experience:  None.  We did expand our family membership as a household when I started seeing more men were involved.

 

 My Dream for Our League:  Our League needs to be expanding.  LWV has good values.  It may be easier to have men join if it was named "League of Voters" to show it's not just a women's organization.  For years I only believed women could join the League.  I'm also surprised there are so few students as members.  I think we can do better.

 

What is your mantra… the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again?  Truth and Justice.

 

Formal Education:

Community College of the Air Force, Applied Associates of Science, Electronic Systems Technology

Brevard Community College;  Associates of Science, Quality Control & Reliability Technology,  Associates of Science, Space Engineering Technology

Barry University; Bachelor of Science, Information Technology

Colorado Technical University;

Masters of Science, Information Technology Management
Graduate Certificate: Project Management
Graduate Certificates: Science and Systems Engineering

Webster University: Master’s in business administration (MBA)


Diane Conaway
Nominated for Board Member (2 year term)
A Little About Diane:  I’m a *Retired Executive Director of an Assisted Living/Alzheimer’s community in Ohio *Speakers Bureau for the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Association *Speakers Bureau for the American Heart Association and Marketing Director for “Operation Stroke” to educate corporations on the use of the AED *Vice President Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, Shaker Hts., OH *West Coast Leasing and Marketing Director, Forest City Enterprises.
 
I am the proud parent of daughter, Jennifer, an RN and Quality Assurance Manager at the VA Orlando, and Paul, a Computer Graphic Arts Designer.  My grandson, Joshua, just joined the Navy and is currently studying Nuclear Engineering in Charleston, SC.  My husband, Jack, passed away and I still miss him terribly but am grateful for all my wonderful friends in the League. 
 
I also sing in the choir at St. George Air Force Chapel so I keep busy. 

League Experience:  After moving to Florida in 2011 I joined the League the following year.  I had originally joined in 1968! 

 

I have co-chaired the Health Care Committee; been a member of the Voter Services Committee, International Relations Committee, Social Justice Committee, DEI Committee, Nominating Committee; been the Board Secretary and Board Member; and volunteered to do speaking engagements for the Speaker’s Bureau. I have also spoken to the Annual Brevard County Coalition for the past several years.

 

My Dream for the League:  I would like to see our League again be very active in registering voters and actively support the Get Out to Vote Campaign.  Also continue the fight for Medicaid expansion.

 

What Else Would You Like Everyone to Know?  I am very proud to be a member of the SCLWV and look forward to a very challenging year ahead!


 
Maureen Rupe
Nominated for Board Member (2 year term)
 
A Little About Maureen:  I have an extensive background in public service, including
President of Partnership for a Sustainable Future 2002 – Present;
appointed to Brevard County Charter Review Commission for years 1998, 2003 & 2015; 
appointed to Brevard County for 2001 & 2011 Redistricting Committee;
Marine Resource Council Board of Directors 2000 – Present;
Board member League of Women Voters of Space Coast 2000 – Present;
Turtle Coast Sierra Club Executive Board of Directors 2007 – Present;  
Member of Port St. John Special District Committee; and,
President of the Brevard British Club for 26 years.

Audrey Grayson
Nominated for Board Member (2 year term)
 
A Little About Audrey:  I am the proud mother of two sons and the grandmother of two grandchildren.  I retired from the Space Shuttle Program in 2011 after 25 years in California and Florida in Information Technology Security and Project Management. 

 

I started a photography business in 2012.  I am an event photographer and a writer for the Brevard Ebony Newspaper. My photos accompany my articles on events.  One way of giving back to my community is to provide free photography services to my church and to families who can’t afford expensive photography fees. 

 

History is a favorite interest for me as well as listening to audio books of all categories, actively supporting my church, and promoting my photography business.

League Experience:  I have been the chair of the Speakers Bureau since 2014.  I’ve volunteered to register voters at high schools, colleges, festivals, churches and wherever we find the need to register voters.  I have served on the Membership committee, the original Observer Corp, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, the International Relations committee, the Sustainability Committee, LWVSC Liaison for the 2020 Census, and the Strategic Planning Committee.  I was secretary for 2 years under the presidency of Barbara Williams. I also assist with the publication of The Voter Newsletter, update and manage the LWVSC section of the LWVUS member Roster, and slowly becoming familiar with the LWVSC database.  I attend LWVFL Lunch & Learns on a regular basis. 
 
I love helping our league succeed. I also enjoy networking and sharing information with other leagues at state conferences.
 
My Dream for Our League: To bring in younger members and develop a plan for retaining them and to make the league more diverse because ‘Inclusion Inspires Innovation’.  A more diverse league is a more successful league.
 
What is your mantra...the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again?  The 23rd Psalm, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not wantHe maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
 
Formal Education

Webster University, St Louis MO/Melbourne, Florida –Master’s Degree (MA) in Computer Resources and Information Management

Pepperdine University, Malibu, California – Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in Business Management

Suffolk County Community College, Selden, Long Island, New York – Associates Degree (AAS) in Business

         

What Would You Like Everyone to Know:  I continue to be committed to Empowering Voters.  Defending Democracy.


Anna Maria Curry
Nominated for Board Member (1 year term)
 
A Little About Anna Maria:  I live in Rockledge, FL with my husband, cat, and dog. During the day I am a school social worker at an alternative learning center.  I enjoy traveling, going to Disney, spending time with my family, and trying new restaurants here on the Space Coast.

League Experience: I joined the League two years ago as a way to connect with my community and engage in discussions and advocacy efforts that are important to me. I most recently served as the League's treasurer.

 

My Dream for Our League A dream I have for our League is to engage our youth through thoughtful programming, and to increase our diversity among membership to truly represent our community. 

 

What is your mantra… the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again? My mantra is currently "small victories". 


Your Formal Education:   I hold a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, a Master's of Social Work, and a Doctorate in Social Work. My specialization is clinical work with children and families, research, and Social Work leadership/university teaching.

 

What Would Like Everyone to Know?  I am excited and honored to have this opportunity to serve our community and the League in a new role. 


Deb Clark
Nominated for Board Member (1 year term)
 
A Little About Deb:  I worked as a newspaper reporter and later in media relations in California, where I grew up.
 
I am married with two daughters, ages 17 and 20, who were raised in Brevard, where we’ve lived since 2008.
 
I’ve been an active volunteer in the schools and am currently the media coordinator for Families for Safe Schools. I also work remotely for my sister, who is an attorney in Honolulu.
League Experience:  I am a fairly new member, so I don’t have a lot of experience. I have participated on the following committees: Education, Publicity and Social Justice. So far I have done one voter registration event. I have really enjoyed meeting other members and I’m looking forward to when we can have in-person events. I am also interested in getting more involved with the Observer Corps because it is so interesting—and important—to watch what our local politicians are doing.
 
My Dream for Our League:  I see such a need for a nonpartisan group like the LWV right now in our current extremely partisan political environment. We need reliable voices providing information to voters at all levels and advocating for commonsense policies. The LWVSC provides valuable information regarding local elections here in Brevard and I would like to help continue and maybe even expand that.
 
What is Your Mantra...the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again?   I am motivated by the idea that we need to be the change we wish to see.
 
 
Formal Education  I have a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia.
 
 
What Would You Like Everyone to Know  I am just very grateful to everyone at the League who has made me feel welcome. There is so much good work to be done in the world and I am glad to work alongside other League members as we try to make the world a better place for ourselves and everyone who comes after us.

 


Joy Inventasch
Nominated for Board Member (1 year term)
 
A Little About Joy:   I am passionate about Education and the changes that are happening in our Educational System!   My love of education stems from the 30 years when I taught 5th grade in upstate New York.   During that time in addition to teaching, I served as the President of the Teachers Union and was part of the Negotiating Team.  In 1993, I retired and my husband and I moved to Florida.  
 
My husband and I have been married for 64 years.  We have two daughters - one lives here in Florida and is a Professor at UCF.  She writes Math textbooks.  Our other daughter lives in Maryland where she is an attorney.  
 
Joy and her husband are avid sailors.
League Experience:  I am a member of the Education Committee.  I am interested in all aspects of Education as well as Social Action.
 
What is Your Mantra... the touchstone idea that you go to time and time again?  Life is a work in progress.  We always have to adjust to certain issues as we move through life.  
 
Formal Education:
BA: Hunter City College in NYC
MA: SUNY at Cortland
 

Lee Sorenson
Nominated for
Nominating Committee Chair (1 year term)

A Little about Lee:  My family and I moved to Brevard County in 1959 so I was privileged to grow up on the coast watching rockets, monkeys and people being launched into space. It was a fascinating time for our country, and I was fortunate to be able to witness progress from my own backyard. A product of Brevard Public Schools, I attended Florida Atlantic University and earned a degree in education. I stayed in south Florida and began my career working in mental health for children and their families. I eventually relocated to Virginia where I took a hiatus and had two beautiful daughters. I lived in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a huge vegetable garden and other benefits of country life. However, the beach continued to call me and my family, so we moved back to the space coast where I began a 30 year career teaching students with varying abilities at Devereux and BPS.

 

It was while working with students with emotional and behavioral challenges that I saw first-hand the impact the arts had on my students helping them to tap into hidden talents, self-discovery, and a sense of freedom. I took an opportunity to volunteer as a teacher liaison with Very Special Arts of Florida – Brevard Advisory Board. Fast forward 15 years and I am now retired from BPS and employed by the Brevard Achievement Center where I am their Arts Program Manager. I am a member of their Community Relations Team where I use the arts to help raise disability awareness in our community in addition to facilitating some fantastic   annual events such as our Annual Color in Motion Arts Festival, an Annual Holiday Card Contest, and our annual Performing Arts Showcase for school age students with disabilities and their peers.

League Experience:  My job is part-time (most days) which allows me time to pursue other interests and passions. As a retired educator, I continue to support and advocate for improving public education for our teachers, their students and families and our community. I have represented those unable to attend meetings, I rode the bus to Tallahassee and marched alongside teachers demanding their worth be economically compensated. I attended a LWV Space Coast Hot Topic Event on the topic of how teacher pay impacts our communities, property values, etc. It was after that event that I l joined the local league online and I emailed Fran asking if I could attend a meeting of the Education Committee. I’m still attending but via Zoom these days. I love the discussions and inspiring guest speakers and just enjoy being a part of this group of amazing members. I have recently volunteered to be part of the Observer Core to watch our school board meetings online so I can report on their progress.


What is your mantra... the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again?  One of the most important things I have learned in my career as an Educator is the importance of finding balance in your life. To help with keeping that balanced feeling. I love a good day at the beach with my family and friends, especially with my three wonderful grandchildren. I also love to travel, read, live performances, and playing with art.

 

What Would You Like Everyone to Know? As we all move forward through these very challenging times I am looking forward to meeting and learning more about the League.


Hilah Mercer
Nominated for Nominating Committee Member (1 year term)
 
A Little About Hilah:  I am a retired elementary school principal who served as an educator in Seminole and Brevard counties for over 37 years. I came to Florida as a kindergartener so I consider myself almost a native.
 
I am married with two adult daughters and 3 grandchildren. They live in Georgia and Virginia so we spend significant time out of state.
 
I am a member of several organizations and volunteer often. The Teacher Supply Zone, part of the Brevard Schools Foundation, and Hearts and Hands, a group that feeds the homeless, are two of my favorites. 
League Experience:  I joined the League in April 2019. My main focus has been within the Education Committee, as a member, and now as its chair. I love being involved with our public schools and supporting their efforts. One of my favorite League experiences was to present the League's Your Voice, Your Power, Your Vote to 8th graders. I am also a member of the Social Justice Committee and often see the two committees' work and concerns merge.
Attending BIPOC meetings conducted by Brevard Public School's Office of Equity and Diversity has been a growth experience. I enjoy our League's Hot Topics and the presentations from LWVFL. Recently I participated in two voter registration events and enjoyed talking to the community about the League. 

My Dream for Our League:  I would like our League to be even more actively involved with Brevard Public Schools and other community organizations whose mission, vision and values are aligned with ours. There is so much to be done to empower voters and promote democracy. 

 What is your mantra… the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again?  "Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

Formal Education
I have a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Florida, a Master of Exceptional Child Education (Specific Learning Disabilities) degree from the University of Central Florida and certification in Educational Leadership from UCF. 

What Would You Like Everyone to Know?  I walk 5 miles a day to preserve my sanity. 

Jo Shim
Nominated for Nominating Committee Member (1 year term)
 
A Little About Jo:  I was born in London and have lived in the US since 1979. My husband Lance is from Jamaica: we raised our children in Lakeland and are now the happy grandparents to 11 grandchildren. Most of that time has been in Florida, but we were very lucky to spend 10 years living in St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. 
League Experience:  I have served in many capacities including chair of the Health Care Committee, 1st VP and President of LWV of the Space Coast. I was also chair of the LWV Florida statewide Reproductive Health and Justice Action Team for three years. 
 
Things I love doing in the league are putting on my suffragist costume, health care advocacy and voter registration.

My Dream for Our League:  I'd really like to see LWV of the Space Coast become a much more diverse organization with an active group of young league members. I'd also like to see effective voter registration outreach to "hard to reach groups" in Brevard.
  
What is your mantra… the touchstone idea that you go back to time and time again?  The golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
 
Formal Education
B.Ed - University of Southampton, England
B.Sc - (Clinical Laboratory Science) University of Central Florida
MBA Health Care Management - University of Phoenix
 
What Would you like Everyone to Know? 
In my spare time, I like running reading and going out to see a good play or film. I've run about 7 marathons!
 


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