GIRLS STATE ALUMNAE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Guang Ming Whitley
President
Guang Ming Whitley attended ALA California Girls State in 1996, where she was elected Governor. She has volunteered with the program in a variety of capacities since 2000. She is a past president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 472 and has also served as the Unit's Girls State Chairman.
Guang Ming earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where she was a member of Law Review and a moot court semi-finalist.
She taught at the University of Chicago and practiced intellectual property law with O'Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles before accepting the position as Chief Operating Officer of the Whitley Household. She now serves as a Councilwoman for the Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and manages the lives of her husband and four children.
In her spare time, Guang Ming writes speculative fiction (www.gmwhitley.com).
President
Guang Ming Whitley attended ALA California Girls State in 1996, where she was elected Governor. She has volunteered with the program in a variety of capacities since 2000. She is a past president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 472 and has also served as the Unit's Girls State Chairman.
Guang Ming earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where she was a member of Law Review and a moot court semi-finalist.
She taught at the University of Chicago and practiced intellectual property law with O'Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles before accepting the position as Chief Operating Officer of the Whitley Household. She now serves as a Councilwoman for the Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and manages the lives of her husband and four children.
In her spare time, Guang Ming writes speculative fiction (www.gmwhitley.com).
Yumi Lawlor
Vice President
Yumi Lawlor attended ALA California Girls State in 2003 and was voted her city's Most Outstanding Citizen. Since 2006, she has returned nearly every year as a ALA California Girls State Counselor; Yumi also served as a staff member at ALA Girls Nation in 2014 and at ALA Hawai'i Girls State in 2019. She has also served as Second Vice President of American Legion Auxiliary George Tadlock Unit 472 and is currently a member of the American Legion Auxiliary due to her brother's service in the Navy.
Yumi received her bachelor's degree from New York University and her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She continues to support NYU as a Torchbearer and Hastings as a Moot Court coach and volunteer judge. She currently practices law as in-house counsel at Instacart.
Vice President
Yumi Lawlor attended ALA California Girls State in 2003 and was voted her city's Most Outstanding Citizen. Since 2006, she has returned nearly every year as a ALA California Girls State Counselor; Yumi also served as a staff member at ALA Girls Nation in 2014 and at ALA Hawai'i Girls State in 2019. She has also served as Second Vice President of American Legion Auxiliary George Tadlock Unit 472 and is currently a member of the American Legion Auxiliary due to her brother's service in the Navy.
Yumi received her bachelor's degree from New York University and her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She continues to support NYU as a Torchbearer and Hastings as a Moot Court coach and volunteer judge. She currently practices law as in-house counsel at Instacart.
Raylene Merino
Secretary/Treasurer
Raylene Merino attended ALA Girls State in 2000, and was voted as her city's Treasurer. She returned to Girls State in 2002 as an Assistant Counselor and has returned throughout the years to serve as City Counselor and County Counselor. Raylene is a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary's first electronic unit, George Tadlock Unit 472, thanks to her father's and grandfather's service in the Army, and has served as a past president and chaplain.
Raylene graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. She began her career as a tax accountant at a local public accounting firm in San Diego and then worked as an investment accountant in Chapel Hill, NC. She currently works as a senior accountant for a healthcare company in Nashville, TN, as her husband attends medical school.
Since her introduction in 2000, Raylene's love and appreciation for the ALA Girls State program has only grown stronger. Raylene most enjoys seeing the delegates learn and grow over the course of the program week, and it is her desire to witness the Girls State program thrive so that future Girls State sisters can continue to "pass it on."
Secretary/Treasurer
Raylene Merino attended ALA Girls State in 2000, and was voted as her city's Treasurer. She returned to Girls State in 2002 as an Assistant Counselor and has returned throughout the years to serve as City Counselor and County Counselor. Raylene is a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary's first electronic unit, George Tadlock Unit 472, thanks to her father's and grandfather's service in the Army, and has served as a past president and chaplain.
Raylene graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. She began her career as a tax accountant at a local public accounting firm in San Diego and then worked as an investment accountant in Chapel Hill, NC. She currently works as a senior accountant for a healthcare company in Nashville, TN, as her husband attends medical school.
Since her introduction in 2000, Raylene's love and appreciation for the ALA Girls State program has only grown stronger. Raylene most enjoys seeing the delegates learn and grow over the course of the program week, and it is her desire to witness the Girls State program thrive so that future Girls State sisters can continue to "pass it on."
Nancy Brown Park
ALA Liaison
Past National President of the American Legion Auxiliary
Nancy Brown-Park, of Palm Desert, Calif., was elected national president of the American Legion Auxiliary during the organization’s 93rd National Convention in Houston.
Nancy, a member of George Tadlock Unit 472, joined the American Legion Auxiliary through her father, Richard D. Brown, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran. She is also eligible through the service of her husband, Jim Park, a Navy Vietnam War veteran.
Nancy, a 65-year member of the Auxiliary, has held numerous leadership positions in the organization at the unit, district and department levels. At the national level, she was chairman of the following committees: Junior Activities, Public Relations, National Security, Constitution & Bylaws, Membership, Children & Youth and Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation. She was also a member of the National Executive Committee in 2002-2003.
Nancy has a background as a retail buyer and currently owns and operates a sales and marketing company. She exemplifies the American Legion Auxiliary motto of Service Not Self by actively volunteering in her community and with other philanthropic organizations. She and her husband have two children, Christopher and Chloe, who are also part of The American Legion Family.
ALA Liaison
Past National President of the American Legion Auxiliary
Nancy Brown-Park, of Palm Desert, Calif., was elected national president of the American Legion Auxiliary during the organization’s 93rd National Convention in Houston.
Nancy, a member of George Tadlock Unit 472, joined the American Legion Auxiliary through her father, Richard D. Brown, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran. She is also eligible through the service of her husband, Jim Park, a Navy Vietnam War veteran.
Nancy, a 65-year member of the Auxiliary, has held numerous leadership positions in the organization at the unit, district and department levels. At the national level, she was chairman of the following committees: Junior Activities, Public Relations, National Security, Constitution & Bylaws, Membership, Children & Youth and Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation. She was also a member of the National Executive Committee in 2002-2003.
Nancy has a background as a retail buyer and currently owns and operates a sales and marketing company. She exemplifies the American Legion Auxiliary motto of Service Not Self by actively volunteering in her community and with other philanthropic organizations. She and her husband have two children, Christopher and Chloe, who are also part of The American Legion Family.
Kim MacKinney
Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Kimberly has been an educator since 1993, working her way up from instructional assistant to teacher to administrator. During her time as a high school social studies teacher, she developed California’s first high school level Women’s Studies course. She currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in Oro Grande School District. Kimberly is a fierce advocate for students, and consistently evaluates decisions based on the mantra “is this good for all students?” She was recognized by the San Bernardino County School Boards Association with the Education Medal of Honor for Educational Excellence because of her dedication to the students, families, and teachers she serves.
She completed her undergraduate degree at Long Beach State in History and was active as the school’s mascot, a member of Delta Delta Delta fraternity, and an appointed Commissioner for the Associated Students Inc. After earning her teaching credential, she earned her Masters in Educational Administration at California State University, San Bernardino. Kimberly’s education culminated with the completion of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California.
Kimberly was appointed by her City Councilmember to serve on the City of Riverside’s City Charter Review Committee in 2018, and was elected to the Mountain Desert Managers Association VP of Legislative Action in 2016. She has been an active volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State leadership program since 2009, and is excited for this new adventure as Chief Counselor. She also serves as secretary of ALA Unit 472, the country's first online Unit of the American Legion Auxiliary.
She lives in Riverside, California with her partner Daniel and their goldendoodles Sanders and Tate.
Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Kimberly has been an educator since 1993, working her way up from instructional assistant to teacher to administrator. During her time as a high school social studies teacher, she developed California’s first high school level Women’s Studies course. She currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in Oro Grande School District. Kimberly is a fierce advocate for students, and consistently evaluates decisions based on the mantra “is this good for all students?” She was recognized by the San Bernardino County School Boards Association with the Education Medal of Honor for Educational Excellence because of her dedication to the students, families, and teachers she serves.
She completed her undergraduate degree at Long Beach State in History and was active as the school’s mascot, a member of Delta Delta Delta fraternity, and an appointed Commissioner for the Associated Students Inc. After earning her teaching credential, she earned her Masters in Educational Administration at California State University, San Bernardino. Kimberly’s education culminated with the completion of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California.
Kimberly was appointed by her City Councilmember to serve on the City of Riverside’s City Charter Review Committee in 2018, and was elected to the Mountain Desert Managers Association VP of Legislative Action in 2016. She has been an active volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary California Girls State leadership program since 2009, and is excited for this new adventure as Chief Counselor. She also serves as secretary of ALA Unit 472, the country's first online Unit of the American Legion Auxiliary.
She lives in Riverside, California with her partner Daniel and their goldendoodles Sanders and Tate.
Allyn Kau, Board Member
ALA California Girls State Chairman
Allyn Kau attended ALA California Girls State in 1991 where she was selected as the session’s Outstanding Citizen and a Girls Nation Senator. She returned as a Junior Counselor the following year and has served as either Assistant to the Chief Counselor, Assistant Counselor, City Counselor or County Counselor for over twenty sessions. After serving on the Girls State Committee last year, she accepted the appointment as 2019-2020 California Department Girls State Chairman. She is Vice-President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 472.
Allyn was born and raised in San Jose. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Creighton University. She worked at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, a Los Angeles County facility, full-time for over 10 years and part-time for the last 8 years, so she can stay home with her and her husband, Steven’s, two young children. Allyn volunteers at school with the PTA, School Community Council and reading program; at church with the youth; and in the community as a youth soccer coach.
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ALA California Girls State Chairman
Allyn Kau attended ALA California Girls State in 1991 where she was selected as the session’s Outstanding Citizen and a Girls Nation Senator. She returned as a Junior Counselor the following year and has served as either Assistant to the Chief Counselor, Assistant Counselor, City Counselor or County Counselor for over twenty sessions. After serving on the Girls State Committee last year, she accepted the appointment as 2019-2020 California Department Girls State Chairman. She is Vice-President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 472.
Allyn was born and raised in San Jose. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Creighton University. She worked at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, a Los Angeles County facility, full-time for over 10 years and part-time for the last 8 years, so she can stay home with her and her husband, Steven’s, two young children. Allyn volunteers at school with the PTA, School Community Council and reading program; at church with the youth; and in the community as a youth soccer coach.
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Valerie E. Hardy
Former ALA California Girls State Director
Former Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Valerie Hardy was born and raised in El Segundo, California. In 1980, she had the great privilege to be selected as the delegate to ALA Girls State from her high school. She states, "The experience changed my life." She graduated from CSUF and continued on to get her teaching credential. She and her husband, Jack, have 2 beautiful daughters, who are both grown. She lives with her family in Colorado, where she teaches kindergarten at Pine Ridge Elementary School. She has remained involved in ALA California Girls State through membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, the Foundation, and as a part of the ALA Girls State counseling staff. She has served as a counselor on every level, including 5 years as Chief Counselor. This year, in addition to being on the Foundation board, she will serve as the director for the 2014 session of ALA California Girls State. She states that "being a member of the ALA GSAF board is important to me because I understand the relevance of ALA California Girls State and have seen first hand the impact it has had on young women leaders. To promote and perpetuate the program is an honor."
Former ALA California Girls State Director
Former Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Valerie Hardy was born and raised in El Segundo, California. In 1980, she had the great privilege to be selected as the delegate to ALA Girls State from her high school. She states, "The experience changed my life." She graduated from CSUF and continued on to get her teaching credential. She and her husband, Jack, have 2 beautiful daughters, who are both grown. She lives with her family in Colorado, where she teaches kindergarten at Pine Ridge Elementary School. She has remained involved in ALA California Girls State through membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, the Foundation, and as a part of the ALA Girls State counseling staff. She has served as a counselor on every level, including 5 years as Chief Counselor. This year, in addition to being on the Foundation board, she will serve as the director for the 2014 session of ALA California Girls State. She states that "being a member of the ALA GSAF board is important to me because I understand the relevance of ALA California Girls State and have seen first hand the impact it has had on young women leaders. To promote and perpetuate the program is an honor."
Sarah Sled Lent
Past Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Sarah Sled attended ALA Girls State in 1997 and has served as a counselor for ALA CA Girls State for 20 years. She has also served as a counselor for ALA Girls Nation.
Originally from the Central Coast of California, Sarah holds a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PhD in Political Science from MIT. She spent a decade working in UX Research in Silicon Valley for Gallup, Netflix, and Facebook. Sarah currently resides with her husband and son in Las Vegas, where she is the President & COO of Blush, a dating app start-up.
Past Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Sarah Sled attended ALA Girls State in 1997 and has served as a counselor for ALA CA Girls State for 20 years. She has also served as a counselor for ALA Girls Nation.
Originally from the Central Coast of California, Sarah holds a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PhD in Political Science from MIT. She spent a decade working in UX Research in Silicon Valley for Gallup, Netflix, and Facebook. Sarah currently resides with her husband and son in Las Vegas, where she is the President & COO of Blush, a dating app start-up.
Elissa Kirkland
Past ALA California Girls State Director
Elissa Kirkland has been involved as a counselor with the ALA Girls State program since 2003. She attended the program in 1999. Currently, she teaches SDC M/M at Grand Terrace High School with a teaching focus in Algebra. She has been teaching Special Education since 2005. She attended CSU San Bernardino where she earned her BA in Liberal Studies and has obtained 2 credentials: Special Education and Multiple Subjects. Currently, she is enrolled in online courses to continue her education.
Past ALA California Girls State Director
Elissa Kirkland has been involved as a counselor with the ALA Girls State program since 2003. She attended the program in 1999. Currently, she teaches SDC M/M at Grand Terrace High School with a teaching focus in Algebra. She has been teaching Special Education since 2005. She attended CSU San Bernardino where she earned her BA in Liberal Studies and has obtained 2 credentials: Special Education and Multiple Subjects. Currently, she is enrolled in online courses to continue her education.
ADVISORY BOARD
Sandra Dorsey Rice
Past Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Sandra D. Rice is Senior Vice President, Eastern Region and National Recruitment for the Emma L. Bowen Foundation. In addition, she consults with partner companies as it relates to recruitment of college interns and college graduates. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Great Expectations in Somerville, New Jersey; the Advisory Board for Embrace Kids Foundation in New Brunswick, New Jersey and as Vice President for the Friends of Plainfield Public Library in New Jersey. She is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, George Tadlock Unit in California.
Sandra is an alumna of the ALA California Girls State program. For many years she volunteered as counselor and from 2000-2004, Sandra served as Chief Counselor and was responsible for the planning and the implementation of the week-long summer program. Sandra has also been a featured speaker at the ALA National Girls Nation conference in Washington, DC.
Sandra earned her Masters Degree in Media Studies from The New School in New York City and a Bachelors Degree in Journalism, Radio and Television from San Jose State University in California. She was selected among outstanding business leaders to attend the executive program at Simmons Graduate School of Management in Boston, Massachusetts and also served on the Simmons College Graduate School of Management Alumni Board.
She has received numerous awards and commendations including the Tri-State Diversity Council’s 2012 Multicultural Leadership Award, 2005 Minority in Media Telecommunications Council’s Everett C. Parker Award, the 2002 American Women in Radio and Television Achievement Award.
Most importantly, Sandra created the trademark cheer, "Are You From Girls State" during her ALA California Girls State gubernatorial campaign.
Past Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Sandra D. Rice is Senior Vice President, Eastern Region and National Recruitment for the Emma L. Bowen Foundation. In addition, she consults with partner companies as it relates to recruitment of college interns and college graduates. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Great Expectations in Somerville, New Jersey; the Advisory Board for Embrace Kids Foundation in New Brunswick, New Jersey and as Vice President for the Friends of Plainfield Public Library in New Jersey. She is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, George Tadlock Unit in California.
Sandra is an alumna of the ALA California Girls State program. For many years she volunteered as counselor and from 2000-2004, Sandra served as Chief Counselor and was responsible for the planning and the implementation of the week-long summer program. Sandra has also been a featured speaker at the ALA National Girls Nation conference in Washington, DC.
Sandra earned her Masters Degree in Media Studies from The New School in New York City and a Bachelors Degree in Journalism, Radio and Television from San Jose State University in California. She was selected among outstanding business leaders to attend the executive program at Simmons Graduate School of Management in Boston, Massachusetts and also served on the Simmons College Graduate School of Management Alumni Board.
She has received numerous awards and commendations including the Tri-State Diversity Council’s 2012 Multicultural Leadership Award, 2005 Minority in Media Telecommunications Council’s Everett C. Parker Award, the 2002 American Women in Radio and Television Achievement Award.
Most importantly, Sandra created the trademark cheer, "Are You From Girls State" during her ALA California Girls State gubernatorial campaign.
Mikii Rathmann
Past Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Mikii Rathmann attended ALA California Girls State in 1987, and served as her city's Senator. She started volunteering with ALA Girls State in 2004 and has led the program as the chief counselor for the last 4 years.
Mikii credits her ALA Girls State experience with giving her the gumption and entrepreneurial spirit to leave the VP ranks of corporate America and start her own business, Neon Carrot Events. She now is the VP of fun, and gets to help companies and families plan weddings, meetings and parties.
Mikii earned her B.A. degree in Organizational Communication Studies from CSU Sacramento. In her spare time Mikii is an avid photographer, loves teaching her dog new tricks, and traveling the globe with her husband.
Past Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Mikii Rathmann attended ALA California Girls State in 1987, and served as her city's Senator. She started volunteering with ALA Girls State in 2004 and has led the program as the chief counselor for the last 4 years.
Mikii credits her ALA Girls State experience with giving her the gumption and entrepreneurial spirit to leave the VP ranks of corporate America and start her own business, Neon Carrot Events. She now is the VP of fun, and gets to help companies and families plan weddings, meetings and parties.
Mikii earned her B.A. degree in Organizational Communication Studies from CSU Sacramento. In her spare time Mikii is an avid photographer, loves teaching her dog new tricks, and traveling the globe with her husband.
Ashlie Simpson
Past President of ALA GSAF
Ashlie Simpson first attended ALA California Girls State as a counselor. She served as the Foundation's first President. Ashlie currently works as a Government Relations Manager for PG&E and resides in the Sacramento area with her husband and two children.