Meet The Board

Dr. Karen Chao is a developmental optometrist with her own practice, San Gabriel Family Optometry. Karen has been helping children and adults with their vision needs for 29 years. She has served as a past president of Soroptimist of Alhambra, President of the San Gabriel Valley Optometry Society, and a past board  member of the Alhambra School Foundation. She has two daughters.

Karen has been a member of Soroptimist since 1995. 

Elisa Vasquez is a Director of Communications and Public Affairs for LA County Development Authority. She has spent almost 30 years in public service. Elisa holds a Bachelor's degree from Loyola Marymount University and a Master of Science in Public Administration from CAL State LA.

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Her hobbies include Zumba, bike riding, traveling and experiencing different cultures. She is a big Dodgers fan. Elisa has been a member since 2025.

Alma was one of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients in 2023. She has many talents. Currently she is pursuing a psychology degree at California State University. She also works in the District Attorney’s office overlooking criminal cases. In addition to those two activities, she owns a baking business and makes beautiful and delicious pastries.

She has two children. Alma has been a member of Soroptimist since 2024.

Jessica is a dedicated real estate broker with a passion for serving Southern California since 2015. Based in Pasadena, Jessica extends her services across the Los Angeles community, from the San Fernando Valley to the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. Committed to staying ahead of the curve, Jessica actively participates as a member of the Local Government Relations Committee and Board of Directors (2024-2026) for the Pasadena-Foothills Association.  She has a strong  commitment to excellence, both personally and professionally. Jessica has one son. She has been a member of Soroptimist since 2024.

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Jane Carlson is, currently, a computer graphic designer creating marketing materials. She was in the marketing department of Stewart Title in Phoenix, AZ for 12 years. Prior to that she worked in the entertainment industry in Chicago for 23 years. Her daughter Julie is also a member of Soroptimist. She has been a member of Soroptimist since 2016.

Sophia Tsoi is a Certified Public Accountant. She also has a NASD Series 7 securities license. Sophia serves as a board member on the Alhambra Educational Foundation. In her spare time she enjoys golfing, Latin Ballroom dancing, singing, cooking and knitting. She is also a certified scuba diver. She has two daughters. Sophia has been a member of Soroptimist since 1994.

ulie Carlson is a freelance arts and culture writer. Aside from her writing, Julie is also an illustrator. She also works as a Children's Bookseller and Supervisor at Vroman's Bookstore.

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Julie has been a member of Soroptimist since 2019.