Meet The Board

Barbara Messina is a retired Alhambra City Council Member, serving as mayor five times, and a board member of the Alhambra Unified School District. Barbara and her husband owned Messina's Trattoria in Alhambra.

She, currently, serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley. She has been a member of Soroptimist since 2018.  

Julie Carlson is a freelance arts and culture writer. Aside from her writing, Julie is also an illustrator. Currently, she is a student at Glendale Community College working toward earning an A.A. in Graphic Design. She also works as a Children's Bookseller at Vroman's.

Julie has been a member of Soroptimist since 2019.

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Maureen Bateman is a retired junior high teacher. She was also a school VP, and a Principal of two schools in the Garvey Unified School District. Later, she served at the District level in administration, retiring in 2003. For 21 years, she sat on the board of directors of Lincoln Training Center. Maureen has also dedicated her time to the Mater Dolorosa Passionate Retreat House in Sierra Madre and Ramona Convent Secondary School. She has been a member of Soroptimist since 1981.

Jacqueline Coulette is a former teacher of English, drama and art and was a Principal at Century High School. She has served on the Board of Directors at Monterey Park Boys and Girls Club and the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. She is has also been a member of the National Education Association, Alhambra Management Association and the California Teachers Association.

Jacqueline has been a member of Soroptimist since.

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 20 years. Her daughter Julie is also a member of Soroptimist. She has been a member of Soroptimist since 2016.

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Josephine Yang has been a Realtor in the San Gabriel Valley for 29 years. After graduating with a degree in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, she began her career as a social worker.

She currently works at Coldwell Banker serving San Marino and the surrounding areas. In her spare time, Josephine enjoys Latin ballroom dancing. She has been a member of Soroptimist since 2011.

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.

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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 28 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. 

Miriam Harrington is a retried bookkeeper. She worked with a private preschool in Temple City for 31 years. Miriam still volunteers in their office and is on their Board of Directors as Treasurer. She is also the Treasurer of her local bridge unit. Miriam has been a member of Soroptimist since 1987.