Board of Directors

Committed to Leadership

Vistas for Children could not exist without the commitment of our leadership.  Each spring, the Nominating Committee meets to fill our slate of the Board of Directors.  Thank you to our Board of Directors for your time and talent to support our mission.

Our President’s Message

Vistas Co-Presidents Nadia Elgrably & Rene Mizuguchi
In 1978, Patty Sullivan and Suzanne Thorton established Vistas for Blind Children, as a non-profit public benefit corporation. The Vistas mission was to improve the lives of blind children in the South Bay. In 2000, Vistas for Blind
Children was renamed Vistas for Children, with an expanded mission to raise and distribute funds for children with special needs and their families.

This year Vistas is celebrating 46 years of service and philanthropy in our community. We are an all-volunteer women’s group, comprised of amazing and diverse women, who generously devote their time and talents to ensure we successfully fulfill our mission. Vistas is recognized for implementing a 4-tiered grant review and approval process, as well as for hosting fabulous fashion shows and events. As a result of all the hard work and success, we have granted over $8,000.000. to South Bay and greater Los Angeles organizations.

On July 1, 2024, Rene and I begin our first year as Co-Presidents of Vistas for Children. We look forward to upholding the rich traditions of Vistas, while evolving and setting new goals to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. We are grateful for the support of active members, Past Presidents, and Alumnae. The rewards of Vistas for Children are plentiful.

We invite you to consider:

Become a Member:
Joining like minded women working for a cause creates a life long bond and friendships.
Or
Become a Major Donor or a Sponsor:
Your contributions provides essential support to children with special needs
(further benefits may apply)

2024-2025 Executive Board of Directors

President: Rene Mizuguchi & Nadia Elgrably

Past President/Advisor: Marcia August

Philanthropy: Cheryl Litrenta & Jennifer Perkel

Membership: Maili Bergman & Sarah Amos

Spring Fundraiser: Cheryl Medina & Lisa Waxman

Secretary: Renee Van Fleet

Treasurer: Claudia Dickins

Junior Vistas: Salma Bruno & Jayanna Howerton

Sponsorship: Judy Tolin

Standards: Kim Bright

Publicity: Rae Lord

Marketing: TBD

Hospitality: Fiona Bryan

Database Administrator: Sue Kim

Historian: Arachely Carroll & Maureen March

Social: Kristen Brosseau & Christy Kennedy

Chosen Families: Jackie Farley

Corresponding Secretary: Elaine McGee

Website Administrator: Suzy Ramirez

Alumni: Renee Berliner, Lisa Smith, Teri Hogan, Nadine Bobbit

Tennis Tournament: Karen Anlauf, Lisa Waxman

Social Media: Lorrie Pethick

Givesmart Administrator: Adriana Krause

Prior Presidents

We gratefully acknowledge the Founders and Presidents of Vistas for Children.  Their past vision and leadership are the reasons we are such a strong and viable organization today and why we can continue the mission of Vistas for Children into the future.

Patty Sullivan – Founder 1978-1982

Susan Darcy 1982-1983

Christine Leigh (Falvey) 1983-1984

Carol Fitzpatrick 1985-1986

Diana Grannis 1986-1987

Anne Wold 1987-1988

Louise Davis 1988-1989

Suzanne Thorton 1989-1990

Nan Harman 1990-1992

Suzi Broeg 1992-1993

Karen Odom 1993-1995

Kathi May 1995-1996

Debby Kammerer 1996-1998

Margo Goldsboro 1998-2003

Mary Hazelrigg 2003-2004

Caro Miguelez 2004-2005

Nadine Bobit 2005-2007

Amy Ricci 2007-2009

Helaine Lopes 2009-2011

Eileen Krock/T.C. Sayles 2011-2014

T.C. Sayles 2011-2014

Pam Branam 2014-2016

Cindy Percz 2016-2018

Teri Nelson Carpenter 2018-2020

Josephine Balzano 2020-2022

Marcia August 2023-2024

Honorary Members

Jackie Andrews

Roxan Bakerjian

Renee Berliner

Peggi Collins

Lisa Lahr

Karen Melideo 

Shari Sunada

Kim Vallery

You can make an immediate impact.

Help us make a difference in the lives of thousands of special needs children and their families.

Call or message us today!

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