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 has served as a Councilwoman for the Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina since 2017, manages the lives of her husband and four children, and recently began as an adjunct professor at Charleston School of Law.
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 has served as a Councilwoman for the Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina since 2017, manages the lives of her husband and four children, and recently began as an adjunct professor at Charleston School of Law.
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 Etsy.
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 Etsy.
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
Dr. MacKinney has been an educator since 1993, working her way up from instructional assistant to assistant superintendent. During her time as a high school social studies teacher, she developed California’s first high school level Women’s Studies course. She is a fierce advocate for young people and is deeply committed to supporting leadership development and empowering others. She has a demonstrated history of advocating for equity and creating safe spaces for all learners including students of color, multilingual learners, and at-promise youth.
She is an active member of ALA Unit 472, the country's first online unit. She has served as unit Secretary and Community Service Chair, helping to organize activities that supported Military Children and Women Veterans. Her ALA membership is through her paternal grandmother who served in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps and her maternal grandfather who served in 82nd Airborne. She has nephews currently serving in the Air Force and the Navy.
Her passion for encouraging others is made evident in her philanthropic involvement. Kimberly began volunteering with the American Legion Auxiliary’s California Girls State leadership program in 2009, and became Chief Counselor in 2019. With Kimberly's dedication to empowering young people, her team was able to pivot and provide virtual experiences for participants in 2020 and 2021. She recently took on the role as the Auxiliary’s Western Division Girls Nation Chair. Appointed by her City Councilmember, she served on the City of Riverside’s City Charter Review Committee from 2018-2020. After losing several relatives to pancreatic cancer, Kimberly dedicates her time to Captaining a PurpleStride team each year.
She completed her undergraduate degree in History at Long Beach State where she was 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 went on to earn her Masters in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, before completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California. Her dissertation focused on the power of technology to transform the teaching and learning process. Kimberly was recognized by the San Bernardino County School Boards Association with the Education Medal of Honor for Educational Excellence, AASA’s Educational Leadership Scholarship, and ACSA’s State Administrator of the Year for Curriculum and Instruction because of her dedication to serving students, families, and the community.
Kimberly lives in Riverside, California with her partner Daniel and their goldendoodles Sanders and Taters.
Chief Counselor of ALA California Girls State
Dr. MacKinney has been an educator since 1993, working her way up from instructional assistant to assistant superintendent. During her time as a high school social studies teacher, she developed California’s first high school level Women’s Studies course. She is a fierce advocate for young people and is deeply committed to supporting leadership development and empowering others. She has a demonstrated history of advocating for equity and creating safe spaces for all learners including students of color, multilingual learners, and at-promise youth.
She is an active member of ALA Unit 472, the country's first online unit. She has served as unit Secretary and Community Service Chair, helping to organize activities that supported Military Children and Women Veterans. Her ALA membership is through her paternal grandmother who served in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps and her maternal grandfather who served in 82nd Airborne. She has nephews currently serving in the Air Force and the Navy.
Her passion for encouraging others is made evident in her philanthropic involvement. Kimberly began volunteering with the American Legion Auxiliary’s California Girls State leadership program in 2009, and became Chief Counselor in 2019. With Kimberly's dedication to empowering young people, her team was able to pivot and provide virtual experiences for participants in 2020 and 2021. She recently took on the role as the Auxiliary’s Western Division Girls Nation Chair. Appointed by her City Councilmember, she served on the City of Riverside’s City Charter Review Committee from 2018-2020. After losing several relatives to pancreatic cancer, Kimberly dedicates her time to Captaining a PurpleStride team each year.
She completed her undergraduate degree in History at Long Beach State where she was 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 went on to earn her Masters in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, before completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California. Her dissertation focused on the power of technology to transform the teaching and learning process. Kimberly was recognized by the San Bernardino County School Boards Association with the Education Medal of Honor for Educational Excellence, AASA’s Educational Leadership Scholarship, and ACSA’s State Administrator of the Year for Curriculum and Instruction because of her dedication to serving students, families, and the community.
Kimberly lives in Riverside, California with her partner Daniel and their goldendoodles Sanders and Taters.
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.
Angie Balius
Director of Development
Angie Balius has been actively involved with ALA Girls State since 2007 in a variety of capacities, including her service as Assistant to the Chief, City Counselor, and Assistant City Counselor. She has loved each position and appreciates the opportunity to interact with Girls State delegates each year. She especially enjoys watching the delegates gain confidence in themselves and in their leadership abilities during Girls State as the week progresses. She believes that the biggest gift of serving on the Girls State staff is the lifelong friendships that are forged during the week.
Angie graduated from California State University Long Beach with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and her teaching credential. She was an elementary teacher for 18 years in the Garden Grove Unified School District, and now works at its District Office as the Specialist in the Office of K-12 Educational Services. Angie is also currently the Associate Director for the UCI Writing Project, and has also worked as a consultant for the California Writing Project.
Director of Development
Angie Balius has been actively involved with ALA Girls State since 2007 in a variety of capacities, including her service as Assistant to the Chief, City Counselor, and Assistant City Counselor. She has loved each position and appreciates the opportunity to interact with Girls State delegates each year. She especially enjoys watching the delegates gain confidence in themselves and in their leadership abilities during Girls State as the week progresses. She believes that the biggest gift of serving on the Girls State staff is the lifelong friendships that are forged during the week.
Angie graduated from California State University Long Beach with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development and her teaching credential. She was an elementary teacher for 18 years in the Garden Grove Unified School District, and now works at its District Office as the Specialist in the Office of K-12 Educational Services. Angie is also currently the Associate Director for the UCI Writing Project, and has also worked as a consultant for the California Writing Project.